San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography And Marriage License Fees
The big question has been popped! You have said YES to the one you love! Excitement is at fever pitch! But before the big day, there are decisions and choices to be made. One of the first questions is – where do you go to get married and how much will it cost?
Well, letâs look at one of the most majestic buildings in San Francisco, the SF City Hall. Their staff has been overseeing weddings for a long time and have a reputation for making your big day go smoothly. The building is stunning as well as beautifully lit, and makes a perfect backdrop for amazing photographs.
Depending on what sort of marriage ceremony you want and the limits of your wallet, here are a few guidelines: A marriage licence costs $104, and the civil ceremony is $83. You can also rent spaces for private weddings, starting at $1,000.
You have to make two appointments. The first to get your marriage license (you can get it before the day of the ceremony). In California, you must be 18 years old, but you don’t have to be a United States resident (great for eloping couples), both of you have to attend, and need an unexpired government identification.
Secondly, you need to make a reservation for the time of the ceremony – Mondays to Fridays 9 am to 3.30 pm – but don’t forget that Friday is a really busy day. Your marriage licence is only valid for 90 days, so have your date ready (and possibly an alternative if the date you first wanted is already booked).
Most civil ceremonies take place on the second floor at the top of the grand staircase, in the Rotunda. Taking photographs actually whilst the ceremony is going ahead is not always possible. Try to take family shots away from this area. The building lends itself to some amazing photos in different locations.
If you have hired a photographer, make sure that you know what you are getting for your money. Most photographers offer a package, some go for the more informal photographs while others have a more traditional approach. Packages may include only the coverage of the wedding ceremony, meaning the photographer captures you and your guests.
Alternatively, you can hire a photographer for X number of hours. Prices start from $195 and have no upper limit. There are a number of wonderful photographers specializing in San Francisco City Hall weddings. Make sure you browse their wedding photo portfolios and check their Facebook page for customer reviews before making the final decision.