San Francisco City Hall is one of those places that stays with you. There’s a magic to the way its grand architecture meets the personal moments shared inside its marble walls. For Stella & Adrian — visiting from Southern California — this venue offered the perfect contrast to their engagement shoot in Palos Verdes. The dramatic ocean cliffs they had embraced during our earlier shoot gave way to marble staircases and sunlit domes, lending a classic, urban backdrop to their intimate wedding.

Built in 1915, City Hall is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece with a grand rotunda, soaring ceilings, and beautiful natural light. Whether you’re an eloping couple or planning a small wedding, it provides a romantic yet approachable venue. Despite the building’s daily bustle—filled with other weddings, curious tourists, and city employees—it’s possible to carve out moments of stillness. That’s what we did on a lively Friday afternoon: amidst the hum of other celebrations, we captured their love story one step, one laugh, and one kiss at a time.

We started the day with detail shots, focusing on the bouquet handcrafted by the bride’s mom. These personal touches often go overlooked, but I believe they’re what make a smaller wedding feel meaningful. I also captured their rings, outfits, and accessories—intimate moments that anchor the story in something tangible and real.

Their ceremony was a quick, five-minute affair, held beneath the rotunda at the top of the grand staircase. The judge had a way of making the moment light and fun, cracking jokes as they exchanged vows, which brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Even though it was short, it didn’t lack excitement or emotion. Family members stood close by, fully present in the moment—exactly how an intimate wedding should feel.

Afterward, we made use of City Hall’s four levels, taking photos on the grand staircase, in marble hallways, and on the sunlit second-floor balconies. It’s a photographer’s dream, with its elegant symmetry and play of light and shadow. Despite the day being busy, we were able to time things just right, capturing some of the most iconic spots, including the staircase, without anyone else in the frame.

Our final moments outside the building were framed by golden hour. The sun dipped behind the dome, casting a soft glow that wrapped the couple in perfect light. Their family gathered around them for a small “grand exit,” with hugs, smiles, and hands in the air. These quieter celebrations feel so much more personal—proof that you don’t need a massive event to create lasting memories.

San Francisco City Hall has a way of making every wedding feel monumental, no matter the size. Whether you’re eloping or planning a small ceremony, it’s the kind of venue where every moment feels special. The elegant architecture complements the intimacy, giving couples space to be fully present with each other and their closest loved ones. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s simple, beautiful, and deeply personal, City Hall might be exactly what you’re looking for.