How to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall
Your Ultimate Guide to San Francisco City Hall Weddings
Planning to get married at one of the most iconic city halls in the world? Look no further—this guide has everything you need to know. It's the most current and comprehensive resource available. With years of experience photographing SF City Hall weddings, we’ve got you covered.
Last Updated: November 2024
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San Francisco City Hall is one of the most elegant and iconic places to tie the knot. Whether you're planning a small, intimate ceremony or something grander, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, step-by-step, to make your wedding day unforgettable. From logistics to tips for the best photos, here’s how to make your City Hall wedding smooth and stress-free.
1. Obtain Your Marriage License
Before you can say “I do,” you’ll need a marriage license.
Cost: $120
Where: San Francisco City Hall, Room 168
When: Monday – Friday, 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM
How: Book your appointment online through the County Clerk’s website.
You can schedule your license appointment for the same day as your ceremony, but it’s best to get it ahead of time to streamline your wedding day. Remember, the license expires after 90 days, so your ceremony must occur within that timeframe.
2. Choose Your Ceremony Type
San Francisco City Hall offers two main types of ceremonies and four total:
Public Civil Ceremony
Cost: $103
Where: The Rotunda, at the top of the grand staircase.
When: Monday – Friday, every half hour from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
Guests: Limited to six people (including your witness).
CHECK-IN: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your ceremony reservation (we recommend more than 15 minutes as traffic & parking conditions can change in a flash), check in at the Information Desk in Room 168
CEREMONY LOCATION: Rotunda
GUESTS: Six permitted, including witness
BRING: Witness, marriage license, valid IDs for both of you
Getting your marriage license the same day as your ceremony? Public civil ceremony appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Reserve your appointment up to 90 days in advance. You must present your wedding license at the time of the ceremony. If you are getting your license the same day as the ceremony, schedule your license appointment at least an hour before your ceremony appointment.
This is the most popular option for couples. The ceremony lasts about 6 minutes and is officiated by a volunteer judge. Up to three couples may share the same half-hour time slot, making the atmosphere lively and celebratory.
4th Floor South Gallery
Private Ceremony
Cost: $1,000 for a one-hour ceremony.
Where: Choose from the Mayor’s Balcony, Fourth Floor North Gallery for weekday ceremonies (or South Gallery, not recommended).
Guests: Up to 100 guests for one-hour ceremonies.
HOW: Call (415) 554-6079
WHEN: Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm
TWO-HOUR Saturday WEDDINGS
Cost: $5,000 for a two-hour morning building reservation.
Where: Grand Staircase.
Guests: Up to 200 guests.
HOW: Call (415) 554-6079
WHEN: Saturday at 9am – 11am or 12p - 2pm
Our Two-hour Wedding package offers the occasion of exchanging vows on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda surrounded by family and friends. This $5,000 package is offered on Saturdays only, with the earliest ceremony beginning at 9:00 am and the latest beginning at 12:00 noon. Visit our Two-hour Weddings page for more information.
EVENINGS & WEEKENDS
Rental rates include basic building services, but do not include labor, insurance, equipment, security and other charges. See Fees & Expenses for more information.
City Hall remains open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, though areas can be privatized for special event use during those hours. Due to regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Supervisors, evening weddings are not possible on Tuesdays.
North Light Court load-in begins at 2:00 pm. Load-in to all other areas begins at 4:00 pm. Guest event must conclude by 12:00 midnight. Load-out must finish by 2:00 am.
Private ceremonies offer more flexibility, exclusivity, and time for photos. You must provide your own officiant, as City Hall does not supply one for private ceremonies.
3. Plan Your Wedding Day Details
Timing Tips
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid stress from unexpected delays (traffic and parking can be challenging).
For the best experience, choose a midweek morning ceremony to avoid crowds.
Guest List
Public civil ceremonies allow up to six guests, including your witness.
Private ceremonies can accommodate larger groups.
Parking and Transportation
The Civic Center Parking Garage, across from City Hall, is a convenient option. The entrance is on McAllister Street.
TIP: There are EV charging stations on the first level right next to the elevators and usually have available spots.
Public transportation options include BART (Civic Center Station) or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
4. Capture Stunning Photos
City Hall offers endless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photos. Top locations include:
Grand Staircase: A dramatic spot for portraits.
Rotunda: Perfect for wide-angle shots.
Fourth Floor Gallery: Known for its soft, natural light and architectural beauty.
Mayor’s Balcony: Offers sweeping views of the Rotunda.
Entire Gallery Side of Building: Photographed from the opposite side, this is my favorite when lit for dramatic effect. See lit example below.
Pro Tip: Schedule time for photos outside City Hall. Nearby landmarks like The Palace of Fine Arts or even the Golden Gate Bridge can add variety to your wedding album. Shh… we have other secrete outside locations, just ask us.
5. Celebrate Your Marriage
After your ceremony, celebrate with a reception at one of San Francisco’s incredible restaurants or venues. Many couples opt for private dining rooms to keep the intimate vibe going, one that comes to mind for a reception of under 30 is the entire downstairs of Alexander Steak House which is a private room that has one wall against the illuminated wine case which is a beautiful backdrop.
Here are a few more iconic private lunch & dinner reception options in San Francisco.
La Societe Cafe
Wayfare Tavern
Foreign Cinema outdoor and indoor option
Lazy Bear
Del Popolo outdoor and indoor option
Starbell
25 Lusk up to 35 guests for private dining
Spruce up to 40 guests
Stable Cafe outdoor option
Proper Hotel with four different options and amazing interiors
6. Costs at a Glance
Here’s a quick summary of costs for your City Hall wedding:
Marriage License: $120
Civil Ceremony (Public): $103
Private One-Hour Ceremony: $1,000
Private Two-Hour Ceremony: $5,000
Evening and weekend weddings have custom pricing based on the space and duration.
Final Thoughts
A San Francisco City Hall wedding is a perfect blend of elegance, intimacy, and urban charm. By following this guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan a stress-free and memorable day. Whether you’re drawn to the grand staircase or the quiet beauty of the Fourth Floor Gallery, City Hall provides an incredible setting for your love story.
Have questions or need help planning? As someone who’s captured many weddings here, I’d love to guide you through the process. Let’s make your City Hall wedding everything you’ve dreamed of!
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