I’m delighted to introduce to you my favorite hotels in San Francisco that are fit for your the night before (and after) your San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony! These primarily 4- and 5-star hotels are ideal in terms of their location, amenities offered and high standard of excellence.
Whether you live in the Bay Area or beyond, it’s a smart move to book a beautiful hotel that’s close to San Francisco City Hall for efficiency, convenience and a luxury feel. There’s nothing worse than being late for your wedding photography because you’re stuck on a bridge or freeway!
As a City Hall wedding is pretty simple, it’s a nice touch to a touch of sparkle and polish by elevating the experience with a stay in one of San Francisco’s most stunning hotels.
These lavish, stylish establishments will take good care of you as you relax in comfort before and after the hectic San Francisco City Hall wedding day.
Many of them, our team has even photographed in! Be it for getting-ready/first look photos, or to capture portraits or even private vow exchanges there afterward.
You can view all the hotels listed in this article on the handy map below so you can prioritize those that are most conveniently located for your needs.
When looking at hotels in general, bear in mind that many of the 2-star hotels surrounding City Hall are run down and can be dangerous. City Hall is located in the Tenderloin/ Civil Center. That is not an area you want to stay in unless you’re in a high-end establishment.
Therefore, it’s best to carefully select a hotel with great reviews, clean and upscale rooms and a reputation for great service rather than relying solely on proximity to your wedding venue.
Whether you’re looking for big-name comforts and conveniences or hip boutique charm, you can’t go wrong with these top hotels! There truly is something for every taste and for a range of budgets.
Still looking for a wedding photographer for your San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony? Check out my services below!
Table of Contents
5-Star Hotels
1 Hotel San Francisco
About: Located on the Embarcadero, this recently opened home away from home prides itself on sustainability and thoughtful eco touches that bring nature into your space as well as true, understated luxury. The 1 Hotel features an outdoor rooftop terrace with views of the city skyline and the Ferry Building.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): 1 Hotel San Francisco, 8 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
About: This sky-high urban retreat has been recently reimagined! This is the second Four Seasons hotel in San Francisco, rising above downtown. Enjoy unparalleled views from the top 11 floors of this 48-storey landmark providing breathtaking panoramas of the city and the bay.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BONUS POINTS: We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek prior to its official opening in 2022 and the views did not disappoint! Our amazing couple arranged to get us in there for photos.
Address (Google Maps): Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, 222 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Mansion on Sutter
About: This is the only 5-star Victorian mansion in San Francisco! The luxury boutique hotel has over 17,000 square feet of living space, art and antiques of the period plus comforts of the modern age. There are 10 finely appointed guest suites and interiors inspired by modern and classical tastes.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Mansion on Sutter, 1409 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
The St. Regis San Francisco
About: As one of the premier luxury hotels in San Francisco, it features newly redesigned rooms and suites. Each of the 260 rooms in the SoMa masterpiece offers indulgent beds, large workstations, Wi-Fi and spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainforest showers.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): The St. Regis San Francisco, 125 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
4-Star Hotels
Argonaut Hotel
About: Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Argonaut Hotel exudes the true essence of a boutique hotel. It’s allocated in the historic Haslett Warehouse and has a charming nautical theme.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Argonaut Hotel, 495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
About: The Drisco is located atop the Pacific Heights neighborhood in an elegant 1903 Edwardian building. They offer all-inclusive luxury and complimentary extras from a gourmet continental breakfast, evening wine reception and bikes to borrow.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, 2901 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94115
Fairmont Hotel
About: This world-renowned hotel presents the grandeur of luxury with the best panoramic views in the City coupled with impeccable service. In addition to its 606 guest rooms and suites, this luxury hotel offers fine dining with two renowned restaurants.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BONUS POINTS: This is the most popular hotel frequented by our City Hall wedding couples. It boasts a spectacular terrace where we’ve photographed multiple times! A must-book!
Address (Google Maps): Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
About: This hotel is less than a mile from the Ferry Building, Union Square, and Coit Tower. The Italian restaurants – and iconic City Lights bookstore – of North Beach are just three blocks away. Features a technology lounge with floor-to-ceiling TVs and comfy chairs, plus iconic views from the Bay View rooms.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Hilton San Francisco Financial District, 750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Grand Hyatt
About: Located in the heart of Union Square, Grand Hyatt San Francisco offers a magnificent city skyline and stunning bay views, welcoming accommodations with residential-style amenities and modern technology.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Grand Hyatt, 345 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
About: A multi-million renovation has transformed their rooms and suites into an urban modernist sanctuary worthy of the stunning waterfront and city views outside the windows. Innovation abounds at this incredibly special architectural marvel.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111
Intercontinental Mark Hopkins
About: Situated at the top of Nob Hill, and with its rich local legacy and grand architectural style, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is a beloved landmark with 100 years of history. Voted “The Best 5 Hotels in San Francisco”.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, 999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hotel Kabuki
About: Hotel Kabuki offers a unique neighborhood experience in the heart of Japantown. This boutique hotel features hip interiors and a spectacular lofted-beam lobby that radiates a lounge vibe.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BONUS POINTS: The lobby is stunning and modern. There is a Japanese-inspired backyard. Close to the Peace Pagoda, perfect for photos. Blossoms in the springtime. We’ve photographed two getting ready sessions here.
Address (Google Maps): Hotel Kabuki JDV by Hyatt, 1625 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
The Marker San Francisco
About: Voted a top 5 hotel in San Francisco for 5 consecutive years by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, The Marker is unique boutique-style hotel with a modern design, perfectly situated near Union Square in San Francisco.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): The Marker San Francisco, 501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Le Méridien San Francisco
About: Centrally located in San Francisco’s Financial District and steps away from Chinatown and the Ferry Building, this luxurious hotel offers unrivaled accommodation and state-of-the-art amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Le Méridien San Francisco, 333 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Omni San Francisco Hotel
About: Located on the historic California cable car line and only a short walk to Union Square, the Embarcadero, Chinatown, the Ferry Building, and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Omni San Francisco is at the center of the city and provides a true respite for travelers with luxury accommodations and modern comforts.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Omni San Francisco Hotel, 500 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104
Palace Hotel
About: Encounter the luxury of the Gilded Age, historic architecture and world-class service at Palace Hotel. Located in downtown San Francisco, this iconic, historic hotel features authentic opulent elements paired with classically inspired, modern décor.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BONUS POINTS: The lobby area is breathtaking. Also, it’s situated on a quiet side street, away from the hustle and bustle and perfect for photos. I photographed a Christmas wedding and the decorations here were so festive.
Address (Google Maps): Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105
San Francisco Proper
About: The Proper chain’s flagship property is housed in a landmarked flatiron-style building in San Francisco’s vibrant Mid-Market district, featuring captivating interiors, inspired settings for meals or cocktails, incredible rooftop views and impeccable service and amenities.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BONUS POINTS: Proximity to City Hall! Plus the quirky, tasteful decor style is unparalleled. We’ve photographed at the two event spaces here: the intimate Gilda Room and the spacious, hip Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar.
Address (Google Maps): San Francisco Proper, 1100 Market Street Hotel Entrance is at, 45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
About: Located near Union Square, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco is an urban oasis. It offers luxury suites that command city views and resort-like amenities in a landmark building atop Nob Hill.
Note: I no longer recommend the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. I recently had an extremely negative experience there. My couple had booked a suite to get ready at before their ceremony at SF City Hall. They chose to have their first look on the empty terrace. On arrival, I had asked the front desk if that would be acceptable to photograph them there – and got the green light.
A very rude staff member interrupted the couple right as they were about to have their first look, accused them of not being hotel guests (though they were), and promptly escorted us off the premises – essentially ruining this special moment. Luckily my couple were troopers and didn’t let this individual’s insolent attitude get to them, but it’s not a position I would put anyone else in.
As a result, regrettably, we no longer photograph getting-ready sessions at the Ritz Carlton, unless you are comfortable with no photos around the property (only behind the closed doors or your room/suite or on the public street outside). We choose not to work with rude vendors or environments where we may not be able to complete the work we’ve been hired for.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, 600 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Hotel Spero
About: Hotel Spero combines the rich historical aspects of the original Spanish Colonial style building with unique, modern. The light-infused spaces have retained the elegance of past times, so much so it was awarded a place on the National Register of Historic Places in San Francisco
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Hotel Spero, 405 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Stanford Court
About: With their cleverly designed rooms, forward-looking wellness amenities, and in-house art curation program, you’ll feel at one with the City by the Bay. The hotel also boasts interesting common spaces, such as a library, music room, and digital art gallery.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Stanford Court, 905 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Taj Campton Place
About: A quintessential San Francisco landmark, Taj Campton Place occupies an enviable east side location on Union Square, just steps from the city’s finest shopping and dining. Built over a century ago, it blends the elegance of a bygone era with modern luxuries including an open-air rooftop fitness terrace.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Taj Campton Place, 340 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
W San Francisco
About: The W is a fixture of San Francisco’s hip SOMA district, amid art exhibitions, film screenings, fashion shows, clubs and concerts. A restaurant and gym are located on-site at the property. Decor is modern and stylish with urban finishes.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): W San Francisco, 181 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Westin St Francis
About: Timeless yet modern, this hotel boasts turn-of-the-20th-century European style in bustling downtown. The Westin blends the elegance of oak-paneled restaurants and the stately grandeur of the lobby with a $45 million reinvention of the Landmark Building guest rooms
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, 335 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102
3-Star Hotels
Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave
About: This historic hotel has recently been fully modernized. Aside from its contemporary decor, one of the best things going for it is its ideal location just half a mile from SF City Hall. It boasts creatively designed communal spaces, great for photos.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
BONUS POINTS: We photographed a getting ready session and first look here and it was just perfect! The modern aesthetic is a photographer’s dream.
Address (Google Maps): Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Downtown/Van Ness Ave, 1050 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Hotel Griffon
About: Hotel Griffon is situated in the Embarcadero/ FiDi area of San Francisco along the waterfront. It was voted “Best Boutique Hotel” and “Best 24-Hour Getaway” by San Francisco Magazine. It’s a certified green hotel and is a great alternative to a chain hotel, with luxury rooms and European flair.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): Hotel Griffon, 155 Steuart St, San Francisco, CA 94105
The Orchard Garden Hotel
About: A tranquil hotel in downtown San Francisco, The Orchard Garden Hotel blends boutique luxury with state-of-the-art, eco-friendly design. It boasts a rooftop terrace and garden.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): The Orchard Garden Hotel, 466 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
White Swan Inn
About: The White Swan Inn is a heady homage to all things mod-meets-English Country glam! Located in Nob Hill this boutique hotel was recently named of the 21 Best Hotels in San Francisco by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the 11 Best Hotels in San Francisco by Forbes.
Hotel star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Address (Google Maps): White Swan Inn, 845 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108
And there you have it! I hope this was helpful when it comes to deciding on a hotel for your stay that’s worthy of your gorgeous wedding!
Looking for a City Hall photographer (or a wedding elsewhere in the City?!) Check out the links below!
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Zoe Larkin
I’m Zoe, a wedding photographer based in San Francisco! My style is candid, capturing authentic moments for my couples all over the Bay Area and Northern California. Creating content is my passion! Follow along the blog and Insta!
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