What Does a SF City Hall Wedding Look Like in terms of Timing?
Be sure to pick up your marriage license before the ceremony. You can book this appointment on the same day (at least one hour before your ceremony) - but it can add extra stress. Be sure to bring your license on the day!
On the day of the ceremony, check in at the information desk (room 168) when you arrive with your witnesses. It is always best to be early. You'll receive a number and then we will all wait outside in the hallway. When your number is called, bring your witnesses and head to the desk where you'll meet your officiant. Your license will be signed by your witnesses.
At this point, we head to the top of the staircase (Rotunda) and wait for the officiant. Typically, there are three ceremonies for every 30 minute slot, so we may be waiting for all three couples to arrive.
Only six guests are permitted for the public civil ceremonies. These civil ceremonies happen quickly - generally in just about five minutes.
You did it! You're married! Now we can take photos around City Hall (if we haven't already) with all of your "just married" excitement!
Here's what you need to know before your wedding day arrives.
Things to Consider
SF City Hall is open to the public, so beyond other couples getting married, you may find many tourists or other people having photoshoots. City Hall seems to be less busy towards the end of the day - but it varies by day. Thursdays and Fridays tend to be the busiest.
Here are some tips and ways to make your wedding feel even more special.
City Hall Can Be Crowded.
If you are traveling to City Hall separately, it is so nice to see each other for the first time with intention. First looks allow you to really soak it all in - this is your wedding day!
Plan a First look.
Although you won't be allowed to share personal vows during the official ceremony, don't be afraid to exchange them after! There is something so special about making promises together.
Write Personal Vows.
Do you offer albums?
Can I have all of the photos that you take?
How Many Images Will We Receive?
How Do you Pose Couples?
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Frequently Asked Questions
I do pose my couples - although I try to capture as many "in between moments" as I can throughout the day. I encourage you two interact in a natural way by starting you in a pose and then guiding you through an interaction Every couple is different, so I try to document the story organically as it unfolds, but I'm there to help when I feel that something (a hand placement, for example) could be adjusted to make the image stronger.
01.
Do you offer albums?
Can I have all of the photos that you take?
How Many Images Will We Receive?
How Do you Pose Couples?
04.
01.
02.
03.
Frequently Asked Questions
I do pose my couples - although I try to capture as many "in between moments" as I can throughout the day. I encourage you two interact in a natural way by starting you in a pose and then guiding you through an interaction Every couple is different, so I try to document the story organically as it unfolds, but I'm there to help when I feel that something (a hand placement, for example) could be adjusted to make the image stronger.
01.
Do you offer albums?
Can I have all of the photos that you take?
How Many Images Will We Receive?
How Do you Pose Couples?
04.
01.
02.
03.
Frequently Asked Questions
An elopement typically includes around 40-50 edited images per hour of coverage. The image count depends on a few factors, such as if you decide to do a first look at City Hall, if you have a wedding party, and the number of family photos you request.
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Do you offer albums?
Can I have all of the photos that you take?
How Many Images Will We Receive?
How Do you Pose Couples?
04.
01.
02.
03.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is my process to select your photos with care and consideration. My mission is to provide you with as many high quality images as possible. However, I do not let my couples have every image that I capture during your SF City Hall elopement.
03.
Do you offer albums?
Can I have all of the photos that you take?
How Many Images Will We Receive?
How Do you Pose Couples?
04.
01.
02.
03.
Frequently Asked Questions
Albums are a beautiful way for you to cherish your wedding for years to come. An album will be your first family heirloom. This will be a book that your children will look through when no one knows what to do with a USB. I offer a variety of beautiful albums to fit different budgets.
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