San Jose Woman’s Club

I was unsure of this venue from the outside, but we walked in and it was gorgeous. It is a historic building with so much personality. The lobby area is dark and masculine. The reception or performance area is very light filled and beautiful. I love the history behind this location.
This venue would get a forth star if there was any parking at all. You can work something out with a nearby parking garage, but we almost cancelled our appointment because we couldn’t find parking anywhere nearby. It is a very impacted area.

Beautiful historical building, kept very clean and up-​to-​date with modern amenities like A/​C! The ballroom was built for dancing, with a stage for band or small orchestra, and the Tea Room and Fireside Room offer perfect quieter spaces for people to gather in small groups if they wish. Staff is very helpful, friendly and communicative. Kitchen is a little small, but serviceable. We’ve had our annual dance event here for several years and have been happy every time.

PRO’s: I got married in Santa Clara and held the reception here because this venue carried the vintage theme of our wedding. A definite plus: The venue featured things that you’d otherwise have to pay have at a wedding — dance floor, stage. The spacious ballroom and other smaller side rooms allowed our guests to gravitate to their preferred areas/​activities — dance floor or a quiter side room. They allowed us the freedom to choose to bring in our own things (ie caterer, alcohol) which allowed to cut back on costs.
CON’s: I didn’t like how they required to pay 2 officers for security, especially for a DAY TIME wedding reception. No one was planning on getting uncontrolably drunk! We only served wine. Having them there was an expense that served no purpose but to give underpaid law enforcement an opportunity to make more money. We pay high enough taxes… just sayin.
There 2 big disappointments for me:
1. We chose one of their preferred caterers (Panetta’s) and the planning process was unbearable. We worked with Glen and took more into account of how our vision for our wedding affect him than what we wanted. I understand the vendor’s service is not SJWC’s fault but I did trust that the venue would have recommended a vendor with more concern and grace towards their patrons, especially for a wedding.
2. We got married in June and it was expected to be hot. We booked this venue a year before our wedding and through out the planning process no one told us they did not have an air conditioning system (I believe it was being replaced or installed) until ONE WEEK before our wedding. Had I known that I may have chosen another date or made proper preparations. The young lady we were working with told us they’d have a portable a/​c. Instead what I saw was a really big fan behind our dessert table. Just tacky. If they did have an a/​c it just was not working. It was hotter inside than it was outside and our guests looked like they went swimming! So many of them left late and the venue did not offer anything to make up for it.
Overall, the wedding was beautiful despite the mishaps.

Came here for a Lyft event. Parking is extremely difficult so plan ahead!
The area is a bit more rough than the areas I usually frequent so I was pretty nervous stopping by here in the evening. The venue is small and cozy with a communal feel to it. It would probably be a good value if you’re looking for a less expensive place to host an event but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for anything upscale or for a professional setting.
I think I also came here for a pop up dining experience a few years ago.

Found this venue by chance for our wedding this past weekend. They get booked up fast so we had to change our wedding date a year before.
Pros: +Big spacious, yet cozy place.
+ Allow us to bring in our own caterer without costing us an arm and a leg.
+ Allow us to have hard liquor and we don’t need to pay extra per head count.
Cons: + Parking is terrible for guests.
+ No linens so you have to rent it if caterer doesn’t provide.
+ Off duty police officer cost is not included in the price so bring money to pay the officer the day of.
Overall, the hall is gorgeous and I loved it, but go through the list of what you need with the coordinator way in advance and make sure they understand what you want.

I had my wedding here on a hot summer day in August 2012. Over all I am very happy with the San Jose Woman’s Club as my wedding reception venue.
Pros:
+Located in downtown San Jose, relatively central for my guest who are from the South Bay.
+Charming historic building
+High ceilings
+A/​C was installed 1 week before my wedding! — still was a little warm in certain areas of the ballroom because the external A/​C units didn’t circulate the air well but it was better than nothing! There was a large A/​C unit by the bar and the guest loved it!
+Stage
+Huge dance floor
+BYO Catering and Alcohol
+Annie the representative for SJWC was very helpful
+Clean bathrooms
Con:
–Only street parking available — we hired a valet company to accommodate our guest, there was a little bit of traffic on the street during the valet but it wasn’t too bad.
–Required to hire cops that did NOTHING. Not only that they were complaining of the valet causing traffic. They didn’t even help the situation! PLUS SHADY! They required us to pay in cash without warning! We had to look for $ 600+ in cash. They didn’t accept a check. WHY? You should ask the SJWC.
Neutral:
Fees — it’s not «cheap» after all of the fees (and valet). But it’s not expensive. Read over all of the fees — catering fee, cops, etc.

Well we finally tied the knot and it was a great day! SJWC and their staff were very helpful with us on the day that we came in to meet with them. They answered all our questions, allowed us to show our best man, maid of honor and friend around the place as we were very excited to show it off. Everything went great, I was very happy!!!

I’m a fan.
It’s a nice trick to keep expectations low at first. The entrance makes you fee like you will be walking into a very small space. Once you get to the main hall it has high ceilings and gives you that «ahhh niceee» moment because you were expecting a lot less.
You can really make the place look nice depending on your event because it has a nice landscape to work with. However, that landscape may be limited depending on the amount of people you plan to have. So plan accordingly.
They have areas to just walk away from the main hall to get a breather or get away from possible loud music.
Now the gripes and why I had to deduct 1 star. Location is very difficult to find parking. Especially if you plan to have a lot of guests. The small parking next to the actual place, as someone mentioned would probably be occupied already by your caterers and other event staff or VIPs. That leaves your guest fighting to find a spot in good ol downtown San Jose. Surrounding areas are just a bit off the main downtown area, and close to San Jose state where a lot of fraternity houses are.
A lot of people will appreciate this venue and location, but for others it may not be for them.

Kraft Brew Fest yesterday was held at this location and it was very nice!
The facility was clean and well taken care of. I’m not sure if the staff for the event had anything to do with the building itself, but I found the service to be above average for this type of event.
i liked that it was a quick walk from downtown, but the area surrounding is mostly frat houses.
Good location.

This venue is beautiful. It is conveniently located at the outskirt of San Jose downtown, far enough away from all the hassles but still easily accessible with plenty of street and garage parking within a block or two.
The entrance is elegant and the interior is classy. It is a historical clubhouse so layout is designed for reception and events. The ballroom has a high ceiling, a lovely balcony and a nice stage. It should be a good choice for decent size weddings and parties.
In addition for private events, this clubhouse also host various activities like film fest and music recital. Be sure to check this place out!

My husband and I came here for a Unilocal event last Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
The outside of the building is beautiful, as is the entrance. I can totally understand why people would want to get married here.
The stage was great and the fashion show that we saw was awesome. Perfect amount of space and well laid out.
The only real issue is parking, but there is ample street parking within 2 blocks.
I would definitely come back!

Venue was nice for the 50’s themed party Unilocal put on. I could see it being used for a wedding with a balcony where photographers can take pictures from looking down on the stage and main floor. Though I would believe this venue would require your own people as the venue seems to be more of an open floor plan if that is what you are looking for.
For a nighttime event parking was slim in the minor lot to the side but if it is after 6pm your guests can probably circle the area and find some decent street parking and a small stroll over to the venue.

Parking lot nearby/​free street parking after five and lots of room to boogie!
I came here over the weekend for an event and they were totally accommodating…
definitely coming back for their movie nights!

What a Cool venue. Hidden in a Residential Neighborhood. I went to the SJWC for a Unilocal Prom Type event. The Dance Floor is Massive, There was enough room to do a fashion show, 2 Photo areas, Buffet Area and 3 Beverage areas. The Venue has a very Classic Styling and Décor to it.
The only Negative was the lack of Parking.

I just booked this Venue for my wedding yesterday…
The good!
You can bring your own catering and banquet services
BYO DRINKS
Love the antique look to this place
Its down town close to all the hotels
Holds up to 300 guest
Has a really big stage for a live band to play
They provide you with tables and chairs
The price is GREAT! $ 2500 for 5 hour event and 1 hour break down and i think 4 hours of set up.
If you are on a low budget like I am perfect place!
The bad… =(
The building is right next to a house and apts
On one side of the building the you can see there apts windows and they don’t have anything to cover it up (so they will have a view of the party)
No parking lot * there is a little parking next to the building but only for like your caterer and people who are setting your wedding or event up.
Parking garage is around the block on 10^th st. and San Fernando.
I worked with Annie she is great she told me when I went to view the place that people were calling up for my month next year so if I wanted to book to get back to her asap.
Well the day I went in to sign papers she told me some had called to ask to book my date… ha ha ha First come first serve.
I would recommend this place if you are on a low budget for your wedding since times are hard right now and people cant afford a $ 20,000 wedding.