Best Restaurants to celebrate after your SF City Hall Wedding Ceremony

Recently I’ve been chatting with new couples who are getting married at San Francisco City Hall, so I’ve put together a list of my most asked questions. Be sure to read through as I share my best tips and I’ve included a list of my favorite post-ceremony locations in San Francisco, including bars and restaurants to consider for your celebration!

Just for fun, I’ve rounded up some of my most iconic city hall moments below, and you can see more city hall weddings right here.

What are the costs of a San Francisco City Hall Ceremony?

If you’re opting for a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall - you register with the county clerk and the cost for a marriage license in San Francisco is $95. With this option, the soonest you’re able to make an appointment is three months from your wedding date. This is especially exciting for last-minute elopements. Typically, those ceremonies are held in the Rotunda (right atop the grand staircase) and are super intimate. SF City Hall has been strict lately on the number of guests you can have with you which is usually up to six including you and your partner. If you’re looking for a different location within city hall or have a larger guest count, look into renting out the Mayor’s Balcony or the space on the Fourth Floor (queue gorgeous light). Last time I checked, the price to rent these spaces for an hour is $1000 and you’re able to secure those spaces much further in advance. Reserve with the San Francisco City Hall Events Department.

What are some tips for San Francisco City Hall ceremonies?

You never know what is planned at city hall the day of your civil ceremony, so my best advice is to just go with the flow and enjoy how the day unfolds. Thursday and Friday's have a higher chance of bigger events happening at city hall which means popular areas (like the staircase) could be blocked off. Years ago there was a Game of Thrones-themed party and my couple didn’t seem to mind the decor, but we were prevented from entering certain areas. Additionally, during the holidays you will find a Christmas tree at the rotunda, so if you’re not into that look, you may want to wait until the holidays are over. The grand staircase at San Francisco City Hall, Fourth Floor and the outside steps are the most popular and iconic spots for photos with many other couples vying for the same shots, so it’s best to stay relaxed and take turns. Because of this, it’s always best to have at minimum 1.5 hours of coverage at City Hall. The last thing I want for my couples is to feel stressed.

What kind of city hall packages do you offer?

1.5 hours of coverage is my minimum requirement for weekday city hall elopements. I’m able to photograph the signing of your documents, your ceremony, and photos inside and outside of city hall with you, your fiancé and guests. More than often, my clients hire me for additional coverage where we explore different locations within the city, followed by a champagne toast or dinner reception at your favorite locale. Every client has different needs and the part I love most is collaborating on ideas and locations to make your day feel especially meaningful. Send me an email if you’re interested in learning more!

What are some locations you love shooting at in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a vibrant city with plenty of hidden gems to photograph in. I always lean into what makes more sense for you as a couple, or meaningful places you’ve visited in the past. Are you looking for a more urban vibe like North Beach or the Mission? Are you interested in city views like at Bernal Heights or Potrero Hill? Or, are you thinking more of a nature scene like Crissy Field/Baker Beach, The Presidio, or Land’s End? Here are some of my favorite spots:

Bernal Heights for city views. Dolores Park or Washington Square for a picnic in the park. Nob Hill/Russian Hill for charming classic SF buildings, cable car and the Transamerica building. Don’t forget a stop at Swensen’s Ice Cream on Hyde and Union. The Ferry Building for foodies and ocean view lovers. North Beach for romance, gelato and drinks. Other off the beat path places I love are McClaren Park and Fort Funston - I go there all the time with my dogs and know all the best spots.

What do you recommend for transportation in SF?

Hiring a car or uber/taxi is likely the easiest, but if you’re looking to up the ante a bit, here are some suggestions:

- Sausalito Taxi for a ride in a vintage taxi in San Francisco
- Classic car rental from Vinty - either drive yourself or hire someone to drive for you
- F Street Car - if you’re planning on a trip from city hall to the financial district, or the ferry building, or perhaps up to the Castro, the F Street Car is perfectly cute and such a classic San Francisco way to get around

Do you have recommendations for a cool bar or restaurant in San Francisco?

Mood and atmosphere are subjective, but here are some of my favorites in the city. Bookmark and check back as I’ll continually update this list.

Absinthe: It’s just a few blocks from city hall and a great place to go for a quick drink outside. They have the cutest Parisienne like bistro chairs, charming and romantic! You can also rent out their private room for larger parties. Either way, it’s a gem of a venue for a post city hall ceremony.

Wayfare Tavern: Located in San Francisco’s financial district - this sleek black building is a vibe in itself. Classic, iconic and the cuisine from Tyler Florence is perfection. It’s a fun spot. Many of my past clients have had parties here - some have taken the F-Street Car to get there.

Leo’s Oyster Bar: Perfect for seafood lovers, but also the “1950’s Beverly Hills meets Manhattan club” design by Ken Fulk is pretty rad if you ask me.

Penny Roma: Now this place is new on the scene, but not really. It’s from the same owners/chef of Flour + Water, and housed in the same building as what used to be Central Kitchen and Salumeria. Good food with private dining space available.

Le Marias Bakery: You can reserve a few tables for your party here and it's perfect for a midday brunch. Champagne and chocolate croissants - yes, please!

Spruce: Spruce in Laurel Village is a great contender for a more luxury experience at the Michelin star restaurant.

Del Popolo: Del Popolo pizza is delicious for a date night, and this Nob Hill venue has a back patio that can accommodate 50-ish guests. It offers great food and a chic - relaxed scene

Marianne’s: This place is amazing. It’s got a cool 1960s velvet couch, speakeasy vibe. Super fun! It can’t accommodate super large parties but is great for 50 and under. It’s also connected to The Cavalier if you need more space.

Tonga Room: A San Francisco icon if you ask me - perfect for over the top entertainment and fun.

Cafe de la Presse: Such a cute French bistro. Great for cocktails or coffee outside.

Charmaine’s rooftop bar at Hotel Proper is amazing. It was designed by Kelly Werstler and you just feel cool the moment you walk in.

Foreign Cinema: A gem in The Mission, Foreign Cinema offers great food, and lots of space for parties/weddings large and small.

Cigar Bar: Cigar Bar is that cool place that you’d love to host a party. Market lights, drinks, open air, in North Beach, it’s got elegance and fun written all over it.

The Cookhouse SF: This little gem in North Beach is in such an iconic location right next to City Lights. It’s a perfect place for a private dining and customized experience.

Puerto Allegre: Hear me out on this one, from a true Southern California girl where Mexican food is abundant and delicious, Puerto Allegre is hands down the best Mexican food in SF. If you’re into margaritas and the charm of mariachi than this is your place for a good, memorable time.

Tartine Manufactory: I’m not sure they do private events, but it’s Tartine and a San Francisco staple and a cute place to stop by for a coffee or sweet treat.

In N Out: It’s no secret I like to photograph my clients eating, case in point at Bouchon Bakery, in Jackson Hole, at Barndiva and Scott’s Dairy Freeze, but Lily Allen made In N Out a bit more popular - and a trip out to Fishermans’ Wharf could be charming and realllllly delicious.

Moongate Lounge: Red velvet sofas - sign me up. This place is mesmerizing and an experience.

Monroe SF: I haven’t photographed here yet, but the Art Deco decor looks amazing. Plus, the history of this place is really cool.

If you want to see more of San Francisco City Hall check out these beautiful weddings and ceremonies:

Jamie & Andrew’s San Francisco City Hall ceremony followed by a brunch reception at La Marais Bakery.

Sara & Tyler’s SF City Hall ceremony followed by drinks at Top of the Mark and dinner at Del Poppolo.

Holden & Ryan’s city hall ceremony on the fourth floor followed by a cappuccino at Cafe de la Presse and a dinner reception at Hotel Majestic.