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Zoe Larkin Photography blog

Wedding traditions exist for a reason. Many of them work well, and for couples who value them, they can add structure and meaning to the day. But as a wedding photographer in San Francisco, I’ve seen a wide range of couples explore non-traditional wedding ideas that better reflect how they actually want to spend their […]

Planning a wedding? Here are the 20 most common regrets couples have about their big day – and how to avoid them. I compiled this list myself from years of stalking Reddit, wedding planning podcasts, Instagram, TikTok, and other online research, as well as learning directly from the 500+ weddings I’ve photographed. Don’t make these […]

San Francisco City Hall is a breathtaking architectural marvel that has become one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Bay Area. Every year, thousands of couples choose to get married within its stunning marble halls, grand staircases, and ornate rotunda. But not all City Hall weddings are created equal! While civil ceremonies are […]

In this blog post and accompanying video, I hope to share with you everything you need to know about civil ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall. I’m a wedding photographer who’s photographed around 400 ceremonies, specifically within this building, so I’ve seen a thing or two about how it all works. If you prefer to […]

Here’s the thing about weddings: everyone’s got advice. Your mom insists you need a receiving line. Your best friend swears by their wedding planner. And don’t even get me started on what Pinterest thinks you should do. But after photographing hundreds of weddings, I’ve noticed something interesting. The most beautiful, memorable celebrations often ignore the […]

What’s our FAVORITE reception venue for a meal after your San Francisco City Hall ceremony? There’s nowhere better than the Wayfare Tavern!  This cozy, old-world restaurant has long been a San Francisco staple, chosen by countless couples for their post-City Hall celebration meal. Think Barbary Coast-speakeasy-meets-British-pub. History rubs shoulders with modernism here, giving it a […]

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 […]

We’re diving into 61 of the best San Francisco wedding venues here on the Zoe Larkin Photography blog. Oh Lord, there are just SO many amazing wedding venues! In a city known for being dynamic, fun and innovative, is it any wonder that the places to get married in San Francisco are so varied and […]

Hey friends! Phew, I’ve been blogging like crazy for a minute, and I thought it would be fun (and a good idea) to create one centralized resource page with all of my favorite FREE blog posts for couples who are planning their weddings. Organization, yay! I’ve been blogging about wedding planning and wedding photography for […]

Planning your San Francisco City Hall ceremony and need a guiding hand? In this article, I’m going to guide you through how to create the perfect SF City Hall timeline for your wedding. Because seamless, stress-free wedding days don’t just happen, they’re planned! There are numerous benefits to creating your timeline, no matter how casual […]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I also commend you on your excellent taste – you won’t regret choosing San Francisco City Hall as your wedding venue. This iconic building, with its exquisite Beaux-Arts architecture and remarkable history, serves as a breathtaking and photogenic backdrop for your special day. This article will introduce you give you […]

Wondering where to have your reception after your San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony in 2026? In this article, I’ll guide you through my favorite restaurants in San Francisco that are perfect for hosting a wedding day meal of any size. The 37 awesome restaurants on my list all serve excellent food and will take […]

In this post I’m sharing the 36 best engagement photography locations in San Francisco. The places on this list are San Francisco spots that are amazing for wedding or engagement photos. What makes spots for couples photos any different from general cool photo spots? Well, for one thing, they each have a wide variety of […]

What are family formals on your wedding day? These are the posed photos in which everyone looks at the camera and smiles! Some other names are formal group portraits, posed groupings, or group photos or portraits. I tend to call them ‘formal groupings’, since the groupings that matter depend on your relationships and may not […]