Out of all of the courthouses in the United States San Fransisco City Hall is one of the most stunning (and affordable) places to elope. The elegant Beaux-Arts style building boasts a grand staircase, arched hallways and columns all under a spectacular domed ceiling framed by relief carvings that feel like something straight out of a romance movie.

The best part is that it’s a shockingly affordable elopement location for couples who want a beautiful location that exudes romance in appearance. City Hall offers a few different options for couples getting married including civil ceremonies, private rentals, and general use of the space for photos.

Here’s the breakdown.

Civil Ceremony

Civil ceremonies are quick and straight to the point. A marriage commissioner will perform the ceremony and you can bring up to 6 guests to witness. You can say vows and exchange rings in the middle rotunda which will be roped off for civil ceremony use

Civil ceremony appointments can be made up to 90 days in advance. To reserve a slot you can visit the San Fransisco County Clerk website (https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/ped1m7c/b).

Ceremony appointments are available from 9 AM to 3:30 PM and cost $103. Make sure to show up 10 minutes early for check in and don’t forget to both bring your photo IDs and marriage license which you should procure ahead of time from the county clerk office.

Civil ceremonies are great for couples who want a quick private event. While you can bring guests you only legally need one witness so if you want to go for a true-classic-elopement you could keep it to just the two of you and have your photographer act as witness!

Private 1 Hour Wedding

If you want a little more time, customization, more guests, or a private space to get married this might be the option for you. One hour ceremonies are available Monday – Friday 9 AM – 3 PM and can take place on either the Mayor’s Balcony or the Fourth Floor Gallery. You may bring 100 guests though the spaces hole 40 and 60 chairs respectively so some guests may need to stand.

While these areas will be roped off for your usage City Hall will still be open to the public at this time so you won’t have the whole building to yourself. However, this type of ceremony still allows for more personalization. Some couples opt to bring musicians to play acoustic live music for their ceremony.

One Hour Weddings have a $1000 reservation fee and the booking process can be started on the San Fransisco City Hall Events website ( https://www.sfcityhallevents.org/wedding-booking/).

Private 2 Hour Wedding

Private two hour weddings are only offered on Saturdays but this option will allow you to exchange vows on the grand staircase and rotunda surrounded by up to 200 of your closest family and friends.

The start times for these ceremonies are 9 AM – 12 PM and cost $5000. As a bonus, this option includes chairs for guests, insurance, and basic building services. Because this is a private rental of the building you must inquire at least 3 months in advance to secure your date. You can view the San Fransisco City Hall Wedding Availability Calendar HERE (https://www.sfcityhallevents.org/event-calendar/).

Officiant and marriage license, once again, should be provided by you for this type of ceremony.

Evening Wedding

Evening weddings range from $5000 – $7000, making them the most expensive option but this means you have San Fransisco City Hall specifically dedicated to your wedding celebration.

This option includes vows on the gran staircase, a cocktail reception and open dance floor. Rates can vary depending on what you want your wedding to entail. For more information about this option visit https://www.sfcityhallevents.org/wedding-rental-rates/.

Engagements and aesthetics

One of the wonderful things about San Fransisco City Hall is that you can go inside to take photos without actually getting married there which means it’s also great for some classy engagement photos. Just keep in mind that it is a very popular location for locals and visitors so you may need to be patient waiting for some of the most iconic spots, like the grand staircase, to empty out for your perfect shot.

I recommend exploring all of the publicly accessible floors to fully utilize the unique details of the building. The balconies, windows, and upper hallways with dramatic arches overlooking the main room are some of my favorite spots for photo sessions and elopements.