How To Get Married at San Francisco City Hall

Tips for getting hitched at SF City Hall.

There are few city hall locations that boast stunning architecture like San Francisco City Hall. The beautiful interior, impressive staircase, and beautiful lighting make SF City Hall a fantastic place to elope or even have a small wedding. Here are a few tips and how-to’s to make your wedding go smoothly.

You’ll need to decide if you are going to have a small wedding or elope with less than 6 people total. That includes the photographer! If you’re going to have more than 6 people attending, you will need to reserve one of the areas for a ceremony, such as the Fourth Floor or Mayor’s Balcony. This will guarantee that you get the area for a full hour.

If you’re having 6 or less people, you’ll be having a civil ceremony. These can take place between 9am-3pm. You won’t be able to reserve any specific spots to get married, but if you are patient and can get to the building early, you’ll have a better chance of securing a spot. You’ll need to check in with the office clerk before your ceremony, as well.

Whichever one you decide, you will need to get a marriage license before your ceremony. You will need to provide your own officiant or ask to hire a marriage commissioner at City Hall. They will not provide one for you whether or not you book one of the 1-hour wedding spots. You can ask a friend to officiate and get ordained online at the Universal Life Church.

1. Book your ceremony at SF City Hall. Make sure to book in advance as dates can book up fast. Sometimes the 9am and 3pm slots stay open a little closer to the date, but not guaranteed. Availability will depend on time of year and if you’re booking a 1-hour wedding or doing a civil ceremony.

2. Make an appointment for your marriage license. Make sure to bring the original on the day of the ceremony along with your ID. If you make an appointment to get your marriage license on the same day as your ceremony, schedule that appt. at least one hour ahead of time.

3. Start planning! Hire your photographer, check out florists in the area (ask me!), book your hotel, hire your hair and makeup artist (ask me again!), and get the party started! Yes, even if it’s just the two of you!

4. If you’re having a civil ceremony with just the 2 of you, you will need to check into the Office of the County Clerk office on the first floor in room 168. You’ll be called when it’s your turn.

What else should I consider when getting married at City Hall?

1. Book either the first (9am) appointment of the day or the last (3pm). There will be less people in the building at that time and less people to pop up in the background of your photos.

2. The Christmas tree goes up the Monday after Thanksgiving! This was such a happy surprise for my couple! While they were getting married it was being put up, but the moment we headed out for their portraits, all the ladders and trash/workers were gone.

3. The lighting changes constantly throughout the day. This is one of the benefits of having an early or late ceremony, with the light filtering in the sides of the windows. It’s absolutely stunning.

4. Plan for at least an hour for portraits before or after your ceremony within the building itself. You’ll have to wait for crowds and other couples to clear out of your way a few times, so best to make sure you have lots of time to get the shots you want.

5. Consider what you want to do after your ceremony! If you are having some guests, rent out a restaurant for a brunch or dinner or book a sailboat charter after a morning ceremony to spend some time out on the bay.

Check out the full gallery of G + B’s wedding by clicking the button below.