August 11, 2020

San Francisco City Hall Wedding Venue for Fine Art Brides

A San Francisco City Hall wedding could not be more dreamy and fine art. It has multiple floors of beauty that surround a rotunda whose staircase is magnificent. Everytime I shoot inside the building, I feel inspired to the extreme.

Gorgeous ultra wide shot of bride in white linen jumpsuit and groom in blue blazer and dark jeans. Film Engagement Photos at San Francisco City Hall by Cavin Elizabeth 

Engagement Photos at San Francisco City Hall

To take engagement photos at City Hall, there is no permit or cost required. Your photographer should recommend a good start time based on lighting and guide you to the best locations inside.

Bride in white linen jumpsuit and groom in blue blazer and dark jeans. Film Engagement Photos at San Francisco City Hall by Cavin Elizabeth
Ceiling architecture. Engagement Photos on film at San Francisco City Hall by Cavin Elizabeth
 

Elope at San Francisco City Hall

If you’re looking to solely host your ceremony at SF City Hall, you’ll be able to do that quite easily and somewhat affordably for $1,000. That covers one hour of renting your chosen area. The fourth floor has the best light and is where many elopements take place. You can opt to rope off the entire promenade for privacy.

San Francisco City Hall Engagement Photos with red gown, Cavin Elizabeth Photography 
You’ll need to secure an officiant and a photographer (me!) for your elopement. The building does allow for acoustic music provided by an approved musician.

Wide architectural epic engagement photo, Bride in red dress with groom in navy suit for San Francisco City Hall Engagement Photos on the 4th floor, Cavin Elizabeth Photography 

San Francisco City Hall Wedding Ceremony + Reception

If you’re looking to host your ceremony and reception at SF City Hall, you’ll need a solid budget to do so. Renting the entire Rotunda runs $10,000.

San Francisco City Hall wedding venue layout 
Additionally, you’ll need to hire a wedding planner. Their team should be skilled at working on tight timelines and flipping spaces to ensure your San Francisco City Hall wedding runs smoothly. Of course, you’ll also need to hire a rental company to provide all seating, tables, tabletop items, and any other furniture.

Couple walking down stairs of San Francisco City Hall, Cavin Elizabeth Photography
San Francisco City Hall 4th floor architecture with natural light, Contax 645 film image, Cavin Elizabeth Photography
 

Outdoor Portraits at City Hall

Almost as much beauty exists outside of the building as inside. I highly recommend that for elopements, you hire the photographer for two hours to ensure you have enough time to shoot outside. For full weddings, make time for sunset portraits outdoors. You’ll have variety in your portraits this way!

Contax 645 film photo from wedding photographer, bride and groom outside of city hall in blush dress and navy suit for San Francisco City Hall engagement photos, Cavin Elizabeth Photography

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