Every situation is different, and in the end everyone loves and appreciates their choice. They will assign you a number and you will wait in the hall again before you meet the judge who will be . It has to be within 90 days of your ceremony, so dont do it too far in advance. Check out my guide to the 30 best San Francisco wedding venues linked below! Be flexible. The heating is usually on full blast and then the sun streams in and ups the temperature even more! But, they dont give you a lot of time to get ready. So if you live in California, its easiest to pick this up from your local county. A super chill, very relaxed, and absolutely lovely way to celebrate your wedding. Instead, you would have more time given over for romantic portraits, the ceremony and for the group photos if you have more people. Host an extended cocktail hour with drinks, oysters (if you want! Just try to picture majestic rolling hills and gourmet restaurants overlooking the sprawling vineyards! Ceremony appointments are available from 9am to 3:30pm, every half an hour. Offers a spacious lounge area, perfect for relaxed dining or nibbles. Since 2008, EPIC Steak has specialized in casual elegance with bayside views and delicious cuisine, thoughtfully prepared. Do allow plenty of time because traffic, parking, going through security, freshening up etc all cause delays. For more info, visit their website. 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! They will check your paperwork, including your IDs and marriage license, and then you will get a number. If you are looking for affordable private accommodation options, look for properties located in Hayes Valley. Your email address will not be published. The first step is to get in line outside of room 168, check-in, and take a number. Theres an indoor area also available as part of patio rentals. A little story: back in May 2019, SF City Hall began enforcing the 6-guest rule . This place has a lot of character, its cute, quaint and down-to-earth. The best time is as early in the day as possible. involved with giving the illusion of it being free of people. Any info you have on this would be hugely appreciated. Because these kinds of ceremonies are so specialized and are unlike any other kind of wedding, so insider knowledge is key. On Thursdays, the weekend rush starts to pick up. Thats why we believe we are the best choice for your SF City Hall wedding. Having plenty of extra time means that even with delays you can ensure that all the details you're paying for are perfect. Just like a big wedding, you should start with a guest list since that can dictate everything else. Plus, read more San Francisco City Hall wedding tips and tricks Ive written about and shared, below. Sure, feel free to reach out on https://zoelarkin.com/cityhall for more info! Thanks again. From what I have heard in passing from clients, I think its more likely you would mail it in, as couples book weddings there from far and wide. Also wanted to get your pricing since you have experience photographing city hall ceremonies. You may also choose to exchange wedding rings but they are not necessary in order to get married. Not once have we ever met a couple who was disappointed with their choice. For more info, visit their website. Weddings of ANY size are chock full of emotion and little moments you dont want to rush. Many private dining options available depending on the size of the group. ), and lots of delicious food. We do see some couples trying to fit as much as possible into as small a timeframe as possible to save money on their wedding photography. If youre still looking for a wedding photographer who will capture your San Francisco City Hall ceremony plus your special meal afterward, reach out to me and my team of associates at the button below, I cant wait to hear your plans and guide you through the planning process! Since 1985, this Chinatown staple has offered a market-driven menu with intense, authentic flavors and excellent Chinese cuisine, beautifully prepared, Sit at round tables, which are a traditional part of Chinese culture and allow for family-style sharing. I have a list here of my recommended SF hotels that I hope youll consider booking if you live outside of San Francisco itself. This spot is one of my absolute favorites! Everyone is excited to be there and celebrate this moment with you. Plus it'll allow you to get golden hour sunset portraits or plan for a dinner reception! There are different areas available for rental such as the Blue Room, the Rail Car, and Mariannes bar. See our full dedicated blog post on this venue: View on map: Harborview Restaurant & Bar, 4 Embarcadero Center, Street Level, San Francisco, CA 94111, View on map: Spruce, 3640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94118, View on map: Poesia, 4072 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, Group reservations maximum: 70 outdoors; 45 indoors, View on map: Absinthe Private Dining, 388 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102, Group reservations maximum: 42 seated, 60 standing, View on map: 25 Lusk, 25 Lusk St, San Francisco, CA 94107, Type of cuisine: American / Californian Modern. Its technically 6 people total. Civil ceremonies usually take place in the area at the top of the Grand Staircase known as the Rotunda. Enjoy tantalizing amuse-bouches, incredible wood-fired pizza and a great wine selection. As to which area, my vote goes to the4th Floor North Gallery (shown above). This SF City Hall Guide might be helpful to you as you're planning! [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. These weddings are, as the name states, an hour long. After your City Hall wedding ceremony and a scrumptious brunch, you and your guests are ready for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. Youll then submit the contract to room 495. The private dining menu features a large selection of hors doeuvres, Oysters Adrift showcasing decadent raw bars and classic fish dishes as well as sustainably raised meat and poultry. There are 2 two-hour rental options on Saturdays, usually starting at either 9am or 12pm. This differs based on whether youre having a private, 1-hour ceremony or a simple civil ceremony. Private dining? And mind you, this is all BEFORE the ceremony began!Once the ceremony began, Zoe turned into our ceremony director, which we didnt know was going to happen. Yes, seats up to 60 or 100 standing. Rachel Levine October 14, 2022. 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. This can be very surprising because in the photos, we make it look like you had it to yourself, which isnt the case in reality. Their extensive menu is dedicated to fresh seafood, dim sum and dinner with banquet tastings. Choice of 4 different private dining areas that can be combined for larger groups, with the smallest private dining experience for 15 guests. You wont have the judgement of hundreds of people, so this is your opportunity to shine and feel like your best self. If you want to have a courthouse wedding in San Francisco, theres only one place to do it: San Francisco City Hall. The two classy teal and blue-colored bar areas and high-ceilinged dining room make you feel like youre somewhere on Miami Beach. I just wanted to clarify the guest count. Even fewer that make images that are authentic, modern yet timeless, fresh, and full of life. Usually, youll need to sign a contract and put down a deposit of $750 by money order or cashiers check. In short, its an elevated experience. 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? You want to know what to plan for, what to anticipate during the ceremony, how to choose the date and time, and everything else that goes into it. Chill at your home or hotel, go on a hike, to a sports game, anything you want. Finely curated wine list, local artisan beers and a Victorian-era inspired cocktails list with a modern twist. This isnt part of the process that I have any insight into as a photographer, Im afraid. Most couples go out to eat after the ceremony, whether its on their own, with a few friends, or with a large gathering of loved ones. After the ceremony you will want to mill around hugging which is totally understandable. As one of San Francisco's most well known symbols, the cable car holds a special place in every San Franciscan's heart. Wayfare Tavern is located at 558 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. You should provide your own officiant for private ceremonies. However, you can also stay in a fashionable but quirky hotel such as the Proper Hotel or book a flat via Airbnb. Hi Zoe! Hearty meals for brunch 7 days a week, lunch and dinner served late, and perfect any time of the day. Read more below to see if you qualify and to see how it works! Sometimes it remains pretty empty for the first half-hour. If you have booked into a luxury hotel, then ring room service and indulge a breakfast in bed. Most museums' late-night programs include special . Plan for traffic. Thank you so much! How about a decadent dinner followed by a mouth-watering post-wedding brunch? 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. San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Sean Manaea throws a ball during a practice session at the Alfredo Harp . Proximity to City Hall is extremely important, while a private bar with a great selection of cocktails a bonus! Family style, white tablecloths, linen napkins and personalized menus make for an elegant but relaxed event. Browse through our list and call ahead to make a reservation. Founded in 1998, its among the citys longest-running dining institutions, serving a creative menu of French brasserie fare, along with classic cocktails. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the quietest days of the week. If you would like tips on how to make your Civil Ceremony more special, check out my tips listed below. You can have a total of 100 guests in attendance. Morning weddings are much less crowded which is why we recommend booking a 9 AM wedding. Every judge says the same thing with only about 10% variation between each one. It has a relaxed and low-key vibe, with romantic string lights, patio seating and unique floral and fauna design creations courtesy of their resident floral designer. A snap by the famous big window is a must-have. Showcasing seasonal ingredients from the regions best farms, Octavias menu is a celebration of local agriculture in a comfortable, neighborhood setting. Its super private and secluded with an intimate, relaxed charm to it. There are three different areas for private / semi-private dining: the Chefs Table, the Oenos Room and the Hania Room. The Cable Car Museum is great if you want to learn about the history of the citys most loved means of transport. The day after your City Hall wedding can be just as exciting! Located in a historic schoolhouse with brick walls and soaring ceilings in a quiet neighborhood near public transit. Thank you for all the details. However, your officiant will make the final determination. But if youre a planner like we are, you want to know what to expect. This could be as simple as Memorial Court, located right behind City Hall, or you could opt for one of the iconic San Francisco photo landmarks. The judge wont wait for you! Whats the best time to get married at San Francisco City Hall? Enjoy your day, enjoy your loved ones, and enjoy your time together. Ive been a wedding photographer since 2008 and Ive included tons of photos and info below to help you see exactly what your wedding reception could look like at any of these places. Slots are more limited for ceremonies than licenses, so its recommended to book the ceremony first, then the license appointment, making sure its within 90 days. Starbelly is a casual and friendly neighborhood restaurant in San Franciscos lively Castro District. This gorgeous bay front restaurant has a lovely upstairs room thats just for private events. Rooms include the Bridge Tower Room which is nestled directly under the Bay Bridge and features wall-to-wall windows, with a private terrace. So after the ceremony we immediately guide the couple to our go-to spots around the building for photos. The Stable Caf is located at 2128 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110. The Garden area at the back is where its at! Full buyout for 100 (spaces are separated), View on map:Palio, 640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111, Private dining? View on map: Starbelly, 3583 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, Type of cuisine: Californian Comfort Food, Private dining? It can run late there is already enough happening on the wedding day without also having to deal with another appointment. The Mayors Balcony is undoubtedly beautiful with more of a central location overlooking the staircase but it is noisier and much darker. As one of Northern California's most vibrant cultural cities, there are plenty of activities to enjoy if you want to see another side of the city, especially after the sun goes down. But what most people don't know that City Hall's actual open hours are 8AM - 8PM. It has a dedicated kitchen and chef. Thanks! Decide on type of marriage license For a public license: you need at least one witness at the ceremony is a public record For a confidential license: you must be living together 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. I personally favor something elegant but modern jumpsuits, vests, fascinators, bustiers, bow ties, smoking jackets, tweed, fur, velvet or lace. Located in the heart of the Financial District, Zazie has been around for almost 30 years and is a Cole Valley favorite. Im Zoe, a wedding photographer based in San Francisco! San Francisco is a fantastic, vibrant city, so why not enjoy it rather than rushing through! Foreign Cinema has earned a place on this list because of its incredible, versatile private dining. However, many couples still like to get married on Friday to give themselves a three day weekend. 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). But we promise it doesnt feel that way! Check in with the clerk to let them know that you have arrived. There are several private dining options, from a casual luncheon to an elegant cocktail reception to a formal, sit-down dinner, The wine list is extensive, boasting over 3,500 wines from around the world, Spruce holds a highly coveted Michelin star, and has received many prized accolades for its cuisine since its opening in 2007, Poesia is high quality, authentic Italian restaurant located in the heart of the Castro in San Francisco, The restaurant is right off a hidden staircase on 18th Street and has been described as a magical, Calabrian dining experience, This warm and welcoming restaurant boasts a charming patio area that photographs beautifully. Then its time to wait! I would avoid bringing too much stuff in general. Planning a City Hall wedding is much less complex than planning a more traditional event. You can schedule the marriage license anytime up to 90 days before the wedding date. This restaurant knows their way around wedding receptions with two separate private event rooms and tons of excellent food. No matter what your reason is for choosing a courthouse wedding in San Francisco, you will need to plan the day out ahead of time. I personally love the Palace of Fine Arts as it is formal and pairs well with the grandeur and classical architecture of City Hall. And with so many elegant restaurants, bars and hotels literally around the corner, you are bound to find a place youll love. Crissy Field is another favorite as it shows off the Golden Gate Bridge as well as combining nature spots, a city view, cute huts, beautiful palm trees and even a beach. Start the process well ahead of time - the fabric for my suit got delayed by months due to shipping logistics and set the whole process back. Ideally, the restaurant will have one or more private or semi-private dining areas large enough to accommodate your wedding party. If I am not booked for a post City Hall reception/dinner-type-thing, then we say our goodbyes, The next time you would hear from me is 3-5 weeks after the wedding date when I deliver a beautiful gallery of your images from your magical City Hall wedding! Dealing with freeway traffic is probably not something you want to be doing on this most magical day! They offer signature cocktails and local draught beer. Be prepared for your civil ceremony appointment with the following: Valid, authentic, legal government-issued photo identification for each person. 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. The majority of couples choose a civil ceremony. 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. And none of that would have been possible without Zoe, we KNOW this. She studied our sequence of events of the day and discuss in detail to plan for the spots with best lighting conditions. Weve written about this, with restaurants that we personally recommend. This limit includes any children in your group and your photographer. If youre on a tight budget, it would be better just to keep things simple and cut some events out. I saw the section for guerrilla weddings which would be our only option and wanted to ask if an ordained minister can perform this or if it had to be the deputy minister for the day that you mentioned in your article. What to do 1. Zuni Caf is only 0.5 miles away and offers incredible brunch menus. [Updated for 2020! They are open from 8 AM and they serve next level eggs benedict. Less than 2 miles from City Hall in the Soma / Mission Bay neighborhood. With tasty Chinese food that will appeal to all of your guests and modern luxury decor, its the perfect spot to host a private party after your SF Courthouse wedding! This means that theoretically you can get married at 7:55PM and it will be legal - way after the last "standard bride" leaves the building. In this article, Ill guide you through my favorite restaurants in San Francisco that are perfect for hosting a wedding day meal of any size. Make your reservation on the City Hall appointment website here. I provide unlimited planning help, Im responsive and communicative, and on the day Ill be a calm and reassuring presence. We just reached our 1st year anniversary and her photos are the best way to memorize our wedding day. The most popular private ceremony option is the one-hour wedding, held during the same hours as public civil ceremonies: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. They have a dining room heated patio, and sidewalk seating; walk-ins welcome. Appointments are $86 and cannot be refunded or rescheduled once made. Well-known as a destination for seasonal craft cocktails utilizing seasonal fruit plus a unique collection of wine and craft beer. The ceremony is short about 3 4 minutes, with a check-in process immediately prior that takes anything up to 30 minutes. Schedule your Marriage License Appointment, Find Nearby Private Dining and Make a Reservation. Rachel Levine November 5, 2022. For every ceremony that we attend, we obviously are there as the wedding photographer. Early morning weddings (starting at 9am) give you the rest of the day to celebrate in your own way. 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!). Previous. The rooftop of Lusk is where its at! The romantic, heated back patio is excellent for groups of up to 22. Keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesday to Saturday they open at 11:30 AM. Elegant Glow - Blue Summer Collection San Francisco Wedding Venues Pricing Reviews Contact San Francisco City Hall 4.4 ( 22) 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA Call About This Vendor It is a fabulous showcase with rich history and rooms like no other venue in San Francisco. I have a separate article here about how to compile your timeline for your day (or your photographer should help you do this as they are the experts in this). There are always spots available. Hi! Make sure you have your valid ID with you, and your California State Marriage License. In the past 5 years its gained so much popularity and I see it getting more and more crowded each time Im there! Its not uncommon to have no guests at all, but remember that you do need a witness. There are many different areas that can be combined, totalling over 9,000 square feet of event space. What else can we add on to make our day complete? Your wedding photographer should be willing to act as your witness. Thanks for sharing! At Poesia youll find homemade pasta, focaccia & Calabrian fare paired with wall projections of classic Italian films. 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. If you are from out of town, schedule your marriage license appointment the day before the ceremony. The San Francisco Botanical Garden (or other spots around the Goldean Gate Park) are super popular. A City Hall wedding ceremony lasts for one hour and you can choose time slots between 9 AM and 3 PM. The Wayfare Tavern comes highly recommended and we've shot there numerous times, definitely more than any other San Francisco restaurant. Theres also plenty that happens that might be off-script, that we cant predict or control for. While this might sounds like a good idea on paper, its likely to lead to disappointment and/ or stress. And I got to join her. The restaurant is only 0.2 miles from City Hall and it takes 5 minutes to walk there. Civil marriage ceremony: what to expect. Average Cost of a Wedding in San Francisco. The amount of time for this depends on how much time was booked with us. Instead of the traditional gendered pronouncement, judges will say I now pronounce you spouses for life. We love this! Its here: https://zoelarkin.com/sf-city-hall-pandemic-wedding-updates/. As a busy metropolitan hub, getting married in the Bay Area can be much more costly than in a rural area. Perhaps you can relate to these: -This is their second wedding and they want something less elaborate this time around. (You'd just have to make and pay for a new appointment if you wanted to change your Civil Ceremony appointment.) Its just a short three or four block walk from San Francisco City Hall and they can pour a great Guinness, if thats your style. Andrea and the amazing team will take good care of you.
