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On WeddingWire since 2009

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$18

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Wine

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Historic Building
Restaurant

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Event Planner

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Wheelchair Access
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Any other questions?

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4.8 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
24 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
96% Recommended by couples

41 User photos

24 Reviews See all
A
Amber H. Married on 10/15/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Quintessential Oakland Ambiance

If I could get married at The Terrace Room every weekend, I would!
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!
Carl
Carl S. Married on 06/02/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Great People and Great Venue

We recently celebrated a rehearsal dinner at The Terrace Room. We hosted 52 people the night before our son’s wedding, and he is the first of our children to get married. We (the parents) had a small wedding ourselves and we had NO experience with anything like this. In a word, we were clueless. Candi and Byron were communicating patiently with both parents and also, at times, our son and daughter-in-law. That is, we didn’t get clear on a point person right off the bat. They didn’t seem to mind.

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.
Mallory
Mallory E. Married on 02/25/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Dream Venue, Dream Wedding!

Our experience with the Terrace Room was incredible! Candi, Byron, and Jose are an incredible team that made our big day absolutely perfect! Candi was there every step of the way to answer our questions and make sure everything came together perfectly! The food at the Terrace Room is some of the best, we loved it from the first tasting to our dinner at the reception and our guests did too! The Terrace Room is also such a beautiful venue that felt so romantic and intimate, I feel so lucky that my husband and I were able to get married here. I recommend the Terrace Room for any special event, you won’t be disappointed!
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Awards

24
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner

Real Weddings

Erik & Christie
89 photos · 07/27/2019

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Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Lynds Photography & Videography Lynds Photography & Videography Wedding Photographers

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.

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