San Francisco City Hall Wedding | Guest Post by Wedding Planner Deanna Nash
how to get married at SF city hall
Guest Post Collaboration with LA Wedding Planner, Deanna Nash of deanna nash events + the leap lifestyle blog
The San Francisco Courthouse is a gorgeous wedding venue. If you’re looking to get married in an architectural landmark, SF City Hall is considered one of the most beautiful courthouses in the United States! My friend and fellow wedding industry professional Deanna Nash of Deanna Nash Events and The Leap Lifestyle, married her husband, Mark, here a few years ago and I loved hearing about her wedding experience. Both their parents attended, along with Deanna’s beloved rescue pup, a Maltipoo named Teddy! After their courthouse ceremony, the couple made their way to Crissy Field Beach by the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a private wedding reception dinner at famed steakhouse, Harris’.
Photos from Deanna + Mark’s wedding are courtesy of Deanna Nash, taken by Raya Carlisle.
but wait! before you read on - if you’re more of an audio person, check out this episode of The Leap Lifestyle, where Deanna and I chat about all things elopements!
Here’s what Deanna Nash had to share about their experience getting married in San Francisco’s City Hall:
“You would think that a wedding planner would be a thousand percent ready to plan the most extravagant wedding possible, wouldn't you?
Well, I thought so too, until it came time to do so. In my heart of hearts, I just didn't want a big party. I'm so accustomed to being behind the scenes that the thought of being the center of attention had no appeal for me, nor for my soon-to-be husband.
When we first began dancing around the subject of getting married, we toyed with the idea of eloping, telling no one, and sending out "surprise, we're married!" announcements when we got home. Secretly, I still love that idea, but I also loved the idea of a very intimate celebration with just our families, so we decided to "elope" to San Francisco.
We decided on San Francisco City Hall as our venue, and we invited our parents and brother to join us for a weekend of celebrating together. For those considering SF City Hall, you must have an appointment to get married there, so we made a mid-afternoon appointment to first get our license, and then an hour later to exchange vows. You have a choice of where in the building you want to be married, and we chose the top of the staircase in the hall's majestic rotunda.
Things were running a bit late at City Hall, so we had time with photographer Raya Carlisle to take a few fun shots in the space while we waited for our number to be called. I remember my heart pounding as we signed the paperwork, and then we started the climb up the stairs, laughing the whole way and exclaiming how surreal it all felt.
When our officiate approached and began the ceremony, I remember thinking "I can't believe this is actually happening!" Our voices shook as we repeated after the judge, and I was so thankful that my almost-husband was holding my hands so tightly. And then, just like that, we were married! It was such a joyful moment, and I'm so happy to have photos that captured the most surreal moments of of our lives.
After a few more photos in City Hall, we caught a taxi to Crissy Field - just us and our best little buddy, Teddy - for more photos. Eventually, we met up with our family at Harris' for the most joyful wedding dinner. Later that night, after everyone else had fallen asleep, we ordered room service coca-colas and toasted to each other. It was the best ending to a wedding day that was the most perfect celebration I could have dreamed up for us as a couple.”
Before you plan your own SF City Hall Elopement or wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind!
This information is subject to change; last updated June 2021.
how to get a marriage license in California:
Whether you’re getting married at a courthouse, a wedding venue, or anywhere else, you’ll need a marriage license to make your wedding official! California offers same-day wedding licenses - either public or confidential. That means that you’ll make an appointment to get your marriage license and you can get married the same day or up to 90 days after.
You can get your marriage license from any County Clerk’s office in California - you don’t have to be a resident of California or a US citizen in order to get a license (per the San Francisco courthouse website). However, your marriage license appointment is not the same as a civil marriage ceremony - you’ll need a separate reservation for that!
San Francisco’s city hall requires reservations for wedding ceremonies.
and spots fill up quickly!
Book your appointment in advance! People come from all over the world to get married at SF City Hall. Book your appointment online through the courthouse’s reservation system here. If you want to get your marriage license + have your civil ceremony at the courthouse the same day, base your plans first on the availability of the ceremony (there are fewer appointments held versus license appointments). Ceremonies are held by appointment between 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Holidays). Where in City Hall your ceremony will take place may be subject to availability and/or the discretion of the person performing your ceremony.
If you want to have a friend or family member officiate your ceremony, San Francisco does offer deputy commissions! Learn more about how to become a Deputy Marriage Commissioner for a Day here.
How much it costs to get married at San Francisco City Hall?
To get married at SF City Hall the cost is very affordable - just $205 to for your marriage license and civil ceremony fees! These are paid separately: when you reserve your marriage license appointment you’ll pay $112 at the time of booking, and when you reserve your ceremony appointment you’ll pay $93. Both fees are nonrefundable. See info on fees here.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Receptions
San Francisco has so many beautiful options for a wedding reception for various budgets and group sizes.
In 2019 when I photographed Grace + John’s Sutro Heights Park intimate wedding, the couple + their close friends and family gathered at a restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s historic Presidio area. San Francisco has no lack of private dining rooms for either a cocktail reception or a seated dinner. See Eater’s full list of private dining rooms here, but my vote is hands-down for The Cavalier. I was introduced to this spot back in 2017 on my first visit to San Francisco, and I’ve made my way back every time! The menu is a modern take of classic British dishes with elegant craft cocktails. Located in the SoMA district The Cavalier is close to local shopping and hotels, and just 1 mile from SF City Hall!
Shopping For Wedding Attire: Bridal Dresses + Suits for a San Francisco wedding
Finding wedding attire can be chaotic, even for the most low-key couple! Luckily San Francisco has a seemingly endless supply of dresses, suits, and everything in between. Find a SF bridal shop, custom designer, or online retailer - the world is your oyster!
For folks of the dress-wearing persuasion:
Full Service Experience: Bridal Galleria.
This tried + true spot in San Francisco’s Financial District offers a range of dresses by established designers like Monique Lhullier and an in-house alterations department. Dresses at Bridal Galleria typically run between $3500 and $15,000.
Free spirits, your dream dress is calling from Wildbride - answer the call!
Located in the shopping haven between Hayes Valley and Nopa close to the “Painted Ladies,” Wildbride is convenient to find and hosts appointments mid-week and on weekends (weekends for an additional fee). This boutique shop specializes in comfortable gowns for brides who are ready to have an adventure on their wedding day, unrestrained from convention (or ill-fitting dresses!) You’ll find gowns from designers like Pronovias, Temple by Bo & Luca, Willowby, and more at affordable prices.
“Fairly priced and designed to dazzle,” BHLDN has a store in the Walnut Creek neighborhood of San Francisco where you can find a wide assortment of dresses, veils and accessories that feel modern but classic. This Sachin & Babi Penny Gown would look SO dreamy on the steps of SF City Hall! There are plenty of options with budget-friendly pricetags. One of my 2019 brides, Kaitie, rocked a BHLDN option that converted from a skirt to gorgeous low-back jumpsuit. See BHLDN’s City Hall collection here for more inspo!
Go custom, baby! Lace + Liberty creates one-of-a-kind gowns.
Check out their San Francisco showroom for premade collections or have a personalized dress made by their design team! Make a private appointment online to shop in person at their shop on Castro Street.
For folks of the suit-wearing persuasion:
Directly next-door to Bridal Galleria you’ll find Black Tie Tuxedos and Formalwear with a selection of luxury brands like Hugo Boss and Valentino.
BHLDN - with a showroom in Walnut Creek - has a few sleek suit options I love, like this collaboration from The Tailory New York!
The Tailory is a women-owned clothing company based in New York that specializes in custom-tailored designs without the preconception that suits are for men and men only. Their website reads, “We believe that custom suits are genderless and we cater in equal measure to men, women, and non-binary individuals.” This refreshing approach is met with equal excitement at the fact that they now offer virtual fittings (is this a COVID perk, perhaps? Find silver linings where you can, people and let’s hope it lasts!)
“Badass + Bespoke” Emily Meyer offers made-to-measure suits + separates for women, with appointments in California and New York.
I am so thankful that Deanna (pronounced Dee-Nuh) shared her story of eloping at San Francisco’s gorgeous courthouse with me. We chatted even more about it on her lifestyle + wedding podcast (check the episode out here!)
It’s been such a pleasure to share her insights + to hear firsthand about the process of planning a San Francisco City Hall wedding. Deanna is an incredibly talented and sweet planner specializing in the Los Angeles area. Not in LA? Deanna works with couples planning weddings of all sizes worldwide!
If you enjoyed reading about Deanna’s experience, see more of her wedding planning services at deannanashevents.com. For all things newlywed + newlywed, see Deanna’s blog, The Leap Lifestyle! Check out this post featuring Laurel + Will’s Epic Alternative LA Rooftop Engagement Shoot.
Planning a San Francisco City Hall Wedding? I’m your girl!
I’m a wedding photographer for couples in San Francisco (and beyond) looking to capture their wedding day in a way that feels fun + candid… no awkward 80’s prom poses here y’all! Together we’ll create photos that document your day in all its glory in a way that feels FUN - . (p.s. I’m a VERY dog-friendly wedding photographer, so bonus points if you bring your puppy!)