The Best Time to Say I Do at SF City Hall During the Holiday Season
San Francisco City Hall is the ultimate destination for elopement weddings all year round, and even more special during the holiday season. If you're looking for a unique, romantic, and affordable way to tie the knot, planning a holiday wedding at SF City Hall is the perfect option. With its grand interior, beautiful architecture, and bustling atmosphere, this is a wonderful place to say "I do" during the holidays. Another benefit is that you never have to worry about rain on your wedding day, because this perfect wedding venue is 500,000 square feet of indoor splendor!
If you're considering a holiday wedding at SF City Hall, we're SO excited for you! One of the main attractions during the holiday season is the stunning holiday tree in the rotunda. This tree serves as a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos, but it can also draw large crowds. Starting the Monday after Thanksgiving, you'll be treated to a giant fresh holiday tree, adorned with white twinkly lights at the top of the Grand Staircase in the rotunda. People come from far and wide to take pictures with the tree, so you'll want insider tips on the best time to take your pictures to avoid the crowds. If you prefer not to have the holiday tree in your elopement photography, we can navigate so the tree is not in your photography. Please let us know at the start of your session.
To ensure you get the perfect shots without any unwanted guests in the background, it's crucial to work with a knowledgeable San Francisco Elopement Photographer who knows the best times to avoid crowds. We suggest coming at the beginning of the day, between 8-9 am before the civil ceremonies start at about 9:15 am. You may also opt to come at the end of the day, between 3 pm to 4 pm. After that time, the building is too dark for photography. The day before and after major holidays are also the most crowded.
San Francisco City Hall is a popular wedding destination during the holidays, which means there may be more competition for available dates and times. It's advisable to book your wedding well in advance to secure your preferred date. Thanksgiving week and the week between Christmas and New Year's always sell out, so book as early as you are able to.
Another important factor to consider is the legal requirements for getting married at SF City Hall during the holidays. It's essential to understand the necessary documentation and make sure you have everything in order before your special day. You'll need to go to any County Clerk in the state of California to obtain your marriage license in the 90 days leading up to your wedding (including your wedding day). You can obtain your marriage license at San Francisco City Hall by following this link: https://sf.gov/get-marriage-license.
When choosing the best time of day for your holiday wedding at SF City Hall, consider the lighting conditions. The soft natural light during the early morning or late afternoon can enhance the romantic ambiance of your photos. The building originally had gas-powered lights at the turn of the century, and now those lights still eliminate the building with solar-powered electric lights during the early and later hours of the building.
When it comes to photography options and locations for your holiday SF City Hall wedding, there are plenty of stunning backdrops to choose from. The iconic staircase, elegant arches, and grand rotunda offer endless opportunities for capturing beautiful moments. Work closely with your San Francisco Wedding Photographer to select the perfect spots for your portraits.
Some FAQ's For A Holiday Wedding at San Francisco City Hall:
Can I bring my own decorations?
The building does not allow for wedding arches or any decorations that are affixed to the building, but you can order hand-held signs or banners, colorful ribbon wands with your color represented or dress your wedding guests to coordinate the holiday theme! (Ugly Christmas sweaters anyone?)
Are there any restrictions on the number of guests?
If you're having a San Francisco City Hall Civil Ceremony, they limit you to five guests. If you are booking a one-hour balcony rental through the SF City Hall events department, you can have up to one hundred guests in your reserved area. If you hire our wedding officiant to come in and marry you in one of the public areas of the building, then we suggest your guest list top out at a dozen people, including children.
How far in advance should I book my wedding date?
We are currently taking bookings through 2025, but if you want a civil ceremony, you'll book within the 90 days prior to your wedding. If you want to book a one-hour floor rental, you'll be able to book exactly one year out.
Can I have a religious or cultural ceremony at SF City Hall?
Civil ceremonies are non-denominational only, but you may have religious or cultural traditions if you rent a balcony or hire us to marry you.
Are there any restrictions on photography during the holidays?
There are no restrictions on photography, it's the same all year round.
What are the transportation and parking options for guests?
Guests should park at 355 McCallister Street in the safe underground garage. They have a new system in place where your license number is printed on your individual parking ticket, and it's been a very successful practice. If you're looking for a vintage Rolls Royce with a driver or a town car, we suggest National Limousine
Are there any nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests?
We suggest the Courtyard by Marriott and the Holiday Inn Express which are both very nearby. If you'd like to splurge a little The Palace Hotel and the Fairmont Hotels are both stunning vintage classics. The Fairmont Hotel has a larger-than-life-sized gingerbread house that you can walk through and dine in. It is made of real gingerbread by the hotel bakery!
Can I have a reception or dinner at SF City Hall?
You can have a reception at San Francisco City Hall if you rent out the whole building on a Saturday through the Events Department there.
Can I have live music or a DJ at my holiday wedding?
If you rent a balcony for one hour, you may hire acoustic musicians. SF City Hall has a preferred vendors list that they will give to you, when you book your balcony.
Whether you're planning a small intimate gathering or a larger celebration, a holiday wedding at SF City Hall can be a magical experience. With careful planning and the expertise of a skilled San Francisco elopement photographer, you can create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of the historic venue, festive atmosphere, and expertly captured memories will make for a magical celebration that you and your loved ones will cherish forever.
