The best-kept secret about the Bay Area is having an SF City Hall Elopement.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER HAVING AN ELOPEMENT AT SF CITY HALL
I would be lying if I didn’t say that San Francisco City Hall isn’t busy. Lots of people get married there every single day. Luckily for you, though, I have the best tips and tricks to ensure you have the most incredible elopement at SF City Hall.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
The worst part of traditional weddings is obviously the cost of them. They often drain your pockets leaving you with very little to start your life together. At City Hall, you are able to save so much money. The most you are looking to spend is $1000 if you move forward with their Mayor’s Balcony Package.
If you are interested in looking more into Mayor’s Balcony, check out my previous blog: A Mayor’s Balcony Wedding at SF City Hall.
STRESS-FREE
Although you may have to deal with high-maintenance weddings happening around you, SF City Hall Elopements are the absolute most convenient type of wedding. Eloping there is stress-free because you don’t have to deal with permits and insurance. I know it sounds too good to be true, but you can honestly just walk in and get married!
AESTHETICALLY ELEGANT
City Hall is obviously absolutely gorgeous, and I love it for a classic look – it is TIMELESS! The images that you get taken there will never be outdated. SF City Hall’s aesthetic is perfect for a Christmas card photo, a print in your home, and even for a photo album.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN ELOPING HERE
ACCOMMODATIONS
If you aren’t local (which is okay if you aren’t), you can fly to any place that is most convenient for you. The airports that are closest to the Bay Area are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Jose International Airport (SJC).
I recommend choosing to stay in a hotel nearby SF City Hall. My favorite options are the Fairmont and the Westin. Some other nearby options are the Pheonix, the Proper, and the BEI San Francisco.
For your ride to SF City Hall from your hotel, I think it shows so much character when my couples hire a limousine for them to show up in style. Need some ideas for who to hire? Check out Five Emerald Limousine or Capital Limousine and Sedan Services. They are fairly priced and will do their best to make your elopement spectacular and unforgettable.
TIMELINE
Depending on when you schedule your session with city hall will technically determine when you should show up. If you were asking me for my recommendations, I would tell you to arrive at SF City Hall pretty early — around 8 and 9 AM is what I have discovered works the best.
Most photographers encourage having a first look, and these may be the best part of the whole day. For me, I help hide the bride and place the groom so that the photos turn out phenomenal. You can expect the first look to be on the 4th Floor due to lighting.
After your first look, you will get the rest of your portraits taken throughout city hall. From there, you can either have a booked time to get married with city hall or have a family/friend officiate you two and read your vows anywhere in city hall (MY FAVORITE OPTION).
After your “ceremony” you can even go around the city to take portraits!
Looking for a photographer to capture your SF Wedding Hall Elopement? LET’S CHAT!
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