Two-hour wedding package at City Hall

Exchange vows on the Grand Staircase

Perfect for couples who want to say "I do" under the iconic dome, on the Grand Staircase of the Rotunda.Book City Hall for your wedding

Overview

Cost: starts at $6,000
Duration: 2 hours
Capacity: Up to 200 guests (extra fees for additional guests)
When: Saturdays only
Earliest time slot: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Latest time slot: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Scheduling: At least 3 months before your date
Location: Grand Staircase of the Rotunda
Wedding planner: Highly recommended
Best for: Couples who want to get married on the Grand Staircase, Saturday wedding ceremonies

Scheduling

You can book up to 24 months in advance, but must reserve at least 3 months before your date.

Two hour wedding availability: Saturdays only.

Earliest time slot: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Latest time slot: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

The two-hour reservation period includes all load-in and load-out activities.

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

Guest capacity

Up to 200 guests.

Additional fees apply for guest counts above 200:

Extra rent: $4 per additional guest
Insurance fee: $3 per additional guest (with a $100 minimum)

What's included

Exclusive private use of the Rotunda for two hours.
Natural wood folding chairs (200)
- You can upgrade to chivari chairs for $4 each
Security (SF Sheriff's Department)
Insurance coverage

What's NOT included

Officiant: You must bring your own.
- Couples are not required to book from an 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.
Upper floor access: Your reservation is limited to the Rotunda.
- Guests must remain on the first floor.
- The couple may explore other areas of the building for photos within their two-hour reservation period.
Amplified sound: We do not provide speakers or microphones.

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

They must comply with California's marriage officiant guidelines.

Policies and restrictions

Your two-hour reservation includes load-in, set-up, and load-out time.

Music

Acoustic music: Advance approval required.
- We recommend choosing from our qualified vendor list.
Musicians outside of qualified vendor list: Advance approval required.
You can have amplified sound, such as speakers, from the qualified vendor list.

Florals

Decor: Advance approval required.
- 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.

Cultural traditions

We try our best to safely accommodate cultural traditions and items.
Please contact your coordinator to discuss your specific request at least 4 weeks before the wedding.

Signage

All signage requires advance approval. Check with your coordinator.

Other items

Throwing loose items: Not allowed.
- You are not allowed to throw any loose items like rice, confetti, and flower petals. This is strictly prohibited.
Drones: Not allowed.
- Drones are prohibited inside and outside of City Hall.

Other vendors

If you are interested in booking any services or vendors not mentioned here, please check with your coordinator in advance.

Prohibited items and activities

You may not bring certain items or perform certain activities inside of City Hall.
See a list of 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 wedding

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.

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