If you're thinking about getting married at San Francisco City Hall, first of all - great choice. It's one of the most beautiful wedding venues in California, and you don't need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to have an incredible wedding day.

I photograph City Hall weddings every week, so I wanted to put together a simple guide that answers the questions I get asked the most.

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Step 1: Get Your Marriage License

Before your wedding day, you'll need a California marriage license.

You'll make an appointment with the San Francisco County Clerk, and both of you will need to be there in person with a valid photo ID. The appointment is quick and easy.

Your marriage license is valid for 90 days, so you don't need to rush - just make sure it's still valid on your wedding day.

Step 2: Book Your Ceremony

Once you have your license, you can reserve your ceremony at San Francisco City Hall.

The ceremony itself is short (usually around 3–5 minutes), but don't let that fool you - it still feels incredibly special. You'll exchange vows in one of the gorgeous rotundas surrounded by marble staircases and beautiful natural light.

The marriage license is usually around $120, and the civil ceremony is about $100.

Do We Need a Witness?

Yes - if you're getting a public marriage license, you'll need one witness.

The good news? If you're planning an intimate wedding or elopement, I can be both your photographer and your witness. Many of my couples are traveling to San Francisco just for their wedding, so this ends up being super convenient.

What Does the Timeline Look Like?

I usually recommend arriving about 10–15 minutes before your ceremony to check in, and avoid feeling rushed.

After your ceremony, we'll continue taking portraits throughout the building while you're still soaking in all the excitement of being newly married.

Can We Take Photos Around San Francisco After?

Absolutely! And honestly... I think this is one of the best parts.

After City Hall, we can head to another location and create a completely different look for your gallery.

Some of my favorite spots are:

• Palace of Fine Arts

• Baker Beach

• Crissy Field

• Golden Gate Bridge

• Embarcadero

• Alamo Square

• The Presidio

I'll Help With More Than Just Photos

One thing my couples always tell me is how much they appreciated having someone guide them through the process.

Before your wedding, I'll send you everything you need:

• the exact meeting location,

• the best place to park,

• outfit recommendations,

• a personalized mood board,

• posing inspiration,

• and a custom timeline for the day.

You won't have to wonder where to go or what to do - I’ll walk you through everything.

My goal isn't just to take beautiful photos. I want your wedding day to feel relaxed, fun, and completely stress-free, so you can focus on what really matters: marrying your favorite person.

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