Saying “I Do” at San Francisco City Hall
Whether you are looking to have an intimate Civil Ceremony, or planning a full scale wedding day, you can’t go wrong with a San Francisco City Hall wedding. Boasting unparalleled Beaux-Arts architecture and rich San Francisco history, this extraordinary space is more than just a place to get married, it is quite literally iconic. Outside of being the site of political legislature and historic marriage equality movements, SF City Hall has also been featured in many films, including Dirty Harry and Indiana Jones.
From basic necessary resources to recommendations on where to eat and stay, our Guide to Saying “I Do” at San Francisco City Hall will tell you everything you need to know about planning your wedding at SF City hall.
Our tips for your City Hall Wedding:
- Use real flowers in your bouquet, it really does make a difference in your photos
- For basic Civil Ceremonies, try to schedule early in the day/ early in the week to avoid crowds, especially if you want full Grand Staircase shots. We can’t guarantee it, but it does increase your chances of finding them empty for a moment!
- You do need a witness, but your photographer can take this role!
- Don’t bring more than 6 guests unless you reserve a ceremony space (4th Floor, or Mayor’s Balcony)
The Logistics:
- How to get your marriage license: Cost is $120. In order to get married in San Francisco you need a marriage lisence that has been issued within 90 days of your ceremony. Get your application here, and bring it with you to your appointment, which you can make for the same day as your ceremony.
- How to schedule your civil ceremony: Cost is $103 (M-F during business hours) or $321 (Weekends/Holidays). The ceremony itself will take about 15 minutes, but as mentioned above, you’ll need to get your marriage license beforehand. Our 90 minute Sonoma Package is perfect for a simple Civil Ceremony, with ample time for Couples Portraits inside & outside of SF City Hall.
- How to reserve the 4th Floor or Mayor’s Balcony for larger events: Cost is $1000 for up to 100 guests. Seating is available for 40 on the 4th Floor, or 60 on the Mayor’s Balcony and any additional guests will have standing room.
- How to schedule a weekend buyout: Cost is $5000 for up to 200 guests. These events are available on Saturdays only, and take place at the base of the Grand Staircase.
Best spots inside & outside for San Francisco City Hall WeddingPhotography:
- 4th Floor
- Elevators
- Grand Staircase
- Second floor balcony
- Outside back entrance
- Outside front entrance
- Trees Across the street w/City Hall Background
Where to stay near SF City Hall:
Where to eat:
At Apollo Fotografie it’s safe to say we love love. Like a lot. We want to capture the love of ALL humans, because diversity and inclusivity are our highest priority, and we are proud to be chosen as an LGBTQ wedding photographer. We specialize in LGBTQ weddings, San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography, elopements, and engagement photography.
Our mission is to capture our couple’s wedding day in a natural, photo journalistic style, so that they can look back on their day and remember what it felt like. As an Apollo Fotografie couple, your entire event design is taken into consideration as we consciously craft your photographs into works of art that reveal an intimate narrative between the viewer and photos. Our photographers are trained in a cinematic storytelling style, and this is what makes us some of the best photographers in the Bay Area.
Let us help you document your love! Whether you’re in San Francisco, the Bay Area, or beyond. Contact us at Apollo Fotografie today for pricing and availability.
