Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall: Tips, Inspiration, and the Best Photo Spots
If youâre dreaming of a wedding thatâs equal parts iconic, intimate, and effortlessly chic, San Francisco City Hall might be the perfect setting. With its sweeping staircases, soaring ceilings, and soft natural light, itâs one of the most beautiful places to say âI doâ in the Bay Area.
Whether youâre planning a simple civil ceremony or something more custom, hereâs everything you need to know about getting married at SF City Hallâplus a few photography tips to make the most of your time there.
How to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall offers two main options: a standard civil ceremony (held MondayâFriday during business hours), or a private ceremony in one of the buildingâs reserved spaces. Civil ceremonies are quick (about 5 minutes) and held at the top of the grand staircase or in the Rotunda.
Tips for booking:
Appointments open up 90 days in advance, and time slots fill quicklyâespecially Fridays and âcuteâ calendar dates.
Mornings tend to be less crowded, but if you want the best light, aim for an early afternoon slot (around 1:30pmâ3:30pm).
Make sure to book both your marriage license appointment and your ceremony through the official City Hall site.
The Best Lighting at SF City Hall
San Francisco City Hall is known for its soft, flattering natural light, thanks to its enormous windows and white stone walls. That said, not all floors are created equal when it comes to light.
đ The 4th Floor is hands-down the prettiest for portraits. With floor-to-ceiling windows, bright marble walls, and fewer crowds, it offers a clean, editorial lookâperfect for candid moments and elegant poses.
My Favorite Photo Spots at City Hall
As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I love capturing moments that feel natural and reflective of the coupleâs vibe. These are a few of my favorite locations inside (and just outside) the building:
The Elevator: Yes, the brass elevators! They're tucked away and often overlooked, but they add a vintage, cinematic feel that I love.
Window Light on the 4th Floor: Perfect for romantic, editorial-style portraits. The light here is so good, it looks like a studio.
The Grand Staircase: A classic spot for a wide, sweeping shotâespecially if you time it when thereâs a quick break in foot traffic.
Outside the Building: The front steps and exterior columns give an iconic San Francisco feel. And if youâre up for a walk, we can head across the street to Civic Center Plaza for a wider city backdrop.
A Few Final Tips
Bring your marriage license and valid IDs to your appointment. The check-in process moves quickly!
If youâre including guests, make sure they know to arrive earlyâtheyâll go through security just like at the airport.
Pack light. There is not a coat check, and youâll want to move freely for photos.
Want more photos afterward? I often take couples for a quick photo stroll to Hayes Valley or the nearby War Memorial Opera House for some extra variety.
Ready to plan your City Hall wedding?
If youâre looking for a photographer who can document all the candid, joyful moments while also capturing the architectural magic of City Hall, Iâd love to chat. Letâs create something beautiful together.
