As a Bay Area Wedding Coordinator and Officiant, I have received many inquiries from local couples who assume because San Francisco City Hall is a public building they can sh0w-up, find a spot within the picturesque and historic Rotunda to exchange their "I Do's" without a paid reservation or permission.  Wishful thinking!!

True, San Francisco City Hall is indeed a public building, but to have a wedding there does indeed require a paid reservation and adherence to their documented process.

Below are a few helpful hints and links to information that isn't easily found on the San Francisco County Clerk-Recorder's website at first view:

Plan early - City Hall is a very popular venue for locals, but the competition for a wedding date extends to couples worldwide.  Since there is no requirement to be a U.S. citizen to marry here, many couples from around the world plan their vacation here and a SF City Hall wedding too!

Personalized Wedding Ceremony - If you prefer a ceremony that reflects more of your cultural, spiritual or religious beliefs then you should hire an officiant to officiate your ceremony instead of utilizing City Hall staff.  NOTE:  You'll still want to reserve space for your ceremony when you apply for the license.

Guest limitations - You are limited to six guests (other than the couple marrying) and that includes your photographer and children too.  More than six guests?  There are a few affordable week-day options within City Hall that permit a larger number of guests:

• The Mayor's Balcony
• 4th floor, North & South Galleries
• Further details can be found by clicking here which connects you to the SF County Clerk's site
• There is also a Saturday Wedding Package, details of which can be obtained by clicking here,  another page within the SF County Clerk's site.

I Do x Two - Wedding Coordination & Officiant Services
cell/text:  510-813-2749
​idoxtwo@gmail.com

In writing, do you refer to your "spouse-to-be" as your Fiancé?  or Fiancée?  Do you know there is a difference?   If you weren't a French language major you might not.  Fiancé describes an engaged man while Fiancée describes an engaged woman!   

I kicked off October at Boundary Oaks Golf Course in Walnut Creek officiating for Esther & Michael, pictured here with their bridal party--who says a spectacular October wedding has to be orange?