SF CITY HALL DETAILS
Here's some general info that you'll find via sfgov & also some tips I have for you.
• Public ceremonies are on Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Evening + weekend rental is also an option.
• There are two types of ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall – Civil ceremonies, under the main Rotunda, which are public and by far the most popular. And private ceremonies, at the Mayor’s Balcony or either the North or South 4th Floor Gallery space. Here are the rental rates, ranging from $86 for the main rotunda to $1,000 for the private ceremony spaces.
1- Schedule an appointment to obtain your marriage license, and pay an administrative fee.
• If possible get your marriage license on a different day than your actual ceremony. That way we don't have to spend part of your wedding coverage time waiting. Sometimes it can take 20-30 minutes or more before you get a chance to sign in to the clerks office. Especially on Fridays.
• If you’re getting your license the same day as the ceremony, make sure to schedule your license appointment at least 30 minutes before your ceremony appointment.
2- Set up a second appointment for the actual civil ceremony.
• You may only book your civil ceremony appointment no earlier than 90 days in advance.
UNDER THE MAIN ROTUNDA
Civil Ceremonies are public and performed on the main rotunda, at the top of the grand staircase. Only six guests are permitted due to space (they’ve gotten really strict about that as of 2019). Up to three couples are scheduled for every half hour slot. They are about six minutes long, and a volunteer judge officiates. Some officiants are really nice, some can be a bit grumpy, ha.
WHERE TO MEET ME AT CITY HALL:
I can meet you in the line outside the clerks office. I typically arrive 15mins before your appointment time & wait with you. You must check in to the Information Desk in Room 168, at least 10 mins before your ceremony time. This can often take longer than 10 mins, so that's why there's no need for me to arrive any earlier.
THE 4TH FLOOR GALLERY (NORTH OR SOUTH) OR THE MAYOR'S BALCONY
The reserved balconies guarantees you a more private ceremony. You will have the balcony or gallery for one hour, which means that no other couples, photographers, or tourists will be right in your space. It will also mean that you can comfortably accommodate many more guests as well as a place for family photos. Chairs and a table will be provided for an extra rental fee, which allows your guests to be formally seated for the ceremony and a champagne toast and snacks can be served afterwards. For private ceremonies you must provide your own officiant
WHERE TO MEET ME AT CITY HALL:
I will arrive 20-30mins before your ceremony start time, so you know I'm there & I can usually find someone from the wedding party or the groom to tell me where the bride is etc.
OTHER NOTES:
• If you are planning to get married at San Francisco City Hall from across the world, all you need is valid passports. City Hall commissioner will perform your ceremony while we can act as your witness.
• If you’re planning a dinner reception, the last civil ceremony is at 3PM.
• For many of my city hall couples, we are usually meeting for the first time right before your wedding. I have a dark wavy bob hairdo, and I'm half Chinese.
LOGISTICS:
• With SF's terrible traffic I have stopped driving so I don't have to worry about parking. I can carpool with you to the 2nd location or you can call a lyft/uber.
• For brides, you might want to bring walking shoes (if we are going to the woods or beach), something warm and easy to put on/take off.
• Pack light when we are on location, so we don't have to watch our bags when taking photos. Don't leave anything temping visible in the car, this is a urban city and we have to be street smart. ;)
BACK TO CITY HALL & ELOPEMENT PACKAGES.