If you dream of a stunning, intimate wedding that blends history, beauty, and ease, then a San Francisco City Hall wedding might be the perfect choice. This iconic landmark offers one of the most picturesque and accessible venues for couples looking to marry in the heart of San Francisco. Whether planning a simple elopement or a more elaborate ceremony with close family and friends, City Hall provides a truly unforgettable backdrop for your big day.
As a seasoned San Francisco Wedding Photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing hundreds beautiful weddings at City Hall. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting married at this historic venue—from the process and requirements to tips for stunning wedding photos. Plus, I’ll share how we can work together to create the perfect memories of your
wedding day.
How To Get Married At
San Francisco City Hall?
A Complete Guide
San Francisco City Hall
How to Get Married At
A Guide To Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Wedding Day
Before diving into the details of how to get married here, let’s take a moment to understand why San Francisco City Hall is one of the most beloved wedding venues in the country.
1. Timeless Beauty
The architecture of San Francisco City Hall is nothing short of breathtaking. The Beaux-Arts style, with its sweeping marble staircases, grand rotunda, and ornate details, creates an atmosphere of romance and elegance. Whether you’re having a small, intimate ceremony or just a quick elopement, the venue’s stunning beauty will elevate every moment.
2. An Iconic Setting
City Hall isn’t just a building—it’s a symbol of love and commitment. For decades, couples from all over the world have exchanged vows beneath its soaring dome, making it a landmark for couples who want to marry in a place that feels historic and special.
3. Accessibility and Convenience
Located in the heart of San Francisco, City Hall is centrally located and easy to access, making it an ideal choice for both locals and destination couples. It’s also perfect for couples who want a wedding that’s stress-free, as it doesn't require the planning or cost of a large venue.
Why San Francisco City Hall?
- elizabeth + david
“Jennifer knows SF City Hall. She took us to all the spots and was so patient. We couldn't be happier with the our pictures and process.”
WORD ON THE STREET
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Before you can get married at City Hall, you’ll need to get a marriage license. The good news? You don’t need to be a resident of San Francisco to marry here, but you’ll need to obtain the license from the San Francisco County Clerk’s Office.
Where to go: Head to the County Clerk’s Office, located on the 1st floor of City Hall (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco).
When to go: You can obtain your marriage license Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
What you’ll need: Valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport). No residency requirement, no waiting period, and no blood tests required.The marriage license fee is around $124 and are effective immediately and are good for up to 90 days.
Step 1: Obtain Your Marriage License
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There are a few options for how to get married at San Francisco City Hall. You’ll need to decide whether you’d like a civil ceremony or a private ceremony, you’ll need to book in advance :
Civil Ceremony: This is a brief, no-frills ceremony performed by one of the officiants available at City Hall (4-5 minutes) . These ceremonies are available during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and are held in the rotunda or one of the other ceremony rooms. The can be book 90 days out here. Guest count 6.
Private Ceremony: To reserve a private ceremony. The private ceremony fee is around $1,000 (subject to change), and you’ll want to secure your reservation as early as possible, as slots can fill up quickly. This usually takes place on the 4th floor or the Mayors Balcony. Guest count 60 seated plus 40 standing.
Step 2: Choose Your Ceremony Type
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After the ceremony, we will have time to take a few portraits with family and friends. After that, navigate us around City Hall. There are some go-to spots and some off-the-beaten-path locations I love. What is magical about this building is that it changes from day to day and throughout the year. The light is different and always offers a new perspective. It is a public space, and I will try to avoid other people. We may have to wait it out to get those iconic shots, but it's always worth it.
Pro Tip: Nine out of ten couples say, "We look so awkward in front of the camera." I always reply, "Yes, how you look matters, but what’s even more important is how you feel." My job is to ensure you trust both the process and me.
Step 3: TAKE YOUR PORTRAITS
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Some couples opt to add time and do a second location. It's a great way to fill some time between City Hall and the reception. Or add variety to your wedding day images. I am always happy to help when it comes to suggesting locations, here are a few I love:
Golden Gate Park
Presidio
Lands End
Mt Davidson
Bernal Hill
Ocean Beach
Your Favorite Neighborhood
Fort Funston
Marin Headlands
Mt Tam
Fort Point
Step 4: Adventures outside of SF City Hall
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Enjoy that after-wedding -glow and keep the party going, whether we’re off to have a few toasts at a bar with all your guests, or to an intimate reception. Here are a few popular spots for an after party:
Charmaine's Roof Top Bar
The Wayfare Tavern
Stable Cafe
Leo's OysterBar
Foreign Cinema
Penny Roma
The Progress
Birdsong
Moon Gate Lounge
Copra
Officina
Starlite
Step 5: Let's Celebrate!
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall
Make your DAY YOURS...
-GETTING READY COVERAGE: Capturing the anticipation and excitement of the day tells a more complete story of the event.
-PLAN A FIRST LOOK: If you're arriving separately, having a first look when you see each other for the first time is such a sweet way to begin the day. I will orchestrate with timing and location.
-WRITE YOUR VOWS: Since the civil ceremony is brief (usually 4-5 minutes), sharing your vows after the first look or afterward is one of the best ways to personalize your wedding day.
-DRESS HOW YOU WANT TO DRESS: Whether you’re getting married in your dream wedding gown, tuxedo or a denim jumpsuit, choose the details that make you feel absolutely beautiful and special.
It's your day!
-INCLUDE YOUR FUR BABIES: While pets are typically not allowed at San Francisco City Hall, getting ready with them or for portraits is a great way to include them.
ADD THESE personal TOUCHES TO YOUR day
A few things to know before getting
married at San Francisco City Hall
- It can be crowded. Unless you book a private ceremony, SF City Hall is open to the public, meaning multiple couples are getting married, Quinceañera photo shoots are taking place, tour groups are around, and everyday people are working. While the one-hour ceremony allows for private use of the space, there will still be people around City Hall. I will do my best to minimize other people in you images.
-Book the last ceremony of the day. For civil ceremonies, I recommend reserving the final slot , and for one-hour ceremonies, I suggest booking the 3 p.m. slot. SF City Hall tends to be less busy toward the end of the day, as tours have left and no more ceremonies take place after yours. This makes capturing iconic shots on the staircase and balcony easier. Plus, it will allow you to get golden hour sunset portraits or plan a dinner reception.
- Wear comfortable shoes or bring a change of shoes; there is a lot of ground to cover and four floors to navigate. Sore feet can be a bummer, and we don't want that to hinder us from making the most of our time. Also, consider bringing a small tote bag to keep everything together and for easy mobility.
-My job is to create beautiful images for you. Your job is to relax and have fun! Being in front of a camera can be awkward for some people, but the more you relax and let go, the more amazing your images will be. Don't worry, I got you. I will talk you through the process. Think of me as your wedding day photography coach and a SF City Hall Expert!
CONTACT ME
A San Francisco City Hall wedding is an elegant and stress-free way to tie the knot in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Whether you’re eloping, hosting a small gathering, or just want a no-fuss ceremony, City Hall offers a unique and iconic backdrop for your special day.
As a dedicated San Francisco wedding photographer, I’m here to help you preserve every beautiful moment. From the first look to the "I do" and beyond, let me capture the magic of your City Hall wedding in a way that you’ll cherish forever.
Ready to say "I do" at San Francisco City Hall? Let’s chat! Contact me today to discuss how we can create stunning wedding photos that will take your breath away.
Let’s Capture Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding
