If you're dreaming of a wedding that’s elegant, iconic, and easy to plan—look no further than San Francisco City Hall. As a San Francisco native and seasoned wedding photographer, I can confidently say: there’s nothing quite like it. From its stunning architecture to the soft glow of midday light pouring through the rotunda, this historic landmark sets the stage for timeless photos and heartfelt vows.
San Francisco City Hall opened in 1915 and remains one of the most beautiful examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the country. Its dome—taller than the U.S. Capitol Building—soars nearly 307 feet into the sky, and the grand staircase, ornate balconies, and polished marble make every visit feel cinematic. Over the years, it has been the site of both historical events and thousands of weddings.
In the wake of the pandemic, when many couples turned to intimate weddings and elopements, SF City Hall’s popularity soared—and for good reason. It offers the grandeur of a cathedral with the convenience of a courthouse.
Whether you’re planning a quiet weekday elopement or a more formal ceremony with loved ones, City Hall provides an experience that feels personal, stunning, and absolutely celebratory.
Breathtaking Architecture – With its marble columns, gold accents, and iconic dome, every corner is a backdrop worthy of your love story.
Flexible Ceremony Options – Choose from a simple civil ceremony (just 5 minutes!) or reserve one of the building’s dramatic spaces like the Mayor’s Balcony or 4th Floor Gallery for a longer private ceremony.
Full Venue Buyouts – Want the entire building to yourselves? After-hours rentals allow you to book the full rotunda for a private evening or weekend wedding. It’s perfect for couples who want a grand yet intimate celebration without the weekday crowds.
Perfect for Intimate Gatherings – Elopements and small weddings shine here. It’s romantic, effortless, and truly unforgettable.
Booking a wedding at SF City Hall is relatively straightforward, but there are a few options that are important to distinguish between:
Civil Ceremonies - Held Monday through Friday during business hours. You’ll book both a marriage license appointment and your ceremony via the SF County Clerk’s website. Civil Ceremonies are perfect for intimate weddings and elopements with up to 6 guests, and are extremely affordable too – the County Clerk's Office lists all fees on their website, with $111 as the fee for Civil Ceremonies. You'll be matched with an available officiant to do a quick 5-minute ceremony at a preset location (typically the second floor Rotunda). Although it's probably the quickest ceremony you'll ever experience, in my experience, SF city hall officiants have all been very professional and pleasant to work with.
Private Rentals - Want more time and space? Private venue rentals are available through the San Francisco City Hall Events Office (not the SF County Clerk). An important point of dinstinction is that Private Rentals are entirely separate from the Civil Ceremonies provided by the County Clerk's Office, and County Clerk officiant would not be available for private ceremonies. Private Rentals are similar to traditional venue rentals – you'll need to make your own arrangements, including an officiant, musicians, floral installations and decorations.
A 1-hour reservation is available for up to 100 guests, weekdays during normal business hours only, on either the Mayor's Balcony (2nd Floor) across the rotunda, or the 4th Floor Gallery. Fees start at $1000 + equipment rental fees (chairs for guests). You'll have private access to your specific ceremony area, but common areas will be shared between all visitors since this is during business hours.
A 2-hour reservation is also available for up to 200 guests, Saturdays between 9:00am and 12:00pm only on the grand staircase and rotunda. Fees start at $5000, including chairs and insurance. Since this falls on a weekend, you'll have a far more private experience with a central, grand staircase ceremony.
Full Venue Buyouts: For full privacy and exclusivity, City Hall offers evening and weekend buyouts that include the entire rotunda. These events must also be arranged through the Events Office and are ideal for larger, more formal celebrations. Rental fees start at $10,000, plus administrative, security, and other labor and service fees, bringing the minimum venue expense closer to $15,000 or $20,000.
Plan Early – Civil Ceremonies are extremely popular and book out very early. Private rentals will also have longer minimum required lead times. Plan well in advance.
Ideal Lighting – City Hall is beautiful all day, but the best light indoors is typically late morning to early afternoon when a higher sun angle provides more light to fill the space, creating a cinematic, dreamy vibe to all your wedding photos.
Plan Around the Crowd – You’ll likely be sharing the space with other couples—it’s part of the charm! I’m skilled at finding creative, crowd-free angles and capturing your moments with intimacy. If you're looking for less of a crowd, peak wedding season is in the summer and fall – winter and spring may provide better results for a more intimate wedding experience.
Parking – Your best bet is the Civic Center Plaza Garage located just across the street (355 McAllister St). Rates typically run around $4 to $7 per hour, depending on time of day, which isn't too bad, considering how this is in downtown SF.
With over 200 weddings under my belt and deep roots in the Bay Area, I offer far more than just photography:
Planning Guidance – Need help with timing, outfits, or logistics? I’ll help build a timeline, scout photo spots, and offer tips on navigating the day smoothly.
Expert Posing – You don’t have to be a model—I’ll guide you every step of the way to help you look and feel your absolute best.
Personal Approach – I am personally invested in your experience and want to make this day easy, beautiful, and fun for you both.
San Francisco City Hall weddings are some of my absolute favorites—they’re filled with joy, elegance, and heartfelt simplicity. If you’re considering saying your vows at SF City Hall, I’d be honored to help you make it as memorable and meaningful as it deserves to be.
Ready to Begin? Reach out to inquire about San Francisco City Hall wedding photography packages or date availability. I'm excited to connect with you soon!
The easiest airport to fly into is San Francisco International Airport (SFO) — just about a 20–30 minute drive or BART ride into the city. If you're arriving from the East Coast or internationally, SFO offers a wide range of direct flights and rental car services.
Other Nearby Options:
OAK (Oakland International Airport) – Sometimes cheaper, just across the Bay with BART access.
SJC (San Jose International Airport) – A bit farther, but worth checking if you're exploring more of Northern California.
There are many fantastic hotel options just minutes from City Hall – here are a few:
Fairmont San Francisco – 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco - 600 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
The St. Regis San Francisco - 125 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Omni San Francisco Hotel - 500 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Prefer a more local vibe? Consider a stylish Airbnb in the Mission District or Pacific Heights for a more residential experience.
San Francisco is an incredible place to turn your wedding day into a full experience. While you're here:
Stroll through Golden Gate Park
Take a cable car up to Nob Hill
Visit Alamo Square and the iconic Painted Ladies
Explore Chinatown, the Ferry Building, or a romantic dinner in North Beach
As your photographer, I’m happy to help build out a mini itinerary with photo-friendly spots for your portraits—or even help extend your session into a full-day city adventure!