Getting married at San Francisco City Hall doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personality or skip the special touches that make a wedding memorable. Whether you’re having an intimate civil ceremony or a grand private event, there are countless ways to transform your City Hall wedding from a simple ceremony into an unforgettable celebration.
As a photographer who’s documented hundreds of City Hall weddings, I’ve seen couples get creative with everything from meaningful family traditions to surprise musical performances. In this guide, I’ll share ten simple ways to personalize and elevate your City Hall ceremony and make it uniquely yours.
If you prefer to watch the video rather than to read, I’ve created a detailed YouTube with even more real-world examples to show you. Check it out below or by clicking here.
These ideas talked about here work for both civil ceremonies and private events, though some options are specific to each type (I’ll note these so you know what’s possible for you). You’ll find everything from simple touches that take minutes to more elaborate additions that can transform your entire experience.
Also, be sure to read through my comprehensive guide to getting married at San Francisco City Hall:
Table of Contents
Add florals to your day
Nothing says ‘wedding’ quite like beautiful flowers. From personal bouquets to ceremony displays, there are several ways to incorporate florals into your City Hall wedding, no matter your style or budget. If you’re working with us for your wedding photography, you’ll automatically receive a tailored list of floral professionals at different price points – all with impeccable taste (nothing old-fashioned!).
Personal Flowers
The simplest way to add florals is through a bouquet and boutonniere – or whatever combination works for you! When choosing personal flowers, you have several options:
Professional Florist
I highly recommend working with a florist who has specific City Hall experience. These specialists understand:
- The building’s requirements and restrictions
- How to work with smaller orders (lower minimums than traditional wedding florists)
- Timeline constraints of City Hall ceremonies
- Creating pieces that photograph beautifully in the space
- Early morning start times that are super common here!
Alternative Options
If traditional florists don’t fit your budget or style, consider these creative alternatives:
- DIY flowers (watch tutorials and do a trial run to ensure durability)
- Mail-order services where you assemble pre-selected blooms
- Rental artificial flowers from companies like Something Borrowed Blooms
- Long-lasting wooden flowers from small businesses like My Dinosaur Dreams that you get to keep forever
These alternatives are especially convenient for early morning ceremonies, as you won’t need to coordinate day-of flower pickup!
Ceremony Space Flowers (Private Ceremonies Only)
For private ceremonies, you can enhance your rental area with floral displays. A few key things to know:
Size and Setup Requirements
- Displays must be less than 3 feet in height when passing through security
- Professional installation and removal required
- Consider having displays moved to your reception venue afterward for maximum value
- Check with your florist about plinth restrictions and who is providing them
Pro Tip: A wedding bouquet isn’t just for tradition’s sake. As well as expressing your personality and style, it will:
- Add visual interest to your photos
- Give you something natural to do with your hands
- Create variety in your image collection
Personalize Your Ceremony Space (Private Ceremonies Only)
There are many things you can do to personalize the space you’ve rented if opting for a private 1-hour ceremony. While City Hall has specific rules about decorations, there are several meaningful ways to customize your ceremony space while staying within the guidelines:
Cultural and Religious Elements
- Jewish ceremonies can incorporate a chuppah (perfect since free-standing arches aren’t permitted)
- Jumping the broom ceremonies for African American couples
- Handfasting rituals
- Ring-warming ceremony
- Religious or secular readings from guests (for example Bible verse, poetry, quotes from favorite novels)
- Cultural or religious ceremony items like the Filipino veil & cord ritual
Additional Touches
- Rental tables for guest books, gifts, framed photos of the couple, or In Memoriam tables
- Framed photos on seats to honor departed loved ones (can also be held up for photos)
- Unity ceremony items (no naked flames or incense are allowed)
Important Notes:
- All items must comply with City Hall security requirements
- Some setups may require vendor assistance
- Coordinate with your photographer to capture these special elements
For more about what you can and cannot do for private 1-hour ceremonies at SF City Hall, check out my in-depth blog post & video guide, linked below:
Incorporate Meaningful Heirlooms and Personal Touches
Small details can carry big meaning on your wedding day. From family traditions to memorial items, these personal touches help weave your story into your City Hall ceremony.
Popular ways to incorporate heirlooms:
- Attaching a family locket to your bouquet
- Wearing jewelry from loved ones
- Including elements from a family member’s wedding attire (for example pieces of mom or grandmother’s dress, veil or handkerchief)
- Carrying special charms or meaningful trinkets
- Wearing family cufflinks or other accessories
Let your photographer know in advance about any special items you’d like documented. This allows us to:
- Bring appropriate macro lenses for small details
- Plan proper lighting and styling setups
- Add dedicated time in the timeline for detail shots
- Bring any needed styling accessories or backgrounds
- Ensure these meaningful items aren’t overlooked in the excitement of the day, especially as some of them wouldn’t be noticed if it’s a garter you’re wearing or handkerchief in your pocket.
- Know the significance of the items and how to style them. For example, knowing if two items were given by the same grandparent or side of the family, it would make more sense to photograph them together!
Have a first dance (Private Ceremonies Only)
One of the most magical and meaningful ways to personalize your City Hall wedding is to incorporate a first dance – a beautiful way to bring your unique style and creative expression into this historic space. This option is available only for private ceremonies, not civil ceremonies.
Timing and Flow
The perfect moment for your first dance is immediately after your ceremony. Having your officiant announce it creates a natural transition, flowing from your first kiss right into this intimate moment together. The live music adds an extra layer of romance to the experience.
Space and Setup
There are two ways to handle the space for your dance:
- Clear the chairs completely (guests can help move them quickly)
- For smaller groups (under 40 guests), simply have guests stand or remain seated where they can view your dance
Music Requirements & Good-To-Knows
- Only live music is permitted (no amplified or recorded music)
- Musicians must be from City Hall’s official list (linked here)
- Your chosen musician can help brainstorm song selections
- They can usually customize song length to fit your preferences
Making It Special
- Consider taking dance lessons if you want to add some special moves
- Don’t rush the moment – allow enough time for various photo opportunities
- There’s nothing to stop you from adding parent dances too, if time permits (consider having a shorter ceremony or fewer formal groupings to get through)
- Work with your musician in advance to select the perfect song
- Let your photographer know your plans in advance so they can capture all the best angles and help with setup if needed.
Create a Joyful Exit Moment
When it comes to the exit through the iconic doors, the ‘default’ option that I budget for, timewise, is just the couple exiting through the doors alone. Exit photos are not really an ‘extra’ but when we need to organize and position guests, there is extra time that needs to be factored in.
We’d potentially adding a half-hour to your package so it’s not super rushed. We’d still want to get both shots of just you two AND the addition of your loved ones, not just one or the other.
When considering adding guests into the mix, consider what you’d prioritize. There are two main ways to capture your exit with a group present:
- Candid exit photos as you walk through (with everyone waving/high-fiving you and potentially adding streamers and bubbles)
- Posed group photos on the steps – everyone needs to be positioned so that I can see everyone’s faces, and we may need to wait longer for an opportunity, as the doors are being used constantly throughout the day.
While traditional confetti exits aren’t permitted at San Francisco City Hall (including rice, paper, and flower petals), there are fantastic alternatives that create just as much joy and even better photos!
Bubbles
- Create beautiful rainbow effects in photos
- Natural and leaves no mess
- Perfect for involving children in your celebration
- Consider a portable bubble machine for extra effect and more bubbles
- Photographs beautifully in natural light
- Eco friendly
Ribbon Streamers
- Reusable and eco-friendly
- Create movement and color in photos
- Can be waved continuously for extended photo opportunities
- No cleanup needed
- Affordable and fun!
- Can be customized in your wedding colors
Location Setup & Practical Tips
- Have a helper in advance to position guests in two parallel lines facing each other, perpendicular to the door.
- Must be centered around the middle of the three doors (the only one with the sign)
- Designate a specific guest to distribute exit items in advance
- Communicate your plans clearly with your photographer in advance as to what you’d like to get out of this time
Pro tip: The natural reactions and movement during exits often create the most joyful, genuine photos of the day. The more your guests are engaged in an activity, the more opportunities there are for capturing authentic moments.
Include Your Dog In Your Celebration
Your four-legged family member can absolutely be part of your City Hall wedding day! It normally isn’t a problem to bring your dog into City Hall. While technically they should be service animals, I’ve heard that City Hall isn’t supposed to inquire about an animal’s service status. As long as your dog is well-behaved and not disruptive to others in the building, you should be fine.
It’s absolutely essential to have a dedicated dog handler – this is non-negotiable if you want to include your dog. Your handler will be wholly responsible for your pup, including:
- Bringing them to the exact location at the precise time needed
- Managing their behavior during photos
- Handling bathroom breaks and comfort needs
- Taking them away once photos involving them are complete
You have several options for handlers:
- Dog of Honor Events (our recommended professional service)
- A trusted friend or family member
- Professional dog-walker
- Hired help from a gig service
We typically only need 5-10 minutes for dog photos – your pup won’t be present for the entire shoot. Because of this short window, careful planning is crucial.
For Private Ceremonies
For private ceremonies, you have additional options for incorporating your dog. They could be:
- The dog of honor
- Ring bearer
- Flower girl/boy
- Part of your processional (‘walking you’ down the aisle)
Alternative Option & for Civil Ceremonies
If you’re concerned about how your dog might handle the indoor environment or crowds or are worried about whether they’d be allowed inside the building, consider taking photos outside instead. The steps of City Hall or nearby locations offer several advantages:
- More comfortable environment for your dog
- Beautiful natural lighting
- Greater flexibility with timing
- Less stress about building regulations (as City Hall staff has absolute say on what they will and won’t allow, and it differs according to staff members)
Pro tip: Want to go all out making it an extra special doggie experience? Consider dressing up your pup with a tuxedo, tutu, or flower garland – just ensure whatever you choose is comfortable and won’t cause any stress. And don’t forget the treats! The handler can usually hold treats or a toy up next to my lens to get the animal to look my way.
For more about how civil ceremonies work and what to expect, be sure to check out my guide linked below
Exchange personal vows (for civil ceremonies)
For couples wanting to add deeper meaning to their City Hall ceremony, exchanging personal vows offers a beautiful opportunity to share your unique love story. For Private Ceremonies, you’ll likely exchange personal vows in front of your guests, but for Civil Ceremony couples, you will only recite the standard courthouse vows.
However, there’s nothing to stop you finding a quiet, less-trafficked area in City Hall – perhaps on the 2nd or 3rd floor’s north or south sides – to privately exchange your own vows. The key is creating a moment that feels meaningful to you, whether that’s a quick private exchange or a more elaborate sharing of your promises to one another. I always stay well back for this moment, so it remains truly private. You can share vows in front of family, or just the two of you.
Want to ensure these intimate moments are beautifully captured? Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Let your photographer know about your vow exchange in advance so enough time can be kept aside for it
- Consider whether you’d like this to be before or after your civil ceremony
- Plan extra time for these moments so you can soak it up without interruption from the photographer
- Consider bringing vow books and making time for stunning detail shots incorporating your vow books, rings and bouquet
- Choose a location with good lighting and minimal foot traffic (your photographer can guide you on a suitable spot)
Pro tip: write these out in advance and consider using beautiful vow books that can become cherished keepsakes. I’ve linked my favorite inexpensive vow books from Amazon below. You can even personalize some options with your names and wedding date.
More information is linked below about how to have your own ‘private ceremony’ without renting a space if you wanted this to be your official wedding ceremony (with your own officiant).
Expand Your Wedding Day Beyond City Hall
A San Francisco City Hall wedding doesn’t have to be just a one-hour event – two with photo time. In fact, it can be the beautiful centerpiece of a much richer wedding day experience. The beauty of a City Hall ceremony is its flexibility. It can be your entire celebration or simply the starting point of a more elaborate wedding day.
Your wedding timeline can include much more than just the ceremony itself. Consider adding events before or after your City Hall moment:
- Getting ready photos
- A romantic first look
- Portrait sessions at iconic San Francisco landmarks
- A post-ceremony brunch, lunch, or dinner
- A full traditional wedding reception at another venue
The key is understanding that your wedding day is entirely yours to design. You’re not confined to the walls of City Hall – you can create a day that truly reflects your relationship and vision.
For portrait sessions, I recommend using public locations to avoid expensive permits and retain maximum flexibility and ease. My favorites are Crissy Field (to see the Golden Gate Bridge), the Palace of Fine Arts and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You may also consider one of the beaches, other parks, piers or even around your neighborhood.
If you’re planning additional events, communicate clearly with your photographer about what you’d like captured. Some couples want comprehensive coverage of a reception event, while others prefer just key moments like detail shots of the space, the newlyweds’ welcome toast, and a few candids before dinner. (You can even include the cake-cutting – yes, it can be before dinner to cut down on photo time!)
Stay at a luxury hotel
Even if you live in the Bay Area, booking a home base closer to City Hall is SUCH a great way of minimizing stress and elevating your experience. It becomes especially handy if:
- You’re having an early morning ceremony (a beautiful hotel room is the perfect place to get pampered!)
- You want getting-ready photos or to stage a vow exahnge somewhere relatively private and beautiful.
- You want some downtime and somewhere to chill between your wedding events.
- You don’t want to deal with bridge traffic on your wedding day.
- You want to prolong your experience, not just rush into San Francisco then rush out! Use this opportunity to create memories. Enjoy your wedding night. Soak in the nervous anticipation and the just-married bliss in your own private sanctuary with a touch of luxury.
The best hotels offer more than just a room. Look for spaces with beautiful natural light, unique architectural features, and enough room for your wedding guests to gather if hosting there! Proximity to City Hall can be a plus, but don’t overlook the importance of having a space that feels special to you.
I have gotten so many questions about which hotel to stay at that I created an in-depth article reviewing 27 of my recommended 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels.
My favorite San Francisco hotel to shoot at, which I’ve done time and time again is the Fairmont Hotel. It offers a unique Roof Garden which is an absolute favorite for photos. It’s usually very quiet. The suites are stunning at the Fairmont, and some even have a dreamy balcony.
While upscale hotels can be expensive, savvy couples can find great deals by:
- Booking far in advance
- Checking deal websites
- Looking for wedding-specific packages
- Considering off-peak months
Typical costs for an upscale hotel room range from $650 for two nights, with suites costing significantly more. But remember, you’re not just booking a room – you’re creating a memorable part of your wedding day experience.
Book a great photographer
I’m biased but I’ll say it anyway – your wedding day deserves to be captured by someone who knows San Francisco City Hall inside and out. And it goes beyond simply knowing a certain process or building; it’s about someone who truly cares about YOU and the experience you’re getting. Knowing when to intervene and act as guide and when to let the moments unfold and be a fly-on-the-wall is key.
The reality of the unique experience of getting married at San Francisco City Hall is that your photographer is also your day-of coordinator, your timeline planner, therapist when it gets crazy, dress-fluffer and your guide through the entire City Hall wedding experience.
Every City Hall wedding is unique, and the right photographer will understand that. They’ll anticipate the small moments that will become your most treasured memories, far beyond the standard posed shots. Reach out at the link below if you haven’t already!
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!