FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED AT SF CITY HALL?

Ceremonies at city hall hall are performed from Monday though Friday from 9 am till 3:30pm, but building is open from 8am to 5pm. If you like to avoid the crowds try to book your ceremony appointment first thing in a morning or late in an afternoon. Friday is the most busy days at San Francisco City Hall.

HOW SOON CAN I BOOK MY CEREMONY APPOINTMENT?

City Hall does not accept ceremony reservations beyond 90 days in advance, unless you are reserving a private space (4th Floor or Mayor's Balcony) you can book the ceremony a year in advance. Make sure your marriage license is valid on your wedding day. Marriage license is valid for 90 days from the day you obtain it so make sure you schedule your ceremony during that time.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED AT SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL?

Marriage license:

In order to get married in California, you must have a California marriage license issued within 90 days of the date of your ceremony. You can download and complete the application and bring it to your appointment in person at City Hall. Marriage license is $125

Ceremony Appointment:

For smaller wedding ceremonies (6 guests or fewer guests), make an appointment to have a small civil marriage ceremony or domestic partnership ceremony at City Hall. You can get married in San Francisco’s historic City Hall by a Commissioner from the Office of the County Clerk. Ceremony appointment is $111.

For larger wedding ceremonies and evening / weekend / holiday ceremonies

If you have more than 6 guests or want to get married on a weekend or a holiday, you need to book a space through City Hall Events. Their package includes private use of either the Mayor’s Balcony or a Fourth Floor Gallery for up to one-hour from Monday through Friday, with the earliest ceremony beginning at 9:00 am and the latest beginning at 3:00 pm.

Rental cost for the package is $1,200, which includes an hour of access for up to 100 guests. Chairs are an additional equipment rental, with the Mayor’s Balcony seating up to 40 and the Fourth Floor Galleries up to 60 (remaining guests stand for the ceremony).

WHAT DO WE NEED TO GET MARRIED AT CITY HALL?

To get married at San Francisco City Hall, you will need:

• VALID MARRIAGE LICENSE
• Valid GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IN ENGLISH.
• AT LEAST 1 WITNESS (APPLIES ONLY TO COUPLES WITH A PUBLIC MARRIAGE LICENSE)

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PUBLIC AND CONFIDENTIAL MARRIAGE LICENSE?

The significant difference is that the confidential marriage license is confidential, and only the married couple can procure copies of it from the recorder's office. Comparatively, the public license is part of public record, which means anyone can request copies, provided they pay the required fees.

CAN YOU BE OUR WITNESS?

I've been a witness to many of my clients. I would be honored to do it for you too!

WHERE IN THE BUILDING CEREMONIES ARE PERFORMED?

San Francisco City Hall is a grand building, but there are three main locations where ceremonies are performed:

Rotunda - Civil ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall are performed at the Rotunda (top of the grand staircase). Your officiant might offer you a private room as an alternative, which is essentially an office space. On days of special events, wedding ceremonies planned at the Rotunda might be moved to an alternative location such as a private room, 4th Floor, or Mayor's Balcony, depending on which one is available.

CAN WE CHOOSE THE LOCATION OF THE CEREMONY?

Civil ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall are performed at the Rotunda (top of the grand staircase). Your officiant might offer you a private room as an alternative, which is essentially an office space. On days of special events, wedding ceremonies planned at the Rotunda might be moved to an alternative location such as a private room, 4th Floor, or Mayor's Balcony, depending on which one is available.

HOW LONG IS THE CEREMONY?

The ceremony lasts around 3 to 5 minutes, but the process starting from check in to the “first kiss” can be anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes. If you would like to take portraits to showcase the beauty of the building, two hours its an optimal time and allows for some photos in front of the building too.

CAN WE BRING MORE THAN 6 PEOPLE TO OUR CEREMONY?

City Hall website states that they do not allow more than 6 people at your wedding. I have seen them enforce that rule during the ceremony, but a lot of times they will be understanding if you go over a by 1 -3 people. Make that decision on your own risk. With that said, even if your additional guests won't be able to stand by you during a ceremony they might be able to watch from the distance (since it's a public building) and still be part of your post wedding family photos.

The reason why San Francisco City Hall limits the number of guests for rotunda weddings to six is due to space and safety considerations. The rotunda is a popular location for weddings, and it is a large and open space that can be crowded during peak wedding season. Limiting the number of guests helps ensure that there is enough space for everyone to safely and comfortably enjoy the ceremony.

Additionally, San Francisco City Hall is a public building that sees a high volume of foot traffic and visitors throughout the day. Limiting the number of guests for rotunda weddings helps ensure that the building remains accessible and safe for all visitors.

It is also important to note that the City Hall has different areas available for private events with larger guest capacities. Couples who wish to have a larger wedding ceremony are welcome to explore the idea of renting other areas of the building like 4th Floor or Mayor's Balcony which can accommodate up to a 100 guests.

One last thing, when you arrive at the city hall and have to go check in invite your guests to wait for you at the bottom of the grand staircase instead of following you to clerks office. Just the two of you and a witnesses are allowed at clerks office at that time.

CAN WE BRING OUR OWN VOWS?

Depends on an officiant and how busy the day is. Officiants are on a tight schedule. There are three couples scheduled to get married every 30 min. If you like to write your own vows I recommend hiring an independent officiant who will personalize your wedding ceremony.

WHAT PHOTO PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?

I offer three SF City Hall photography packages starting at $699 for 1 Hour Session.

WE WOULD LIKE TO BOOK YOUR SERVICE, HOW DO WE PROCEED?

In order to reserve the date I ask for a $100 retainer. The remaining balance is due on the wedding day in cash.

You can send a retainer via PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.

Please check availability prior to sending retainer.