San Francisco City Hall is quite the popular wedding venue- and after seeing its beautiful architecture, you can definitely see why! If you want to get married at SF City Hall, you have to book in advance for an appointment (or wedding reservation). Reservations open up three months in advance of the date. For example, if you are looking to get married in July, appointments will open up in April.
Within this guide, I will walk you through the steps needed to make your dream elopement at SF City Hall come true! It might be overwhelming and stressful right now, but don’t worry, I will help you plan and photograph your day with my elopement photography and planning packages – Contact me!
Let me help plan and photograph your SF City Hall elopement so it’s absolutely stress-free and beautiful.
Table of contents
- Ceremony Options
- Where do I go to check in for my marriage license or ceremony at SF City Hall?
- How much does it cost to get married there?
- Do I need an appointment?
- How do I make an appointment?
- What do I need to bring to my Marriage License appointment?
- Do I need to get my marriage license at sf city hall to be married there?
- Where will the civil ceremony take place?
- When should I arrive?
- How many people can I bring?
- How do I reserve 1-hour and 2-hour ceremonies?
- How do I reserve seating?
- Can I have live music?
- Do you need to book a private ceremony to take photos?
- Do I need a witness to sign?
- Can do I contact someone at City Hall?
- San Francisco Elopement Packages
- How do we book photography?
Ceremony Options
There are two types of ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall: civil ceremonies and private ceremonies. Civil ceremonies are by far the most popular. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to reserve San Francisco City Hall, unless you want privacy and not have to worry about the public watch you “tie the knot.”
There are two options for private, one-hour wedding packages at San Francisco City Hall: the Mayor’s Balcony or the North and South Fourth Floor Galleries. These ceremonies are private and blocked off to the public.
Keep in mind that the costs below are only for rental rates at San Francisco City Hall. Pricing does not include the additional costs that go into a wedding (attire, vendors, photography, videography, florals, makeup, caterers, dessert, transportation etc.).
Public Civil Ceremony
Cost: $103
Officiant provided: yes
Guests allowed: up to 6
Ceremony time: 12-15 minutes
Private vow exchange: no (we are able to do private vows anywhere else in the building)
Availability: Monday through Friday, 9am-3:30pm
The public civil ceremony is a way that doesn’t break the bank. Choosing this option means you can put your budget towards other fun things on your elopement day (which I highly recommend!).
Appointments open up 90 days in advance. If you want a date more than 90 days beforehand, set a reminder in your phone exactly 90 days before that date so you can reserve your ideal time slot.
Private 1-hour Ceremony – 4th Floor North/South Galleries
Cost: $1,000
Officiant provided: no
Guests allowed: up to 60
Ceremony time: up to one hour
Private vow exchange: yes
Availability: Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm
The Fourth Floor is more popular because it accommodates more guests.
As a San Francisco City Hall Elopement Photographer, I highly recommend the Fourth Floor North Gallery. The lighting is much less harsh compared to the South Gallery, but I am able to produce beautiful results with either.
Private 1-hour Ceremony – Mayor’s Balcony
Cost: $1,000
Officiant provided: no
Guests allowed: up to 40
Ceremony time: up to one hour
Private vow exchange: yes
Availability: Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm
A ceremony at the Mayor’s Balcony allows guests some privacy while soaking in views of the grand staircase and rotunda, making you feel like VIPs.
Private 2-hour Ceremony – Grand Staircase
Cost: $5,000
Officiant provided: no
Guests allowed: up to 200
Ceremony time: up to two hours
Private vow exchange: yes
Availability: Saturdays only, 9am-12pm
With the two-hour wedding package, you get to have City Hall all to yourselves! This ceremony option is perfect if you’re planning a bigger wedding and want total privacy.
Private Weekend Buyouts
Cost: starts at $12,000
Officiant provided: no
Guests allowed: up to 3,000
Ceremony time: not capped
Private vow exchange: yes
Availability: Saturdays only. North Light Court load-in begins at 2:00 pm. Load-in to all other areas begins at 4:00 pm. Event must conclude by midnight. Load-out must finish by 2:00 am. More rental info here.
With the two-hour wedding package, you get to have City Hall all to yourselves! This ceremony option is perfect if you’re planning a bigger wedding and want total privacy.
Read more about what SF City Hall offers for weddings here.
Where do I go to check in for my marriage license or ceremony at SF City Hall?
When you check in for your license or ceremony, enter from the Polk Street Entrance at San Francisco City Hall. From there, go directly to the County Clerk’s office, Room 168.
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA, 94102
The phone number is (415) 554-4950.
When you are facing the Grand Staircase, the County Clerk’s office is located in the far right corner of the building.
How much does it cost to get married there?
The marriage license cost is $120.
For civil ceremonies, the cost is $103. To rent the fourth floor galleries or the Mayor’s Balcony for private ceremonies, the cost is $1,000 for one hour.
For two-hour weddings on Saturdays, the cost is $5,000.
Here’s a general estimate of the total cost to get married at SF City Hall:
- San Francisco City Hall Elopement Photographer: $3,800
- San Francisco City Hall Rental Fees (1-hour package): $1,000
- Marriage License: $120+
- Officiant: $500+
- Hair & makeup: $600+
- Personal florals (bouquets & boutonnieres): $400+
Total cost ~ $6,500.*
You can easily cut back on costs by doing your flowers or dried flower bouquet (Etsy!), doing your own hair if you’re into that!
Additional Costs to consider: - Lodging (Per night): $350+
- Dinner for two: $300+
These costs do not include the costs of attire, accessories, dessert, or additional activities after your elopement.
Do I need an appointment to get married at sf city hall?
Yes, SF City Hall does not accept walk-ins. Appointments open up 90 days out and can go quickly!
You’ll need two appointments: one for the license and one for the ceremony. If you do both on the same day, make the license appointment about an hour before the ceremony.
Note: You can obtain your marriage license anywhere in the state of California, not just SF City Hall. Just be sure to use it within 90 days.
How do I make an appointment?
In person: You can go directly to the County Clerk’s Office yourself, or direct someone else to, on Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm.
Online: You can schedule and pay for an appointment through their easy online reservation system.
What do I need to bring to my Marriage License appointment at sf city hall?
First, make sure both parties are at least 18 years of age. Then, bring the following to your marriage license appointment at SF City Hall:
- Valid IDs for the both of you,
- The fee is $120 for a marriage license at San Francisco City Hall
Do I need to get my marriage license at sf city hall to be married there?
You do not need to obtain your marriage license at SF City Hall if you are holding a civil ceremony there. You can get your marriage license from a different city within California. Just bring the licensing paperwork with you to your ceremony appointment at SF City Hall. (See required documents here!)
Where will the civil ceremony take place?
Most of the time, civil ceremonies take place at the top of the Grand Staircase, under the Rotunda. Locations cannot be reserved in advance for civil ceremonies. Luckily, all locations within City Hall are stunning. You won’t be disappointed!
When should I arrive?
On the day of your wedding ceremony, arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. After going through security, you will check in at the Information Desk in Room 168.
I recommend getting there much earlier, especially during traffic hours. It might take a little longer to find parking, or there might be traffic along the way.
How many people can I bring?
Civil ceremonies at SF City Hall allow six guests, including the photographer. I have had some clients successfully push their guests lists a little; however, this is all dependent on the officiant you are assigned. You won’t know if they’ll allow additional guests until day of. Proceed with caution!
If you have significantly more than six guests, you should consider reserving one of the private 1-hour wedding spots, located on the fourth floor (60-person capacity) and the Mayor’s Balcony (40-person capacity).
How do I reserve 1-hour and 2-hour ceremonies?
To reserve a 1-hour or 2-hour civil ceremony at SF City Hall, submit a reservation request to place one complimentary 30-day hold. Check out City Hall’s Wedding Availability Calendar to determine a few potential dates for your ceremony first. They are unable to accommodate last minute requests.
To book the private ceremonies, reach out to the San Francisco City Hall events team. The booking process is separate from the Civil Ceremony booking process. They have their own office actually located on the 4th floor too.
They will explain to you on the process for holding and booking a date. You’ll pay 75% as a deposit by cashier’s check or money order.
How do I reserve seating?
Public civil ceremonies are standing-room only.
The private ceremony fee does not include chairs, which incur an extra cost. For up-to-date pricing, check out their website.
Can I have live music during my ceremony at City Hall?
Yes! City Hall allows live music during its one-hour and two-hour ceremony reservations, as well as weekend wedding bookings. You will need to book one of their preferred vendors. That list can be found here.
While live music is permitted, the use of speakers, microphones, or other forms of amplification is not permitted. You may also not use a singer. Musicians are limited to only duets, no bands.
Do you need to book a private ceremony to take photos?
No! City Hall is a public building and anyone is permitted to enter and take photos in the public areas during open hours.
There is one exception, which is when a couple has made an official booking for private ceremonies, in which case that area will be cordoned off to the public.
I always encourage obeying the signs if someone else has booked it! If the couple is not there yet, and we don’t move anything, then it’s entirely possible to sneak in for some photos.
Do I need a witness to sign?
With a Public Marriage License, you will need at least one witness at the ceremony. You may have up to two witnesses present to sign. I am more than happy to be your witness- it’s always an honor when couples ask!
With a Confidential Marriage License, you do not need a witness. This marriage record is only available to the parties on the marriage license. The requirement for this is that applicants must be living together.
Can do I contact someone at City Hall?
For Monday-Friday license and ceremony issues you can contact the County Clerk’s office. The phone number is (415) 554-4950.
For Private events you can contact the City Hall Events Office. The phone number is (415) 554-6079.
Additional contacts:
- Abby Bauss, Senior Events Coordinator
- Rental contact for: Evening Events, Weekend Events, Galas and Corporate Celebrations
- Email: [email protected]
- Kelly Kuang, Events Coordinator
- Rental contact for: Evening Weddings, Weekend Weddings, Two-hour Weddings and Civic Events
- Email: [email protected]
- Mariebelle Hansen, Events Coordinator
- Rental contact for: One-hour Weddings.
- Email: [email protected]
San Francisco Elopement Packages
When you’re looking around for the right photographer for you, make sure you find someone that is familiar with the space. Not just so they can get the best photos there, but because the right photographer can also be your guide and offer planning assistance and insider tips too.
I’m an experienced San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer who has photographed many weddings throughout its walls.
I will guide you through your entire elopement process, planning, and photograph your special day. I pride myself on capturing all the raw moments and emotions. My most popular elopement package includes 6 hours of photography, which incorporates the anticipation of the getting-ready process, the ceremony, photos after the ceremony and a visit to another location in San Francisco to make more memories!
* Most Booked *
Half-day Explorer Elopement
If you want your story told from start to finish
- Up to six hours of photo coverage
- The day starts with getting ready and detail shots
- Additional time to explore another San Francisco landmark –like the Palace of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, Golden Gate, or cafe
- Unlimited planning assistance for help with locations, timeline, permits, etc.
- Vendor recommendations (videography, florals, hair and makeup)
- Custom timeline unique to your day
- Sneak peeks so you can look back at the day right away
- Shareable online gallery of your awesome photos with unlimited downloads, with access to my professional print lab to easily print from your gallery
- Travel within Arizona and California
- Up to 25 guests
$3,800
Mini Elopement
Coverage of your ceremony with time for portraits afterward
- Up to three hours coverage
- Coverage includes ceremony & family/couples portraits
- Vendor recommendations (videography, florals, hair and makeup)
- Sneak peeks so you can look back at the day right away
- Shareable online gallery of your awesome photos with unlimited downloads, with access to my professional print lab to easily print from your gallery
$2,000
How do we book you?
01
Reach Out
We’ll discuss your vision, preferences, any specific shots you want, and make sure we’re a good fit.
02
Lock In Your Date
A signed contract with a deposit is required to secure your date.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered…
I’m yours! Sneak peeks are sent within 48 hours. The full gallery is sent within 4-6 weeks.
inquire about sf city hall photography
I’m stoked to hear about your vision! Give me all the details and I will schedule a consultation video call.
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