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San Francisco City Hall is one of the most iconic places to get married — not just in California, but anywhere! With its marble architecture and bountiful natural light, it’s no surprise that this historic building has become a dream wedding destination for couples from around the world. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony, an elopement, or a micro wedding, a San Francisco City Hall wedding offers a beautiful setting to say “I do” without the stress of a traditional wedding.
As a California-based elopement photographer specializing in weddings, elopements, and intimate ceremonies, I’ve had the honor of documenting countless weddings at San Francisco City Hall over the years. I know this venue inside and out. From the best times to shoot to what paperwork you need, I’ve got you covered.
If tying the knot at SF City Hall is on your radar, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Keep reading for my ultimate guide to planning a San Francisco City Hall wedding.
Why choose a San Francisco City Hall wedding?
Couples are drawn to a San Francisco City Hall wedding for so many reasons. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you (love) or inviting a few close loved ones, SF City Hall offers a meaningful experience without the overwhelm of traditional wedding planning. (That’s right, no complicated seating charts or detailed timeline to deal with.)
Intimacy and Simplicity
A San Francisco City Hall wedding is ideal for couples who want a small, heartfelt ceremony without the pressure of a large-scale event. It’s all about focusing on what really matters (your love and commitment) while skipping the stress and expectations that often come with a big wedding.
Affordability
In an age where the average San Francisco wedding costs north of $50,000, City Hall weddings are refreshingly budget-friendly. That means you get more freedom to invest in the things that matter most to you, like your dream elopement photographer, stylish outfits, or a celebratory dinner. You don’t need to break the bank to say “I do!”
Historic and Beautiful Venue
City Hall is more than just a government building, it’s an architectural wonder. From its magnificent dome to the elegant grand staircase, there are so many gorgeous backdrops for your San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer to capture on your big day.
Ease of Planning
Planning a city hall wedding is surprisingly straightforward. From scheduling your ceremony to obtaining your marriage license, the process is simple and stress-free, making it perfect for couples who want to keep things low-key while still celebrating in style.
The Logistics: Planning Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding
Now that you know why so many couples choose to get married at San Francisco City Hall, let’s walk through the practical side of planning your big day. From securing your marriage license to booking your ceremony, here’s everything you need to know.
Securing a Marriage License in San Francisco
Before you can tie the knot, you’ll need a valid California marriage license. You can apply for this through the San Francisco County Clerk’s Office, either by booking an appointment online or visiting in person. Both parties must be present and bring a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport). If you plan on traveling to San Francisco from elsewhere in California, you can get your marriage license at your local clerk’s office and still get married at SF City Hall. (Just remember to pack it!)
Marriage licenses are available to any unmarried individuals 18 or older, and you don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or California resident to get married at San Francisco City Hall. However, please note that non-English documents must be translated into English by a certified court translator or an ATA-certified professional.
- Cost: At the time of writing, a California marriage license costs $124. (Check current rates here.)
- Timing: You can obtain a California marriage license up to 90 days before your wedding date.
Booking Your SF City Hall Wedding
Once you have your marriage license, the next step is scheduling your San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony. You’ll need to book a civil ceremony or private wedding appointment through the County Clerk’s website. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. I recommend doing this as early as possible, especially if you’re hoping for a Friday or afternoon time slot.
The cost of a San Francisco City Hall wedding ranges from $108 for a weekday civil ceremony to $5,000 for a private Saturday rental of the Rotunda, with options in between depending on guest count, privacy, and location within the building. These rates are for City Hall fees only, and do not include a photographer or other vendors.
There are three main ceremony options:
- Civil Ceremony: $108, held in the Rotunda or designated public area with a City Hall staff officiant. You can invite up to six guests total, including a photographer and witnesses. These appointments are quick and simple.
- One-Hour Private Ceremony: $1,000 for a one-hour rental of the Mayor’s Balcony or Fourth Floor Gallery, held on weekdays only. This option provides more privacy, space for up to 100 guests, and the option to use a City Hall officiant or bring your own.
- Two-Hour Private Ceremony: $5,000 for a two-hour rental of the Rotunda, held on Saturdays only. This option allows for up to 200 guests and includes chair rentals. Again, you can use an officiant from City Hall or bring your own.
With my San Francisco elopement package, you can be married by my in-house officiant (AKA my husband, who is ordained and registered!). You may also add on officiant services to any other wedding photography packages.
Pro Tip: If you plan to get your license and have your civil ceremony on the same day, schedule your ceremony at least one hour after your marriage license appointment. And make sure to book both well in advance! For private ceremonies, you must obtain your marriage license at least three days ahead of time.
Important Documents to Bring
To ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch, here’s a quick checklist of what to bring:
- Valid photo ID for both partners
- Completed marriage license application (if applying same-day) OR
- Marriage license (if already obtained)
- Translated documents, if applicable
- Payment (credit card, cash, or money order)
- Witness (only needed for private ceremonies)
If you’re planning a private ceremony, you’ll also need to coordinate with your officiant and any vendors you’re bringing in, like your SF elopement photographer or wedding florist.
Ideal Timeline for a San Francisco City Hall Wedding
Planning ahead will help your San Francisco City Hall wedding feel smooth, relaxed, and enjoyable. While the process is relatively straightforward, it’s helpful to have a timeline in mind so you know what to expect and how to make the most of your time at this beautiful SF wedding venue.
When to Book Your Ceremony
City Hall wedding appointments open up 90 days in advance, and popular dates (especially Fridays and afternoons) tend to fill up fast. As soon as you know your preferred date, go ahead and schedule both your marriage license appointment and your ceremony appointment through the San Francisco County Clerk’s website.
If you’re hoping to get married on a Friday afternoon or bring a larger group of guests, consider booking a private ceremony at least a few months ahead. This gives you more flexibility with timing and space.
Office Hours & Ceremony Availability
Weddings at San Francisco City Hall take place Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Marriage License Appointments: Monday–Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
- Civil Ceremonies: Monday–Friday, usually offered in 30-minute increments from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
- One-Hour Private Ceremonies: Available during business hours on weekdays, but exact times depend on space availability and must be coordinated with the City Hall Events Office.
- Two-Hour Private Ceremonies: Available only on Saturdays, with start times ranging from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- Evening Weddings: Available every evening for special event use, but this is only for full weddings with a ceremony and reception onsite.
Day-of Timeline Tips
- Arrive Early: Get to City Hall at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ceremony to allow time for check-in, security, and last-minute details. (Plan to arrive earlier if you want pre-ceremony photos. See below for more on that!)
- Expect a Short Ceremony: Civil ceremonies are brief (typically only 5 to 10 minutes), but you may need to wait your turn, especially if it’s a busy day.
- Plan Time for Photos: I love taking pre-ceremony photos, usually a first look or portraits before guests arrive, which helps the overall flow of the day. I generally recommend arriving at least an hour or so before your ceremony, especially if you want photos at the Grand Staircase! That spot can get extra busy with tourists and other portrait sessions, so getting a head start is helpful. After the ceremony, I also like to allot at least 30–60 minutes to explore the building for portraits. The architecture is stunning, and the light throughout the building is gorgeous for photos at nearly every hour.
Whether you’re keeping things simple or making a full day of it, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your City Hall wedding feels easy and unforgettable.
Do You Need Vendors for an SF City Hall Wedding?
One of the perks of having a San Francisco City Hall wedding is how simple it can be. You don’t need a full vendor team like you would for a traditional wedding, but bringing in a few select professionals can truly elevate the experience and help you feel celebrated on your special day.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
If there’s one vendor I always recommend, it’s a professional San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer. This building is a dream to photograph. Its grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and soft, natural lighting create such a timeless and romantic backdrop. A photographer who knows the venue well can guide you to the best spots, work efficiently around other weddings, and capture the emotions and elegance of the day so you can relive it for years to come. That’s exactly what I do.
As a San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless ceremonies in this iconic space and know all the ins and outs to make your experience stress-free. If you want timeless, stunning images and a calming presence on your wedding day, let’s chat.
Hair and Makeup Artist
Even if you’re keeping things simple, a hair and makeup artist can help you feel confident and polished without the stress of doing it yourself. Many couples book beauty professionals to meet them at their hotel or home before heading to City Hall. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference in how you feel (and look!) in your photos.
Wedding Florist
Want to carry a bouquet down the grand staircase or add a pop of color to your look? Hiring a florist for a custom bouquet or boutonniere is a great way to add personality to your ceremony without overcomplicating things. Whether you go bold and modern or soft and romantic, flowers can make the moment feel more special and give your photographer something beautiful to work with.
Videographer
While not every couple chooses to hire a videographer for a City Hall wedding, it can be a lovely way to preserve the quiet, joyful moments of your day. If video feels important to you, look for a filmmaker experienced with intimate weddings or elopements who can blend in and document your ceremony and portraits without being intrusive.
Witnesses (if needed)
For civil ceremonies, you’ll need one witness present to sign your marriage license. If you’re planning to elope just the two of you, don’t worry! Your wedding photographer can step in on your behalf. Some couples also invite one or two close friends or family members to act as witnesses, making them an intimate part of the celebration.
How to Celebrate After Your SF City Hall Wedding
Just because you’re keeping your wedding simple doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate in a meaningful way. After your San Francisco City Hall wedding, consider planning a small celebration to toast the moment and make lasting memories. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of loved ones, here are a few ideas:
- Private dinner at a romantic restaurant (some of my SF favorites include Quince, Zuni Café, or Octavia)
- Picnic in Golden Gate Park or by the water at Crissy Field
- Sunset champagne toast at Twin Peaks or Baker Beach
- Afternoon tea or brunch at a charming café in Hayes Valley or North Beach
- Mini photo session at iconic landmarks like the Painted Ladies or the Palace of Fine Arts
However you choose to celebrate, make it feel like you. That’s the beauty of a City Hall wedding: there’s no script, just intention and joy.
Tips from a San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
As an experienced San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless love stories inside this breathtaking building. I know all the best angles, lighting, and hidden gems to help you get the most out of your wedding day photos.
Here are a few of my top tips to help you plan your day-of images.
Best Time to Shoot Photos
For the best natural light inside City Hall, I recommend scheduling your ceremony in the morning or early afternoon, ideally between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. This is when soft light just pours through the large windows, creating a romantic glow without any harsh shadows.
I also appreciate this time of day because it’s less crowded, giving us more space to work with for the best photos.
Photography Locations
San Francisco City Hall is a photographer’s dream. Some of my favorite spots for portraits include:
- Grand staircase
- Rotunda
- Fourth-floor balcony
- Exterior steps
But I also enjoy catching my favorite angles of all the beautiful architecture and corridors, so we’ll have a fun time exploring the space and finding the spots you love most!
Documenting the Day
Even with a simple ceremony, there are so many meaningful moments to capture — from exchanging vows to quiet glances and those sweet post-ceremony hugs. I focus on the big moments and the small details: your bouquet, your outfits, the happy tears, and those little in-between gestures that often go unnoticed. (I love a candid moment.) If you’re planning a wedding reception after the ceremony, I can also follow along to document that.
Booking your wedding photographer early ensures you have someone you trust to preserve these memories beautifully. Whether it’s just the two of you or a few special guests, your wedding day deserves to be remembered with intention and artistry.
Book your San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer
Hey, I’m Azaria! If you’re planning to tie the knot at SF City Hall, I’d love to help you document it. As a local Northern California photographer with years of experience capturing weddings, elopements, and micro weddings, I’ll make sure your memories are preserved with care and joy.
Ready to plan your perfect San Francisco City Hall wedding? Let’s make it unforgettable. Head over to my contact page to get in touch. I can’t wait to hear about your vision!
