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Are you planning a wedding with just a few friends and family?
You are looking for a beautiful place to elope?
Or, you would like to get married at grand and elegant venue without breaking the bank?
SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL COULD BE THE PERFECT PLACE FOR YOU!
In order to get married at San Francisco City Hall you need to obtain a marriage license. If you would like to get your marriage license at San Francisco City Hall you need to book an appointment at San Francisco County Clerk's Office . You will have to pay for the license and submit your marriage application when you book the appointment. Your California marriage license is valid for 90 days, so you will have to schedule your ceremony within 90 days from receiving your marriage license. Some couples choose to book both marriage license appointment and ceremony appointment on a same day.
San Francisco City Hall is a very popular place to get married so if you have a specific date in mind make a reservation as soon as 90 days before the wedding. City Hall does not allow reservations 90 days prior the date unless you are reserving 4th Floor or Mayor’s Balcony for your ceremony. In order to maximize photo opportunities and showcase an amazing architecture of the building without having a bunch a people in a background, try to avoid the busiest days which are Mondays and Fridays. Time of the day is as important as the day of the week. I find early mornings or late afternoon to be the quietest.
WHAT TO BRING
The most important things that you should have with you are:
your marriage license, both of your IDs , one witness (no need if you have privet marriage license) and smiles on your faces :)
CHECK IN PROCESS
You need to be at the County Clerk’s Office (room 168) 10-15 minutes before your ceremony appointment to check in. They do not allow early checkins so even if you show up half an hour earlier it doesn’t guarantee that you will be the first couple in your time slot. When your name is called or you see it on a screen by the room 168 you can bring your witness to the office where he/she will sign the marriage license. Commissioner will check your documents, IDs and asks you a few brief questions. After you leave the office gather your guests and wait with them at the designated location. The photography and videography is not allowed inside the office.
CEREMONY
Please note that NOT all civil ceremonies are performed at the Rotunda. On a busy days like Valentines Day, days leading up to Pride Parade in San Francisco or Halloween ceremonies are performed at additional available locations on a 3rd and 4th floor or a privet room. While waiting by the Rotunda (or other alternative location) be mindful of other couples getting married. The Commissioner will call you by name when it’s your turn. Ceremony is short and sweet so take in every second of it, because after those few minutes you will be MARRIED!!!!! After the ceremony the commissioner will keep your marriage license and send it to be filed at City Hall where you obtained your marriage license. If you got it at SF City Hall he or she will filled it for you there. You can get a copy of your marriage certificate 10 days after recording the license with San Francisco office.
For more information about how to obtain your marriage license and get married at City Hall visit San Francisco County Clerk's website.
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
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.
Most of the Public Ceremonies happen at Rotunda located on the second floor, at the top of the grand staircase. You are allowed up to 6 guests at that location. This is a public building so be prepared that other people might be witnessing your ceremony from the distance. If you wish to invite a bigger group of friends and family or simply have more privacy I recommend reserving 4th floor or Mayor's Balcony as each location can accommodate up to 100 people.
For larger wedding ceremonies
If you would like to invite larger group of family and friends you should look into 1 Hour Private Ceremonies held at 4th Floor and Mayor's Balcony. Mayor’s Balcony seating up to 40 and the Fourth Floor Galleries up to 60 (remaining guests stand for the ceremony). 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
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"Anna is the absolute best! She took the most beautiful pictures of our wedding! I'm blown away at the detail, editing, color, lighting and scenes she was able to capture of our special day".
Jennifer & Mike • Club Los Meganos • Brentwood, CA
Photographer & Guide through San Francisco City hall weddings
A: 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 day at San Francisco City Hall.
A: 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.
A: Public 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.
A: 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 personalize your ceremony you can hire an independent wedding officiant.
A: Depends on an officiant and how busy the day is. Officiants are on a tight schedule. There are two 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.
A: I've been a witness to many of my clients. I would be honored to do it for you too!
A: No, but right in front of the building there is Civic Center Parking Garage. It's a large 3 level underground parking garage with an entrance on McAllister Street.
A: To get married at San Francisco City Hall, you will need:
A: 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.
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.
A: Yes, we are very good at making our customers feel comfortable. We know the right poses and activities so you don't feel awkward and your photos will look awesome!
A: WHAT PHOTO PACKAGES DO YOU OFFER?
I offer three photography packages starting at $699 for 1 Hour Session.
A: In order to reserve the date I ask my couples for a $100 retainer and their basic contact information. The remaining balance is due on the wedding day.
You can send a retainer via PayPal, Venmo or Zelle.
Please reach out and check availability prior to sending retainer.
Contact Anna for availability and detailed pricing information. Once you submit your message. I will contact you within 24 hours to the email address you provide below.
Serving San Francisco, Napa Valley and East Bay Weddings.
(925)639 2825
Anna@annahoganphotography.com
