If you’re looking for a wedding venue that is still a hidden gem, full of history, and exudes vintage elegance, then the Camron-Stanford House could be the perfect place for your celebration.
Over the summer, I had the chance to photograph two weddings here, and I came to the conclusion that this is the perfect venue for a dreamy summer wedding. Plus, since it’s in Oakland, it’s an easy place to get to for your guests who are coming from all over the Bay Area.
Keep reading to learn more about planning a Camron-Standford House wedding and take a behind-the-lens look at two enchanting summer weddings that took place here.
Your Guide to Planning a Wedding at the Camron-Stanford House
The Camron-Stanford House is a place full of history. It was originally built in 1876, and it also happens to be one of the last Victorian homes surrounding Lake Merritt. Currently, it operates as a museum filled with exhibits that showcase the life and culture of the 19th century and Oakland’s history. Fun fact – it was actually the first museum in the City of Oakland!
Along with being a museum, it’s also a gorgeous and versatile wedding venue with lake views and well-maintained, lush grounds that will be sure to impress your guests. You can arrange your ceremony/reception space however you want, and the venue also has a picturesque garden, a charming fountain, and a beautiful veranda that offers you views of Lake Merritt. The veranda is also a great spot for photos.
At night, the grounds transform into something magical as the garden and veranda are both surrounded by twinkling cafe lights that create a warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as Victorian-era lamp posts.
If you do want to have your wedding here, something to know is that the venue isn’t available all year round. Their wedding season operates from June to the beginning of October due to weather conditions.
There is only one wedding hosted per weekend here, and the wedding package at the Camron-Stanford House includes private use of the house and garden, two dressing rooms, tables, and seating for 125 guests, a two-hour rehearsal period, assistance with setup and break down, and more. Your guests are also welcome to explore the museum at no additional cost, which makes for a fun addition to your day!
All-in-one wedding venue
One of my favorite features of this venue is that everything can happen all in one place – from your cocktail party to your ceremony to your reception. The veranda is a great spot for your cocktail hour. The ceremony lawn is right next to the water, and your reception can either be on the back patio or indoors.
Another reason I adore this venue is that even though it’s located in the heart of Oakland, it’s a quiet and tranquil place next to the water, and it even offers you city skyline views.
How Much Does a Wedding at Camron-Stanford House Cost?
In 2025, the cost for this venue ranges from $1600 – $6000 based on which wedding package you ultimately end up choosing. For example, it costs $6000 for a 10-hour block at this venue. Also, a $100 non-refundable booking deposit will hold the date of your choice for 30 days.
Two Queer Summer Weddings at Camron-Stanford House
Lakisha + Laura and Lauren + Liz had gorgeous summer weddings at the Camron-Stanford House. When photographing their weddings, I realized how much versatility the Camron-Stanford House truly has to offer and all the different possibilities available to customize the venue to make it feel unique to you! Here’s a little behind-the-lens look at both of their celebrations!
Lakisha + Laura’s Wedding
L+L wove so much love into their wedding. This was a celebration of not only their union but the support and care given by their friends and family throughout their relationship so far.
Some of my favorite wedding details that the couple had as part of their day included a craft table, signature drinks to honor the newlyweds’ furry friends, and they had disco balls and fans scattered across their colorful tablescapes. Another fun feature of their wedding was that they had a Polaroid camera for their guests to use. Guests would take pictures with the camera and then add the Polaroid photo to their guest book with a special message – I loved this idea!
Another noteworthy moment from their day was that instead of a prayer shawl, L+L had a chuppah adorned with a custom-printed fabric featuring photos of all their loved ones – literally sheltering them as part of the home they are building together as spouses.
Lakisha + Laura Vendors
I wanted to give a special shout-out to L + L’s wedding vendors who made this day possible:
Venue: Camron Stanford, Instagram – @camronstanford
Photography: Jenni Chapman Photography, Instagram – @jennichapmanphotography
Catering: Lucia’s Berkeley, Instagram – @luciasberkeley
Rings: @automicgold and @ladhajewelry
Lauren + Liz’s Wedding
Lauren and Liz planned a dreamy summer wedding that featured lots of happy tears, pride flags, a heartfelt and emotional ceremony, rainbow florals, custom mirrors, and scream-singing along to Pink Pony Club.
Lauren and Liz’s Vendors
This day would not have been what it was without the incredible vendors that helped bring it to life:
Venue: Camron Stanford, Instagram – @camronstanford
Photography: Jenni Chapman Photography with associate Kai! Instagram – @jennichapmanphotography
Design, Planning + Coordination: Rainbow Weddings & Events by Sara, Instagram – @rainbow_weddingsevents
Floral Design: Strelitzia Flower Company, Instagram – @strelitziaflowerco
Catering + Bar: Tacolicious, Instagram – @tacolicious
DJ: Enriquez Events, Instagram – @enriquezevents
Desserts: Timeless Coffee and Bakery, Instagram – @timelesscoffee
Rentals: Abbey Party Rents, Instagram – @abbey.party.rents
HMUA: All Dolled Up, Instagram – @alldolledupnorcal
Mirror Rentals: Pearl and Ink Design, Instagram – @pearlandink.design
Coffee and tea service: Motivāt Coffee Roasters, Instagram – @motivatcoffee
Videography: @gme_media
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at the Camron-Stanford House?
I hope you found all this info on planning a wedding at the Camron-Standford House helpful. This venue has so much character and charm, and it is truly a one-of-a-kind venue in Oakland.
And…if you’re in the Bay Area, looking for a photographer who specializes in photos of love, weddings, surprise proposals, and engagements, feel free to reach out here or learn more about my services here. I’ll fully support your nontraditional ideas and celebrate you wholeheartedly! I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the ideas you have in mind.
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Fantasy-Inspired Wedding at the Saratoga Springs Wedding Venue in California
