Planning a City Hall Elopement: How to Get Married at SF City Hall


Simon and Marie were married on a gorgeous 70 degree day at City Hall, surrounded by their parents. Marie’s parents flew all the way from the Philippines!! The day could not have been more perfect. City Hall was unusually quiet, the sun was streaming through the giant glass windows, and we even got dessert at Wayfare Tavern to celebrate after!


Keep reading to find out how to plan YOUR perfect wedding at the iconic San Francisco City Hall!

How to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall: A Complete Guide

San Francisco City Hall is one of the most iconic wedding venues in the city, known for its Beaux-Arts architecture, grand staircase, and stunning rotunda. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a larger celebration, here’s everything you need to know about getting married at San Francisco City Hall.

Step 1: Make an Appointment for Your Marriage License

Before your ceremony, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. Here’s how:

  • Where: City Hall’s County Clerk’s Office (Room 168)
  • How to Apply: Visit SF Marriage Licenses to book an appointment. Both partners must appear in person with a valid photo ID.
  • Cost: The fee for a marriage license is $113.

Marriage licenses are issued on the same day as your appointment and are valid for 90 days.


Step 2: Schedule Your Civil Ceremony or Reserve a Space

San Francisco City Hall offers a few options for your ceremony, depending on your budget and guest count.

1. Civil Ceremony (Rotunda)

  • Location: Top of the grand staircase under the rotunda
  • Cost: $93
  • Details: This is a short, 10-minute ceremony conducted by a City Hall officiant. It’s ideal for couples with a small number of guests (up to 6 people).
  • Scheduling: Ceremonies are by appointment only, and you can book online in advance.

2. Private Ceremony (Reserved Spaces)

For a more private and personalized experience, City Hall offers several reserved spaces:

  • Fourth Floor Gallery: A stunning, light-filled space with arched windows. Perfect for up to 100 guests.
  • Mayor’s Balcony: Offers a beautiful view of the rotunda and grand staircase. Accommodates up to 40 guests.

Cost: Reserved spaces range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the time and location.


Step 3: Hire Your Vendors

While City Hall provides an officiant for civil ceremonies, you may want to hire other professionals to make your day memorable:

  • Photographer: San Francisco City Hall’s natural light and dramatic architecture make it a dream for wedding photos. Consider hiring a photographer experienced with City Hall weddings.
  • Videographer: Capture your ceremony on film for a lasting keepsake.
  • Florist: Simple floral arrangements can add a touch of elegance to your City Hall wedding.

Step 4: Plan Your Arrival and Timing

San Francisco City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on weekends and public holidays). Arrive early to allow time for security checks and to explore photo opportunities around the building.

Pro Tip: Morning appointments are less crowded, offering a more intimate experience.


Step 5: Celebrate After the Ceremony

After your ceremony, head to one of San Francisco’s many nearby locations for a celebration:

  • Lunch or Dinner: Restaurants in Hayes Valley or along the Embarcadero offer great options for a post-ceremony meal.
  • Photo Session: Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge are all perfect backdrops for wedding photos.

So When is the Best Time to Get Married at SF City Hall?


Because San Francisco City Hall is open to the public, deciding when to get married is a really important thing to consider. Getting married on a weekday versus the weekend is definitely a better choice if you are wanting to avoid the crowds. I also recommend a Tuesday or Wednesday morning or afternoon if you're looking for a quieter time with less people.


I also recommended couples plan their wedding or elopement for late afternoon time slots since the hall typically empties out around this time. The time of day you choose to elope will also depend on what you plan to do the rest of the day. Did you want to go to a second location after your ceremony? Did you want to celebrate with a small reception at a restaurant in the city? You definitely want to build enough buffer time before or after your event depending on what else you have planned, and make sure you add in enough time to travel around the city!


Don't forget about Pride month! This is one of the busiest months of the year to get married at City Hall. San Francisco is an incredibly gay-friendly city and according to the Guardian, SF has the largest LGTBQIA+ population in the country. So while city hall can get very busy during this time of year, they do bring in more Marriage Commissioners to help with the additional weddings that take place. June is a busy wedding month anyways, but definitely more so in San Francisco!


San Francisco City Hall is a stunning venue with beautiful natural light and elegant architecture, making it a popular choice for weddings year-round. However, choosing the best time can affect your experience in terms of lighting, crowds, and weather. Here’s a breakdown of the best times to plan your City Hall wedding:


Best Time of Day

Morning (8:30 AM – 10:30 AM) – Highly Recommended

  • Why It’s the Best: Fewer crowds, making it easier to capture photos without people in the background.
  • Lighting: The soft, natural light filtering through the windows is perfect for photos.
  • Overall Vibe: Calm and intimate.

Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

  • Why It’s Good: Still a great time for photos, but expect more visitors and activity inside City Hall.
  • Lighting: Stronger light, but photographers can still create beautiful images with proper positioning.
  • Consider: You may have to be more patient for clear shots on the grand staircase.

Afternoon (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

  • Why It’s Decent: Crowds start to thin out as the day winds down.
  • Lighting: Afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlights for moody photos.
  • Pro Tip: If you want fewer interruptions, aim for late afternoon near closing time.

Best Days of the Week

  • Monday through Wednesday: The least crowded days for a quieter, more private experience.
  • Thursday and Friday: Busier as more weddings and civil ceremonies take place. If you want to get married on these days, book early!

Best Season to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco’s weather is fairly mild year-round, but each season offers a slightly different experience:

  • Spring (March – May): Ideal for couples who want outdoor photos after the ceremony. The weather is pleasant, with blooming flowers in nearby parks.
  • Summer (June – August): Expect larger crowds at City Hall and surrounding tourist areas. Also, San Francisco’s famous fog is most common during these months, especially in the mornings.
  • Fall (September – November): The best time for clear skies and warmer temperatures. Crowds tend to be lighter than in summer.
  • Winter (December – February): The least crowded season, but weather can be unpredictable. Perfect for an indoor-focused wedding.

Final Tips

  • For the best photos, book a morning appointment Monday through Wednesday in the spring or fall.
  • Always confirm your wedding date well in advance, especially if you’re planning during peak months like May, June, or September.


FAQs

1. How far in advance should we book our City Hall wedding?

Civil ceremonies can be booked up to 90 days in advance, while private space reservations should be made 6–12 months ahead, especially during peak wedding season (spring and summer).

2. How many guests can attend our City Hall wedding?

For civil ceremonies in the rotunda, you can bring up to 6 guests. Private ceremonies in reserved spaces can accommodate larger groups.

3. Can we bring our own officiant?

Yes! You can bring your own officiant for a private ceremony in a reserved space, or you can use the City Hall officiant for a civil ceremony.

Getting married at San Francisco City Hall is a beautiful and stress-free way to tie the knot. With a little planning and the right vendors, you can create a memorable experience in one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.


Would you like help planning your City Hall wedding or finding vendors? Just fill out this quick Contact Form!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hey! I’m Jamie - a destination wedding, elopement and couples photographer servicing Big Sur, California and beyond. Epic landscapes, non-traditional, storytelling, real emotion are what I'm all about.


Just got engaged?  Check out my work and reach out to learn more.