Top 5 Things to Know When Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall (2025)
- tylerwangphotograp
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
San Francisco City Hall is one of the most iconic places to get married—not just in the Bay Area, but anywhere. Its architecture, natural light, and timeless elegance make it a dream backdrop for your ceremony. But as beautiful as it is, it also comes with its quirks.
Here are the top 5 things to know before your City Hall wedding:
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1. There Are Two Types of Ceremonies—Here’s the Difference
San Francisco City Hall offers two main options for couples getting married, and knowing the details can help you lock in the experience you want:
This is the most popular option: a short, 5-minute legal ceremony conducted by a Deputy Marriage Commissioner. It takes place on the second floor of the rotunda, with ceremonies scheduled every 15–20 minutes—sometimes back-to-back depending on the day’s demand.
💍 Marriage license: $124 Before your ceremony, you’ll need to book a separate appointment to obtain your marriage license. Both of you must be present, and one witness is required to sign the license. Photographers (like me!) can absolutely act as your witness if needed.
Important: Appointments for civil ceremonies and marriage licenses open exactly 90 days in advance, and are released at midnight PST for each weekday. Fridays and late mornings are especially competitive, so be ready to book the moment the calendar refreshes.
Want more privacy, time, and space to enjoy your moment? You can rent one of City Hall’s iconic ceremony spots Monday through Friday:
The Mayor’s Balcony (10am, 12pm, or 2pm)
A Fourth Floor Gallery (9am, 11am, 1pm, or 3pm)
The rental includes:
One hour of private use for up to 100 guests
Optional chair setup (up to 40 seated on the Balcony or 60 seated on the Fourth Floor)
Permission for acoustic music, with up to 2 musicians from a pre-approved list (requires advance approval)
Pro Tip: The Fourth Floor Galleries have some of the best natural light in the building. Combine that with fewer crowds and more time, and you’ve got a perfect setup for dreamy, editorial-style photos.
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2. Know Where to Park—Here’s the Easiest Spot
If you’re driving to City Hall, your best bet is the Civic Center Parking Garage, located directly across the street at 355 McAllister Street. It’s a safe, convenient underground garage and just a quick walk to the front entrance—perfect when you're dressed up or carrying bouquets.
Civic Center Garage Rates:
Midnight–9 AM: $4/hour
9 AM–3 PM: $7/hour
3 PM–10 PM: $4/hour
Daily Maximum / Lost Ticket (up to 24 hours): $36
What about street parking? There is metered street parking around City Hall, but spots are very limited and tend to fill up quickly—especially during the workweek. It’s also subject to strict time limits and street cleaning, so it’s not ideal if you’re planning to be there for more than an hour or two.
Pro Tip: Skip the parking stress and head straight for the garage. Arrive 20–30 minutes early to give yourself time to park, pass through security, and take a breather before your ceremony begins.
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3. Know the Best Times for Light (and Fewer Crowds)
One of the most beautiful parts of getting married at SF City Hall is the natural light—it’s truly a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony or a private rental, timing and location make all the difference in how your photos will look and feel.
Best light: Late morning (around 10 AM–12 PM) is ideal for soft, flattering light throughout the building.
Best floor for photos: The Fourth Floor is hands-down the best-lit spot in City Hall, with tall arched windows and bright, airy tones.
One side of the Fourth Floor is open to the public and great for portraits after a civil ceremony.
The other side is reserved for 1-hour private ceremonies, which offer more privacy, space, and uninterrupted time.
Weather note: City Hall photographs beautifully on both sunny and rainy days. On cloudy or overcast days, the light is soft and even. On sunny days, you’ll get a warmer, golden glow—especially on the Fourth Floor and near the rotunda.
Avoid Fridays if you can: They’re the busiest day of the week, with back-to-back ceremonies and heavier foot traffic. If you want a quieter experience, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday instead.
Photographer tip: No matter the weather or crowd level, I’ll help guide us to the best angles, light, and timing so you get beautiful, relaxed portraits without the chaos.
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4. Be Prepared to Wait for Popular Photo Spots
City Hall is stunning from top to bottom, but some photo locations are more popular than others—and that means you might have to wait your turn.
Two of the most iconic (and busiest) spots are:
The Grand Staircase: This is the must-have City Hall photo location, and it's often in use by other couples, tourists, or even film crews.
The Fourth Floor: While one side is reserved for private ceremonies, the public side is a favorite for portraits—and it can get a bit crowded, especially late morning through early afternoon.
Expect short waits at these locations, especially on Fridays or during peak hours. Patience is key, and I’ll help time things so we either arrive early, work around the crowds, or pivot to another beautiful (and quieter) spot nearby while we wait.
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5. Make It Your Own
Just because it's a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean it can’t feel personal and beautiful.
Bring flowers, write your own vows, dress up, or bring a few guests. Some couples even plan a post-ceremony brunch or portraits around SF landmarks like the Painted Ladies, the Conservatory of Flowers, or Sutro Baths.
This is your moment—don’t be afraid to make it feel like you.
Bonus: Don’t Skip the Photographer 😉
City Hall is breathtaking, but it takes a trained eye to capture its full beauty (especially in tricky lighting and high-traffic areas). As someone who’s photographed dozens of weddings here, I know all the best spots, angles, and little tricks to help you feel relaxed and look your best.
If you’re planning your wedding at San Francisco City Hall, I’d love to help tell your story.
📷 Let’s connect about your date → CONTACT
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