How to get Married at San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall is known as the People’s Palace, it is one of the most gorgeous city halls in the U.S. and it’s a historical landmark, with its grand staircase and marble walls and floors and huge pilers it is a beautiful place to say “I Do”! San Francisco City Hall should definitely be at the top of your list of places to get married in San Francisco. The classic architecture provides excellent shooting locations. City Hall offers one-hour wedding packages making it easy on my elopers. I highly recommend booking the last ceremony time slot on a weekday. That way we’ll have plenty of time to wander around the building and get some artistic shots before your ceremony.
Requirements to get married at San Francisco City Hall.
Things you need to know:
Any unmarried person 18 years or older with a valid photo I.D. is permitted to marry at San Francisco’s City Hall. Destination weddings are common here and international folks are welcome to exchange vows, so no need to be a U.S. citizen!
You’ll have to make appointments for your special day! It’s best to make your appointments around 90 days before your nuptials, this is also the soonest you are able to reserve dates. Fridays are the busiest, so if you have plans for a Friday afternoon wedding at City Hall, definitely try and be the first to reserve your desired time slot. Appointments are first come first serve, the last ceremony slot of the day is best in my opinion so we can explore the City Hall and get some amazing photos after the crowds of the day have left.
You can access City Hall’s online booking platform here. It is best to book the ceremony appointment before the marriage license appointment in case you want to take care of them the same day.
My favorite floor of San Francisco City Hall for a small intimate wedding is the top floor balcony. It’s absolutely beautiful with the most privacy. I suggest chair rentals and hiring a musician to make your wedding day feel relaxed and special.
Packages Offered by SF City Hall:
This option is the simplest and most cost-effective way to get married at San Francisco City Hall. Booking a one-hour wedding is a great option for couples looking for more flexibility in their day as you’ll have plenty of time to explore other locations or celebrate with loved ones.
Cost - $1,000 rental fee through City Hall
Availability - Monday through Friday from 9-3 PM (note - City Hall is open to the public during this time)
Locations - Mayor’s Balcony or Fourth Floor Gallery
Guest Limit - Up to 100 guests (chair rental is an additional fee)
The One-hour Wedding package includes insurance and basic building services.
Two Hour- Wedding
The two-hour wedding package allows you to completely buy out the city hall. This option provides complete privacy for your day and is great for weddings with larger guest lists. Weddings in this package take place on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda, one of the hall’s most beautiful features!
Cost - $5,000 rental
Availability - Saturdays only from 9-12 PM-two hours maximum time.
Locations - Grand Staircase of the Rotunda
Guest Limit - Up to 200 guests (includes chair rentals & building services)
Please note City Hall does not provide an officiant or manage marriage licenses and certificates.
If you are looking for a completely customized wedding package, the evening wedding package is the best option. This package allows for more privacy as well, celebrate under the golden dome! Exchange vows on the Grand Staircase, enjoy a cocktail reception in our inviting North Light Court and treat your guests to an unforgettable night of dinner and dancing in the magnificent Rotunda. Cost - See the website for rental rates
Availability - City Hall remains open to the public M-F 8-8 though areas can be privatized during this time for special events. Tuesday evening rental is not available
Guest Limit - Up to 2,000 guests
Marriage License:
The City Hall Events Office does not handle any of the legal aspects of your wedding in City Hall, including providing an officiant or managing marriage licenses and certificates.
As marriage is managed at the County level, local clients may procure a marriage license from, and schedule an officiant through, the Office of the County Clerk for the City and County of San Francisco.
You may also utilize an officiant from your family, friend circle or faith community, according to marriage officiant guidelines from the State of California.
Clients traveling to San Francisco for a wedding can work with their local County Clerk to procure a marriage license. Please note that your marriage certificate must be filed with the same County from which you received your license.
Some of my favorite SF City Hall Elopement Days are the one’s where I get to be there from start to finish, getting to meet you at your getting ready hotel, to the ceremony, reception at your favorite restaurant after, and adventuring around the city at sunset for golden gate photos. Let’s Make your elopement day unique, meaningful, and fun!
Some of my favorite post-ceremony reception restaurants:
Leo’s oyster bar- The cutest restaurant ever with some of the BEST food and cocktails. Their caviar app with the oyster appetizer is to die for!
Foreign Cinema- Beautiful outdoor space with vintage movies playing
Wayfair Tavern- right around the street from Leo’s! adorable private rooms that look like libraries.
Favorite hotels for getting ready:
Beacon Grand ( previously sir Francis drake)
Downtown, classic architecture.
Funky cool, wallpaper, floral couches, green bar.
Hotel Emblem -
While the rooms are simple, this has some of the BEST views and the coolest vinyl decor.
I like this hotel for the views outside the hotel, can walk down to the bridge, and beautiful views.
outside of the city.
JFK and Marilyn stayed at the penthouse here. private balcony, tiled pool table room, and library of my dreams.
the prettiest ceilings around.
The best spots for your sunset couples portraits :
Pier 7- city vibe overlooking the water.
Shakespeare Garden
Bakers beach
Conservatory of flowers
Memorial court outside of city hall
Civic Center plaza outside of city hall
Nob Hill area - great city views
North Beach - small vibrant ally ways, a great place to grab an ice cream or pizza or hop on a trolly.
Battery Spencer - for golden gate views.
More info about getting married in San Francisco:
Camila and Greg Eloped this week at Garrapata Beach. When Hwy 1 had a rock slide a week ago we had to quickly pivot away from their original plan of getting married in the redwoods. They found an incredible Airbnb at Ribera Beach where they had their first look and ceremony. From there we adventured down the coast with an impromptu cheesecake on the hood of their rented vintage Thunderbird. They were both so full of joy and love it was infectious.