If you are planning a wedding at San Francisco City Hall, the following are guidelines for planning your wedding:
Getting married at San Francisco City Hall provides a stunning and historic backdrop for your special day. You can select from a variety of ceremony options tailored to your preferences, ranging from a simple civil ceremony to a private celebration. Here’s an overview of the different types of ceremonies available to help you find the perfect fit for your wedding.
Civil Ceremony:
The public weekday ceremonies are typically conducted Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. City Hall provides the officiant, and the ceremony usually takes place in the Rotunda at the top of the Grand Staircase. The guest count is limited to six, including photographers and children. These ceremonies are brief, lasting approximately 3 to 10 minutes, and do not allow for personalized vows. The current fee for the ceremony is $108.
Private Ceremony (1-Hour Rental):
You may reserve a private area within City Hall for your ceremony on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Options include the Mayor’s Balcony, accommodating up to 40 guests, or the 4th Floor Galleries, with a capacity of 60 guests. The space allows for personalized ceremonies, including your own officiant, vows, readings, music, and decorations. The maximum number of guests is 100. Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance, with bookings available up to 24 months ahead. The rental fee begins at $1,000, with additional charges for chairs.
Two-Hour Weekend Buyout:
The Two-Hour Weekend Buyout offers exclusive use of City Hall for two hours on a Saturday morning, with start times available at 9:00 am or 12:00 pm. It’s perfect for hosting up to 200 guests and provides more flexibility for personalization, including options like a champagne reception. Keep in mind that this booking requires planning well in advance, often up to 2 years. The cost begins at $5,000, making it a great choice for a special, private event.
Full Wedding (Evening/Weekend Buyout):
The Full Wedding (Evening/Weekend Buyout) offers exclusive use of City Hall for your wedding during weekday and weekend evenings, excluding Tuesdays. This option grants access to the entire building, allowing for extensive personalization, such as exterior lighting, and accommodating guest counts potentially up to 3,000 guests, depending on the selected area. It involves detailed planning and the necessary permits, with costs starting at $10,000 and varying based on the specifics of the booking.
Planning a wedding at San Francisco City Hall offers a truly memorable experience, blending historic grandeur with the joy of your special day. Before your ceremony, you’ll need to obtain a California marriage license, which is valid for 90 days, and it’s advisable to schedule your license appointment separately from your wedding. All ceremonies require an appointment. Civil ceremonies are bookable up to 90 days in advance, while private ceremonies can be arranged further ahead for added flexibility. Keep in mind that City Hall is a public building and can become crowded, especially during peak seasons or for civil ceremonies. Private events offer a bit more privacy, although some public presence may still be present. Civil ceremonies offer limited personalization, whereas private ceremonies allow for greater customization to reflect your unique love story. Your choice will depend on your guest count, desired level of privacy, budget, and preferred timing. Ultimately, celebrating your union within the historic and elegant setting of San Francisco City Hall will create unforgettable memories, beautifully encapsulating your journey together amidst the city’s timeless charm and sophistication.
For further detailed information about getting married at San Francisco City Hall, the following is a helpful link to the San Francisco City Hall events page that includes detailed information, planning guides, and a list of preferred vendors to assist you in planning your wedding. https://www.sfcityhallevents.org .
