Easy Peasy San Francisco City Hall Weddings
A San Francisco City Hall wedding is perfect for modern couples looking to escape all the conventional trappings of a big wedding, for LGBT couples traveling in from out of state to marry, or for anyone who enjoys simplicity and dislikes a fuss.
Just because a San Francisco City Hall wedding is simple, however, doesn’t mean you can just prance in off the street and get married on a whim. (After all, this isn’t Vegas, baby!) If you want to get hitched without a hitch, there are a few things you need to do in order to ensure a smooth process start to finish.
First – Get your Marriage License!
First you’ll need your marriage license – find out how to get it here. The ceremony will NOT be performed unless you present a VALID public or confidential marriage license to the commissioner at the time of your ceremony. If you are unable to do so, you will be required to make another ceremony reservation and pay the ceremony fee again. So basically, remember to bring your License with you because otherwise it’ll be a waste of a good afternoon and a chunk of cash.)
Once again: How to get a San Francisco Marriage License!
Reserve Your Slot
The City Hall offers wedding ceremonies every half hour, from 9:00 to 3:30, Monday through Friday. Your reservation can be made online (pay with Visa or MasterCard) or in person (pay via cash, money order or debit card); the fee is $90. Once you’ve reserved a date no changes can be made and no refunds will be issued, so have your plans nailed down before hitting go!
If you plan to get your marriage license the same day your ceremony is performed, be sure to leave at least thirty minutes between your appointments- that is the waiting period before a San Francisco marriage license can be used. Check-in with your witness(es) at the Information Desk, Room 168, 10 minutes before your appointment time – you must bring at least one (for public marriage licenses) but no more than two witnesses. For the ceremony, you will need to present your marriage license and a valid photo ID.
More Tidbits for San Francisco City Hall Weddings
Other things you should know:
- You can bring a photographer! Please do! *ahem ahem*
- Bring up to 6 guests total, including witnesses, a photographer, and any children. (I have had as many as 30 and definitely seen more guests than that, but I’m a rule breaker! My clients have never gotten in trouble for having more than 6, so I think you’re ok)
- You may supply your own third-party translator if needed. (If you will need the ceremony performed in another language, including ASL, you must make your reservation and the necessary arrangements in person instead of online).
- A certified copy of your marriage record will be available for purchase 2 weeks after your ceremony. Same day and expedited services for certified copies are NOT available. Please plan accordingly.
Celebrating your Wedding
No wedding, City Hall or traditional, is complete without a celebration. At your San Francisco City Hall wedding please plan to wait until you are away from City Hall before breaking out the bubbly, balloons, or birdseed.
City Hall Rental Options
Interested in City Hall Rental Information for you and your loved ones on your wedding day at city hall? Here is a price list to get you started. More up to date details on all these rates here.
One-Hour Weddings – $1,000
Includes private use of the Mayor’s Balcony or a 4th floor gallery for up to one hour Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Two-Hour Weddings – $5,000
Allows for exchanging vows on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda surrounded by friends and family. Saturdays only.
Full-Day Evenings & Weekend Rentals
Rotunda with One Light Court and Second Floor:
1 to 499 Guests – $10,000
Rotunda with Both Light Courts and Second Floor:
1 to 999 Guests $12,500
1,000 to 1,499 Guests $15,000
1,500 to 1,999 Guests $20,000
2,000 to 2,499 Guests $25,000
2,500 to 3,000 Guests $30,000
Rental Hours
Load in can begin at 2:00 pm in the North Light Court and 4:00 pm in all other areas. All events must conclude by midnight with load-out completed by 2:00 am. Evening weddings are not available on Tuesdays.
Good luck and congratulations!
