Planning a San Francisco City Hall elopement or eloping in San Francisco? City Hall is the most popular option — and this guide walks you through exactly how it works, step by step.
Eloping in San Francisco: Why City Hall Is the Most Popular Choice
Couples from all over the United States travel to San Francisco to have a San Francisco City Hall Elopement. This iconic building serves as a breathtaking and photogenic backdrop for your special day. The architecture reminds me of European vibes, without having to travel out of the country!
With this San Francisco City Hall Elopement Guide, I will take through the steps needed to make your dream elopement! If this all seems overwhelming and stressful to you, don’t worry, I can help you plan and photograph your day with my elopement photography and planning packages – Contact us!
Eloping in San Francisco (Beyond City Hall)
San Francisco has so many beautiful spots for elopements, from waterfront views to iconic bridges, and City Hall remains one of the most accessible and photogenic choices. Whether you’re planning a simple courthouse ceremony or a day exploring the city with your photographer, this guide focuses on City Hall as the core experience while you can also enjoy the rest of San Francisco together.
Getting Started – Marriage License
Where: San Francisco City Hall, Room 168
Cost: $120
How: Make appointment on the County Clerk website
You will need valid ID’s for both of you!
You have one of two choices – schedule your marriage license reservation before your wedding day, or schedule it on the same day as the ceremony. I highly recommend getting your marriage license ahead of time to make the process of checking in for your ceremony easy and smooth. You do have to schedule your ceremony within 90 days of receiving your license as it does expire, so don’t forget!
If you make the reservation on the same day as the ceremony, make sure that it is at least one hour before the ceremony start time.
Currently, the fee is $120 for a marriage license at San Francisco City Hall. This fee increases every year, and you will see the current rate while making your appointment. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm. When it’s time for your appointment, you’ll go to Room 168 on the first floor of City Hall.
Don’t forget your IDs!
Make an appointment for your marriage license
Public Civil Ceremony (Intimate Elopement)
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to reserve San Francisco City Hall, unless you want privacy and not have to worry about the public watch you “tie the knot.” Here’s a way that won’t break the bank and you can still put your budget towards other fun things on your elopement day which we recommend!
How: Make reservation on the County Clerk website
Cost: $103
Time: Every half hour, Monday through Friday between 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Check-In: Arrive 15 minutes before your ceremony reservation, at the Information Desk in Room 168
Ceremony Location: Rotunda (top of grand staircase)
Guests: Six permitted, including witness (this is where I come in! I can be your witness as well!)
Bring: Witness (can be your elopement photographer!), marriage license, valid IDs for both of you
There are two types of ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall: civil ceremonies and private ceremonies. Civil/public ceremonies are by far the most popular. So if you are wanting a date more than 90 days beforehand, set a reminder for yourself exactly 90 days before that date so you can reserve your ideal time slot.
More Info on San Francisco City Hall Ceremonies
Since public civil ceremonies are only 5-10 minutes long, SF City Hall schedules up to two couples in every 30 minute slot. It is likely that you will be with another couple during your reserved time. Honestly, the abundance of love and excitement that surrounds everyone leads to a genuinely fun experience.
Only six guests are permitted to attend civil ceremonies. This is due to space and the number of couples who book at the same time.
Currently, the cost for a civil ceremony at SF City Hall is $103. Public civil ceremony appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. You must present your wedding license at the time of the ceremony. If you are getting your license the same day as the ceremony, schedule your license appointment at least an hour before your ceremony appointment because you will want to have plenty of time. This makes sense for couples who are traveling a long distance.
On your wedding day
When you arrive the day of your wedding ceremony, you must check in to the Information Desk in Room 168 in San Francisco City Hall and arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. We recommend getting there much earlier especially during traffic hours. You couldn’t ask for a better location in which to spend extra time!
Make your civil ceremony appointment online.
Planning a San Francisco City Hall Elopement?
Private Ceremony Options
(Fourth Floor Gallery – San Francisco City Hall)
One Hour Wedding Package
One-hour Wedding package is $1,000, and includes private (blocked off to the public) use of either the Mayor’s Balcony or a Fourth Floor Gallery for up to one-hour from Monday through Friday. The earliest ceremony beginning at 9:00 am and the latest beginning at 3:00 pm. The reservation for these locations is one hour.
Both of the Fourth Floor Galleries are similar in appearance, but are distinct from the Mayor’s Balcony. All locations are gorgeous, so its really up to your personal preference when choosing. I will say that The Fourth Floor is a more popular choice as it accommodates more guests, but if you are able to tour SF City Hall beforehand, you can make a more personalized choice.
As a San Francisco City Hall Elopement Photographer, we highly recommend the Fourth Floor North Gallery!
If you’d like to use tables and chairs, those are available from City Hall for an extra rental fee. The Mayor’s Balcony seats up to 40 guests and the 4th Floor Galleries seat up to 60. Remaining guests would stand for the ceremony.
You must provide an officiant as San Francisco City Hall does not offer one for private ceremonies.
To make a reservation for a private ceremony, call (415) 554-6079 or go to the City Hall Events page for more contact info.
Let’s make your Dream San Francisco Elopement a reality!
(Fourth Floor Gallery – San Francisco City Hall)
Two Hour Wedding Package
Two Hour Weddings
Two-hour Wedding package is $5,000. Includes exchanging vows on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda. This package is offered on Saturdays only. The earliest ceremony beginning at 9:00 am and the latest beginning at 12:00 noon.
Be sure to keep in mind, this is just for rental rates for San Francisco City Hall. Does not include additional costs that go into a wedding (attire, vendors, photography, videography, florals, makeup, caterers, dessert, transportation etc.)
Evening & Weekend Wedding Package
Cost: Varies depending on areas used and times
How: Call (415) 554-6079
Location: North Light Court, South Light Court, Grand Staircase and the Rotunda
Guests: Depends on location. (Up to 3000 guests permitted if using both Lights Courts and the Rotunda.)
If you want a huge private wedding with exclusive use of areas of City Hall, you have some options! You can either reserve a space during public hours (Monday through Friday, 8 am – 8 pm), book the North Light Court for the evening, or reserve both the South and North Light Courts along with the Rotunda for an entire Saturday afternoon and evening. Check out San Francisco City Hall website for costs as they vary.
There is more flexibility with a private weekend or evening wedding, as outside vendors are permitted and did I mention you get the place to yourself!? NO PUBLIC ACCESS! You even have the option of lighting up the outside of City Hall itself for an extra fee.
For more details, check out these pages on the SF City Hall Events website:
Wedding Rental Rates
Wedding Fees & Expenses
How much would it cost to elope at San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco elopements are intimate, romantic, and are becoming more popular. Depending on the type of elopement ceremony you are looking for, the cost of eloping in San Francisco can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Elopements are up to 20 people max.
San Francisco City Hall Elopement Approximate Costs –
- San Francisco City Hall Elopement Photographer | $5,500+
- San Francisco City Hall Rental Fees (1 Hour Package) | $1,000
- Marriage License | $120+
- Officiant | $500+
- Hair & Makeup | $500+
- Florist | $500+
Total cost ~ $8,620.*
You can easily cut back on costs by getting my all inclusive elopement package which includes faux flowers.
Additional Costs to consider: - Lodging/Hotels (Per night) | $350+
- Dinner for two | $300+
*This doesn’t include wedding attire, accessories, dessert, hotel, or additional activities after your elopement.
San Francisco City Hall Elopement Packages: What to Expect with me
We offer San Francisco Elopement Photography and Planning Packages designed to make the day feel effortless — without needing to piece together multiple vendors. From planning support to photography, I guide you through the entire process so you can stay present and enjoy the experience.
Packages can include faux florals curated to your style, a mini cake with a relaxed toast, and a simple picnic setup to celebrate the “just married” feeling after your ceremony. These thoughtful details are meant to slow things down and give you space to actually enjoy the moment, not rush through it.
Most couples choose extended coverage, which allows time for your City Hall ceremony followed by exploring other iconic San Francisco locations for portraits — turning your elopement into a full, meaningful experience rather than a quick appointment.
San Francisco City Hall Elopement Packages: What’s Included
To help you plan a stress-free day, many couples choose a full elopement package that can include:
- Faux florals styled for photos
- A mini cake with celebratory toast
- A relaxed picnic setup after your ceremony
- Guided timeline planning so you don’t worry about logistics
- Extended photography coverage for portraits in different San Francisco locations
Elopement Photography and Planning Packages
People from around the world are drawn to San Francisco City Hall because of its stunning building. Let’s celebrate your elopement day together in the most beautiful place and I will capture all of it.
What Elopement Packages Include
- Elopement planning
- Elopement Guide and Checklist
- Faux Flowers
- Mini Cake
- Toast
- Picnic setup for cake cutting and toast
- Timeline assistance
- Easy communication – always available by text
- Wedding day photo coverage
- High resolution images
- Online private gallery for download/viewing
- Printing rights
- Location scouting and research
- Permit assistance
- Vendor recommendations
How much elopement planning is included?
Questionnaire
We send a detailed questionnaire to get to know you better, so we can begin location scouting. We want to help you find the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony if it’s not San Francisco City Hall.
Location
Once I receive your questionnaire, I will put together a location guide for you (if it’s not SF City Hall). After you choose your location, we send an email to advise you with the following steps reminding you to book your lodging and travel arrangements.
Vendor Recommendations
We’ll also send over our vendor recommendations for your area so you can start your vendor research. We want to make sure you have plenty of time to book you other vendors.
Permits (Not all locations require a permit!)
You’ll receive permit information and links to help you get the correct information for your location. You’ll need to secure special event permits for many sites. We will help guide you through the permit process.
Questionnaire #2
4 months before your elopement date, you’ll receive a second questionnaire to help us better understand your vision for your day. If you decided you would like to add on a second-shooter to your day or a toast picnic, first dance music, this is the last chance to do so.
Timeline
Once I receive your second questionnaire, I will start putting together your elopement day timeline.
Marriage License
At some point throughout this process, you’ll need to get your marriage license. We’re available to answer any questions about obtaining your marriage license— you can’t get married without it!
Final Details
We’ll reach out a few weeks before your elopement to check in on any last-minute details, discuss weather forecasts and ensure everything is ready for your elopement day!
San Francisco City Hall Elopement FAQs
Can you elope at San Francisco City Hall?
Yes. San Francisco City Hall is one of the most popular places to elope in California. Couples can choose a simple civil ceremony or reserve a private space inside City Hall for a more intimate experience.
How long does a San Francisco City Hall elopement take?
The ceremony itself is typically short — around 5–10 minutes. Most couples plan about 60–90 minutes total to allow time for check-in, the ceremony, and photos throughout City Hall.
Do you need an appointment to elope at SF City Hall?
Yes. You’ll need to book an appointment for your ceremony in advance through San Francisco City Hall. A valid marriage license is also required before the ceremony can take place.
Can a photographer be a witness at City Hall?
Yes. If you don’t have guests, your photographer can sign as your witness during a San Francisco City Hall elopement, making it easy to keep the day intimate and stress-free.
How many guests can attend a City Hall elopement?
Guest limits depend on the type of ceremony you choose. Civil ceremonies allow a small number of guests, while private spaces inside City Hall accommodate slightly larger groups. Guest counts are set by City Hall, so it’s important to check current limits when booking.
Ready to Create Your San Francisco Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of an epic elopement without the chaos of a traditional wedding — I’d love to help you plan a day that actually feels good.
👉 Reach out through my contact form to start planning your elopement, and let’s create something intentional, relaxed, and unforgettable.
I’ll make sure your elopement feels like you.
Hey I’m Kristin!
I’m a San Francisco elopement photographer and planner who knows all the best locations to elope in. I will help you with location scouting, planning, navigating permits, timeline creation, what to do, and of course, epic photography!
Ready to make the most of your San Francisco elopement?
Let’s plan something unforgettable!
Helpful Links
4th Floor Gallery -San Francisco City Hall Wedding
SF City Hall Elopement Photography and Planning
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
City Hall Events Page: One-Hour Weddings
Elopement Planning Checklist
10 Reasons to Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer
