A wedding in the Bay Area often features the most iconic landmarks in California. From the architectural scale of a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall to a luxury stay at the Fairmont Hotel, the city provides a timeless backdrop. My approach as a San Francisco wedding photographer is to document these grand settings while keeping the focus on the people involved.
First Look at the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco
The day began at the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco in Nob Hill. The couple met in the rooftop garden for their first look. This location offers a classic, upscale feel while remaining tucked away from the busy city streets.
While the couple shared this moment, their friends, family, and dog watched from a suite balcony nearby. This allowed for privacy without feeling disconnected from their guests. It was a relaxed way to begin a wedding day at one of the city’s most historic hotels.
After finishing in the garden, we moved inside to utilize the Fairmont’s interior spaces. The ornate architecture and historic hallways provide a sophisticated setting for indoor portraits. These shots highlight the luxury feel of the hotel and offer a quiet contrast to the outdoor greenery. It is an ideal way to capture the elegance of a high end San Francisco wedding before heading to City Hall.
Navigating an SF City Hall Wedding
San Francisco City Hall is a world-class venue, but it is also a busy public building. Before the civil ceremony, we spent time capturing portraits throughout the hallways to make the most of the Beaux-Arts architecture.
However, some of the best moments happened during the downtime. While waiting for their appointment, the couple hung out in the basement cafeteria with their guests. These moments of sharing stories and laughing are just as vital as the formal photos. They provide a realistic look at the day as it actually happened.
The Ceremony: Civil Ceremony in the Rotunda
The official ceremony took place in the Rotunda at the top of the Grand Staircase. The light in this part of the building is excellent for photography and highlights the candid exchanges during the vows.
After the ceremony, we moved to the Fourth Floor North Gallery for formal portraits. This is one of the best photo spots at San Francisco City Hall due to the soft, even light and relative privacy. We also made sure to include the couple’s dog in the family photos so the whole household was represented.
We concluded our time inside by hitting all of the iconic spots throughout the building, making sure to capture the landmark views. These specific images are often the ones couples value most from their San Francisco City Hall wedding. They serve as a timeless record of the day in one of the most beautiful municipal buildings in the world.
Golden Gate Park Portraits at the de Young Museum
We finished the day at Golden Gate Park just as the sun was setting. We visited a specific spot near the de Young Museum where the groom had originally proposed.
Taking portraits in a location with personal history is a great way to conclude a wedding day. The soft blue hour light and the modern lines of the museum created a sharp contrast to the traditional architecture seen earlier in the day.
Book Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
If you are planning a San Francisco City Hall elopement or a full wedding day in the Bay Area, I would love to hear from you. I know the city well and can help you navigate these locations to get the best results.
Contact Ryan Reyes Photography to discuss your San Francisco wedding.
