San Francisco City Hall is one of the most iconic and elegant places to get married, and one of the simplest. Whether you’re planning an intimate weekday ceremony or a meaningful elopement with just the two of you, City Hall makes the process surprisingly straightforward — as long as you know what to bring and how the day flows.

As a Bay Area wedding photographer who has photographed countless City Hall weddings, I put together this updated 2025 guide to walk you through everything you need: the appointments, the fees, the guest rules, and the details couples often forget. My goal is to make your day feel relaxed, seamless, and full of joy.

Quick Checklist — What You Need to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall

• Marriage license appointment
• Civil ceremony appointment
• Valid photo IDs for both partners
• One witness (unless using a confidential license)
• Rings
• Payment for ceremony + license fees
• Your partner — both must be present
• A photographer who knows City Hall (optional but recommended)

Step 1 — Book Your Marriage License Appointment

You must first schedule a marriage license appointment through the San Francisco County Clerk. This can be on the same day as your ceremony.

What to Bring

• Both partners must attend the appointment in person
• A valid, government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
• Legal names exactly as shown on your ID
• Documentation for legal name changes (if applicable)

Tips for a Smooth Appointment

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early — parking can be unpredictable
• Digital or photocopied IDs are not accepted
• Licenses are valid immediately and for 90 days

Step 2 — Book Your Civil Ceremony Appointment

This is the actual ceremony performed by a City Hall Deputy Marriage Commissioner.

Option 1 — Standard Civil Ceremony

• Cost: approximately $110 (2025)
• Held inside City Hall in designated ceremony spaces
• Ceremony lasts 3–5 minutes
• Scheduled Monday–Friday
• Maximum of 6 people total — this includes your photographer and children

This is perfect for intimate weddings and simple elopements.

Option 2 — Private One-Hour Ceremony

• Space rental starts around $1,200 for weekday weddings
• Locations include the Mayor’s Balcony or the 4th Floor Gallery
• Capacity for up to 100 guests
• More privacy, more time, and more flexibility

These bookings are managed by the City Hall Events Office.

Step 3 — Bring Valid Identification

Your IDs must be:

• Valid (not expired)
• Government-issued
• Matching your names exactly as listed in your application

Accepted IDs

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• State-issued ID
• Military ID

If your name has changed previously, bring proof to avoid delays.

Step 4 — Understand the Witness Requirement

Public Marriage License

• One witness required
• Must be old enough to understand they’re witnessing a marriage
• Must be able to sign their full legal name

While the County Clerk doesn’t always ask for the witness’ ID, I recommend they bring one just in case.

Your witness can be:

• A friend
• A family member
• Or even your photographer (I’ve signed many!)

Confidential Marriage License

• No witness required
• Both partners must be 18
• Only available to California residents

Step 5 — What to Expect on Your Ceremony Day

City Hall weddings are short, sweet, and intimate. Here’s how the day typically flows:

H3: Ceremony Timeline

• Arrive early to find parking
• Check in for your marriage license (if same day)
• Check in for your ceremony
• Wait for your number to be called
• The officiant escorts you to your ceremony location
• Ceremony lasts about 3–5 minutes
• Portraits around City Hall afterward

Best Photo Locations Inside City Hall

As someone who photographs here often, these are my favorite places for timeless portraits:

• Grand Staircase
• 4th Floor Gallery (North & South)
• Mayor’s Balcony (depending on availability)
• North Light Court
• Front steps and the exterior architecture

City Hall is filled with pockets of soft, flattering light — it’s a dream to photograph.

Step 6 — Guest + Photography Rules (2025 Update)

Guest Limits

• Standard civil ceremony: 6 people total
  • This includes everyone — guests, children, and your photographer/videographer

Because this rule is enforced inconsistently, I always recommend planning conservatively to avoid last-minute stress.

Photography Rules

• Flash is allowed
• Tripods and light stands are not allowed during public ceremonies
• Photography is welcome in any publicly accessible space
• Some areas may be temporarily closed for events or maintenance

Best Days and Times to Avoid Crowds at San Francisco City Hall

One of the questions I hear most often is: “When is City Hall the least crowded?” While there’s no way to predict it perfectly, there are definitely patterns that help us choose calmer times.

Best Days of the Week

Based on City Hall wedding photographers’ experience and current crowd patterns:

• Best odds for a quieter experience:
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays
• Often calmer (but can vary):
  Mondays
• Busiest day (try to avoid if you can):
  Fridays, especially afternoons

Weekdays earlier in the week tend to feel more relaxed. Fridays are popular for weddings, tourism, and events, which can make the building feel rushed and crowded.

Best Times of Day to Beat the Crowds

City Hall opens at 8:00 AM, and ceremonies begin around 9:00 AM. Here’s how the day typically feels:

• 8:00–8:30 AM (doors just opened)
  • Often the quietest time of the day
  • Amazing for portraits on the staircase before most people arrive
  • Best on Tuesdays or Wednesdays if you want that “we have the building to ourselves” feeling
• 9:00–10:30 AM (first ceremony slots)
  • Great balance of calmer crowds and relaxed energy
  • Perfect if you want a 9:00 or 9:30 ceremony and portraits before or after
• 12:00–3:00 PM (busiest window)
  • More ceremonies, tourists, and photo sessions
  • You’ll still get beautiful photos, but we may move around a bit more and be flexible with locations
• After 3:30–4:00 PM (late afternoon)
  • Crowds often start to thin again
  • Can be a nice option if you prefer a slower morning and a later ceremony

If your priority is quiet, I usually suggest:

• A weekday, ideally Tuesday or Wednesday
• A 9:00 or 9:30 AM ceremony, with portraits starting around 8:00–8:30 AM
• Or the last ceremony slot of the day with portraits afterward, if evenings feel more like you

Why It’s Still a Bit Unpredictable (and Why That’s OK)

San Francisco City Hall is a working government building and a tourist destination, so sometimes we’ll run into:

• School field trips
• Quinceañera or portrait sessions
• Protests or special events
• Seasonal tourist spikes (holidays, summer)

Because of that, I like to think of timing as “better odds” rather than a promise. The good news is that even on busier days, there are beautiful pockets of light and quieter corners we can use. With a little flexibility (and someone who knows the building well), you can still have a calm, gorgeous City Hall experience.

Step 7 — Updated San Francisco City Hall Wedding Fees (2025)

Service	Approx. Cost (2025)
Public Marriage License	~$127
Standard Civil Ceremony	~$110
Private Ceremony (Weekday 1-Hour)	~ $1,200
Private Ceremony (Saturday 2-Hour)	~ $5,000
Certified Marriage Certificate	$17

Note: Fees change periodically. Always check the official SF County Clerk and City Hall Events websites for the most current amounts.

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Step 8 — What to Bring on Your Wedding Day

Essentials

• IDs
• Rings
• Ceremony confirmation
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A small touch-up kit
• Parking money (meters + garages)

Outfit Colors That Photograph Best at City Hall

City Hall’s neutral architecture pairs beautifully with:

• Black
• White
• Ivory
• Navy
• Emerald
• Champagne
• Earthy neutrals
• Terracotta

Avoid overly neon colors — they can reflect onto skin tones.

Step 9 — How to Get Your Marriage Certificate

After your ceremony, you may want a legal copy for name changes, taxes, and records.

Option 1 — Pick Up in Person

• Fastest method
• Available once your ceremony is officially recorded

Option 2 — Order Online

• Takes about 1–2 weeks
• Delivered by mail

Step 10 — When to Book Your City Hall Wedding

Appointments open 90 days in advance, and popular times fill quickly:

• Fridays
• Mornings (best light for photos)
• Special dates (e.g., 2/24/25, 4/26/26, etc.)

If you want a specific date or the 4th Floor Gallery, book early.

Step 11 — Make It a Full Experience: Getting Ready Photos, Hotel Suites & Vendor Recommendations

Even though San Francisco City Hall weddings are quick and simple, many couples choose to turn the day into a full, memorable experience — and it always photographs beautifully.

Getting ready photos are a lovely way to capture the anticipation and meaning before your ceremony. Whether it’s slipping into your wedding attire, writing vows, sharing a first look, or having a small toast with family, these moments add so much heart to your final gallery.

Book a Hotel or Airbnb Nearby

If you want to elevate your City Hall wedding, consider booking a beautiful hotel suite or Airbnb near Civic Center for getting ready photos.
It gives you:

• Gorgeous, clean backgrounds
• Natural light for makeup and portraits
• A calm, private space before the ceremony
• A place to relax afterward before your celebration

Some couples even turn their City Hall wedding into a mini staycation — which makes the day feel extra special.

I’m always happy to recommend hotel rooms and neighborhoods that photograph the best, depending on your style. Think modern minimal, boudoir-inspired, classic luxury, or something cozy and romantic.

Include Getting Ready Photos

Adding getting ready coverage allows us to capture:

• Detail photos (rings, vows, accessories, perfume, heirlooms)
• The candid excitement of the morning
• Touching moments with family or friends
• Your first look, if you choose to have one
• Portraits before we arrive at City Hall

These images balance beautifully with the architectural elegance of City Hall and help tell a complete story of your day.

I Can Recommend Makeup Artists, Florists, and More

Over the years, I’ve worked with so many talented local vendors.
If you’d like help, I can share recommendations for:

• Makeup artists who specialize in long-lasting, natural beauty
• Hair stylists who work well under tight timelines
• Florists who create elegant, modern bouquets perfect for City Hall
• Restaurants for a post-ceremony brunch or dinner

Anything that helps your day feel more seamless — I’m here for you.

Final Checklist — Everything You Need to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall

• Marriage license appointment
• Civil ceremony appointment
• Valid IDs
• Rings
• One witness (unless confidential license)
• Ceremony + license fees
• A photographer who knows City Hall’s layout and lighting

Planning a City Hall Wedding? I’d Love to Photograph Your Day.

City Hall weddings are some of my absolute favorites — intimate, meaningful, and full of emotion. With years of experience photographing couples at City Hall, I know how to navigate the building, avoid crowds, find incredible light, and make the experience fun and relaxed.