There are so many! Reserve your appointment up to 90 days in advance. While its a beautiful space, it is invariably crowded. The ceremony is short about 3 4 minutes, with a check-in process immediately prior that takes anything up to 30 minutes. Zuni Caf is only 0.5 miles away and offers incredible brunch menus. Plus, read more San Francisco City Hall wedding tips and tricks Ive written about and shared, below. However, many couples still like to get married on Friday to give themselves a three day weekend. Officially, a maximum of 6 guests are permitted to attend your San Francisco City Hall Civil Ceremony. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is located at 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 and you dont need a permit to have a small picnic here. Whether you want to splurge on five-star luxury or find something chic but affordable, it is likely that you will find just what you are looking for in this area. The Mayors Balcony seats 40. The Bay Room is located upstairs and suits groups from 15 60 seated. Make an appointment for your marriage license Public Civil Ceremony Cost:$98 How:Make reservation on the County Clerk website If you want to have a courthouse wedding in San Francisco, there's only one place to do it: San Francisco City Hall. Our San Francisco City Hall wedding photography packages begin at 2 hours. However, you can also stay in a fashionable but quirky hotel such as the Proper Hotel or book a flat via Airbnb. I look forward to hearing from you soon via my contact page! Since 2008, EPIC Steak has specialized in casual elegance with bayside views and delicious cuisine, thoughtfully prepared. Fridays tend to be the busiest days at San Francisco City Hall. As a busy metropolitan hub, getting married in the Bay Area can be much more costly than in a rural area. Contact them as soon as possible to check their calendar. The two classy teal and blue-colored bar areas and high-ceilinged dining room make you feel like youre somewhere on Miami Beach. Has anyone gotten married at SF City Hall? If so, how hard was - Reddit Your email address will not be published. After the ceremony and your wedding photoshoot, you will want to celebrate over a delicious meal. This type of wedding is called a civil ceremony, also known as a public ceremony. Mondays can also be a little busy as couples want to tie their wedding in with the weekend. These weddings are, as the name states, an hour long. This San Francisco institution has been in business for over 40 years and prides itself on being rustic andcosmopolitan, audacious and familiar, intimate and convivial. License costs vary across counties, with San Francisco being the highest in California. In comparison to traditional weddings, anyway. The 4thFloor North Gallery seats 60. Though the price tag is higher than a civil ceremony, a private rental is pretty unbeatable for a San Francisco wedding. This can be obtained from any county in California and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Wondering where to have your reception after your San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony? So far, everything weve described about the day sounds so formal. If your marriage license appointment is the same day as the ceremony, you still need to be early. Because these kinds of ceremonies are so specialized and are unlike any other kind of wedding, so insider knowledge is key. I've been planning my elopement for the last few months at San Francisco City Hall, and the time has come (in the next few days or so) to book my actual license and civil ceremony appointments! We know it is so hard to make a decision because there are so many options available. Many of San Francisco's best museums offer late-night entry at least once a week. By KSL.com Sports | Updated - April 30, 2023 at 1:27 p.m. | Posted - April 29, 2023 at 5:16 p.m. SALT LAKE CITY Not every former Utah-based college and high school football star heard his name . There are a lot of great resources on How to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall and so on, but I want to focus now on ideas for after!! Ive created a handy zoomed-out timeline infographic showing when you should do each of the typical wedding planning activities associated with a City Hall wedding. For smaller wedding ceremonies If you have 6 guests or fewer, make an appointment to have a small civil marriage ceremony or domestic partnership ceremony at City Hall. Host an extended cocktail hour with drinks, oysters (if you want! Sure, feel free to reach out on https://zoelarkin.com/cityhall for more info! Facebook 0 Twitter Pinterest 0 0 Likes. Choose a wedding photographer experienced with SF City Hall civil ceremonies. If you are up for some wine tasting, you can visit some of Californias famous vineyards in Sonoma or Napa Valley. They can host a larger standing party or a smaller sitting one (with stunning table settings if you want!) Waterbar Restaurant This gorgeous bay front restaurant has a lovely upstairs room that's just for private events. As an expert and veteran of the venue, Zoe was able to direct us efficiently according to lighting and crowding, as other couples were in the venue for pictures as well. If thats the case, bring a passport or birth certificate too. Rachel Levine October 14, 2022. See also: The Rotunda, Mayors Balcony, 4th floor, 3rd floor, Front Door, County Clerk, Staircase, Things to do after, Where to stay before the wedding, What to do if City Hall is packed, Candid photos, City Hall natural light, More City Hall guides. Finally, nothing beats places that are meaningful to you such a memorable date or even your home or hotel for less formal, staged photos. A South of France Brasserie atmosphere in an elegant dining room and bar, with Belle Epoque cafe defined in the front of the house by French rattan caf chairs, copper top tables, mosaic checkerboard tile floor, pressed tin ceiling, period art and original Absinthe posters. For more information about San Francisco City Hall Rotunda and the floor plan, visit the Event's Department page. There will likely be one other couple who waits with you. I have a full guide linked here on how you can add special touches to your experience. Im Zoe, a wedding photographer based in San Francisco! One of the biggest decisions youll have to make is which photographer to choose. It has a relaxed and low-key vibe, with romantic string lights, patio seating and unique floral and fauna design creations courtesy of their resident floral designer. Craft a day-of timeline with your photographer, Book officiant, musicians if private ceremony, Provide family groupings list to photographer, Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early to account for any delays, Check in for civil ceremony 15 minutes prior. Or, if you prefer to do everything on the same day, schedule your marriage license appointment at least one hour before your ceremony to give yourselves plenty of time. I appreciate this website. Lets dive a little deeper into each type of ceremony! It's less than ten minutes long and you're done. Sample timeline for your City Hall wedding day. Food and drink service is not permitted. Make your reservation on the City Hall appointment website here. If you live in or near San Francisco, we recommend getting your license ahead of time. Photocopies are not acceptable. Civil ceremonies usually take place in the area at the top of the Grand Staircase known as the Rotunda. See also: How to get married at SF City Hall, The Rotunda, Mayors Balcony, 4th floor, 3rd floor, Front Door, County Clerk, Grand Staircase, Things to do after, Where to stay before the wedding, Candid photos, City Hall natural light, More City Hall guides. The judge wont wait for you! And this is the typical goal for couples: simplicity. Founded in 1974, the Cable Car Museum began as an educational non-profit with free admission for all interested in the integral role the cable car played in San Francisco's past and present. Do we receive the Marriage License the same day as the appointment? My fianc and I are planning on scheduling our civil marriage ceremony for 12/4/21. Specialist dishes include Salt & Pepper Live Crab and R&G Special Beef. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. SF City Hall 4th Floor Wedding: The Ultimate Guide Peruvian cuisine is heavily influenced by the variety of ethnic backgrounds found throughout Peru so expert a diverse selection of delicious Peruvian-inspired food. It is 100% worth it if you have more than 10-15 guests, would like to exchange personal vows, have your own officiant, or would like a little more privacy or sense of occasion (whatever your guest count). For more resources that may be also be helpful for mapping out your SF City Hall wedding day as a whole, check out my articles below: One of the most well-known and affordable spots for all-size groups (especially larger ones) for SF City Hall weddings. City Hall ceremonies can be scheduled from 9AM till 3:30PM - everyone knows it. Theres also plenty that happens that might be off-script, that we cant predict or control for. The key advantage of planning a small City Hall wedding ceremony is having a plethora of options for lunch, dinner or cocktails. They are committed to environmentally responsible produce, meat and seafood, utilizing only pasture-raised cattle with no hormones or antibiotics, organic local produce and sustainable seafood. Pin it on Pinterest! As a nice additional touch, you could also host a champagne reception as part of your rental, for an additional fee. I would avoid bringing too much stuff in general. Its recommended to make your marriage license appointment for a different date before your wedding day. And Fermentation Lab is the perfect spot for a quick drink before going back to your hotel as it is open until midnight. You want to know what to plan for, what to anticipate during the ceremony, how to choose the date and time, and everything else that goes into it. They offer signature cocktails and local draught beer. I was nervous about how things would go, as my husband and I arent great about taking or posing for pictures, but Zoes gentle yet expert approach put us at ease, and we got SO MANY great shots. On your ID, make sure your entire name including any middle names, are spelled out in full. This place is known in the neighborhood as a go-to brunch spot and offers brunch on weekdays too. You can browse a past wedding I photographed at China Live here. The romantic, heated back patio is excellent for groups of up to 22. China Live is located at 644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133. After all, there is a reason that tourists flock here. She did not miss a single beat and captured all the candid moments with perfection.Weeks before the wedding day, she took time to understand our love stories so wed feel comfortable being the best selves around her. Instead, you would have more time given over for romantic portraits, the ceremony and for the group photos if you have more people. There is plenty of patience (and Photoshop!) As an experienced SF City Hall wedding photographer, Im happy to take you through everything you need to know and let you in on my tips and tricks for getting the best out of your wedding at the beautiful and iconic San Francisco City Hall. You can even find a top-secret spot serving the most scrumptious coffee & cake! When your ceremony is over, its time to leave the rotunda to make way for the next ceremony. Based in Oakland, California. Looking for more San Francisco wedding venues? E&O Kitchen and Bar is a modern Asian restaurant and lounge in the heart of San Franciscos vibrant Union Square, steps away from the Financial District. To get married at City Hall, first youll need your marriage license. ), and lots of delicious food. Private dining? This could be as simple as Memorial Court, located right behind City Hall, or you could opt for one of the iconic San Francisco photo landmarks. Here is a detailed plan for couples planning a City Hall wedding! With how tight our timeline is, it can have a really detrimental effect if youre late and flustered, sadly and you would be missing out on photography time youve paid for. A super chill, very relaxed, and absolutely lovely way to celebrate your wedding. Look for the single Parking sign above the entrance. Private dining? If you prefer booking well in advance, you can do so up to a maximum of 24 months. Follow along the blog and Insta! Planning a City Hall wedding is much less complex than planning a more traditional event. Where to Have Your Reception After SF City Hall: Ideas for your wedding! You can find more info on their website. Is a San Francisco City Hall wedding for you? This isnt part of the process that I have any insight into as a photographer, Im afraid. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Its not uncommon to have no guests at all, but remember that you do need a witness. City Hall Wedding : r/AskSF Get there early and wander around you wont regret it. Chef Matthew Dolan has created a culinary program which embraces contemporary California cuisine with influences from around the world. One of the things we love about civil ceremonies are the variety of attire we see couples wear. How to plan a San Francisco City Hall wedding. Enjoy your day, enjoy your loved ones, and enjoy your time together. Weddings take place on either the Mayor's Balcony or one of the Fourth Floor Galleries. If you hire us as your photographer, this is where we will meet you. The Stable Caf is located at 2128 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110. Though its not usually strictly enforced, the official rules may be invoked at any time. With an average wedding cost of $39,300, San Francisco is about $6,000 more expensive than the national average. If youre not a morning person or want to go straight to dinner, the last ceremony slot is worth considering. It features panoramic views of the bay, Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the San Francisco skyline. It can run late there is already enough happening on the wedding day without also having to deal with another appointment. This spot is one of my absolute favorites! Mexico City gives MLB a 11-homer marathon between Giants, Padres The Wayfare Tavern comes highly recommended and we've shot there numerous times, definitely more than any other San Francisco restaurant. Ideally, the restaurant will have one or more private or semi-private dining areas large enough to accommodate your wedding party. This building is an incredible place to spend time. Celeb chef Gastn Acurio serves Peruvian seafood in a large, partially outdoor space on the pier. Decide on type of marriage license For a public license: you need at least one witness at the ceremony is a public record For a confidential license: you must be living together Located in a historic schoolhouse with brick walls and soaring ceilings in a quiet neighborhood near public transit. Schedule your Marriage License Appointment, Find Nearby Private Dining and Make a Reservation. Like this Blog Post? Meet your photographer for romantic portraits at City Hall (45 minutes). It has a dedicated kitchen and chef. Check out our hundreds of reviews from happy past City Hall couples! There are all kinds of events taking place here - press conferences, city meetings, gala events being set up, protests and of course, dozens of brides and grooms are in the building taking photos at any given time. Civil Ceremony Reservations. But if you want to see world-class art, then visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Legion of Honor and de Young Museum. Cable Car Museum, San Francisco. They are required to say certain words, but each one puts their own spin on it. Having plenty of extra time means that even with delays you can ensure that all the details you're paying for are perfect. This SF City Hall Guide might be helpful to you as you're planning! Plus you get to relax there when all the craziness of the day is done. Where would be a good place to go afterwards for lunch and drinks? Do allow plenty of time because traffic, parking, going through security, freshening up etc all cause delays. Many different private dining areas both indoors and outdoors, ranging from 20 guests to over 200. There are 2 two-hour rental options on Saturdays, usually starting at either 9am or 12pm. Tucked along tree-lined Sacramento Street in the historic Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Spruce offers a warm and elegant dining experience. If you want to book a guided tour, we recommend San Francisco Experience City Tours by Hornblower Classic Cable Cars, San Francisco City Highlights and Sausalito Tour by Grey Lines of San Francisco and the classic hop on hop off tours which you can book here. The private dining menu features a large selection of hors doeuvres, Oysters Adrift showcasing decadent raw bars and classic fish dishes as well as sustainably raised meat and poultry. 25+ Best Engagement Photo Locations in California! If you would like tips on how to make your Civil Ceremony more special, check out my tips listed below. The process of getting married here can be seen as just a tad impersonal as its essentially a conveyor belt of weddings happening in close succession. Fifteen minutes before your civil ceremony appointment, go to Room 168 on the first floor. View on map: Octavia, 1701 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94109, Group reservations maximum: 46 seated or 60 standing, View on map: EPIC Steak, 369 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, View on map: Zuni Cafe, 1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102. If you have booked into a luxury hotel, then ring room service and indulge a breakfast in bed. Its known for being a quick and easy route. Located in San Franciscos charming Hayes Valley neighborhood, close to City Hall. The only caveat is the change in ceremony times - right now the last time slot is 1 PM (post-COVID) but it could change. Proper hosts a variety of bars and restaurants under one roof or on the rooftop! A civil ceremony is the simplest, most cost-effective way to go. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm. Private rental options include the intimate Pearl Room for 10-14 seated guests, with a range of spaces up to an entire restaurant buyout for 250 guests. You can book your ceremony a maximum of 90 days beforehand. There are three main types of bookings you can choose from for your San Francisco City Hall wedding experience. Scheduling it for the same day as the wedding is not recommended. Best known for its breakfasts and brunches! Civil ceremonies scheduled later in the day tend to give you better photos. What does La Mar Cebicheria Peruana offer? There is an underground parking garage (link to Google Maps) across the street that we have relied on for the last decade. Union Square with its impressive architecture and the iconic Powell Street! San Francisco is notorious for it. Offers a spacious lounge area, perfect for relaxed dining or nibbles. Walker's death in June sparked protests in Akron after police released body camera footage showing officers firing from multiple . As one of Northern California's most vibrant cultural cities, there are plenty of activities to enjoy if you want to see another side of the city, especially after the sun goes down. Theyre big on seasonal cuisine, and craft custom seasonal menus for each buyout event, Octavia has an incredibly inventive menu, with and is very contemporary and hip in its vision and aesthetic, Elegant, refined, hipster, minimalist and highly awarded. Check in at room 168 and follow the Deputy Marirage Commissioners instructions (Up to 30 minutes). When you start thinking about your San Francisco City Hall wedding, it can feel like a lot to plan. The 23 restaurants on my list all serve excellent food and will take great care of you. If hectic energy is likely to be draining to you, I recommend adding on a location. The most popular private ceremony option is the one-hour wedding, held during the same hours as public civil ceremonies: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. And thats exactly what city hall provides a smooth public ceremony process theyve refined over the years. What to Expect for Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding: A Guide And this is the typical goal for couples: simplicity. Just like a big wedding, you should start with a guest list since that can dictate everything else. You can get married in San Francisco's historic City Hall by a Commissioner from the Office of the County Clerk. There are two different areas to choose from: You can design your ceremony to resemble a more traditional wedding, such as reading your own wedding vows, having acoustic musicians and floral decorations on plinths. Family style, white tablecloths, linen napkins and personalized menus make for an elegant but relaxed event. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. We recommend private dining areas at Absinthe and Proper Hotel which are within walking distance from City Hall or E & O Kitchen and Bar and Lazy Bear that are approximately 1.5 miles away. The rooftop of Lusk is where its at! Also wanted to get your pricing since you have experience photographing city hall ceremonies. Thanks for sharing! What happens in City Hall? [Updated!] - erinkrespan.com San Francisco City Hall Weddings Reopening Announced Alternatively, you can go out and have breakfast in town at one of the cozy nearby eateries. Many people at the ceremony & friends on Instagram have complimented Zoes astute use of light in addition to how well she captured our dynamic as a couple. Fridays are by far the busiest and this is year-round. I would not recommend picking up your license on the wedding day itself. Once you have chosen your date and time, go to the County Clerk website 90 days before your date. When should you start planning your San Francisco City Hall wedding? If you did want to have your friends and family attend the ceremony, you could book a 1-hour time slot which can be booked much farther in advance (but also only Monday through Friday). Make online reservations for Civil Ceremonies which are available Monday-Friday in three reservation slots. At Kokkari, youll experience the old-world charm of a rustic Mediterranean country inn with an inviting fireplace, extensive woodwork, hand-made pottery and fresh picked flowers. Yes. This is the exact information Ive been looking for!! Other popular destinations near San Francisco include Sausalito, Alcatraz and Yosemite National Park. Since it is known to be a culinary capital with a myriad of great restaurants, bistros, brasseries and cafeterias, you can literally eat your way through San Francisco. San Francisco City Hall Pandemic Wedding Updates 2022 What else can we add on to make our day complete? Not once have we ever met a couple who was disappointed with their choice. Your email address will not be published. What to do in San Francisco after your City Hall wedding? Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, recently voted Best Overall Restaurant in San Francisco. San Francisco is SO BEAUTIFUL and a great place to get married in San Francisco. You can schedule the marriage license anytime up to 90 days before the wedding date. For sought-after dates we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. This is the easiest and most popular way to get married at City Hall. Previous. Weddings of ANY size are chock full of emotion and little moments you dont want to rush. We are truly forever indebted to her. Some offer private rooms for 10 people, while others have spaces for up to 100 guests. If youre still looking for a wedding photographer who will capture your San Francisco City Hall ceremony plus your special meal afterward, reach out to me and my team of associates at the button below, I cant wait to hear your plans and guide you through the planning process! Book an experienced San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer that you can rely on! Now there are two, and were not sure if this will change in the future. San Francisco City Hall Events Page Two Hour Weddings. This differs based on whether youre having a private, 1-hour ceremony or a simple civil ceremony. Get married in San Francisco | San Francisco - sf.gov What different types of ceremonies are available? Harringtons is located at 245 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111. Yes, or for small groups the back patio is semi-private, View on map: Del Popolo, 855 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108, Group reservations maximum: 40 seated outdoors, 60 seated indoors. Thats a mandatory appointment you cant get married without it. Does not need to be overly fancy food but would like it to feel special. Here are a few ideas: Heres a list of my favorite restaurants to have your reception at post-City Hall. The biggest thing is weddings are done back to back. My fianc and I just booked our wedding date here for next year for the 1 hour ceremony. But we promise that you will love and appreciate every word from your officiant. We do it all the time! There are different areas available for rental such as the Blue Room, the Rail Car, and Mariannes bar. Showcasing seasonal ingredients from the regions best farms, Octavias menu is a celebration of local agriculture in a comfortable, neighborhood setting. See if you can get married You can get married if you: are not currently married are 18 or older have unexpired, government-issued photo ID 2. The judges who volunteer as officiants love what they do. Be it a One-hour Wedding on the Mayor's Balcony with stunning views of the Grand Staircase, or an Evening Wedding with dinner and dancing under the ornate dome of the Rotunda, you'll have . Complete Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall As one of San Francisco's most well known symbols, the cable car holds a special place in every San Franciscan's heart. She studied our sequence of events of the day and discuss in detail to plan for the spots with best lighting conditions. A grand jury has voted not to indict eight Ohio police officers who fired 94 rounds at Jayland Walker after a car and foot chase that ended in the 25-year-old Black man being shot to death last summer. The first step is to get in line outside of room 168, check-in, and take a number. At Pier 39 you can spot sea lions, the Barbary Coast will give you a glimpse of towns history, while the iconic bridge that connects San Francisco to Californias northern countries provides jaw-dropping photo opportunities. We first met Zoe in person for our engagement shoot in the SF Botanical garden. In comparison to traditional weddings, anyway. Browse through our list and call ahead to make a reservation. San Francisco City Hall Events Page One-Hour Weddings. And none of that would have been possible without Zoe, we KNOW this. When you work with me, you're not getting a rookie photographer - you're getting someone with over a decade of wedding photography experience and several hundred SF City Hall weddings photographed. The building is only relatively empty when the doors open at 8am. We do see some couples trying to fit as much as possible into as small a timeframe as possible to save money on their wedding photography. Full buyout for 100 (spaces are separated), View on map:Palio, 640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111, Private dining? Get to San Francisco City Hall early. I hope this was helpful and has given you some restaurant reception ideas. Early morning weddings (starting at 9am) give you the rest of the day to celebrate in your own way. Make sure you have your valid ID with you, and your California State Marriage License.