Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, City Hall is an iconic landmark and a popular destination for weddings. With its grand architecture, stunning views, and convenient location, it's no wonder that couples from all over the world choose to exchange their vows here.
Planning a City Hall wedding in San Francisco can be a seamless experience with the right guidance. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know, from securing a marriage license to choosing the perfect ceremony package. So, whether you're a local or traveling from afar, get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime.
As you delve into the details of planning your City Hall wedding, here's a roadmap to help you navigate each step with ease.
San Francisco City Hall Weddings
Plan your dream wedding at the iconic San Francisco City Hall with these essential points:
- Secure marriage license
- Choose ceremony package
- Book photographer/videographer
- Select witnesses
- Arrive early
- Dress appropriately
- Respect the venue
- Celebrate responsibly
- Capture memories
- Cherish the moment
With these key considerations in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a truly unforgettable wedding day at San Francisco City Hall.
Secure Marriage License
Obtaining a marriage license is the legal foundation of your wedding. Here's what you need to know about securing one for your City Hall ceremony in San Francisco:
- Apply in person: Both partners must appear together at the San Francisco County Clerk's Office to complete the application and provide valid identification.
- Provide identification: Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
- Pay the fee: The marriage license fee is $90, payable by cash, check, or credit card.
- Wait for the waiting period: California has a three-day waiting period after the marriage license is issued before you can get married. However, you can request a waiver of this waiting period for an additional fee.
Once you have your marriage license, it is valid for 90 days. You must present the original license to the officiant on your wedding day.
Choose Ceremony Package
San Francisco City Hall offers a range of ceremony packages to suit different preferences and budgets. Here's an overview of each package:
- Civil Ceremony (free): This basic package includes the legal ceremony performed by a deputy commissioner in a designated area of City Hall. No reservations are needed for civil ceremonies, but they are performed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Mayor's Balcony Ceremony ($1,000): This package includes a private ceremony on the Mayor's Balcony, overlooking the grand rotunda of City Hall. Reservations are required for Mayor's Balcony ceremonies and can be made up to one year in advance.
- Rotunda Ceremony ($2,500): This package includes a private ceremony in the stunning rotunda of City Hall. The rotunda is the most popular ceremony location and reservations are highly recommended.
- Historic Room Ceremony ($3,500): This package includes a private ceremony in one of City Hall's historic rooms, such as the Board of Supervisors Chambers or the Mayor's Office. Reservations are required for Historic Room ceremonies and are subject to availability.
Each ceremony package includes the services of a deputy commissioner to perform the ceremony, as well as a commemorative marriage certificate. Additional services, such as photography, videography, and music, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Book Photographer/Videographer
Capturing the precious moments of your City Hall wedding is essential to preserving the memories of your special day. Here are some tips for booking a photographer and/or videographer:
Research vendors: Start by researching different photographers and videographers in the San Francisco area. Look at their portfolios, read reviews, and compare their prices.
Book early: Wedding vendors, especially during peak season, book up quickly. It's recommended to secure your photographer and/or videographer as soon as possible after you have set your wedding date.
Discuss your vision: Once you have found a few potential vendors, meet with them to discuss your vision for your wedding photography and/or videography. Share your ideas and inspiration, and make sure that your vendor understands your style and preferences.
Get a contract: Before booking your photographer and/or videographer, be sure to get a written contract that outlines the services to be provided, the timeline, and the payment schedule.
By following these tips, you can book a photographer and/or videographer who will capture the beauty and emotion of your City Hall wedding day.
Select Witnesses
According to California law, at least one witness is required to be present at your wedding ceremony. However, it is customary to have two witnesses. Your witnesses can be anyone over the age of 18 who is not a party to the marriage.
When selecting your witnesses, it is important to choose people who are close to you and who will be supportive of your marriage. They should also be reliable and responsible, as they will be asked to sign your marriage license.
Once you have selected your witnesses, be sure to give them plenty of notice so that they can make arrangements to attend your ceremony.
Here are some additional tips for selecting witnesses:
- Choose people who know you and your partner well.
- Choose people who are mature and responsible.
- Choose people who will be supportive of your marriage.
- Give your witnesses plenty of notice so that they can make arrangements to attend your ceremony.
Arrive Early
One of the most important things you can do on your wedding day is to arrive early. This will give you plenty of time to relax, get ready, and take care of any last-minute details.
- Check in: If you have booked a ceremony package, you will need to check in at the City Hall Marriage Bureau before your ceremony. This is where you will present your marriage license and pay the ceremony fee.
- Get dressed: If you are not getting ready at City Hall, be sure to arrive with enough time to get dressed and do any necessary touch-ups.
- Take photos: City Hall is a beautiful building, so take some time to take photos before your ceremony. This is a great way to capture the excitement and anticipation of the day.
- Meet your guests: If you are having guests attend your ceremony, arrive early so that you can greet them and show them to their seats.
By arriving early, you can help ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and that you can enjoy every moment.
Dress Appropriately
While there is no formal dress code for City Hall weddings, it is important to dress respectfully. This means avoiding casual attire, such as shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. Instead, opt for semi-formal or formal attire, such as a dress, skirt and blouse, or slacks and a button-down shirt.
- Consider the season: If you are getting married during the summer, you may want to choose lighter fabrics and colors. If you are getting married during the winter, you may want to choose warmer fabrics and colors.
- Consider the location: City Hall is a grand and historic building, so you may want to dress accordingly. However, if you are having a more casual ceremony, you can dress down a bit.
- Be comfortable: You will be standing and moving around during your ceremony, so be sure to choose clothing that you are comfortable in.
- Coordinate with your partner: If you are having a themed wedding, you may want to coordinate your outfits with your partner.
By dressing appropriately, you can help create a special and memorable atmosphere for your City Hall wedding.
Respect the Venue
City Hall is a public building and a historic landmark. It is important to be respectful of the venue and its staff.
Here are some tips for respecting the venue:
- Be on time: Punctuality shows respect for the venue and its staff.
- Be quiet: City Hall is a busy building, but it is important to be respectful of other visitors. Keep your voice down and avoid making excessive noise.
- Stay in designated areas: There are designated areas for ceremonies and receptions at City Hall. Be sure to stay in these areas and avoid wandering into other parts of the building.
- Clean up after yourself: If you bring any food or drinks into City Hall, be sure to clean up after yourself. There are trash cans located throughout the building.
By respecting the venue, you can help ensure that your wedding day is a special and memorable experience for everyone involved.
behave responsibly
Your wedding day should be a day of celebration and joy. However, it is important to remember to behave responsibly. Here are a few tips:
- Drink responsibly: If you are planning on drinking alcohol at your wedding, be sure to do so responsibly. Avoid getting drunk and disorderly.
- Be respectful of others: Your wedding day is a special day for you and your partner, but it is important to be respectful of other visitors to City Hall. Be mindful of noise levels and avoid causing disruptions.
- Follow the rules: There are certain rules and regulations that must be followed when getting married at City Hall. Be sure to follow these rules and regulations to avoid any problems.
- Be aware of your surroundings: City Hall is a busy building, so be aware of your surroundings. Be careful of pickpockets and other potential hazards.
By behaving responsibly, you can help ensure that your wedding day is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Capture Memories
Your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life, so it is important to capture the memories. Here are a few tips:
- Hire a photographer and/or videographer: A professional photographer and/or videographer can capture the special moments of your wedding day in a beautiful and timeless way.
- Take your own photos: If you are on a budget, you can take your own photos. Be sure to ask a friend or family member to help you take photos so that you can be in them.
- Create a photo booth: A photo booth is a fun and interactive way to capture memories with your guests. You can rent a photo booth or create your own.
- Use social media: Encourage your guests to share their photos and videos on social media. You can create a custom hashtag for your wedding so that you can easily find all of the photos and videos.
By capturing the memories of your wedding day, you can create a lasting record of this special occasion.
Cherish the Moment
Your wedding day is a day to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. It is a day to cherish the moment and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are a few tips for cherishing the moment:
- Be present: On your wedding day, it is important to be present and to focus on the moment. Avoid getting caught up in the details and the stress of planning. Just relax and enjoy the day.
- Take it all in: Take some time to look around and take in all of the details of your wedding day. Notice the faces of your loved ones, the beauty of the venue, and the joy in the air.
- Savor the small moments: The small moments of your wedding day are often the most special. Take some time to savor these moments, such as the first time you see your partner on your wedding day or the first dance as a married couple.
- Be grateful: Take some time to reflect on how grateful you are for your partner and for all of the people who have supported you on your journey to marriage.
By cherishing the moment, you can create a wedding day that is truly special and unforgettable.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about getting married at San Francisco City Hall:
Question 1: What are the requirements to get married at City Hall?
Answer 1: To get married at City Hall, you must obtain a marriage license from the San Francisco County Clerk's Office and present it to the deputy commissioner on the day of your ceremony.
Question 2: How much does it cost to get married at City Hall?
Answer 2: The cost of a marriage license is $90. The cost of a ceremony package ranges from $1,000 to $3,500.
Question 3: Do I need to make an appointment to get married at City Hall?
Answer 3: No, you do not need to make an appointment for a civil ceremony. However, you do need to make an appointment for a Mayor's Balcony Ceremony or a Rotunda Ceremony.
Question 4: Can I get married at City Hall on the weekend?
Answer 4: Yes, you can get married at City Hall on the weekend. However, weekend ceremonies are more popular, so it is important to book your ceremony in advance.
Question 5: What should I wear to my City Hall wedding?
Answer 5: There is no formal dress code for City Hall weddings, but it is important to dress respectfully. Semi-formal or formal attire is recommended.
Question 6: Can I bring a photographer or videographer to my City Hall wedding?
Answer 6: Yes, you can bring a photographer and/or videographer to your City Hall wedding. However, you must obtain a permit from the San Francisco Film Commission.
If you have any other questions about getting married at San Francisco City Hall, please visit the City Hall website or contact the San Francisco County Clerk's Office.
In addition to the FAQs above, here are a few tips to help you plan your City Hall wedding:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you plan your City Hall wedding:
Tip 1: Book your ceremony early. City Hall is a popular wedding destination, so it is important to book your ceremony as early as possible. You can book a ceremony up to one year in advance.
Tip 2: Choose your ceremony package carefully. City Hall offers a range of ceremony packages to suit different preferences and budgets. Be sure to compare the different packages and choose the one that is right for you.
Tip 3: Arrive early on your wedding day. This will give you plenty of time to check in, get dressed, and take photos. It is also a good idea to arrive early to avoid any unexpected delays.
Tip 4: Be respectful of the venue. City Hall is a historic building, so it is important to be respectful of the venue. Be sure to follow the rules and regulations, and be mindful of other visitors.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your City Hall wedding is a special and memorable experience.
Getting married at San Francisco City Hall is a wonderful way to celebrate your love and commitment. With its beautiful architecture, convenient location, and range of ceremony options, City Hall is the perfect place to start your new life together.
Conclusion
Getting married at San Francisco City Hall is a beautiful and memorable experience. With its stunning architecture, convenient location, and range of ceremony options, City Hall is the perfect place to start your new life together.
Here are some of the main points to remember when planning your City Hall wedding:
- Secure your marriage license in advance.
- Choose the ceremony package that is right for you.
- Book your ceremony early, especially if you are getting married during peak season.
- Arrive early on your wedding day.
- Dress appropriately.
- Respect the venue.
- Celebrate responsibly.
- Capture the memories.
- Cherish the moment.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your City Hall wedding is a special and unforgettable day.