Eloping in San Francisco, Their Way

M & L didn’t want a big wedding. They wanted something personal, meaningful, and real. Just the two of them, a private officiant, and me — their photographer and legal witness — exploring the city that means the most to them. Their San Francisco elopement was a full-day adventure through places that have shaped their story.

The Private Ceremony

We started at San Francisco City Hall. They chose not to reserve a ceremony slot. Instead, they brought their own officiant, and I served as their legal witness. We found a quiet, sunlit corner of the building and they exchanged vows in private. No onlookers. No distractions. Just the sound of their voices and the echo of a marble hall that’s seen thousands of stories like theirs, but never this exact one.

The High Ground

From there, we headed north to Battery Spencer. The wind was wild and the view was wide open. The Golden Gate Bridge stretched across the bay with the city in the background. This location always brings scale and drama, and it gave us a completely different energy than City Hall. It was bold, open, and cinematic.

The Secret Spot

After Battery Spencer, we hiked down to Kirby Cove. This spot is quieter and more tucked away. There’s forest cover, soft sand, and a direct view back toward the bridge. M & L took their time here. It gave them space to breathe, reflect, and be with each other without rush. The light filtered through the trees and gave everything a soft, coastal glow.

The First Meal

We made our way to Baker Beach, where everything slowed down. M and L shared a quiet picnic on the sand, their first meal as a married couple. No distractions. Just the sound of the ocean, a soft breeze, and a moment to take it all in. It was calm, simple, and exactly what they needed before heading into the rest of the day.

The Caffeine Kick

After all that movement, we stopped at Motoring Coffee for matcha. It was a small but necessary break — the kind of stop that turns a photo session into a lived experience. We didn’t rush it. That was the point of the day.

A Lil’ Sweet Treat

Our last stop was Swensen’s Ice Cream. It holds real meaning for M & L, tied to their time living in the city and the rituals they’ve built together. It wasn’t just dessert, it was reliving an important memory. It was a way to close out the day with something familiar and sweet.

San Francisco is one of the best cities in the world for elopements. You can start in an architectural landmark, hike down to a quiet beach, watch the fog roll over the bridge, grab your favorite drink, and end with ice cream — all in one day. Whether you’re after iconic views, natural backdrops, or personal neighborhood spots, it’s all within reach.

If you’re thinking about a San Francisco elopement and want the day to be intentional and true to you, it helps to work with someone who knows the city, knows how to move through it, and knows how to capture the in-between moments that often matter the most. That’s what this day was about. Real time. Real meaning. A city that gave them space to be themselves.

Let’s write the amazing story of your elopement in San Francisco.