Complete Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall

Recommendations for:

H + MUA
How and when to book appts
Where to stay (hotels)
Photographers
Day of Coordinators
Lunch spots for a few people or reception venues for large groups

Booking Your Appointment:

Getting your preferred time slot at SF City Hall requires advanced planning. Appointments (usually) open at midnight exactly 90 days in advance, and popular time slots fill up within minutes.

Pro Tips for Booking:

Create your account ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the booking system
Log in right at midnight and immediately proceed to checkout with your desired time
Think of it like booking Taylor Swift concert tickets - you're competing with other couples to “checkout cart” on the best times (9-9:30AM and 3-3:30PM)
Tuesdays and Fridays tend to be very busiest

Still Shopping Around for Photographers?

These folks know City Hall inside out too!

Similar to Our Style

Amanda Wei

Samantha Look

Ditto Dianto

Sarah Ching - Absolutely amazing, btw

Sarah Rubin Greene

Documentary / More True to Life

Tyler Vu (South Bay based tho ;/)

Duy Ho

Zoe Larkin Popular choice

Daniel Kim - Considered one of the best in the industry so prices will be premium. But work is epic

Others:

Film/Editorial, Gen Z Vibes Angela Jazmin Studio

Photo + Video Packages:

Passion Studios - Complete visual storytelling
Inspired by Studio - Professional photo and video combo

Budget-Friendly Option: Hermi Moore - New photographer offering discounted City Hall packages

H + MUA

Here are some excellent SF-based options:

Fiona @ Urban Beauty Loft
Julie Dy - Absolutely amazing work
Joyce Zhou - (If she's still in the city)
Alicia @ Leece Stylz - Close to the city

Bonus: budget options would be A List Makeup or Vivian Sampson

South Bay: If you’re getting ready in the South Bay, Chau Nguyen has a studio in Milpitas or can come to you, and Design in Her Image is nearby as well and travels

Florists

Here are some excellent SF-based options:

Professional Florists (Pickup Recommended to Save on Delivery)

Diosa Blooms - The Mission, specializes in elopements with stunning arrangements
Ampersand SF - Their elopement collection is perfect for City Hall
Flower Plus - More classic, traditional arrangements
Bonus: DIY it! Trader Joe's has surprisingly beautiful flowers perfect for simple, elegant bouquets.

Where to Stay - Hotels for Every budget

Modern Luxury

Four Seasons Embarcadero - Prime location

Classic Luxury

Fairmont San Francisco - Book a suite (skip the regular rooms, which are quite old). Suites with balconies are perfect for getting-ready photos.

Quirky SF Charm

Proper SF - Unique character but not the nicest location

Mid-Range with Great Location

1 Hotel - Solid choice balancing budget and location

Budget-Friendly

The Line - More affordable option. Some rooms have great views

Pro tip: Slop front desk person a $50 and mention that you’re getting married— might get you a room with better views ;)

Lunch Spots within Walking Distance

Chez Maman (11:30AM -10PM)
Zuni Cafe (SF staple, Tues - Thurs opens @ 5pm, Fridays lunch 11-3pm)
Birba (opens 3-9pm)

Don’t mind taking an Uber/Waymo?

Kokkari - Mediterranean elegance
Yank Sing - Legendary dim sum
Dalida - Modern Mediterranean
Leo's Oyster Bar - Fresh seafood
Angler (1 Michelin Star)- Waterfront fine dining
Kin Khao - elevated Thai, 1 Michelin Star

Private Events Room (with Photos!)

Harbourview
25 Lusk
China Inn Live
Charmaine's Rooftop
Moongate Lounge (by Mister Jiu's)

Owned and ran by Executive Chef who runs One Michelin Star Mister Jiu’s
Verjus's

Owned by executive chef Michael Tusk, who runs the 3 Michelin Star Quince