UPDATED FEBRUARY 2025

Your Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall

Couple kissing beneath the ornate dome ceiling at San Francisco City Hall.

San Francisco City Hall is more than just a building—it’s a stunning landmark that is the perfect setting for your wedding. There is a reason why everyone, whether locally or from abroad, gets married here. Whether you’re having a civil ceremony, planning an intimate private event, or hosting a grand celebration with a full weekend buyout, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about making your San Francisco City Hall wedding vision come true.

The Basics of Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall’s stunning architecture creates a timeless and beautiful backdrop for your wedding. Located in the heart of San Francisco, the venue provides flexibility for all types of celebrations. From the iconic Rotunda to the exclusive Fourth Floor galleries, you’ll find the perfect spot to say “I do.”

1. Civil Ceremony

Civil wedding ceremony at San Francisco City Hall with family gathered around the couple.

A civil ceremony at City Hall is a popular choices for couples seeking a simple yet beautiful wedding. It’s affordable, stress-free, and still gives you the opportunity to marry in one of San Francisco’s most iconic venues.

How to Book a Civil Ceremony

1. Marriage License:
Before anything else, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the County Clerk’s Office at City Hall (Room 168).

Cost: $124 (as of July 2024).
Appointments: Required—book your license appointment online.
Timing: You can apply up to 90 days before your wedding.
For More Information: click here

💡 Pro Tip: Get your marriage license a couple of days before your ceremony so that there’s one less thing to think about on your ceremony day.

2. Ceremony Appointment:
Once you’ve secured your license, book your ceremony appointment.

Cost: $108 for weekdays (as of July 2024)
Times: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM.
Guests: Civil ceremonies allow up to six guests, including your photographer and witness. You can ask additional guests to witness your ceremony from a distance and they can join you afterwards.
Cost for Weekends, Holidays, Offsite: $327
See all fees here.

💡 Pro Tip: Appointments can be booked 90 days in advance from your desired wedding date. Ceremony appointments are available every half hour between 9 am and 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

3. Location:
Most civil ceremonies take place on the grand Rotunda stairs, right beneath the dome. Other areas may be used if the Rotunda is busy.

What to Expect on the Day

Check-In: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in at the County Clerk’s Office.
Officiant: A City Hall judge will officiate your ceremony.
Duration: The ceremony itself is short and sweet, lasting about 5-10 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: To avoid crowds and get the best photos, book a morning slot—preferably on a weekday (Tuesdays and Thursdays are the least busiest).

2. Private 1-Hour Ceremony

Couple smiling toward their family and friends during a private one-hour wedding ceremony at San Francisco City Hall.

If you’re dreaming of a more personalized experience, San Francisco City Hall offers private one-hour ceremonies. This option gives you exclusive use of a designated space for you and your guests.

How to Book a Private 1-Hour Ceremony

1. Choose Your Ceremony Space:
Options include:

Mayor’s Balcony: Overlooks the Rotunda and Grand Staircase, with a stunning view of City Hall’s dome.
Fourth Floor North or South Galleries: These airy, light-filled spaces provide privacy and gorgeous views.

2. Reserve Your Slot:

Cost: $1,000
Times: Available Monday–Friday during City Hall’s operating hours.

What’s Included in the Private 1-Hour Ceremony?

Privacy: Your selected space is closed to the public during your reservation.
Guest Limit: Up to 100 guests are welcome.
Custom Ceremony: Bring your own officiant or request one through City Hall.
Read more about 1 hour ceremonies here.

💡 Pro Tip: A private ceremony allows time for personal vows, a more intimate atmosphere, and capturing every moment without onlookers.

3. Weekend Buyout

Couple kissing on the grand staircase during a weekend wedding at San Francisco City Hall.

For couples planning a lavish celebration, a weekend buyout of San Francisco City Hall transforms this landmark into your very own private wedding venue. This option is ideal for large-scale weddings, receptions, and events.

How to Plan a Weekend Buyout

1. Contact the Events Team:
Reach out to the San Francisco City Hall Events Office for availability and details. Weekend buyouts are highly sought-after, so plan well in advance.

2. Cost:

Starting at $10,000, with additional fees depending on your event needs, number of guests, and customizations.

3. Timing:
Weekend buyouts are typically available outside of City Hall’s normal business hours, ensuring complete exclusivity.

Note: 2 Hour Wedding Ceremonies are only available on Saturdays. Read more about them here.

What’s Included in a Weekend Buyout?

Exclusive Access: You’ll have the entire building to yourself.
Customizable Event: Work with the City Hall events team to create a fully tailored experience, from catering to lighting and décor.
Capacity: Host up to 1,000 guests in the grandeur of City Hall.
Read more about Evening Weddings and Rental Fees here

💡 Pro Tip: A professional wedding planner is a must for a buyout. They’ll handle logistics, timelines, and all the moving pieces so you can enjoy every moment.

Photography and Videography Tips

Couple smiling and laughing as they exit San Francisco City Hall after their wedding ceremony.

San Francisco City Hall’s architecture is a photographer’s dream. From the intricate marble details to the natural light pouring in through its skylights, every angle offers something special.

Tips for Stunning Photos:

Timing is Everything: Morning light is ideal for soft, glowing portraits.
Best Spots: Don’t miss the Grand Staircase, the Rotunda, the Fourth Floor Galleries, and the exterior with its iconic dome.
Pets: You’re allowed to bring your pet as long as they’re well-behaved and have good temperament.
Being present with each other is the KEY to getting those candid and emotional photos.
San Francisco City Hall can get crowded with multiple couples sharing or waiting for a certain spot. Keep this in mind as you’re taking newlywed photos after the ceremony- either we’ll skip or go back to a certain spot, depending on how you’re feeling.

Practical Tips for Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding

Parking: Parking can be tricky in the Civic Center area. Consider ride-shares or arranging transportation for guests. Civic Center Garage is the closest parking lot to San Francisco City Hall.
Weather: Even though most of your wedding will be indoors, San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable—layers are always a good idea. It can get warm inside of San Francisco City Hall, especially when we’re moving from floor to floor.
Make It a Day to Remember: Plan a post-ceremony lunch or dinner at one of San Francisco’s renowned restaurants to celebrate with your guests.

Couple smiling at each other beneath an arch inside San Francisco City Hall.

Why San Francisco City Hall is the Perfect Wedding Venue

San Francisco City Hall offers something truly magical: timeless elegance, flexibility for any wedding vision, and a central location in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Whether you’re eloping or hosting a big celebration with all of your friends and family, your wedding will be unforgettable at this historic venue.

Get ready to say “I do” in the heart of San Francisco ⭐

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