How To Elope At San Francisco City Hall
A Romantic San Francisco City Hall Wedding with Portraits at the Palace of Fine Arts
San Francisco is one of the most iconic wedding destinations in California, and for good reason. With its mix of grand architecture and scenic outdoor beauty, couples can have a wedding day that feels timeless, elegant, and uniquely their own. Recently, I had the honor of photographing a beautiful wedding at San Francisco City Hall, followed by romantic portraits at the Palace of Fine Arts.
From start to finish, the day was filled with love, joy, and stunning backdrops that highlight why San Francisco is such a dream location for couples tying the knot.
Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall is a favorite venue for elopements and intimate weddings. With its Beaux-Arts architecture, sweeping staircases, and soft golden light, it feels just as grand as a cathedral.
Here are a few tips for couples planning their San Francisco City Hall wedding:
Book your ceremony in advance. City Hall offers civil ceremonies in private rooms and at the Rotunda. Weekday ceremonies are the most popular, so be sure to reserve your date early.
Arrive early for photos. Mornings often have softer lighting and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time for portraits inside the grand hallways and beneath the iconic dome.
Bring your marriage license and ID. Don’t forget the essentials—both are required for the ceremony.
Plan extra time for portraits. The architecture is breathtaking—between the rotunda, sweeping staircases, and dramatic archways, you’ll want to make sure you have time for variety in your photos.
Portraits at the Palace of Fine Arts
After the ceremony, we headed to the Palace of Fine Arts, one of San Francisco’s most romantic photo locations. The lush greenery and towering columns provided the perfect contrast to the grandeur of City Hall.
Why the Palace of Fine Arts makes an amazing spot for wedding portraits:
Variety of backgrounds. From greenery and trees to dramatic stone columns, there are endless photo opportunities.
Romantic atmosphere. The reflecting pool and domed rotunda create a timeless, almost European feel.
Close to City Hall. Located just 10 minutes away, it’s an easy stop after your ceremony.
My couple shared sweet, candid moments among the ferns and beneath the tall archways, giving us a blend of natural and architectural beauty in their final gallery.
Final Thoughts
A San Francisco City Hall wedding is perfect for couples who want an intimate yet elegant ceremony, while still having the chance for breathtaking photos that feel larger than life. Pairing your City Hall ceremony with portraits at the Palace of Fine Arts allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—the grandeur of architecture and the romance of nature.
If you’re dreaming of a San Francisco elopement or intimate wedding, I’d love to help you capture it. From guiding you through City Hall logistics to creating timeless portraits at the city’s most romantic landmarks, I’ll be there to ensure your memories are beautifully preserved.
📷 Planning your City Hall wedding? Let’s chat about creating the perfect photo experience for your day.