10 TIPS FOR GETTING MARRIED AT SAN FRANCISCO’S CITY HALL

There are tons of benefits to having a city hall wedding: it’s novel, it can cut down on costs, and you can usually plan it in a fraction of the time of a non-city hall wedding. But just because you decide to get married in a government building, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all of the fun details that make every wedding special. Here’s ten ways to pull off the wedding of your dreams at San Francisco’s City Hall—and I should know, I got married there myself. 

1) Get a marriage license.

First things first, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license, even before your city hall commitment ceremony. Sadly you can’t do them on the same day—in fact, the marriage license must be issued within 90 days of your ceremony. For more details, click here.

2) Schedule your I do’s.

To schedule your I do’s, make a commitment ceremony reservation up to 90 days in advance on the county clerk’s website, where you can also book a one or two hour wedding ceremony, if you wish. Booking those will grant you private access to various spaces in the building, like the Mayor’s Balcony or the Grand Staircase, respectively. Keep in mind that many vendors won’t confirm a contract until a date is set, so keep them updated on what day you’re hoping for at city hall, and once it’s booked, let them know right away. Also be sure to email the events department (abby.bauss@sfgov.org) to make sure there aren’t any conflicting events on your big day. 

3) Gather your crew.

Getting married at city hall doesn’t have to be an experience for just the two of you. In California, you are allowed two witnesses in your marriage license signing, so feel free to include a best man and/or maid of honor. As for the ceremony in the rotunda, invite all of your family and friends—there’s no guest limit.

4) Make invitations.

Designing a memorable invitation for your big day establishes the event’s significance for guests, and it also serves as a beautiful memento for you and your spouse to frame and keep forever.

5) Dress to impress.

You’re no less a bride just because you’re getting married at city hall, so wear something that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, whether it’s a tea-length dress and nude pumps or a sparkly white jumpsuit. Same goes for you grooms, who can look just dressed-up enough in a suit without a tie and equally welcome if you want to wear a tuxedo. 

6) Book a hair and makeup appointment. There’s no reason to not feel your very best on your wedding day, no matter where you exchange vows. Schedule a professional hair and makeup appointment for a dose of glamour—and who doesn’t love a little pampering? 

7) Bring a bouquet. Bride and bouquet go hand in hand, literally, so work with a florist on complementing your look with a bouquet or boutonniere, even if they’re uncomplicated arrangements. Fresh flowers just look amazing in photos and have you looking the part, even if it’s just the two of you.

8) Invest in a professional photographer.

Images that you can cherish for life are a must when it comes to such an occasion like your wedding day. With that in mind, Natalie of Natalie Bowen Designs, Jane of The Glamourist, and myself are excited to share our brand new city hall wedding offer as we join forces as City Love Elopements. Receive a complete package of hair, make-up, bouquet, boutonniere, and 2.5 hours of photography, all for one price. Contact me here for information on availability and rates.

9) Take off in style.

Nothing puts out the flame of magical moments quite like hopping in your own car after having just committed your lives to each other and stepping through the golden-lettered doors that are such an iconic part of the venue. Have a driver for the day, even if it’s family or a friend who’s willing to play chauffeur for the day. You’ll get to ooh and aww as you’re driven to your next destination rather than being distracted by traffic or parking.

10) Go slow.

On the day, remember to take your time—to be playful, to soak up all the good feels, and to just be with each other without any distractions. No matter where you celebrate, the day will fly by, so take a second to pause and savor as many single moments as possible.