Hitching Up at the Historic Hall: Your Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall
So you and your lobster (or bagel, no judgement) have decided to tie the knot in the City by the Bay. But wait, visions of sugarplum weddings and Pinterest-worthy venues are making your head spin? Fear not, lovebirds on a budget (or just fans of architectural grandeur), because San Francisco City Hall offers a perfectly delightful (and affordable) way to say "I Do."
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| How To Get Married At San Francisco Courthouse |
Why City Hall?
- Iconic Location: Get married in the same place as countless Hollywood couples (fake or otherwise) and soak up the grandeur of that glorious dome. Imagine the wedding photos! You'll be practically radiating Old Hollywood glamour (or at least that's what you'll tell everyone on Instagram).
- Hassle-Free History: Skip the months of planning and say "I do" in a historic setting. City Hall takes care of the essentials, leaving you free to focus on the real prize: celebrating your love with pizza and champagne afterwards (because, let's be honest, that's the most important part).
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: Can't afford a fancy wedding planner or a venue that costs more than your firstborn (hypothetically)? City Hall offers a fantastically affordable way to get married without skimping on the romance.
Alright, Alright, You've Sold Me. Now What?
Getting married at City Hall is surprisingly straightforward. Here's the need-to-know:
- The Marriage License - This is your official permission to smooch legally. You can apply for it together at the County Clerk's office before your ceremony. Don't forget your ID – gotta prove you're not marrying the mailman (although, who are we to judge?).
- The Ceremony - City Hall offers civil ceremonies performed by a Commissioner. These ceremonies are short and sweet (think 3-4 minutes), perfect for those who want a quick and meaningful exchange of vows.
- Guest List - Think intimate gathering, not full-blown bash. City Hall allows a maximum of 6 guests, which includes your witnesses, photographers, and anyone else who desperately needs to witness your love story unfold.
Pro Tip: Feeling a little bummed about the guest limit? Consider a post-ceremony celebration at a park or restaurant for a more casual gathering with friends and family.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
I Do, I Do, I Do! But What Else Do I Do?
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- Schedule Your Ceremony: Slots fill up fast, so make an appointment well in advance. You can do this online or by phone.
- Rings and Things: While not mandatory, exchanging rings is a nice touch. Just remember, these bad boys become permanent reminders of your love, so choose wisely (and maybe get sized beforehand).
- Dress Code: There's no formal dress code, but aim for something respectful and celebratory. Think "dressed-up brunch" rather than "pool party."
- Parking: San Francisco parking is legendary (for its difficulty, that is). Plan to arrive early and factor in some extra time for parking woes.
FAQ: Getting Hitched City Hall Style
How to get a marriage license? Apply in person at the County Clerk's office with your ID.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How much does it cost? The marriage license is $120, and the ceremony fee is $103.
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Do I need an appointment for the ceremony? Absolutely! Appointments fill up fast, so book well in advance.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Can I get married on the weekend? Nope, civil ceremonies are only performed Monday through Friday.
What if I want more than 6 guests? For larger ceremonies or weekend weddings, you'll need to book a space through City Hall Events (separate process, separate fees).
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
So there you have it, lovebirds! With a little planning and some courthouse charm, your San Francisco City Hall wedding is sure to be a memorable (and affordable) start to your happily ever after. Now get out there and make it official!
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