To get married at San Francisco City Hall, couples must obtain a marriage license and schedule a civil ceremony appointment. Most couples book a one-hour appointment that includes both. Appointments are released online and often book weeks in advance.

Understanding timing, crowd flow, and how the building moves throughout the day makes the experience feel calm rather than rushed.

The cost includes a marriage license fee and a civil ceremony fee. Pricing can change, so couples should always confirm current rates with the city. Many couples also budget for photography, attire, and additional time before or after the ceremony.

Quick summary:

1. Simple City Hall wedding: ~$220 – $240 total for license + civil ceremony. (see City and County of San Francisco)
2. Private ceremony options: (see sfcityhallevents.org)

• One-hour private location: ~$1,000 – $1,200.
• Two-hour Saturday Rotunda package: ~$5,000.

Yes — but guest counts are limited.

• Civil ceremony only: up to 6 guests total (including photographer/witness). (see City and County of San Francisco)
• Private one-hour rental (Mayor’s Balcony / Fourth Floor): up to 100 guests. (see sfcityhallevents.org)
• Private Saturday 2-hour Rotunda package: up to ~200 guests. (see sfcityhallevents.org)

Most San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremonies last 10–15 minutes. Because the ceremony itself is brief, planning extra time around it allows the day to feel unhurried and meaningful.

Late morning to early afternoon offers the most dynamic natural light inside City Hall. Midweek dates are typically quieter, while Fridays tend to move faster.

Absolutely! I recommend staggering your arrival times and coordinating a first look on the 4th floor balcony. It works best when the groom arrives first and gets into position, with someone like the best man helping to coordinate. I also suggest having someone with the bride to manage timing so neither of you has to worry about logistics in the moment.

This approach allows the first look to feel private, calm, and intentional—without unnecessary interruptions or stress.

How I help you make it happen:

As your photographer, this kind of planning is always part of the experience I provide. I don’t just show up on the day. I help you think through the flow of your day ahead of time so your vision can actually come to life.

We’ll talk through your priorities, your desired timeline, and how each moment fits together (yes, even for smaller ceremonies and elopements). I help map out arrival times, locations, and transitions so your wishes are honored and everything runs smoothly. That way, when the day arrives, you can stay fully present while I handle the details and guide things behind the scenes.

Yes — you are absolutely allowed to bring Costco flowers (or any outside flowers) into San Francisco City Hall for bouquets and personal florals. Florals do not have to come from the approved vendor list unless you are planning on-site setup or décor installation.

Here’s how City Hall breaks it down:

✅ What IS allowed

• Handheld bouquets
• Boutonnières, corsages, and small personal florals
• Flowers you carry in and carry out
• Florals that do not touch walls, floors, or surfaces

If you’re holding it the entire time and taking it with you when you leave, you’re generally good to go.

❌ What is NOT allowed

• Floral arches, installations, or arrangements placed on the floor
• Stands, vases, or décor that gets set down
• Petals, loose flowers, confetti, or anything scattered
• Tape, hooks, nails, adhesives, or anything attached to City Hall
• Florists doing on-site setup or breakdown without being on the approved vendor list

🌸 When the approved vendor list IS required

• If you’re hiring a florist to install, set up, or remove décor inside City Hall
• If your florals involve structures, staging, or placement beyond personal bouquets

San Francisco City Hall is a public building, so yes, there will be people around. However, understanding how to navigate crowds and identify quieter spaces allows the experience to feel calm and intentional.

When logistics are understood and the space is respected, the day slows down.

And when the day slows down:

Connection deepens

• Light becomes intentional
• Images gain emotional weight

This is how getting married at San Francisco City Hall becomes more than a practical choice.

It becomes a wedding that feels grand without excess, editorial without effort, and cinematic in a way that lingers — like a favorite scene you keep returning to.

For many couples, deeply so.

A San Francisco City Hall wedding offers architectural grandeur without excess, intimacy without isolation, and a sense of occasion without performance. When approached intentionally, it becomes a wedding experience that feels cinematic, honest, and lasting.

PS I love it personally!

For Civil Ceremonies, the County Clerk performs the ceremony, so you cannot bring your own officiant.

You do need:

• A valid marriage license
• Valid IDs for both of you
• One witness (your photographer can be your witness)

Private ceremonies do require you to provide your own officiant.

Key Details:

• San Francisco City Hall
• Room 168 (first floor)
• Cost: $120 (subject to increase annually)
• Schedule an appointment through the San Francisco County Clerk website (linked here)

What to Bring

• Valid photo IDs for both partners

Important details to know:

• You can obtain your marriage license before your wedding day or on the same day as your ceremony
• Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days, so your ceremony must take place within that window
• Getting your license ahead of time is highly recommended for a smoother, more relaxed ceremony day
• If you choose to get your license on the same day, schedule the appointment at least one hour before your ceremony

Appointment hours:

• Monday through Friday, 8:15am–3:30pm
• When you arrive for your appointment, check in at Room 168 on the first floor of City Hall—and don’t forget your IDs.

Yes, and I am happy to be your witness anytime!