Be flexible. In comparison to traditional weddings, anyway. The Wayfare Tavern comes highly recommended and weve shot there numerous times, definitely more than any other San Francisco restaurant. This includes items like how to bring your dog, how to make a memorable exit, the importance of a bouquet and incorporating special items and meaningful moments. Instead of the traditional gendered pronouncement, judges will say I now pronounce you spouses for life. We love this! A City Hall wedding ceremony lasts for one hour and you can choose time slots between 9 AM and 3 PM. 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. These are two separate bookings. What should we wear for our San Francisco City Hall, Tips for getting married in San Francisco City Hall, Pick the right day and timeslot that works for you, Carve out some time when its just the two of you, Choosing a San Francisco City Hall photographer, Book your appointment with City Hall for your ceremony, San Francisco City Hall Events Page One-Hour Weddings, San Francisco City Hall Events Page Two Hour Weddings, All of my City Hall informative blog posts. Or pick one of the quirky, amusing places such as Muse Mecaniqu showcasing a stunning collection of coin-operated musical instruments. All of my City Hall informative blog posts. Mondays can also be a little busy as couples want to tie their wedding in with the weekend. After that, you can enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa or an invigorating swim at the pool. Plan for traffic. Even fewer that make images that are authentic, modern yet timeless, fresh, and full of life. If youre not a morning person or want to go straight to dinner, the last ceremony slot is worth considering. No reservations are possible during regular opening hours, but if your group is small, casual and you dont mind a short wait, itll be worth it! Also, your photographer may offer to put your personal effects in their bag to avoid them being in the pictures, but they are already wearing extremely heavy camera gear and a bulky case. Well-known as a destination for seasonal craft cocktails utilizing seasonal fruit plus a unique collection of wine and craft beer. They will assign you a number and you will wait in the hall again before you meet the judge who will be . View Complete Guide to Every Type of SF City Hall Wedding, Interested in a Private City Hall Wedding? Another outfit tip is to make sure your chosen ensemble fits you well. 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. And mind you, this is all BEFORE the ceremony began!Once the ceremony began, Zoe turned into our ceremony director, which we didnt know was going to happen. It is your wedding after all, so why not extend the evening and have another drink or two at a nearby club, bar or at a comfy lounge. After party anyone? Read About 4th Floor Weddings, Top Five Restaurants & Private Dining for a Reception after Your SF City Hall Civil Ceremony. Your email address will not be published. [Updated for 2020! Since 2012, the Lower Nob Hill favorite has been known for the best Neapolitan pie outside Italy. Browse through our list and call ahead to make a reservation. If you have booked into a luxury hotel, then ring room service and indulge a breakfast in bed. How to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall Each reception room has a private bar and gorgeous decor and vibe: Its absolutely the perfect spot for an intimate wedding reception thats still gorgeous and classy. 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. Zuni Caf is only 0.5 miles away and offers incredible brunch menus. Just the other day, we photographed a couple who chose a courthouse wedding because they only wanted 12 people to come. City Hall fills up as the day goes on, and then starts to empty out again after 3.30 when the final ceremonies are taking place. As its a public place, you will have to keep anything you bring in your hand at all times, or pass it off to a family member. Most couples go out to eat after the ceremony, whether its on their own, with a few friends, or with a large gathering of loved ones. So definitely check that one out if youre stumped for ideas or still considering whether a San Francisco City Hall ceremony is for you! Book your appointment with City Hall for your ceremony. Harringtons is located at 245 Front St, San Francisco, CA 94111. Guestlist size, location, season, and style also play a major role in wedding costs . This type of wedding is called a civil ceremony, also known as a public ceremony. The judges who volunteer as officiants love what they do. So after the ceremony we immediately guide the couple to our go-to spots around the building for photos. There will likely be one other couple who waits with you. If your marriage license appointment is the same day as the ceremony, you still need to be early. Do we need to have an appointment to turn the contract in? Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. They serve everything from pizzas baked in wood-burning ovens to unique dishes such as the burger on grilled rosemary focaccia. You can travel by cars or book a hassle-free guided tour via Get Your Guide or Viator. Organize a sightseeing tour or just hop on a cable car, visit a museum, spend a day in one of the parks or even go out of town for a wine tasting tour or a hiking trip. San Francisco City Hall | Reception Venues - The Knot City Hall ceremonies can be scheduled from 9AM till 3:30PM - everyone knows it. A valid, unexpired, marriage license issued by a California County. What happens in City Hall? [Updated!] - erinkrespan.com Complete Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall This can be very surprising because in the photos, we make it look like you had it to yourself, which isnt the case in reality. Chef Matthew Dolan has created a culinary program which embraces contemporary California cuisine with influences from around the world. A classic wedding dress or suit is of course, timeless and remains the most popular choice, but there is no need to be constrained by tradition. Or can we just mail the contract with the deposit to have it officially booked? The spaces boast the unique combination of stunning dcor, authentic atmosphere and innovative flavors with Chef Sharon Nahm taking you on an exotic cooks tour of modern Asia influenced by spice markets. Not sure what to do after your glam City Hall wedding ceremony and photoshoot? Zoe. The restaurant offers rich decor and expansive windows which frame the Bay Bridge. The only caveat is the change in ceremony times - right now the last time slot is 1 PM (post-COVID) but it could change. The beauty of this kind of wedding is that there is a step-by-step process to follow. Or simply opt for cocktails and canapes at a lounge or bar that plays great music. From what I have heard in passing from clients, I think its more likely you would mail it in, as couples book weddings there from far and wide. I look forward to hearing from you soon via my contact page! 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. Has anyone gotten married at SF City Hall? If so, how hard was - Reddit If hectic energy is likely to be draining to you, I recommend adding on a location. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Previous. Please note this number includes any children in your party, as well as photographers and videographers. Browse through our portfolio to see what other couples have worn, but we know that youll make it your own! Chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clarks collective visions weave food, wine, cocktails, film, and art gallery into one harmonious ambiance. I would avoid bringing too much stuff in general. What does La Mar Cebicheria Peruana offer? Do allow plenty of time because traffic, parking, going through security, freshening up etc all cause delays. I saw the section for guerrilla weddings which would be our only option and wanted to ask if an ordained minister can perform this or if it had to be the deputy minister for the day that you mentioned in your article. The restaurant is only 0.2 miles from City Hall and it takes 5 minutes to walk there. Private dining? Your number will be called in the order you arrive, and you will be instructed to go upstairs to the Rotunda. A Lifehacker's Guide for a SF City Hall Wedding I would not recommend picking up your license on the wedding day itself. Keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesday to Saturday they open at 11:30 AM. Pre-pandemic, there used to be four couples for every half hour slot. However, many couples still like to get married on Friday to give themselves a three day weekend. There are many different areas that can be combined, totalling over 9,000 square feet of event space. For more info, visit their website. Stable Cafe is a unique space built in an old 1800s carriage house in the Mission District offering friendly dining in an outdoor back patio. 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. On your ID, make sure your entire name including any middle names, are spelled out in full. The only fashion style to avoid is anything too casual. Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, recently voted Best Overall Restaurant in San Francisco. II. Have a (Private) One Hour Wedding at San Francisco City Hall 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 , Natural . What to Expect for Your San Francisco City Hall Wedding: A Guide And I got to join her. For sought-after dates we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Make a shortlist of photographers and other vendors. Please leave them in the comments below so other people who want to learn how to get married at San Francisco City Hall can benefit too. Those are the public ceremonies at the top of the grand staircase, with at most a small handful of guests. Public civil ceremony appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. 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. I just wanted to clarify the guest count. There are a million great ways to celebrate your marriage and here are a few Ive seen done and done well, with anywhere from only a handful of guests all the way up to fifty guests or so. City Hall only allows six guests during the ceremony, so you could choose up to six of the closest people in your lives to attend the ceremony and then meet up with a larger group afterward. Perhaps you can relate to these: -This is their second wedding and they want something less elaborate this time around. Thats why we believe we are the best choice for your SF City Hall wedding. City Hall 3rd floor hallway and window - iqphoto.com 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. For your out of town guests, a trip to one of San Franciscos amazing museums is a must. They are required to say certain words, but each one puts their own spin on it. The bridges can be extremely congested in the mornings and indeed throughout the day. I would be honored to be your SF City Hall wedding photographer. What to do 1. However, you can exceed this number for a fee-per-guest. Get a marriage license | San Francisco Some offer private rooms for 10 people, while others have spaces for up to 100 guests. There are 2 two-hour rental options on Saturdays, usually starting at either 9am or 12pm. 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. But, they dont give you a lot of time to get ready. It is such a quiet space, far from the busy Rotunda and the popular Mayor's Balcony. Other popular destinations near San Francisco include Sausalito, Alcatraz and Yosemite National Park. Family photography now available for past wedding clients! In this article, Ill guide you through my favorite restaurants in San Francisco that are perfect for hosting a wedding day meal of any size. Like this Blog Post? A snap by the famous big window is a must-have. In our experience, couples who choose to get married at city hall do so for one of several reasons, or a combination of reasons. A City Hall wedding is one in which efficiency is prioritized over personalization. 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). Youll exchange your vows on the platform of the majestic Grand Staircase. If the language of your ID is not English, you will need to bring a certified translation. The two classy teal and blue-colored bar areas and high-ceilinged dining room make you feel like youre somewhere on Miami Beach. Some states mark the middle name with the initial. The key advantage of planning a small City Hall wedding ceremony is having a plethora of options for lunch, dinner or cocktails. Looking for more San Francisco wedding venues? What do you feel like doing? Its the perfect plan. San Francisco City Hall Events Page One-Hour Weddings. Every judge says the same thing with only about 10% variation between each one. If I am not booked for a post City Hall reception/dinner-type-thing, then we say our goodbyes, The next time you would hear from me is 3-5 weeks after the wedding date when I deliver a beautiful gallery of your images from your magical City Hall wedding! She studied our sequence of events of the day and discuss in detail to plan for the spots with best lighting conditions. As a busy metropolitan hub, getting married in the Bay Area can be much more costly than in a rural area. Zoes kindness and demeanor made us so comfortable allowing her to dictate our every pose, not to mention her AMAZING knowledge of the City Hall spaces, lighting, crowd movement, and architecture. For this reason, I highly recommend logging on to the County Clerks website at midnight 90 days out so you can snag your desired date and timeslot. As to which area, my vote goes to the4th Floor North Gallery (shown above). Many different private dining areas both indoors and outdoors, ranging from 20 guests to over 200. Sure, feel free to reach out on https://zoelarkin.com/cityhall for more info! Its here: https://zoelarkin.com/sf-city-hall-pandemic-wedding-updates/. For the former, they can be booked up to 2 years out (and for busy dates, its worth booking ASAP). After all, there is a reason that tourists flock here. Im itching on 7 guest and crossing my fingers itll be possible. You can schedule the marriage license anytime up to 90 days before the wedding date. Hi - my boyfriend and I plan to get married at SF City Hall on a Friday in September this year. Yes. Full buyout for 100 (spaces are separated), View on map:Palio, 640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111, Private dining? How about a decadent dinner followed by a mouth-watering post-wedding brunch? This can especially be useful if you happen to choose a busy day for your wedding because we can remove people from the background using Photoshop . The later it is, the more opportunity for natural light to enter the building. For every ceremony that we attend, we obviously are there as the wedding photographer. Where to Have Your Reception After SF City Hall: Ideas for your wedding! This is where the civil ceremonies take place. Most museums' late-night programs include special . 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. I appreciate this website. Modern, minimalist wine bar with a rotating menu of prix fixe food pairings & a la carte items, The Patio is located in the Marina District. Zoe also encouraged my husband and me to tell each other jokes as we had on our engagement shoot as a way for me to loosen up, as my nerves matched the enormity of the occasion.The finished photos are STUNNING. 25+ Best Engagement Photo Locations in California! At your location, you could choose to recite personalized vows to one another away from the hustle and bustle, just the two of you. The 23 restaurants on my list all serve excellent food and will take great care of you. They have a dining room heated patio, and sidewalk seating; walk-ins welcome. Not once have we ever met a couple who was disappointed with their choice. Pin this graphic below to your San Francisco City Hall Pinterest board! You also get to control when proceedings start, and say your own vows. If you are prepared to go that extra mile, why not make an exciting two-day itinerary for your wedding guests. This building is an incredible place to spend time. Glad its been helpful. San Francisco is notorious for it. Best known for its breakfasts and brunches! We know it is so hard to make a decision because there are so many options available. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the quietest days of the week. As a nice additional touch, you could also host a champagne reception as part of your rental, for an additional fee. A guest count of up to 200 is included in the price. Food and drink service is not permitted. Once all couples and guests are situated, the judge arrives and get things started. For more info, visit their website. Is a San Francisco City Hall wedding for you? However, your officiant will make the final determination. 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. Heres just a short version of what I would recommend for 2 hours of photography time. Slots are more limited for ceremonies than licenses, so its recommended to book the ceremony first, then the license appointment, making sure its within 90 days. We do it all the time! 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. Civil Ceremony Reservations | SFGOV - San Francisco I provide unlimited planning help, Im responsive and communicative, and on the day Ill be a calm and reassuring presence. You must present your wedding license at the time of the ceremony. Get to San Francisco City Hall early. Rentals are available for private events 7 days a week through all service windows. Theres also plenty that happens that might be off-script, that we cant predict or control for. Your desired photographer may have limited availability during the timeframe youre choosing, so that may affect which date you choose. This isnt part of the process that I have any insight into as a photographer, Im afraid. Ive worked with many brides who are shocked that its crowded and filled with other couples celebrating! ago Loved reading this! The kinds of people who are drawn to City Hall weddings tend to be those with a more practical bent, and those who dislike being the center of attention. There are so many! Though its not usually strictly enforced, the official rules may be invoked at any time. Where would be a good place to go afterwards for lunch and drinks? Enjoy tantalizing amuse-bouches, incredible wood-fired pizza and a great wine selection. We are planning to book our license appointment for the day before our actual elopement to avoid any extra day-of stress. There are many photographers around, but few who specialize in City Hall weddings. Casual elegance is the name of the game, with the waterfront adding a peaceful ambiance to the light, airy and modern space. Then its time to wait! 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.