So you've decided to get married at San Francisco City Hall
Or maybe you're still in the early planning stages and haven't decided on a venue. No matter where you're at in the process of planning your wedding, I'm here to help! I've photographed over 30 weddings at city hall, and it's one of my all-time favorite venues. Couples come from around the world to get married here. It's one of the most beautiful and affordable public venues in the United States.
Because City Hall is a public space and has active government offices, it is often much busier than people expect. Mondays through Wednesdays tend to be a little quieter, as do early mornings. I always recommend that couples plan an opportunity for time alone and with their loved ones outside of City Hall. Being in the heart of San Francisco, you are surrounded by good food, museums, and the beautiful Northern California landscape.
If you're traveling from out of town or have never been to City Hall, I highly recommend visiting the day before your ceremony to get the lay of the land. Most couples who get married at city hall choose from one of the following ceremony options. Click here to see information for additional types of weddings at San Francisco City Hall.
Civil Ceremonies
Civil ceremonies can be booked up to ninety days in advanced. If you have a specific date in mind, it's best to log in at midnight PST ninety days prior to ensure you get a reservation. Although it is possible to have both your license appointment and civil ceremony on the same day, it is best to schedule them separately. You can obtain your marriage license from anywhere in California prior to your ceremony date. When you make an appointment online, you will pay a ninety-eight dollar nonrefundable fee. You can bring up to six guests, vendors included, to a civil ceremony and it is standing room only. Ceremonies take place in the rotunda at the top of the grand staircase. If you would like to invite more than six people, consider renting one of the designated private ceremony spaces!
When you make a civil ceremony appointment, you will receive a check-in time. This process can take up to thirty minutes, which means that your ceremony will not occur exactly at the time you reserved online. To check-in for your ceremony, you will need to bring your marriage license and identification. You will also need to have a witness present to sign the marriage license.
Mayor's Balcony Wedding
On the Mayor's Balcony, you'll have an incredible view of the grand staircase and rotunda. The intricate detailing of the gold balcony railing is beautiful. It costs one thousand dollars to rent the space for an hour, with chairs or other rental equipment for an additional fee. The Mayor's Balcony can accommodate seating for up to forty guests. City Hall does not provide an officiant for this type of wedding. To see if your desired date is available, you can check the city hall wedding calendar here. Reservations can be made between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Fourth Floor Gallery
On the fourth floor, you'll have more privacy and incredible lighting thanks to the paned-glass, arched windows that adorn the galleries. For these reasons, I highly recommend couples reserving this space for their ceremony. It costs one thousand dollars to rent the space for an hour, with chairs or other rental equipment for an additional fee. The fourth floor gallery can accommodate seating for up to sixty guests. City Hall does not provide an officiant for this type of wedding. To see if your desired date is available, you can check the city hall wedding calendar here. Reservations can be made between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
**Be sure to include the location of your City Hall ceremony on your invitations! Guests often get lost, especially if it is their first time in the building.**
Special Occasions at San Francisco City Hall
CHRISTMAS AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL
PRIDE AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL
Photography coverage for a City Hall Wedding
Ceremony and Portraits
Book a photographer for the ceremony as well as photos around the building! I recommend a minimum of two hours for couples who want this type of coverage.
Getting ready + City Hall
Want an opportunity for some extra wiggle room in your timeline and more private moments throughout your wedding day? Consider booking a hotel or Airbnb in San Francisco to get ready at before heading to city hall. This can make for some great first look or getting ready together shots!
Full day elopement
San Francisco has some amazing places to offer. If you'd like to explore the city after your ceremony or visit some of the iconic landscapes the area has to offer, this is the best option for you! See my elopements gallery here for ideas on where to visit around San Francisco City Hall.
Hi! I'm Rachel
I'm an elopement photographer based in Northern California. I love San Francisco and the surrounding landscape it has to offer. I'd love the opportunity to capture your love and photograph your elopement!