How to Get Married in SF City Hall
Your Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall: A Simple Step-by-Step"
Getting married at San Francisco City Hall can be a dream come true for couples seeking a beautiful and straightforward ceremony. With its stunning architecture and historic significance, this iconic venue sets the stage for a memorable wedding day. Here's your simple guide to tying the knot at San Francisco City Hall.
Before diving into wedding plans, ensure you meet the city's requirements. Non-residents can also get married at City Hall, making it a popular choice for destination weddings.
Obtain a Marriage License. Marriage License Details Made Simple:
Cost: Getting a marriage license in San Francisco costs $120, but it's cheaper in other California counties.
Where to Get It: Visit the official SF.Gov website or go to Room 168 (County Clerk’s Office) in San Francisco City Hall.
When: You can get your marriage license from Monday to Friday, excluding holidays, between 8:15 am to 3:30 pm.
Booking: You can book your license appointment up to 90 days in advance or on the same day as your wedding.
Tips:
Secure your ceremony slot first, as they fill up quickly.
The license is valid for 90 days from issue date and expires if unused.
Schedule your license appointment separately within the 90-day window before your wedding to avoid last-minute stress.
Out-of-state couples should arrive at least one business day before the ceremony and secure a license appointment.
Considerations:
Marriage license costs vary across counties. If you live in California, getting it locally might be easier.
Both partners must be present for the license appointment.
Appointments are typically necessary for all Bay Area counties.
Schedule Your Ceremony
City Hall allows couples to schedule their wedding ceremony up to 90 days in advance. You can book your ceremony appointment online through the City Hall's official website or by contacting the County Clerk's office directly. Consider choosing a time that suits your preferences and fits well with your wedding plans.
Plan Your Ceremony Details
San Francisco City Hall for the ceremonies offers locations like Rotunda and 2 private areas which are available for rent: Mayor’s balcony and North gallery on the 4th floor. Decide on the area that resonates with your vision for the wedding.
Formally, San Francisco City Hall allows a maximum of 6 guests to accompany you during your Civil Ceremony. This count encompasses any children in your party, your witness, and the photo/video team. Although the restriction may not be strictly monitored, the official regulations hold the potential to be enforced at any given time.
Prepare for the Big Day
On your wedding day, arrive at City Hall ahead of your scheduled ceremony time. Dress in your chosen wedding attire, and don't forget to bring your marriage license, identification, and any necessary paperwork.
A Civil Ceremony typically lasts a brief 7-15 minutes. If ring exchange is omitted, it can be shorter, around 5-8 minutes. Depending on the officiant, some ceremonies may include additional heartfelt words for a more personalized experience, while others may be more straightforward.
Opting for a Private Ceremony grants you an hour of time. During this period, you have the freedom to select your own officiant and customize the proceedings. This includes incorporating personal vows, readings, religious rituals, music, or any other elements you desire to make your ceremony special.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Ceremony
Once everything is in place, it's time to exchange vows and celebrate your love! Whether you're having an intimate ceremony or sharing the moment with family and friends, San Francisco City Hall provides an elegant and picturesque backdrop for your special day.
