Located in the heart of San Francisco, the iconic Beaux-Arts City Hall offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding—without breaking the bank. As a San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer, I’m always amazed by how this historic gem sets the stage for unforgettable love stories. It’s no wonder couples fall in love with its charm and elegance.
My goal is to document your wedding day in a relaxed, photojournalistic style that lets you relive every moment. I focus on the details, turning your photos into beautiful, artistic stories that are uniquely yours. With my background in candid, creative storytelling, I strive to make each image a work of art.
While I have shot my share of City Hall weddings, I still bring a fresh, enthusiastic approach to capturing each celebration there. To make things easier, I’ve put together a no-stress guide to getting married at City Hall. Check out the answers to your questions below, and feel free to reach out if you need anything else!
Curious about the keys to a San Francisco City Hall wedding? No need to be a local or a Californian—if you’re 18 or older with a valid photo ID, you’re good to go. SF City Hall is a hotspot for destination weddings, so whether you’re jetting in from across the globe or just across the country, you’re more than welcome. Just one thing: if your documents aren’t in English, they’ll need to be translated by a Court-certified or ATA-certified translator. Dive into the details below and get ready to make your City Hall wedding dreams a reality.
Ready to start the adventure of getting married at San Francisco City Hall? The first step is to snag your appointments! You can book up to 90 days in advance, and it’s a good idea to jump on this early—especially if you’re eyeing a Friday afternoon slot, which is the busiest time. Appointments are first come, first served, so act fast to grab your dream time. Head to City Hall’s online booking platform to get started.
Here’s the game plan:
- Ceremony Appointment: Schedule this first for your civil or private ceremony. Civil ceremonies can be booked through the same online platform where you schedule your marriage license. If you’re dreaming of a private ceremony, you’ll need to book it directly with the City Hall Events Office either in person (room 495) or over the phone at 415-554-6079.
- Marriage License Appointment: Book this separately. It’s smart to schedule this before your ceremony appointment if you want to handle both on the same day.
Get your calendar ready and dive into the booking fun—your San Francisco City Hall wedding awaits!
Many couples choose me to capture their SF City Hall love story. Be sure to book your wedding photographer as soon as you’ve secured your City Hall appointment to make sure every moment is beautifully preserved.
Choosing Your Ideal Time
San Francisco City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. From our lens, the best time for ceremonies is the last available slot of the day—perfect for an evening toast or celebration! Morning weddings are equally charming, with mimosas adding a touch of sparkle to the start of your day.
For an intimate feel with fewer onlookers, consider the quieter morning hours Monday through Wednesday. Thursdays and Fridays are buzzing with joy, especially on Fridays, making it a vibrant and loving atmosphere even during busier times.
Booking Your Ceremony
You can book your civil ceremony appointment up to 90 days in advance. For those coveted slots on prime days, like Friday afternoons, it’s best to book as early as possible. Create an account on the City Hall booking platform and make sure to schedule your ceremony appointment before your marriage license appointment if you plan to handle both on the same day. Double-check for available time slots for your marriage license before confirming your ceremony booking.
What to Expect
Fees: Surprisingly budget-friendly, a San Francisco City Hall wedding won’t break the bank. As of September 2018:
- Marriage License: $107 (online payment by Visa/Mastercard or in person by cash, money order, credit card, or debit card)
- Civil Ceremony: $86 (online payment by Visa/Mastercard or in person by cash, money order, credit card, or debit card)
- Private Ceremony: $1,000 for one hour, with options for longer or extended rentals.
Witnesses: For a standard marriage license, you’ll need at least one witness. If you’re booking with us, just ask—we’d be delighted to step in as your witness!
Guests: Civil ceremonies can accommodate up to 6 guests, including your photographer. Private ceremonies can host up to 100 guests, depending on the space.
Personal Vows: Private ceremonies allow for heartfelt personal vows, whereas civil ceremonies are brief, limited to 10 minutes, and don’t include personal vows.
Photographs: Whether your ceremony is grand or intimate, beautiful photos are a must. We’re here to capture every moment of your special day.
Post-Ceremony Photos: After your vows, explore iconic spots like the Grand Staircase, Mayor’s Balcony, or nearby gems like the Palace of Fine Arts. Each location offers its own touch of San Francisco magic.
Decorations: The beauty of City Hall speaks for itself. Stick to a bouquet and leave the decor at home—your wedding’s charm will shine through naturally.
Parking: Metered parking is available nearby, with an underground lot on McAllister for a bit more convenience. Plan extra time to find parking and go through security.
Marriage Certificate: Certified copies of your marriage record are available for $15 each, but they aren’t ready the same day. Plan ahead with the clerk to get your certificates in a timely manner.
No matter the day or style, San Francisco City Hall offers a magical setting for your “I Do” moment.
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to learn more about our city hall wedding packages. We can’t wait to help make your special day unforgettable!
Contact Us: Ready to start planning? Get in touch, and let’s bring your wedding vision to life!
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