San Francisco City Hall is an architectural icon and a premier destination for couples looking for an elegant, intimate wedding. While the “standard” civil ceremony is a relatively short administrative process, the emotions and the setting are anything but ordinary.
This guide provides everything you need to know to navigate the County Clerk’s process while ensuring your wedding day feels like a celebration rather than a government appointment.
1. The Booking Process
To get married at City Hall, you must navigate the San Francisco County Clerk’s online reservation system. You will need two distinct appointments.
- The Marriage License: This is your legal authorization to wed. You can book this up to 90 days in advance. Both partners must appear in person at Room 168 with valid legal identification. I recommend doing this at least one day before your ceremony to keep your wedding day stress free.
- The Ceremony Appointment: These slots are available every half hour from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. These are released exactly 90 days out. If you have a specific date in mind, especially a Friday, I recommend booking as soon as the window opens.
2. The Two Hour Coverage Standard
I require a minimum of two hours of coverage for all City Hall weddings. This is not about upselling for its own sake. It is about ensuring we have enough time to capture the full story of your day without a time crunch.
I recommend starting our coverage at the exact time of your appointment. This allows us to document the day in two distinct phases.
Hour One: Documentary, Guests, and Connection
The first hour is focused on the “real” story of your wedding. My role here is a fly on the wall, capturing the authentic interactions between you, your partner, and your guests.
- Anticipation and Check-In: We begin at Room 168. I capture the quiet, joyous, and sometimes nervous energy as you check in and wait for your number to be called. I focus on the candid moments: the nervous laughter, the way you adjust each other’s attire, and the excited whispers among your guests in the hallway.
- The Ceremony: I document the processional to the Rotunda, the exchange of vows, and the first kiss. My focus is not just on the two of you, but also on the reactions of your witnesses and guests as they watch you say “I do.”
- Immediate Celebration: The moments immediately following the ceremony are often the most emotional. I capture the first embraces, the celebratory cheers, and the genuine joy as your guests congratulate you for the first time as a married couple.
- Group Portraits: We conclude the first hour with formal group photos. By capturing these early, we ensure your family and friends are featured in beautiful, high end portraits. Once these are finished, your guests are free to head off to your reception or a local bar to start the celebration while we move into the next phase.
Hour Two: The Editorial Couple’s Session
The second hour is dedicated solely to the two of you. This is our time to utilize the incredible architecture of the building for a dedicated couple’s session.
- The Iconic Shots: We will move through the building to hit the most sought after locations, including the Grand Staircase, the 4th Floor gallery, and the Mayor’s Balcony.
- Style and Direction: This hour is a mix of timeless, editorial portraits and fun, prompted reactions. With the guests already on their way to the party, you can relax and focus entirely on each other. We use this time to create those “larger than life” images that make City Hall so famous.
3. Essential Logistics
| Category | Details |
| Guest Limit | The County Clerk limits civil ceremonies to six guests total. This includes children and your photographer. |
| Fees | Expect to pay approximately $116 for the license and $103 for the ceremony fee directly to the city. |
| Witnesses | You must have at least one witness. If you are eloping alone, I’d be honored to act as your legal witness and sign your license. |
4. Why a City Hall Specialist Matters
City Hall is a public building filled with tourists, government employees, and other wedding parties. An experienced photographer knows how to navigate the crowds and find the pockets of perfect light. Starting our coverage at your appointment time ensures that we capture the full narrative of your experience, from the first check-in to the final portrait on the 4th floor.
5. Beyond the Building
After our two hours together, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of San Francisco. If you are looking for a change of scenery, we can also discuss adding on a sunset session at Sutro Baths or turning your wedding day into a full-day adventure, with me as your third wheel.
Ready to secure your date at San Francisco City Hall?
Inquire about availability and view my full portfolio here.
