If you’re dreaming of a simple, beautiful wedding, it’s hard to beat San Francisco City Hall. It’s elegant, stress-free, and one of my favorite places to photograph. Over the years, I’ve photographed couples who traveled from Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Seattle, and even England just to get married here. Some came with family, while others made the trip with just the two of them, turning their wedding into a day spent exploring San Francisco together.

Classic City Hall civil ceremony.

One of the most common weddings I photograph is the classic City Hall civil ceremony . It’s perfect if you’re looking for something intimate and uncomplicated. Most couples either come by themselves or bring just a few loved ones. If it’s just the two of you, you’ll need one witness for a public marriage—and I’m always happy to be that witness. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of the day.

Before booking, there’s one thing many couples don’t realize: your marriage license appointment and your ceremony reservation are two separate appointments, so don’t forget to reserve both. You can book your marriage ceremony through the San Francisco County Clerk reservation system, and if you only need a marriage license appointment, you can reserve it separately through the Marriage License Appointment page.

The standard civil ceremony is designed to be intimate. You’re allowed up to six guests, and that total includes your photographer, videographer, children, and witnesses. If you’re having a public marriage, one witness is required.

On your wedding day, you’ll go through security and then check in at the County Clerk’s office. You’ll take a number and wait until you’re called into the office. Only the couple and one witness go inside to sign the paperwork, and photography isn’t allowed during this part of the process. Once everything is signed, you’ll head upstairs for your ceremony, which usually lasts about ten minutes. It’s simple, sweet, and before you know it, you’re married.

Because the ceremony moves fairly quickly, unfortunately the officiant doesn’t allow your personal vows there, so I suggest your leave them for our photo shoot. Once we’re finished, we have the beautiful halls of City Hall to ourselves for portraits, and that’s when I love finding a quiet corner where the two of you can read your vows privately. Those moments are always some of my favorites to photograph because there’s no audience, no rush, and you can simply enjoy being together.

My favorite City Hall spots

After photographing so many weddings here, I’ve developed a little route through City Hall that gives us the best variety of photos. Of course, we always start at the iconic Grand Staircase. Then we’ll make our way up to the fourth floor, where the light can be absolutely magical. If we’re lucky, the afternoon sun creates the most beautiful shadows across the hallways. I even love sneaking a few photos while we’re riding the historic elevators between floors. The second floor is another favorite because of its enormous windows and soft natural light, and we always finish outside the main entrance. If you’re up for a short walk, we’ll wander over to the front gates and nearby crosswalks for those classic San Francisco street photos that feel straight out of a movie.

City Hall Weddings with more than 6 guests

Not every City Hall wedding is just the two of you. Many couples choose to rent one of the private ceremony spaces, like the Mayor’s Balcony or the Fourth Floor Gallery. These private rentals give you an hour for your ceremony, allow for a much larger guest list, and let you personalize the experience with your own officiant, live musicians, chairs, and décor.

When I photograph these larger celebrations, we usually begin with the ceremony, followed by family portraits while everyone is together. Once the family heads off to relax or make their way to the reception, I spend some quiet time with just the couple exploring City Hall for portraits. One tradition I absolutely love is ending with everyone gathered outside the front entrance, tossing flower petals as the newlyweds walk out of City Hall together.

Exploring the City

One of my favorite things about San Francisco elopements is that the wedding doesn’t have to end when you leave City Hall. In fact, that’s when the adventure usually begins. Some of my couples head to the Golden Gate Bridge, stop along California Street for cable car photos, wander through the city, enjoy lunch together, or watch the sunset by the water. Couples often tell me afterward that it felt less like a wedding schedule and more like the best day they’d ever spent together.

If you’re celebrating with family afterward, there are some wonderful waterfront restaurants for lunch, dinner, or a reception. A few of my favorites are Waterbar, Coqueta, Greens Restaurant, and Angler. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner for two or a celebration with family, they’re all beautiful places to continue the day.

The best part about getting married at San Francisco City Hall is that there isn’t just one way to do it. Whether it’s just the two of you exchanging vows before exploring the city together, or a larger celebration with family followed by dinner on the waterfront, your wedding can be exactly what you want it to be. And that’s what makes City Hall so special.