San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer - Red Eye Collection (2024)

Photographer Q&A

CAN WE CONTACT YOU BEFORE WE SCHEDULE OUR CEREMONY?

WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?

Absolutely! Contact me any time, even if it’s before the 90 day window that SF City Hall has for booking. You can most certainly book me as your photographer even if your ceremony date and time aren't officially scheduled with city hall. If you log in and schedule at the beginning of the 90 day window, you likely will get the date and time you want. Simply let me know as soon as you schedule your ceremony so we can lock in the date.

First and foremost, I love natural lighting. It’s one of my highest priorities when photographing weddings. It’s one reason I love San Francisco City Hall so much – the natural lighting inside is insane! Even when it’s overcast outside, you’re going to get some amazing photos inside the building with the natural glow through the huge windows. My overall style is light and natural.

HOW DO WE GET OUR MARRIAGE LICENSE?

ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR LAST-MINUTE WEDDINGS/ELOPEMENTS?

First, make an appointment on the county clerk website. Your license must be obtained within 90 days of your ceremony date. I highly recommend that you schedule a date that is before your ceremony date. If this is not possible, for example if you live outside of the area, then schedule your marriage license appointment at least an hour before your ceremony time to allow enough time between appointments.

I often do have availability with short notice. I welcome all inquiries, and almost always respond to them right away, so you’re not left waiting for me to get back to you. Contact me and I’ll check my calendar to see if I’m free during your ceremony time.

WHEN DOES THE SESSION BEGIN?

HOW LONG IS A PHOTO SESSION?

Your photo package begins when your ceremony begins. So, let’s say you book a 90 minute package. If you have a 10 am ceremony that actually begins at 10:15, then your session will start at 10:15 and end at 11:45.

I offer three photography packages for civil/public ceremonies to provide flexibility, with 30 minute, 60 minute, and 90 minute options. I also offer a single 120 minute package for private ceremonies. If you need more time, I am available for an additional hourly rate. Additional time is typically requested for a second photo location or a wedding reception, which I would love to photograph for you.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A PHOTO PACKAGE?

What are the prices for city hall wedding photos?

I ensure that I capture every moment of your wedding day, whether I guide you 100% or if you have a few ideas of your own (such as a first look). Your package includes edited, high-resolution photos provided in a private online gallery. From this gallery, you can share with others, download high-res or web-sized photos, and order prints. Note that the 30 minute package does not include ceremony coverage.

I offer four affordable SF City Hall photography packages starting at $599. View more pricing details here.

WE FEEL AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA. CAN YOU HELP WITH THAT?

WHEN WILL I GET MY PHOTOS?

That’s really where I shine. Just browse the hundreds of reviews online and you’ll see over and over how pleased couples are with how comfortable they felt. I know how to elicit appropriate reactions, smiles, poses, and everything else with ease – while making you look fantastic! This is my specialty.

I will send you a link to your beautiful, edited photos within two to four weeks of your wedding date. They will be available on an online gallery which you are free to share and download for a specified period of time. Photos are available to download as either high-res or for web.

DO YOU HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OTHER PHOTO LOCATIONS AFTER THE CEREMONY?

ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR PHOTOS AFTER THE WEDDING?

Yes, I are available on an hourly basis for an additional hourly rate. I’m happy to travel to wherever your wedding day takes you next. Simply communicate with me ahead of time so that I book the appropriate amount of time in my calendar.

Yes I do! These are my go-to spots around San Francisco for gorgeous wedding photos. I recommend these locations for engagement photos as well.

DO YOU HAVE RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AFTER THE CEREMONY?

ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CEREMONIES?

Yes! I have photographed every type of San Francisco City Hall wedding. This includes civil ceremonies, private ceremonies on the fourth floor or the Mayor’s Balcony, and Saturday weddings.

I sure do! Many couples reserve a private or private-ish space at a restaurant for lunch or dinner after their ceremony. Often they celebrate with several loved ones and treat it as a reception. View my restaurant recommendations. Every restaurant on this page is ideal for a weekday city hall wedding.

CAN WE SEE MORE OF YOUR WORK?

WILL YOU HELP GUIDE US WITH OUR CITY HALL WEDDING IN GENERAL?

If you would like to see more galleries than what you see above, get in touch. I would be more than happy to send you links to recent city hall photo galleries. There are also SF City Hall weddings on the blog,so please browse there as well.

Not only can I guide you with everything related to your wedding, I can also act as your witness if needed. I also have a detailed, thorough, updated guide to everything about San Francisco City Hall weddings here: How to Get Married at San Francisco City Hall. I also have a super helpful guide to creating a SF City Hall wedding timeline.

San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer - Red Eye Collection (2024)

FAQs

How much does a wedding photographer cost in San Francisco? ›

A great wedding photographer in San Francisco will cost between $2000 and $4000. This price should include digital images, professional editing and a free planning session.

How much does it cost to get married at SF City Hall? ›

It costs between $1,000 and $30,000 to get married at City Hall in San Francisco. Most couples will spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for their City Hall wedding. How many hours?

What is the prettiest City Hall in the Bay Area? ›

San Francisco City Hall is one of the prettiest buildings in the area and makes for an excellent location for smaller wedding ceremonies. To learn more about how to get married at SF City Hall, check out our resource guide.

Can you get a marriage license and get married the same day San Francisco? ›

The San Francisco County Clerk allows you to book your marriage license appointment only 30 minutes before your City Hall ceremony. If you prefer to do both appointments on the same day, we suggest at least an hour between the 2 meetings just to make things less rushed.

How much should I expect to pay for wedding photos? ›

Wedding photography prices range from $1,000 to $50,000 and higher in the United States. Although there's a great degree of variation in the total cost, the average is around $2,500 to $4,000, according to Los Angeles-based photographer Brandon Bibbins.

How much should I spend on my wedding photographer? ›

The trend says that you should spend 10-15% of your total budget on wedding photography. The issue is that if you really want lasting memories, an amazing experience, and a high quality product, you are going to be investing more than 10%.

How far in advance should I book my wedding at SF City Hall? ›

We accept reservations up to 24-months in advance. Due to the amount of time needed to process contracts and payment, we require a minimum of three weeks advance notice for scheduling One-hour and Two-hour weddings, and a minimum of four weeks advance notice for scheduling evening and weekend events.

What is the best City Hall to get married in California? ›

City hall and courthouse wedding venues
  1. Pasadena City Hall. 100 Garfield Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101 | 626-744-4000 | www.ci.pasadena.ca.us. ...
  2. Old Orange County Courthouse. 211 W Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana CA | 714-973-6607 | ocparks.com. ...
  3. Calabasas City Hall. ...
  4. Santa Barbara Courthouse. ...
  5. Riverside County Courthouse.
Mar 9, 2016

How long does SF City Hall wedding take? ›

There are 4 types of ceremonies at San Francisco City Hall: a civil ceremony, a one-hour ceremony, a two-hour ceremony, or a full evening wedding buyout.

Where do most rich people live in Bay Area? ›

The analysis showed Seacliff is likely the highest-income San Francisco neighborhood, boasting a median household income of more than $250,000 a year. Seacliff was followed by other waterfront neighborhoods like the Presidio, Marina and Mission Bay, which all had median household incomes of more than $200,000.

What is the most beautiful city hall in California? ›

1. San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco, California. One of the most impressive buildings, San Francisco City Hall attracts couples from around the world — and is a go-to venue if you want your wedding to make a lasting impression. This coveted space offers three options for tying the knot.

What is the most expensive city in the Bay? ›

Those cities are, in order of highest home values, Fremont, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland and Santa Rosa. San Francisco has the highest line for most years until 2022, when it's overtaken first by Fremont and then by San Jose, at about $1.4 million and $1.3 million respectively.

What to do after SF City Hall wedding? ›

After your City Hall wedding ceremony and a scrumptious brunch, you and your guests are ready for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. Hop on a cable car, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit one of the city's famed parks or beaches and don't forget to take some awesome photos along the way!

Do you need an appointment to get married at SF City Hall? ›

If you have 6 guests or fewer, make an appointment to have a small civil marriage ceremony or domestic partnership ceremony at City Hall. If you have more than 6 guests or want to get married on a weekend or a holiday, you need to book a space through City Hall Events.

Can you bring your own officiant to SF City Hall? ›

You may also utilize an officiant from your family, friend circle or faith community, according to marriage officiant guidelines from the State of California. Clients traveling to San Francisco for a wedding can work with their local County Clerk to procure a marriage license.

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