Civil Wedding Ceremony Photos | San Francisco City Hall Elopement

Weddings

Jun 22

couple walking down the grand staircase at san francisco city hall after their civil ceremony

Civil Ceremony Wedding Photography

It is possible to dream of a big wedding in a dreamy destination, surrounded by your favorite people who have traveled from near and far—and to also dream of saying your vows in a private, purposeful way, close to the life you’ve built and the home you share. These dreams are not mutually exclusive.

A + P prove this. When they hired me to photograph their wedding at Duke’s Malibu (which will be coming later this year), they also asked if I would be interested in traveling to their hometown in San Francisco to capture their civil ceremony. Because while the wedding in Malibu feels right, it also felt right to make their marriage official in their own city and on their own terms.

So on a peaceful Tuesday morning, I met A + P (and their parents, who had traveled from SoCal and Michigan to witness their vows) at San Francisco City Hall.

In the rotunda at the top of the grand staircase, the justice of the peace read the couple their vows and declared them man and wife. The moment was swift, emotional, and beautiful.

Afterwards, we explored San Francisco City Hall together, taking portraits of the couple and their parents. (Later that day, I met them for a sunset engagement session at Fort Funston.)

Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and has a rich history that adds an extra layer of significance to the couples who choose it as their wedding venue. After the devastating 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires destroyed the earlier City Hall, the construction of the new San Francisco City Hall began in 1913. Inspiration for its design was drawn from classical Beaux-Arts architecture. Its construction symbolized the city’s determination to rebuild, its resilience and enduring spirit.

San Francisco City Hall has witnessed many historical events and moments that have shaped the city and nation. It has been the site of significant political gatherings, including presidential visits, civic ceremonies, and public protests. Notably, it hosted the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945, an event that marked a pivotal moment in world history.

Beyond its political and historic importance, the building itself is a masterpiece of architectural beauty. The grand facade features Corinthian columns, a majestic rotunda, and an elegant grand staircase, all exuding a sense of grandeur, timelessness, and romance. It’s a sought-after destination for weddings and civil ceremonies. Couples from around the world are drawn to its beauty.