Why I Love San Francisco City Hall Weddings

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s intimate, timeless, and packed with charm, San Francisco City Hall might just be the perfect spot for you. It’s one of my absolute favorite places to photograph couples, and after shooting so many weddings there, I’ve fallen in love with its grand architecture and romantic atmosphere.

Whether you’re eloping or planning a small ceremony with your closest family and friends, City Hall has a way of making your day feel magical. Let me share a bit about what makes it so special and how we can make your wedding day uniquely yours!

Busy, But No Stress for Your Photos

Let’s be real: City Hall can get busy. It’s a popular spot for weddings and tourists, but you don’t have to worry about that when it comes to your photos. My goal is to make your images look like you had the whole place to yourselves. I’ll carefully position you for the best angles and lighting, and through a little magic (okay, editing), I’ll remove any distractions from the background.

The result? Photos that feel romantic, timeless, and 100% about the two of you.

Add Personal Touches to Your City Hall Wedding

One of the best things about City Hall weddings is how flexible they are. You can make your ceremony entirely your own by including cultural traditions, religious elements, or personal touches that reflect your story as a couple.

I’ve photographed couples incorporating everything from heartfelt vows to special cultural rituals, and each one has been beautiful and meaningful. Whatever you envision, City Hall provides a stunning backdrop to bring it to life!

Make a Day Out of It!

Your City Hall wedding doesn’t have to be just about the ceremony. There are so many ways to turn it into a full day of memories:

Getting Ready Photos:
Let’s capture those quiet, emotional moments before your ceremony—putting on your dress, pinning your boutonniere, or sharing a toast with your closest people.
Sunset Photos:
After your ceremony, we can head to one of San Francisco’s iconic locations for golden-hour portraits. Whether it’s the Golden Gate Bridge, Sutro Baths, or Baker Beach, sunset photos are always breathtaking. I always offer my City Hall couple’s access to my full San Francisco location guide. Here are some of my favorite locations around San Francisco to make your gallery stunning: My Favorite Bay Area Locations
Reception Photography:
Hosting a reception later in the day? I’ll be there to document all the fun, from your first dance to candid laughs with your guests.

What’s Included in My City Hall Wedding Packages

Starts at $1600 for 2 hours

Includes

Online Gallery and full printing rights
100+ edited and high-resolution images
Polaroids taken throughout your day that you can take home day-of
Sweet moments captured in GIFS
Gallery delivered within 3 weeks of your wedding
Sneak Peeks delivered within 48 hours
Location guide for San Francisco if you’d like to add on additional locations
Timeline creation and consultation
Edits will include all people taken out of your photos so you look like the only people there!

Every City Hall wedding package I offer includes some little extras to make your day even more memorable:

Polaroid Prints: Right after your ceremony, I’ll hand you a set of Polaroid photos to take home. These instant keepsakes are such a fun way to relive your day right away!
Sneak Peek Photos in 2 Days: I know how exciting it is to see your wedding photos, so I’ll send you a sneak peek of your gallery within 48 hours.
Beautiful Editing: Every photo is carefully edited to make you and your venue look absolutely stunning.

Why Choose Me for Your City Hall Wedding?

Having photographed so many City Hall weddings, I know the venue like the back of my hand. From finding the best spots for lighting to navigating the hustle and bustle, I’ve got you covered. My goal is to make your day stress-free, fun, and filled with moments you’ll treasure forever.

If you’re ready to plan your City Hall wedding or have questions, I’d love to chat! Let’s make your day unforgettable and filled with all the love and laughter that makes your story unique.

Now that we’ve gone over what booking me as your photographer for you big day at City Hall looks like, let’s go over HOW to book your wedding at City Hall!

How the Time of Day You Choose Will Transform Your Photos

One of the unique aspects of getting married at San Francisco City Hall is how the natural lighting transforms throughout the day, creating different moods and aesthetics for your photos. As your photographer, I pay close attention to these changes to make sure your images reflect the vibe you’re looking for.

If you love bright, airy, and dynamic photos, I recommend booking a morning ceremony. In the earlier hours, the sunlight streams through City Hall’s massive windows, creating soft, creative pockets of light. These beams of natural light highlight the intricate details of the architecture and add a magical glow to your images.

For couples who prefer a more dramatic and moody aesthetic, afternoon and late-day ceremonies are a perfect choice. As the day progresses, the light softens, and the shadows deepen, creating a timeless and romantic atmosphere. The play of light and shadow during these hours adds depth and richness to your photos, making them look like they belong in a classic love story.

No matter the time of day, City Hall is breathtaking, and I’ll guide you through choosing the best time to achieve the look and feel you want. Let’s make the light work for your vision!

Ceremony Locations, Prices, and Guest Limits at City Hall

City Hall offers several ceremony locations to suit different styles, budgets, and guest counts. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Civil Ceremony in the Rotunda
- Price: $93
- Guest Limit: Up to 6 guests (including children and witnesses).
- Booking Timeline: Reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance.
- Availability: Monday through Friday, with appointments every half hour from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
- Details: This is the most affordable option. Ceremonies are quick (about 10 minutes) and take place in a shared public space on the main floor.
The Mayor’s Balcony
- Price: $1,000 (includes a 1-hour reservation).
- Guest Limit: Up to 40 guests.
- Booking Timeline: Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.
- Availability: Weekdays (Monday through Friday), with ceremonies starting as early as 9:00 am and as late as 3:00 pm.
- Details: This semi-private location offers beautiful views of the Rotunda and Grand Staircase, providing an intimate yet elegant setting.
The Fourth Floor Gallery
- Price: $1,000 (includes a 1-hour reservation).
- Guest Limit: Up to 100 guests.
- Booking Timeline: Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.
- Availability: Weekdays (Monday through Friday), with ceremonies starting as early as 9:00 am and as late as 3:00 pm.
- Details: With its natural light and dramatic architecture, this private space is perfect for couples who want a grand, exclusive ceremony.
The Grand Staircase
- Price: $5,000 (includes a 2-hour reservation).
- Guest Limit: Up to 200 guests.
- Booking Timeline: Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.
- Availability: Evening weddings are typically held on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), as the Grand Staircase and Rotunda areas are central public spaces used during weekdays.
- Details: If you’re dreaming of a truly iconic ceremony, the Grand Staircase is unparalleled. This exclusive option is ideal for larger weddings or those looking for an unforgettable setting.

Types of Ceremonies

City Hall offers various ceremony types to fit your needs:

Civil Ceremonies: Simple and officiated by a City Hall staff member. Great for couples seeking a quick, no-fuss option.
Personalized Ceremonies: Bring your own officiant for a ceremony that reflects your unique love story.
Elopements: Ideal for couples who want a small, private, and stress-free wedding day.

How to Book Your Wedding at City Hall

Booking your ceremony at San Francisco City Hall is straightforward:

Reserve Your Date:
Visit the San Francisco City Hall Reservations Page to select your date, time, and ceremony location.
Obtain Your Marriage License:
You’ll need a marriage license, which can be obtained in person at the County Clerk’s office. Schedule your appointment online to save time.
Confirm Your Details:
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details you need for your big day, including arrival times and guest policies.
Hire Your Photographer:
Don’t forget to book a photographer who knows City Hall inside and out (hi, that’s me!). I’ll help you navigate the venue and capture stunning memories in every setting.

Making Your City Hall Wedding Unforgettable

Getting married at City Hall is more than just a ceremony—it’s an experience. From your first step onto the Grand Staircase to the quiet moments under the dome, every part of your day will feel magical.

As your photographer, my goal is to make sure you enjoy every second while I document the love, laughter, and emotion of the day. Whether you’re eloping with just the two of you or celebrating with friends and family, I’ll be there to capture it all in a way that feels natural and true to you.

Ready to get started? Visit the San Francisco City Hall Weddings Page to book your ceremony, and let’s chat about how I can help make your day extra special!