REPORT

One-hour wedding package at City Hall

San Francisco City Hall Events Office

Intimate one-hour wedding ceremony at City Hall

Perfect for couples looking to get married on the Mayor’s Balcony or the Fourth Floor North Gallery.Book City Hall for your wedding

Overview

  • Cost: starts at $1,200
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Capacity: up to 100 guests
  • When: Monday to Friday (not available on weekends)
  • Times: 9:00am (earliest ceremony) to 3:00pm (latest ceremony)
  • Scheduling: At least 4 weeks before your date
  • Location: Mayor's Balcony or Fourth Floor Gallery
  • Best for: Intimate ceremonies, budget-conscious couples, weekday availability

Scheduling

Bookings accepted 24 months in advance, but must be reserved at least 4 weeks prior.

One-hour wedding availability: Monday through Friday (not available on weekends)

You may only choose between these two event spaces for one-hour weekday weddings.

One‑hour wedding time slot

  • The 60‑minute reservation period is strictly enforced.
  • If you arrive late, we are unable to extend your scheduled time.

Guest capacity

Up to 100 guests total.

Chairs are optional. You can have up to 100 standing guests if you prefer.

What's included

What's NOT included

  • Equipment: Chairs are an optional equipment rental.
    • Natural wood folding chairs: $3.50 each
    • Chivari style chairs: $7.50 each
    • The last day to provide the final chair count and type and vendor information is 2 weeks before the ceremony.
  • Officiant: You must bring your own.
    • Couples are not required to book from a officiant vendor list, but our office can provide a list of local officiants to assist with your search. Email your coordinator and ask for our list.

Rehearsals

We do NOT offer formal rehearsals.

We encourage couples to visit San Francisco City Hall at their convenience to plan their ceremony. Any such visit is unofficial, self-guided and members of the public may be present. We cannot guarantee that the Rotunda and other spaces will be available when you visit.

City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

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

Policies and restrictions

Music

  • Acoustic music: Advance approval required.
  • No amplified sound, such as speakers, is allowed. Singing is not permitted.

Florals

  • Altar florals: Advance approval required.
    • With advance approval, you may have two standing florals at the altar below 36 inches. You must choose a florist from the qualified vendor list.
  • Handheld florals: No advance approval required.
    • You do not have to go through the vendor list for handheld florals, such as bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages.
  • Throwing petals (real or artificial): Not allowed.
    • We do not allow throwing flower petals inside or outside of San Francisco City Hall. This is strictly prohibited.

Pets

  • Service animals: Notify your coordinator in advance.
    • Only service animals are permitted inside of the building.
    • If you are bringing in a service animal, let your coordinator know.
  • Other pets: Not allowed.

Food and beverage

  • Food and beverage service is not allowed during one-hour weddings.

Cultural traditions

We try our best to safely accommodate cultural traditions and items.

  • Chuppahs: Advance approval required.
    • Hand-supported chuppahs require advance approval.
    • Freestanding chuppahs are prohibited due to fire safety guidelines.
  • Fire rituals (candles, havan, etc): These are strictly prohibited due to fire safety guidelines.
  • Sand ritual: Advance approval required.

If you are looking to bring in any other cultural items, contact your coordinator for advanced approval at least 2 weeks before the wedding.

Other items

  • You are not allowed to throw any loose items like rice, confetti, and flower petals. This is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited items and activities

Rotunda closures

  • At times, an evening event may require early load‑in access to the Rotunda.
  • For safety reasons, the space will be closed to the public during these periods.
  • This includes the Rotunda stairs and surrounding area, which will be completely off‑limits and unavailable for photos.
  • We are unable to make exceptions, so please plan accordingly if you intend to use the stairs for pictures.
  • See City Hall Rotunda closures

How to book

Please take the time to thoroughly review and understand our booking process before you begin.

Having a clear understanding of the process, requirements, and necessary documentation is essential for a smooth and successful booking experience.

Step-by-step guide to booking City Hall for your event

Cancellation and refund policy

If you secured your date through a CHALLENGE, you are NOT ELIGIBLE to receive a refund or to reschedule.

More than 6 months in advance

  • Full refund for any cancellation made at least 6 months prior to the event.

Less than 6 months in advance

  • For cancellations less than 6 months prior, the deposit is non-refundable.
  • However, you may apply your deposit to a new date scheduled within 12 months of the original cancellation.

Privacy and public access

Your ceremony area is roped off for privacy but City Hall remains open to the public during weekdays. You may experience ambient noise and background presence.

We cannot guarantee that the Rotunda and other spaces will be available on the day of your event.

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 us for more information and booking assistance: