Last Updated on January 28, 2025 by Ruby And The Wolf
San Francisco’s iconic City Hall has long been a popular wedding destination, offering couples a blend of historic charm and urban sophistication. As we enter 2025, the venue has introduced several updates to its wedding services, making the process even more accessible and customizable for couples.
New Fees and Booking Process
As of January 1, 2025, the cost for a marriage license in San Francisco has increased to $120, while the fee for a civil ceremony now stands at $103[2]. These adjustments reflect the city’s commitment to maintaining its world-class facilities while keeping services affordable for couples.
The online reservation system has been streamlined, allowing couples to book both their marriage license appointment and civil ceremony in one convenient process. This update has significantly reduced wait times and improved the overall experience for soon-to-be newlyweds.
Expanded Ceremony Options
San Francisco City Hall now offers a wider range of ceremony options to cater to different preferences and budgets:
1. Civil Ceremony
The classic civil ceremony remains a popular choice, accommodating up to 6 guests and lasting approximately 3-4 minutes. These ceremonies are available Monday through Friday, with time slots every half-hour between 9 am and 3:30 pm[1].
2. One-Hour Private Ceremony
For those seeking more privacy and customization, the one-hour private ceremony option is available for $1,000. Couples can choose between the 4th Floor North Gallery or the Mayor’s Balcony, accommodating up to 100 guests[3][4].
3. Saturday Ceremonies
New for 2025, City Hall has expanded its Saturday wedding offerings. These exclusive events allow for up to 200 guests and provide a full two-hour rental of the Grand Staircase area for $5,000[2].
Photography and Personalization
San Francisco City Hall continues to be a photographer’s dream, with its stunning Beaux-Arts architecture providing a timeless backdrop for wedding photos. Couples are encouraged to hire professional photographers to capture their special day, with no additional permits required for wedding photography within the building[3].
For one-hour private ceremonies, couples now have more options for personalization, including:
- Custom vows
- Acoustic music (up to two musicians)
- Floral decorations
- Display tables
Looking Ahead
As San Francisco City Hall adapts to meet the evolving needs of couples, it remains committed to providing an unforgettable wedding experience. Whether opting for a quick civil ceremony or a more elaborate private event, couples can expect the same level of elegance and professionalism that has made City Hall a beloved wedding venue for generations.
With these updates, San Francisco City Hall weddings continue to offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring that couples starting their journey together do so in one of the most beautiful and historic settings in the country.
Sources
[1] https://www.redeyecollection.com/blog/san-francisco-city-hall/sf-city-hall-4th-floor-wedding/
[2] https://www.weddingphotographersanfranciscocityhall.com/blog/cost-to-get-married-at-san-francisco-city-hall/
[3] https://zoelarkin.com/how-to-get-married-at-san-francisco-city-hall/