FAQs
Question
Why Oakland Museum of California?
Answer
Oakland Museum of California makes for an impressive wedding venue in its own right: its rooftop garden is gorgeous, and it has views out over Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland. But OMCA is much more meaningful than that as a wedding venue to us: When we first moved in together, we lived a block off of Lake Merritt. We identify Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland as special places in our relationship. And Friday nights at OMCA was one of our favorite things to do when we first moved in together. OMCA, in that sense, really captures a part of our history. And as a couple of academics, a museum is a really cool place to get married. Besides, OMCA features radical California history, including history of the labor movement and the Black power movement. Even better, during our wedding there will be a "Queer California" exhibit at the museum!
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Dress in whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable. We will be wearing summer garden cocktail attire. Please be aware that it will get cool at night (low 60s), and the ceremony and reception will be on grass. We haven't had much rain recently, and the grass/dirt is fairly hard-packed. The dance floor is concrete.
Question
Is the venue accessible to people with mobility impairments?
Answer
YES! Park on the upper level of the garage for guests with mobility impairments. Everything is accessible via ramps and/or elevators. You can also drop guests off near the rear entrance of the museum where ramps will bring you to the garden. Please note, the rear entrance closes at 5:30 pm. Guests with mobility impairments should exit through the second floor of the parking garage.
Question
What's the weather going to be like?
Answer
Typical Oakland July weather. Low 70s and sunny during the day, cooling off quickly after sunset to the low 60s. We should have some heat lamps from the venue available, but please bring a light coat or something to keep warm. It is frequently breezy in the garden where the wedding is.
Question
How late is the garage open at OMCA?
Answer
It will be open until midnight for our wedding!
Question
Can I take BART home from the wedding?
Answer
Yes! The last trains start their runs around midnight, so if you plan to take BART home, you will have plenty of time even if you stay until the very end of the evening at 11:30. But please be aware of when the last trains are if you linger long after everything ends. Also, the BART line that runs directly from Lake Merritt station to San Francisco stops running around 6:00 pm on Saturdays. That leaves you with two options if you are heading back to San Francisco after the wedding. (1) Walk, uber, etc, to downtown Oakland 12th street station. It's just under a mile away from the venue. From there you can catch a BART train direct to San Francisco. (2) Take BART from Lake Merritt to Oakland 12th street station and then get off and switch trains to the San Francisco-bound train.