A San Francisco City Hall Wedding Will Be Something You Remember Forever

By Andrew Snyder


Once you decide to get married, you have to choose flowers, dresses, bridesmaids, and the venue. How big or small the celebration is probably depends a lot on your pocketbook. If you want to have something memorable, and fool your friends at the same time, you could opt for a San Francisco city hall wedding. If the friends thought they would be witnessing you standing in front of a judge in a sterile room, they will be in for a shock.

If you are not familiar with this building, you will be surprised and pleased to learn that it is an iconic structure, frequently photographed and well known throughout the architectural world. You can choose a simple ceremony that takes place either on the Mayor's Balcony or in the Gallery located on the fourth floor. There is seating for a maximum of sixty guests. The basic package for this one hour service costs one thousand dollars.

Couples who have more to spend and are looking for something a little more elaborate can choose a two hour ceremony. This services are conducted on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda. The area can accommodate up to two hundred guests. For five thousand dollars you get the venue, chairs, insurance, and basic services. The two hour window is inclusive of setting up and breaking down.

If you want to splurge, you can choose an evening wedding. Once again, the Grand Staircase is the sight of the wedding vows. You may have a cocktail reception in the North Light Court with formal dining, and dancing after, in the Rotunda. Weddings may take place during the week or on a weekend. You will have access to the venue for up to twelve hours.

These packages do not include everything. When you meet with the events coordinator, you should go over what is covered in the basic package, and what you will be expected to provide. The building has a limited amount of equipment and chairs for instance. Most couples contract with an independent vendor to provide the equipment they need.

The packages do not come with marriage certificates or licenses. For those you will have to go to the Clerk of the Court's office. Packages are not inclusive of a person to officiate at the ceremony. If you don't have a preference, contacting the city or the Clerk's office is recommended.

When you discuss packages with the event coordinator, you will probably receive a list of rules and regulations. Items that are not allowed will be high on the list. These include fireworks, snow and smoke machines, confetti, helium balloons, and smoking. If you want to raise a sign or banner, or install lighting, on the building's exterior, the city engineer must supervise it.

San Francisco is a beautiful place, and city hall is one of its most beautiful buildings. It is considered an excellent example of American Renaissance architecture. Getting married there will be an experience you can relate to generations to come.




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