There are three ways to get married at San Francisco City Hall. The official pages cover the rules, so here I want to share how each option actually feels on the day. I've photographed over 120 weddings in this building and have seen all three options many, many times.
It really comes down to two questions: how many guests you'd like to have, and whether you want a short and easy ceremony or a longer one with your own officiant and personal vows.
Option 1: The civil ceremony
This is the classic City Hall wedding. You book an appointment with the County Clerk, and a volunteer Deputy Marriage Commissioner marries you. You don't hire anyone. The city provides the officiant.
What you should know:
Officially, you can bring up to 6 guests. In practice you might squeeze in a couple more, but 6 is the rule, so plan around it.
The ceremony is short, it lasts just a few minutes. So there's no time for personal vows or a slow walk down an aisle. You say yes, you kiss, and usually the next couple is already waiting for their turn.
About 90% of civil ceremonies happen in the Rotunda area, at the top of the Grand Staircase. But around Christmas, when the holiday decorations go up, ceremonies move to the 4th floor or 3rd floor instead. Some couples get disappointed when that happens, but the light on the 4th floor is actually beautiful, so I wouldn't worry about it at all.
Best for: couples who want it simple and intimate :)
Option 2: The Mayor's Balcony
Once you rent a space, City Hall basically acts like a venue. The one-hour wedding package is $1200 and runs Monday to Friday, with ceremonies starting between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
The Mayor's Balcony overlooks the Grand Staircase from the second floor. It's private for your hour, you can bring far more people (seating for up to 40 on the balcony, up to 100 guests total), and chairs can be arranged as an equipment rental.
One thing to keep in mind: the balcony overlooks the Grand Staircase, and the staircase stays open to the public during your ceremony. The Rotunda is also right across from the balcony, so there will probably be many people around.
One thing that surprises couples: the city does not provide an officiant for rented ceremonies, so you hire your own. In my experience that's actually the best part. Your officiant can get to know your story, take their time, and make the ceremony feel personal.
As for the look: the Mayor's Balcony is beautiful. It's slightly darker than the 4th floor, which gives photos a more dramatic, moody feel.
Best for: couples who want privacy and a proper ceremony, with the Grand Staircase as the backdrop.
Option 3: The 4th Floor North Gallery
This is the same one-hour package with the same $1200 price and the same rules as the Mayor's Balcony, just on a different floor.
In my opinion, the 4th floor has the best light in the whole building. You may walk down and shoot at the Grand Staircase right after the ceremony, so you don't really miss anything. It's a great location to take photos, and I would highly recommend booking it. It's a gorgeous one!
It also seats more people, up to 60, so it works better for bigger groups.
Last week I photographed Havana and Jacob's wedding there. They had 60 guests, and it was the most beautiful ceremony. The ceremony itself took about 30 minutes, then we spent 15 minutes or so on group photos, and finished with a few portraits of just the two of them. Everything fit comfortably into their hour.
Best for: couples with more guests, and anyone who cares most about how the photos will look.
Quick comparison
Civil ceremony: up to 6 guests, a few minutes long, city provides the officiant, usually at the Rotunda (moved upstairs during the holidays). Cheapest option.
Mayor's Balcony: $1,000 for a private hour, weekdays only, up to 40 seated, you hire your own officiant. Dramatic light, staircase views.
4th Floor Gallery: $1,000 for a private hour, weekdays only, up to 60 seated, you hire your own officiant. The best natural light in the building.
Both rentals need to be booked at least 4 weeks ahead, and popular dates go fast. If you want the full step-by-step, I cover booking in how to get married at San Francisco City Hall, and if you're leaning toward the civil route with a small group, read my tips on having a ceremony without reserving a venue.
