REPORT

Evening weddings at City Hall

San Francisco City Hall Events Office

Full evening rentals available on weekdays and weekends

Exchange vows on the Grand Staircase, enjoy a cocktail reception in our inviting North Light Court, and treat your guests to an unforgettable night of dinner and dancing in the magnificent Rotunda.Book City Hall for your wedding

Event spaces

  • The Rotunda
  • North Light Court
  • South Light Court

These event spaces are bundled and cannot be rented separately.

Dates and hours

Availability

You may book evening rentals on weekdays and weekends, except Tuesdays due to Board of Supervisors meetings.

We do not offer daytime rentals as the building is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Scheduling

You can book up to 2 years in advance, but must book at least 6 months before the date.

Contact Melvign Badiola (melvign.badiola@sfgov.org) for availability and booking assistance.

Event-day hours

Access and end times

North Light Court access

2:00 pm

All other areas access

4:00 pm

Earlier access

Available for additional rental and labor fees, subject to availability

Events must conclude

12:00 midnight

Load-out must be completed

2:00 am

  • These rental rates do not include mandatory Sheriff's fees.
  • Events with more than 2,000 guests require special approval.
Rental costs and capacities
ConfigurationGuest countRate

Rotunda + One Light Court

1 to 499 guests

$12,000

Rotunda + Both Light Courts

1 to 999 guests

$15,000

Rotunda + Both Light Courts

1,000 to 1,499 guests

$17,500

Rotunda + Both Light Courts

1,500 to 1,999 guests

$22,500

Rotunda + Both Light Courts

2,000 to 2,499 guests

$27,500

Rotunda + Both Light Courts

2,500 to 3,000 guests

$32,500

  • Additional labor costs for Sheriffs, engineer and Event manager will apply.
  • All additional access subject to approval.
Early and late access costs
Access typeCost

Early Access: Weekday Rotunda

$1,000 per hour

Early Access: Weekday Light Court

$500 per hour (per room)

Early Access: All areas on weekends

$500 per hour

Late access: Guest event

$5,000 per hour

Late access: Load-out

$500 per hour

Set-up day

50% of base rent

What's included

  • Basic building services (power, wifi, restroom maintenance, building staff)
  • Private use of the Rotunda, Grand Staircase, and selected Light Courts.

What's NOT included

  • Sheriff's Department: Mandatory for all evening weddings.
    • Costs typically range from $10,000–$15,000+ depending on guest count and event needs. Rates are subject to change.
    • Reach out to our office for a Sheriff cost estimate.
  • Insurance: A Certificate of Insurance is required, covering Workers Compensation, Public Liability ($1 million), and Property Damage ($1 million).
    • Insurance is available through the City Hall Events Office at $3 per guest with a $100 minimum.
  • Equipment and other services: We do not provide any event equipment.
    • Chairs, lighting and AV, tables, catering, musicians, decor, and all other vendors must be hired through our qualified vendor list.
  • Waste management: We do not handle trash removal.
    • Typically, waste management is handled by the caterer. Check with your vendor.
    • All waste produced at your event must be disposed of off-site. We do not provide waste receptacles.
  • Permits: Must be secured by the licensee.
    • Examples include alcohol, fire, parking, etc.
  • Wedding planner: Required for all evening weddings
    • Must be present for the mandatory site visit and your event day.

Policies and requirements

Wedding planner

  • A professional wedding planner is required for all evening weddings.
  • Your wedding planner must not be:
    • Guest at your wedding
    • Family member or friend
  • They are responsible for coordinating all vendors, scheduling and attending site visit, managing the event timeline, and ensuring compliance with City Hall's rules and regulations throughout the event.

Vendors

  • Couples are required to use our list of qualified vendors for all services.
  • Vendors on these lists are pre-approved, meet all necessary building requirements, and are familiar with our rules and regulations.
  • See our lists of qualified vendors

Site visit with vendors

  • Approximately 6 weeks before your event, your caterer and other vendors must conduct a mandatory site visit with City Hall Events Office staff.
  • Site visits are by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
  • Contact Melvign Badiola (melvign.badiola@sfgov.org) to book your site visit.

Fire permits

  • Open flame: Fire permit and onsite Fire Watch required
    • This includes candles and on site food preparation.
    • Connect with your caterer for fire permit coordination.
  • All events with over 500 guests require the presence of a Fire Marshall throughout the event.
  • Visit the San Francisco Fire Department website for more information regarding permit fees and other costs.

Final costs and payment

Final invoice will be provided approximately 3 weeks before your event.

Final payment must be received no later than 5 days before the event date.

Marriage license and officiants

We do NOT provide or manage officiants, marriage licenses, or certificates. You are responsible for securing these.

Local couples

  • Obtain your marriage license and book an officiant prior to your wedding date.

Traveling couples

  • Check with your local county clerks office regarding the marriage license.
  • Laws vary from state to state and internationally.
  • Book an officiant prior to your wedding date.

Using your own officiant

Disclaimer

Photos of previous City Hall weddings found online may not reflect what's included in your specific package. Check with your coordinator about what's allowed and realistic for your wedding before using them as inspiration.

Contact us

Email Melvign Badiola (melvign.badiola@sfgov.org) for more information and booking assistance.