Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall: Tips, Inspiration, and the Best Photo Spots
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s 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, it’s one of the most beautiful places to say “I do” in the Bay Area.
Whether you’re planning a simple civil ceremony or something more custom, here’s everything you need to know about getting married at SF City Hall—plus 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 Monday–Friday during business hours), or a private ceremony in one of the building’s 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 quickly—especially Fridays and “cute” calendar dates.
Mornings tend to be less crowded, but if you want the best light, aim for an early afternoon slot (around 1:30pm–3:30pm).
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.
📍 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 look—perfect 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 couple’s 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 shot—especially if you time it when there’s a quick break in foot traffic.
Outside the Building: The front steps and exterior columns give an iconic San Francisco feel. And if you’re 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 you’re including guests, make sure they know to arrive early—they’ll go through security just like at the airport.
Pack light. There is not a coat check, and you’ll 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 you’re looking for a photographer who can document all the candid, joyful moments while also capturing the architectural magic of City Hall, I’d love to chat. Let’s create something beautiful together.
