She studied our sequence of events of the day and discuss in detail to plan for the spots with best lighting conditions. Plan for traffic. It's less than ten minutes long and you're done. 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. Theres an indoor area also available as part of patio rentals. Not once have we ever met a couple who was disappointed with their choice. Finding a restaurant wont be a problem because there are so many great nearby places with fantastic in between menus. If thats the case, bring a passport or birth certificate too. My fianc and I booked getting our marriage license at the end of august at 1:30pm but unfortunately could not get an appointment for the civil ceremonies which are all completely booked out. Picture yourselves waking up in a plush hotel suite! You can even choose to split up your photography coverage when you book with us. If youre looking for something closer to City Hall to cut down on travel time, I have compiled a list of wedding photo locations that arewithin 3 miles of City Hallfor added convenience. Ceremony appointments are available from 9am to 3:30pm, every half an hour. Can we schedule the Marriage License appointment the same week as our Civil Ceremony Appointment? Host an extended cocktail hour with drinks, oysters (if you want! Plus you get to relax there when all the craziness of the day is done. We think youll love Vive La Tarte, Scullery, Straw and Dotties True Blue Caf. You can travel by cars or book a hassle-free guided tour via Get Your Guide or Viator. 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. What to do 1. However, you can exceed this number for a fee-per-guest. Currently, the cost for a civil ceremony at SF City Hall is $95. The 4thFloor North Gallery seats 60. License costs vary across counties, with San Francisco being the highest in California. Scheduling it for the same day as the wedding is not recommended. San Francisco is notorious for it. Required fields are marked *. Lunch & drinks after city hall wedding - San Francisco Forum Once you have chosen your date and time, go to the County Clerk website 90 days before your date. [The WEDDING TAX explained], British pub-style setting with an old-meets-new world flavor, Features American dishes inspired by the San Francisco restaurant scene of the early 1900s. Wayfare Tavern is located at 558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111. When should you start planning your San Francisco City Hall wedding? Where would be a good place to go afterwards for lunch and drinks? Usually, youll need to sign a contract and put down a deposit of $750 by money order or cashiers check. So far, everything weve described about the day sounds so formal. I personally favor something elegant but modern jumpsuits, vests, fascinators, bustiers, bow ties, smoking jackets, tweed, fur, velvet or lace. 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. When it comes to SF City Hall weddings, most people think of civil ceremonies. 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. And this is the typical goal for couples: simplicity. Hi! You can get married in San Francisco's historic City Hall by a Commissioner from the Office of the County Clerk. You must present your wedding license at the time of the ceremony. There are three main types of bookings you can choose from for your San Francisco City Hall wedding experience. Dealing with freeway traffic is probably not something you want to be doing on this most magical day! 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. There are three different areas for private / semi-private dining: the Chefs Table, the Oenos Room and the Hania Room. For more info, visit their website. The biggest thing is weddings are done back to back. Neapolitan-style pizzas, New American small bites, beer & wine in intimate, rustic-chic digs. And when the formalities are over, everyone will be in the mood for a delicious brunch! Your desired photographer may have limited availability during the timeframe youre choosing, so that may affect which date you choose. If the language of your ID is not English, you will need to bring a certified translation. San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography You should provide your own officiant for private ceremonies. If hectic energy is likely to be draining to you, I recommend adding on a location. One of the things we love about civil ceremonies are the variety of attire we see couples wear. 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. Well-known as a destination for seasonal craft cocktails utilizing seasonal fruit plus a unique collection of wine and craft beer. 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. 3. If you prefer booking well in advance, you can do so up to a maximum of 24 months. Here are a few ideas: Heres a list of my favorite restaurants to have your reception at post-City Hall. 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. What does La Mar Cebicheria Peruana offer? Appointments are $86 and cannot be refunded or rescheduled once made. One of the most well-known and affordable spots for all-size groups (especially larger ones) for SF City Hall weddings. Lots of layers arent required unless theyre part of your look (layers like ruffles and a range of textures photograph really well, but you wont need a warm jacket that youll just remove instantly and then have to carry around!). Specialist dishes include Salt & Pepper Live Crab and R&G Special Beef. The Mayors Balcony seats 40. Judges are inclusive and welcome all couples. Alternatively you can choose a location thats more of a hike such as Corona Heights or Bernal Heights. Yes, seats up to 60 or 100 standing. 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. Read About 4th Floor Weddings, Top Five Restaurants & Private Dining for a Reception after Your SF City Hall Civil Ceremony. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); photojournalist wedding photographers In the San Francisco Bay Area@zoelarkinphoto, HOME / AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE / PRIVACY POLICY //All content on this site is Zoe Larkin Photography 2023, Based in the Mission District, San Francisco.Serving the East Bay, sonoma, napa, marin, San Jose & SacrementoWoman-owned Minority Owned certified equally wed lgbtq+ inclusive, Complete Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall in 2023, 27 best hotels to get ready at before your San Francisco City Hall wedding, Create the best timeline for your San Francisco City Hall wedding, Wayfare Tavern Weddings - Complete Guide (with photos! Finely curated wine list, local artisan beers and a Victorian-era inspired cocktails list with a modern twist. A dressed-up, statement look that represents you as a couple is the way to go. Previous. In comparison to traditional weddings, anyway. They personalize the menu for each wedding, matching sustainable, seasonal and market availability with guests special preferences. Hi David, Im so sorry my reply is coming in so shamefully late its been the craziest wedding season in history, and I havent had a chance to breathe since before May! Enjoy tantalizing amuse-bouches, incredible wood-fired pizza and a great wine selection. ), and lots of delicious food. View Complete Guide to Every Type of SF City Hall Wedding, Interested in a Private City Hall Wedding? Host an extended cocktail hour with drinks, oysters (if you want! Celeb chef Gastn Acurio serves Peruvian seafood in a large, partially outdoor space on the pier. San Francisco City Hall - What time do appointments go live? A snap by the famous big window is a must-have. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This article however goes into more of the nuance of how it actually works and what Im allowed to say publicly: https://zoelarkin.com/sf-city-hall-pandemic-wedding-updates/, 12 Comments on Complete Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall in 2023, Your email address will not be published. Here they are along with the up-to-date pricing: Theres also an evening wedding option but we dont see a lot of demand for those. Everyone is excited to be there and celebrate this moment with you. We are planning to book our license appointment for the day before our actual elopement to avoid any extra day-of stress. Thanks again. Founded in 1998, its among the citys longest-running dining institutions, serving a creative menu of French brasserie fare, along with classic cocktails. Creating content is my passion! You can learn more on their website. For every ceremony that we attend, we obviously are there as the wedding photographer. Many different private dining areas both indoors and outdoors, ranging from 20 guests to over 200. Civil marriage ceremony: what to expect. As one of San Francisco's most well known symbols, the cable car holds a special place in every San Franciscan's heart. Chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clarks collective visions weave food, wine, cocktails, film, and art gallery into one harmonious ambiance. On your ID, make sure your entire name including any middle names, are spelled out in full. A one-hour private area rental gives you more privacy, the ability to customize your ceremony, and you can have more guests (with optional seating). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); photojournalist wedding photographers In the San Francisco Bay Area@zoelarkinphoto, HOME / AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE / PRIVACY POLICY //All content on this site is Zoe Larkin Photography 2023, Based in the Mission District, San Francisco.Serving the East Bay, sonoma, napa, marin, San Jose & SacrementoWoman-owned Minority Owned certified equally wed lgbtq+ inclusive, How to make your SF City Hall ceremony extra special, Mayors Balcony Weddings San Francisco City Hall, Your 2023 guide to 4th Floor Wedding Ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco City Hall full buyout Saturday wedding, Create the best timeline for your San Francisco City Hall wedding, Split photography coverage - when you want non-continuous hours, 27 best hotels to get ready at before your San Francisco City Hall wedding, on Complete Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall in 2023. For the former, they can be booked up to 2 years out (and for busy dates, its worth booking ASAP). If you are up for some wine tasting, you can visit some of Californias famous vineyards in Sonoma or Napa Valley. Heres just a short version of what I would recommend for 2 hours of photography time. Yes (private & semi-private), View on map: R & G Lounge, 631 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108, View on map: The Cavalier, 360 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (inside Hotel Zetta), Group reservations maximum: seated 140, reception style 300, View on map: Patio, 3232 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94123, View on map: Waterbar Restaurant, 399 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, Web: https://www.properhotel.com/hotels/san-francisco/, View on map: San Francisco Proper, 45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102, View on map: Kokkari Estiatorio, 200 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94111, View on map: Stable Cafe, 2128 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110, Type of cuisine: Californian / Latin American, Private dining? THE SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL ROTUNDA - iqphoto.com Proper hosts a variety of bars and restaurants under one roof or on the rooftop! The 2023 San Francisco City Hall Civil Ceremony Wedding Guide What's an SF City Hall Civil Ceremony Wedding REALLY like? Since you can only book 90 days ahead of time, and the calendar can get competitive, keep your options open when it comes time to book. Whats the best time to get married at San Francisco City Hall? There are gorgeous gowns, matching suits, casual dresses, and everything in between. But we promise it doesnt feel that way! Kick your shoes off, pop open a bottle of champagne, and toast to your happiness while sitting on a blanket surrounded by daisies. It doesnt stop here there is plenty more to dive into! And with so many elegant restaurants, bars and hotels literally around the corner, you are bound to find a place youll love. 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. Where Utah high school and college football players signed after 2023 Make a shortlist of photographers and other vendors. Questions, comments? To book your private area rental, youll need to give a minimum of three weeks notice. Proximity to City Hall is extremely important, while a private bar with a great selection of cocktails a bonus! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Some states mark the middle name with the initial. Stately elegance and exquisite architectural design make San Francisco City Hall a perfect venue for celebrating the most important occasions. 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. The key advantage of planning a small City Hall wedding ceremony is having a plethora of options for lunch, dinner or cocktails. One of the biggest decisions youll have to make is which photographer to choose. Theres a happy medium between traditional Chinese dishes and new chef-innovated creations. Pin it on Pinterest! These weddings are, as the name states, an hour long. These are the official vows youll recite. SF City Hall tends to be less busy towards the end of the day as tours have left and there are no more ceremonies after yours, which means it'll be easier to capture the iconic shots on the staircase and balcony. I look forward to hearing from you soon via my contact page! For more information about San Francisco City Hall Rotunda and the floor plan, visit the Event's Department page. Any info you have on this would be hugely appreciated. A little story: back in May 2019, SF City Hall began enforcing the 6-guest rule . 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. The only caveat is the change in ceremony times - right now the last time slot is 1 PM (post-COVID) but it could change. Your page is extremely helpful. To get married at City Hall, first youll need your marriage license. Housed in a landmarked flatiron-style building in San Franciscos vibrant Mid-Market district, Luxurious surroundings, high-end setting and exquisite attention to detail, This warm and inviting all-indoor space prepares the finest Hellenic cuisine Aegean cuisine in the style of innovative and modern California faire. This gorgeous bay front restaurant has a lovely upstairs room thats just for private events. Chef Matthew Dolan has created a culinary program which embraces contemporary California cuisine with influences from around the world. The provided officiant or Deputy Marriage Commissioner will perform your ceremony. Ive an article coming out soon about City Hall news and updates post-pandemic. But if youre a planner like we are, you want to know what to expect. Guestlist size, location, season, and style also play a major role in wedding costs . She shot both the City Hall ceremony and our reception. Therefore, its important to consider what you would like to make time for and how to personalize an impersonal experience. Once your photos are done, whether its only inside the building or in different locations around the city, then its time to celebrate even more! SF City Hall Wedding Photographer | Red Eye Collection The 23 restaurants on my list all serve excellent food and will take great care of you. Fifteen minutes before your civil ceremony appointment, go to Room 168 on the first floor. You need to bring your marriage license and your government-issued ID. 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. Does not need to be overly fancy food but would like it to feel special. And none of that would have been possible without Zoe, we KNOW this. You can add a musician and florals on plinths, both of which elevate the event tremendously. Located in the heart of the Financial District, Zazie has been around for almost 30 years and is a Cole Valley favorite. Civil ceremony appointments are Monday through Friday, every half hour between 9:00 am and 3:30 pm. Pin this graphic below to your San Francisco City Hall Pinterest board! Hi Celia! There are a lot fewer moving parts than a regular wedding. Yes but only after 4pm when the cafe closes. Dont be afraid to experiment with edgier styles! Hiring Zoe was the best investment of our wedding. Other crazy hectic months every year are the last 2 weeks of March, April, May, June, September, October and the last 2 weeks of November. So after the ceremony we immediately guide the couple to our go-to spots around the building for photos. Civil ceremonies usually take place in the area at the top of the Grand Staircase known as the Rotunda. Weddings - San Francisco City Hall Events Get to San Francisco City Hall early. The setting is sophisticated yet unpretentious with a stunning view of San Francisco Bay and the Ferry Building. The first step is to decide where you want to celebrate your nuptials after the ceremony. This restaurant knows their way around wedding receptions with two separate private event rooms and tons of excellent food. Family photography now available for past wedding clients! San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Sean Manaea throws a ball during a practice session at the Alfredo Harp . City Hall is now strictly enforcing the 6-guest rule with immediate effect. Check in to the office 10 minutes before your ceremony if possible. Weve written about this, with restaurants that we personally recommend. There are so many! SF City Hall civil ceremonies are simple. Or head off to Muir Woods which is a paradise for nature lovers. Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, recently voted Best Overall Restaurant in San Francisco. Did you know that most of them are located in the town center? But, they dont give you a lot of time to get ready. Instead of the traditional gendered pronouncement, judges will say I now pronounce you spouses for life. We love this! Family style, white tablecloths, linen napkins and personalized menus make for an elegant but relaxed event. So a total of 8 people with bride, groom, photographer, and guests? This limit includes any children in your group and your photographer. First, well say this: Whatever date and time you pick are going to be perfect. However, they are popular though before they are convenient and desirable, so if you have your heart set on a Friday ceremony, go for it! Civil ceremonies scheduled later in the day tend to give you better photos. Like this Blog Post? Follow along the blog and Insta! A super chill, very relaxed, and absolutely lovely way to celebrate your wedding. This is the easiest and most popular way to get married at City Hall. A lunch or dinner reservation can determine this as well. 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. There are not words to describe what Zoe meant to our day, and now our memories. 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. The Stable Caf is located at 2128 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110. Instead, you would have more time given over for romantic portraits, the ceremony and for the group photos if you have more people. It can run late there is already enough happening on the wedding day without also having to deal with another appointment. 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. Full buyout for 100 (spaces are separated), View on map:Palio, 640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111, Private dining? The California Academy of Sciences offers late-night admission every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., while the de Young Museum, one of the city's best art museums is open late on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. 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. Need pro tips? Private dining? Im no actor, but this is what working with a great movie director must be like her ability to lead and engage our guests, her placement of herself in the perfect places, and her completely clear communication style (again, all while the ceremony is going on) was absolutely amazing.Again, were not actors, but I suddenly realized that, despite our stresses in the morning getting ready and running into City Hall 30 minutes late, we felt safe.For everything Zoe was doing, she made the ceremony and the space belong to my fiance and I; the world washed away, and I got to see my fiance shine. 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. If you are looking for affordable private accommodation options, look for properties located in Hayes Valley. 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. After the ceremony you will want to mill around hugging which is totally understandable. You should also have your witness with you, and if you don't have a witness, your photographer is happy to sign your marriage license. Absinthe Bar https://www.opentable.com/absinthe-brasserie-and-bar, City Hall Wedding After Party: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/travel-dining/g8256/things-to-do-san-francisco/, Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel https://www.sirfrancisdrake.com/, Brendas French Soul Food http://frenchsoulfood.com, SFMOMA https://www.timeout.com/san-francisco/things-to-do/best-san-francisco-museums, Napa Valley https://www.visitnapavalley.com/. Zoe. Schedule your Marriage License Appointment, Find Nearby Private Dining and Make a Reservation. A civil ceremony is the simplest, most cost-effective way to go. (You'd just have to make and pay for a new appointment if you wanted to change your Civil Ceremony appointment.) Since 2012, the Lower Nob Hill favorite has been known for the best Neapolitan pie outside Italy. Planning a City Hall wedding is much less complex than planning a more traditional event. This special treatment will sometimes include facial retouching and removal of distracting background items such as Exit signs and tourists. Many of San Francisco's best museums offer late-night entry at least once a week. Though the price tag is higher than a civil ceremony, a private rental is pretty unbeatable for a San Francisco wedding. 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. Thanks! San Francisco is SO BEAUTIFUL and a great place to get married in San Francisco. Wondering where to have your reception after your San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony? A guest count of up to 200 is included in the price. The ceremony is short about 3 4 minutes, with a check-in process immediately prior that takes anything up to 30 minutes. This is the exact information Ive been looking for!! 23 Top Restaurants for San Francisco City Hall Wedding Reception After that, you can enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa or an invigorating swim at the pool. This room also features a private terrace with views of the Bay. The bridges can be extremely congested in the mornings and indeed throughout the day. Arrive on your ceremony day. A Lifehacker's Guide for a SF City Hall Wedding Perhaps you can relate to these: -This is their second wedding and they want something less elaborate this time around. San Francisco Courthouse Weddings: The Ultimate Guide - Red Eye Collection City Hall weddings can also be much cheaper. 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 Looking Glass Room is smaller, seating up to 24 people seated. Guests will be seated on the 1st Floor. Make an appointment for your marriage license Public Civil Ceremony Cost:$98 How:Make reservation on the County Clerk website While its a beautiful space, it is invariably crowded.