Interested in this vendor?
Attributes highlighted by couples
About this vendor
No photo yet
No business details yet
46 years in business
We speak English and Spanish
Large team (21+ members)
Located in Oakland, California, The Terrace Room at Lake Merritt is an enchanting and historic wedding venue. Guests will surely enjoy the unique ambiance of this 1920's-era former supper club. The venue features an enchanting Art Deco ballroom and breathtaking panoramic views of the blue-green waters of Lake Merritt alongside the lush Oakland Hills. With spectacular food, amazing views, and extraordinary service, this event space provides a memorable setting for all types of wedding festivities.
Facilities and Capacity
Built in 1927 and since renovated, The Terrace Room offers spectacular decor, including plush Art Deco-inspired carpeting and wrought iron chandeliers. There is also overstuffed furniture covered in mohair, as well as Lloyd Loom wicker chairs and cocktail tables. This unique ballroom features panoramic views of the area and the Necklace of Lights at night, a chain of lights on ornate Victorian light poles. Available event spaces include the Lakeside Room, the Madison Room, and the Terrace Room. This venue is an ideal location for hosting private parties of varying sizes. In addition to wedding ceremonies and receptions, this location can accommodate various wedding events, such as engagement parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. This venue is also available for hosting corporate meetings, holiday parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Services Offered
Couples can rent a space at The Terrace Room at Lake Merritt for weddings and other social events. The staff is professional and courteous and will assist in the coordination of all the wedding details. Couples hiring this venue can avail of event planning assistance. They are also invited to use chairs, tables, and china provided by the setting.
Cuisine
This venue serves upscale American cuisine and offers a variety of menus to choose from. Executive Chef Jack Andrew’s philosophy is to incorporate local and regionally grown foods whenever possible. If couples prefer, the chef will work with them to personalize a menu based on their personal preferences.
History
Originally called the Madison-Lake Apartments, this property offered apartment-style hotel living in Oakland along the shores of Lake Merritt. In 1934, luxurious hotel dining was added to The Lake Merritt Hotel, now known as The Terrace Room. The restaurant soon became a hot spot in the city, attracting big-name stars and dance orchestras.
Location
This wedding venue is located on Lake Merritt in Oakland. It is near attractions such as the Oakland Museum of California, the Grand Lake Theatre, and the New Parkway Theater. This venue is located just blocks from the Bay and a short drive away from San Francisco.
Check out the gallery for an exclusive 360° Virtual Tour, and picture yourself at The Terrace Room today!
FAQ
Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?
Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?
What is the starting price per person for bar service?
Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?
What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
Describe your venue:
What kind of settings are available?
Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?
What event services do you offer?
What catering services do you offer?
What bar services do you provide?
What event items are available?
What food and beverage items are available?
What transportation and access is available?
What months are included in your peak season?
What months are included in your off-peak season?
Still have questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!
Reviews of The Terrace Room
Review summary
The Terrace Room is a highly praised wedding venue with a classic elegance and sweeping views of Lake Merritt, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that impresses guests. Reviewers highlight the venue's art deco architecture, modern amenities, and delicious food that surpassed typical expectations. The venue's professional and passionate team, including Candi and Byron, are commended for their flexibility, accommodations, and exceptional service, making it a perfect choice for couples looking for a visually breathtaking and smoothly coordinated wedding day.
Quintessential Oakland Ambiance
You can see all of the beautiful photos to understand the gorgeous Art Deco ambiance, the stunning views of the lake, etc. It really does look like that, so if you are looking for a sophisticated city vibe evening wedding, this is the spot!
The value alone makes it a great choice, but when you add in the kindness, helpfulness, and professionalism of Candi and her team, the decision itself should be made for you.
The most important thing to us in selecting a venue was the food, and The Terrace Room DELIVERS. We knew we wanted somewhere with a kitchen on site (a catering warming tray is just not for me) that had creative yet accessible options. They fit the bill perfectly, were very open to working with us, and handled all of our dietary requests flawlessly. But, was it delicious? HELL YES. My husband doesn’t really care for chicken but the piccata was his favorite and wound up being his selection…trust me, for him to pass over a short rib (also delicious!) is really saying something! My vegan/GF option was also scrumptious and filling (we vegans tend to go pretty hungry at weddings). My guests are still talking about how great the food was two months later.
I was initially concerned about parking, but it didn’t come up as an issue. However, most of our guests were local or staying nearby so there was a lot of rideshare.
Anyhow, if you’re looking for a venue with great ambiance, AMAZING food, helpful staff, convenience of a single location, and just general good vibes and value, The Terrace Room is your spot!
Perfect venue for our special weekend
Beautiful venue, Amazing photo lighting, LGBTQ+ Friendly
Great People and Great Venue
They gave us a tour, they gave us clear pdfs of menus and choices, they cheerfully worked with our desire to get desserts from a local bakery, they scheduled a Captain’s Meeting to go over how things would work on the night of the event and carefully confirmed all of the final choices. It really helped to have them provide so much structure.
On the afternoon of the event, we arrived to a gorgeous setting. Tables set, windows were being given a final polish, it all looked so attractive and organized. The food was excellent and the friendliness and the supportiveness of the staff began at 4:30 pm and continued until we said goodbye at 9:30 pm. I wanted to whip fresh whipping cream, I asked about space in their fridge for a few large things, I asked for some serving platters. Everything I asked for help with was cheerfully supplied.
In addition to Candi and Byron, we want to thank Jose, Jorge, Kay (all so hardworking and easy to talk to) in the front of the house, and Chef Ryan, Rachelle, and Mauricio in the kitchen. We did not get to know the people in the kitchen, but we certainly are grateful for the fruits of their efforts.
Without even a smidge of reservation, we recommend these people and this lovely Oakland venue wholeheartedly.
Dream Venue, Dream Wedding!
10/10: Would get married at The Terrace Room again!
Candi, the venue's liaison, was wonderful. Planning a wedding during the pandemic wasn’t easy, but she held our hands the whole way. Working with Candi was the easiest part of planning our wedding.
The venue itself was gorgeous. We got nothing but applause from our guests, especially for the food!
Beautiful venue with stellar service
Awards
Are you interested?
Real Weddings
Professional Network & Endorsements
The incredible Lake side ambiance paired with the friendly staff and AWESOME food makes the Terrace Room a place couples should definetly check out before they secure their venue. Day or evening the Terrace Room has great views and perfect for special events.
Map
Schedule a visit
Get an in-person vibe check and have your questions answered in real time.
Why use Weddingwire to message vendors?
- Messaging our verified vendors on WeddingWire is complimentary, safe, and secure.
- Effortlessly manage vendor communications and planning details in one centralized location.
- Our mobile apps ensure you can stay connected with vendors anytime, anywhere.
- For customized pricing and package information, messaging the vendor directly is the quickest way to get the details you need.
The Terrace Room frequently asked questions
- Chairs
- China
- Clean Up
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Set Up
- Tables
- Server(s)
- Bartender(s)
- House Wine
- Historic Building
- Restaurant
- Waterfront
- Indoor
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Bar Services
- Catering Services
- Event Rentals
- Get Ready Rooms
- Wifi
- Audio Equipment
- Chairs
- Dance Floor
- Furniture
- Tables