Planning a San Francisco City Hall Wedding

As a wedding photographer based in the Bay Area, I am constantly capturing weddings at San Francisco’s City Hall. I am there anywhere from 4 to 12 times every single month.  I think it is safe to say that I know a thing or two about planning a San Francisco City Hall Wedding, and I want to share it all with you!

DID YOU KNOW: Many people fly to SF just to elope at City Hall. Personally, I’ve worked with clients from LA, Boston, Hong Kong, and Seattle.

YOU CAN TRULY HAVE IT ALL AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL

There are actually several ways to get married at City Hall. It really just depends on what you are wanting and what is most special and memorable for you and your significant other.

FIVE MINUTE CEREMONY AT ROTUNDA

These ceremonies are officiated by a judge assigned to you. You can get married anytime between 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. They have two reservations every hour. You are required to pay a $95.00 fee at the time of booking and it is nonrefundable.

HERE ARE SOME MORE DETAILS

• A marriage license appointment is required before the ceremony time. Set e time first before booking your ceremony appointment.
• There is a 6 guest maximum (but ask me for more details on this).
• If you are having a private ceremony, you don’t need a witness.
• If you are having a public ceremony, you need at least one witness.
• All appointments are available for reservation up to 90 days in advance.
• If you want your best chance for the ICONIC staircase shot, try to set your ceremony appointment around 9:30 AM or as early as they will let you.

PRO TIP: They make it super easy for you to make your appointments. They also allow you to make your marriage license appointment a different day or on the day of your actual ceremony. For appointments, visit HERE.

Want more information about City Hall’s Five Minute Ceremony? Check out their WEBSITE.

1 HOUR CITY HALL CEREMONY

City Hall’s option for a one-hour ceremony is honestly pretty great. You are able to rent out the Mayor’s Balcony (I know… FANCY) or the 4th floor for exactly one hour. If you choose to go with the Balcony, you are able to have up to 40 guests. When you go with the 4th floor, you can have up to 60 guests.

Another cool aspect of this one is that you can have your own officiants as well.

HERE ARE SOME MORE DETAILS

• This package costs $100.00.
• You are able to hire musicians.

TWO-HOUR WEDDING PACKAGE

The Two-hour Wedding package offers the occasion of exchanging vows on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda surrounded by family and friends. However, you are limited by time constraints so if you have any outside vendors, you will need approval before your wedding/elopement.

HERE ARE SOME MORE DETAILS

• This package costs $5,000.
• It is only offered Saturdays with the earliest ceremony beginning at 9:00 AM and the latest beginning at 12:00 noon.
• The two-hour period is inclusive of load-in and load-out.
• It can accommodate up to 200 guests.
• Also includes Natural Wood Folding chairs, insurance, and basic building services.
• If you have above 200 guests, you may have to pay additional fees including additional rent of $4/guest and an insurance fee of $3/guest with a $100 minimum.

WANT TO FEEL LIKE RULE-BREAKERS WITHOUT ACTUALLY BREAKING ANY RULES?

More often than not, you get caught up in the in’s and out’s of package details. However, there is one “secret” way to elope at San Francisco City Hall. Not only are you able to choose your own time, but you are also able to choose your own space.

HERE’S THE RUNDOWN

You actually don’t need permission for this particular option. All that is required is your own officiant. They can be a family member or even a friend. Technically, you can choose any spot to read your vows. It is a public space.

Your photographer (HOPEFULLY ME) will be there to document it, and you’re able to have a special moment between the two of you.

It truly is so simple and no one thinks of it

Interested in getting married or eloping in the bay area? Check out my latest blog: WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER’S GUIDE TO A BAY AREA WEDDING