
San Francisco City Hall reopened for in-person services and general public access on June 7, 2021, after being closed for almost 15 months. The reopening included in-person services like applying for marriage licenses, obtaining birth and death certificates, recording documents, and registering businesses. The County Clerk began accepting online appointments for in-person marriage ceremonies, with a maximum of six guests. Visitors to City Hall are required to wear facial coverings and maintain six feet of distance from members of other households.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco City Hall |
| Reopening Date | June 7 |
| Services | In-person services, general public access, applying for marriage licenses, obtaining birth and death certificates, recording documents, registering businesses, payment of property and business taxes and fees |
| Safety Measures | Facial coverings, 6 feet of distance between households, regular security screenings, limited entrances |
| Marriage License | Obtained within 3 months of getting married, anywhere in California |
| Reservations | Two required: one for marriage license, one for wedding ceremony date and time |
| Ceremony Locations | Rotunda, Private Room, Mayor's Balcony, 4th Floor Gallery |
| Guest Limit | 6 |
| Dress Code | Not ultra-formal; guests should be informed of dress code in advance |
| Photography | May require consultation with a local photographer to find the best location |
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What You'll Learn
- San Francisco City Hall reopened for weddings on June 7, 2021
- Couples must make two reservations: one for their marriage license and one for the ceremony
- Ceremonies are limited to six guests, including children, witnesses, and photographers
- Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days and must be obtained in California
- Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing

San Francisco City Hall reopened for weddings on June 7, 2021
San Francisco City Hall is an iconic building with exquisite Beaux-Arts architecture and a remarkable history, making it a breathtaking and photogenic backdrop for weddings. After being closed for almost 15 months, San Francisco City Hall reopened for weddings on June 7, 2021, along with other in-person services.
Mayor London N. Breed and City Administrator Carmen Chu announced the reopening, marking a significant step in the city's recovery and a return to normalcy. The reopening of City Hall allows couples to once again take advantage of the unique setting for their special day.
To get married at San Francisco City Hall, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, you must make two reservations: one for obtaining your marriage license and another for your wedding ceremony date and time. These reservations can be made through the City Hall website. It is important to note that the marriage license must be obtained within California and within three months of your wedding date.
When planning your wedding at City Hall, you can choose between standard and private ceremony locations. Standard ceremonies, costing $103 as of October 1, 2024, can take place in the beautiful Rotunda area or the Private room. Private ceremonies, on the other hand, offer more intimate settings like the Mayor's Balcony or the 4th-floor Gallery for $1,000 per hour.
It is important to be mindful of the guest limit when planning your wedding. San Francisco City Hall Civil Ceremonies typically allow a maximum of six guests, including children, witnesses, and photo/video teams. However, this rule is not always strictly enforced.
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Couples must make two reservations: one for their marriage license and one for the ceremony
City Hall in San Francisco, California, is a popular venue for weddings. The building boasts exquisite Beaux-Arts architecture and is a breathtaking backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The City Hall was closed to the public for almost 15 months during the pandemic but reopened for weddings on June 7, 2021.
Couples wishing to get married at San Francisco City Hall must make two reservations: one for their marriage license and one for the ceremony. The first reservation is to set the time for obtaining the marriage license, and the second is for the wedding ceremony date and time. It's important to note that the marriage license must be obtained within California and within three months of the wedding date. The County Clerk's office in Oakland is a popular choice for obtaining marriage licenses.
The standard ceremony locations within the building include the Rotunda and the newly redecorated Private Room, which costs $103 as of October 1, 2024. Couples can also opt for a private ceremony in locations such as the Mayor's Balcony or the 4th-floor Gallery for $1,000 per hour. These private ceremonies offer more privacy and prevent tourists from walking through.
It is important to note that there is a limit of six guests for standard civil ceremonies, which includes children, witnesses, and any photo/video team members. This rule is not always strictly enforced but may be invoked at any time. Couples should also be aware that most jurisdictions do not perform weddings on weekends, and ceremonies are usually held during designated days and time windows.
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Ceremonies are limited to six guests, including children, witnesses, and photographers
San Francisco City Hall is a popular choice for weddings, with its Beaux-Arts architecture and remarkable history providing a breathtaking backdrop for your special day. The building was shut down in March 2020 but reopened to the public in June 2021.
If you're planning a wedding at San Francisco City Hall, it's important to note that ceremonies are limited to six guests, including children, witnesses, and photographers. This limit is in place for standard civil ceremonies, which usually take place in the Rotunda or the newly redecorated Private Room. The Rotunda is located at the top of the Grand Staircase, providing a grand entrance for your special day. While the rule isn't strictly enforced, it's important to be aware that the official rules may be invoked at any time.
To ensure your wedding day goes smoothly, it's recommended to make two reservations. The first reservation is for obtaining your marriage license, and the second is for your wedding ceremony date and time. These reservations can be made on the City Hall website, and it's important to note that ceremony reservations can only be made up to 90 days in advance. Additionally, your marriage license must be obtained within California and within three months of your wedding date.
When planning your wedding day, it's also essential to consider the dress code. While ultra-formal attire is not typically seen at city hall weddings, it's your day, so tailor it to your vision. Just be sure to let your guests know your chosen dress code so they can feel comfortable. And don't forget to capture the memories with plenty of photos, whether it's at city hall, a nearby park, or a restaurant.
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Marriage licenses are valid for 90 days and must be obtained in California
Marriage licenses are a crucial part of the wedding process and are necessary for those planning to get married at City Hall. Marriage licenses are valid for a certain period, and there are specific places where you must obtain them. In San Francisco, City Hall was closed for nearly 15 months due to the pandemic, and it reopened for in-person services and general public access on June 7, 2021. This included services such as applying for marriage licenses, which is an important step for couples planning their weddings.
Marriage licenses are typically valid for a set duration before they expire. In San Francisco, marriage licenses are valid for 90 days. This means that you must obtain your marriage license within three months of your wedding date. It is important to plan accordingly and be mindful of this time frame when scheduling your wedding ceremony. This 90-day validity period is a standard requirement that applies across California, so whether you choose to obtain your license in San Francisco or elsewhere in the state, the timeframe remains the same.
To obtain a marriage license in San Francisco, you can visit the City Hall or any of the County Clerk's offices in the Bay Area. One advantage of acquiring your license at City Hall is the convenience of having a replacement issued immediately if the original gets damaged or signed incorrectly. However, it is worth noting that not all County Clerk's offices are the same, and a license obtained outside of California may not be valid for a wedding at San Francisco City Hall.
When obtaining your marriage license, it is important to bring a current ID, such as a passport, to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, if your ID does not have your full name spelled out or is in a language other than English, you will need to provide a certified translation. These requirements are essential to ensure that your marriage license application goes through without any issues.
For those planning a City Hall wedding, it is important to note that there are usually designated days and time windows for wedding ceremonies. Most jurisdictions do not perform weddings on weekends, so this is an important factor to consider when inviting guests who need to make travel arrangements. Additionally, there may be limits on the number of guests allowed to attend the ceremony, so be sure to research the regulations of your specific city or jurisdiction.
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Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing
City Hall in San Francisco, California, is open for in-person services and general public access. This includes services such as applying for marriage licenses, obtaining birth and death certificates, and registering businesses.
All visitors to City Hall are required to wear face coverings and maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) from members of other households. There may be additional instructions regarding maximum occupancy when receiving services at individual offices. Regular security screenings will take place upon entry at the designated entrances.
It is important to note that these measures are in place to ensure the safety of everyone visiting and working in City Hall. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors can play a crucial role in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protecting themselves and others.
Face coverings should be worn at all times while inside the building. This includes when interacting with staff, waiting in line, and during any meetings or appointments. Visitors are also expected to maintain social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from individuals who are not from the same household. This applies in areas such as hallways, lobbies, and waiting areas.
If a visitor needs to sneeze or cough, they should do so into their elbow or a tissue, and then wash or sanitize their hands afterward. It is also recommended to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth, as this can increase the risk of infection. By following these simple but effective practices, visitors can help create a safer environment for everyone.
In addition to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing, visitors should also follow any other instructions provided by City Hall staff or posted in specific areas. These instructions may include occupancy limits, designated entrances and exits, and other safety protocols. By being mindful of these guidelines, visitors can help ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone during their visit to City Hall.
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Frequently asked questions
San Francisco City Hall reopened for weddings on June 7, 2021.
A maximum of six guests are permitted to attend your wedding at San Francisco City Hall. This limit includes any children in your group, your witness, and your photo/video team.
You will need to bring a current ID with your full name and a marriage license issued in California within the last 90 days. If your ID is not in English, you will also need to bring a certified translation.










































