What It’s Like to Get Married at SF City Hall
Congratulations on your engagement! Are you considering SF City Hall for your wedding venue, but not quite ready to make a decision? I know it’s a little tricky trying to understand how it all works and what the experience is like, so I’m here to help you! I've been photographing weddings at San Francisco City Hall for quite a while, and I absolutely love it. I love the energy of the building, I love the architecture, and most of all, I love how happy couples are when they're there.
But I don’t just love photographing it, my husband and I got married there, too! So let me tell you a little bit about the experience and how it feels to get married at SF City Hall.
When you first step inside the building, you have to go through a security checkpoint. Then as you walk into the main lobby, you’ll see the grand staircase underneath the Rotunda, usually with a bride and groom posing for photos. The building is STUNNING. Look around and marvel at the Beaux-arts architecture! Because it’s a public building, you never know exactly what to expect… some days are bustling with everyone from tourists, other couples getting married, office workers, and government officials walking around, while other times it feels as quiet as a library. The one thing I can always count on at SF City Hall is a special energy or mood in the air. With the other couples getting married there, it always feels like a celebratory, happy space.
Tips for choosing a date for your SF City Hall Wedding:
If you want a quieter experience, book your wedding mid-week on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Holidays, like Valentine’s Day, or lucky-number dates book up fast and are super busy.
Friday afternoons are the busiest times of the week.
Public, civil ceremonies can only be booked 90 days in advance. Booking your appointment is easy and done online. Here is the official link that will guide you through the steps: Book Your Public, Civil Ceremony at SF City Hall
If you’ve opted for a public, civil ceremony, we’ll check in for your ceremony 15 minutes before your booked ceremony time. (You’ll be turned away if you try to check in beforehand) You’ll need to bring an ID for each person, your marriage license, and 1 witness. The check-in process is pretty quick, we might have to wait in the hallway for about 10 minutes, and then you’ll meet your volunteer commissioner who will be performing your ceremony. The commissioners are incredibly kind and warm— I always love meeting them!
From there, the commissioner will tell us to meet them on the second floor at the top of the grand staircase for your short, but sweet, ceremony. There are two couples getting married for every 30-minute timeslot, so it’s highly likely that you’ll see another group nearby. Don’t worry, though, everyone waits respectfully off to the side during the ceremonies.
Once you’ve said your I'-do’s, we celebrate! Give hugs and kisses to your loved ones, take a breath, and enjoy this incredible moment.
Afterward, it’s time for photos! This is when I typically photograph couples with their family and friends. We take about 20 minutes for formal portraits. I love taking group photos on the 4th floor gallery, or I’ll use a spot close by if you have anyone in your family with limited mobility. I promise to make this part quick and easy for any of your camera-shy guests.
Then, depending on the timing of your ceremony and your schedule for your wedding day plans, we’ll either continue with photos of just the two of you around the building for about an hour, or I’ll send you off with a final photo outside at the iconic SF City Hall door.
When I’m taking photos of just the two of you, we’ll go around exploring the different floors of City Hall and my favorite spots for photos. Before your wedding date, I’ll send you a look book of some of my go-to places, so you can choose ahead of time. There are days, however, when we won’t be able to use the 4th floor at all, because private weddings are booked. It’s also important to prioritize places where the lighting is best. I know City Hall like the back of my hand, so I can quickly re-route us and ensure we capture amazing photos wherever we end up. Usually an hour is the perfect amount of time for taking photos around City Hall. From there, we can explore the Plaza outside, hop in an Uber and continue taking photos at another SF location, or I can capture your reception if you’ve planned one. Overall, this is your day, and I want it to feel just the way you’ve imagined.
To make your civil ceremony feel special, here are some things you can do:
Have your guests blow bubbles for your grand exit or wave ribbon wands- they’re colorful, festive, and fun!
Find a quiet space and exchange private vows between you and your partner.
Book a small reception or fabulous meal for two at a San Francisco restaurant. I had the best experience at Wayfare Tavern.
If you love the idea of an SF City Hall wedding but are looking for a personalized ceremony with more guests, book a private, one-hour ceremony!
Appointments have to be booked through the City Hall Events website: Book Your One-Hour Private Ceremony. Your ceremony can take place either at the Mayor’s Balcony or the 4th Floor Gallery, and you may have up to 100 guests and are allowed acoustic music from one of City Hall’s preferred vendors.
The Mayor’s Balcony is on the second floor and overlooks the grand staircase. The views are incredible, and you feel like you’re right in the middle of all the action. If you want more privacy, book the 4th Floor Gallery where you’ll be above all the hustle and bustle.
I hope this helps you in your decision-making process! I’m always happy to discuss options and ideas further with you. I love helping couples create their wedding day plans! Please contact me if you’d like to hear more! Email me at alyse@alysepanitz.com or fill out my contact form.