It is no secret that one of the prettiest city hall’s in all of the United States is right in our backyard, San Fransisco. Eloping at a beautiful city hall is just part of the fun the other part is coming up with unique things to do in the city to celebrate. That is where I come in. I help each of my couples plan out a day that reflects what they love to do, what they love to eat in beautiful spots of the city. Each elopement day is different and catered to each couple’s interests. Helping couples make their day uniquely theirs and turning them into a 6-7 hour elopement day is actually what made me want to do elopements full time in 2023. Creating unique days and seeing them come to life, gives me joy. Here is how to plan your San Fransisco city hall elopement.
2. Then I ask my couples who is attending that they would like photos with, I plan for that on the 3rd or 4th floor of city hall where its all even beautiful light. I do that right after the ceremony right before city hall photos of just the couple and sunset photos.
3. I then see what type of things they love to do. I tell them to brainstorm foods they love, things they love to do together or places that mean a lot to them in the city and we see if we can incorporate it into their day. I always tell my couples to think outside of the box, have fun with it and make your day truly your own. That is the benefit of an eloping it can literally be rollerskating on the golden gate bridge to kayaking in the bay after your ceremony if you wanted. Some real life examples: Walk through China Town, Dumplings in China Town, favorite coffee shop they went to for years on dates, park with a view of the city etc. Ideas I have thought of for future elopements: Rollerskating on the golden gate bridge or a walk at sunset with a picnic on the beach, rooftop in SF dinner for 2, kayak in the bay, sail in the bay, ferry ride and take in the sunset and so much more.
4. Think about doing a change of outfit. It could be a white pant suit to a short white dress or a formal wedding dress to a more casual outfit. I have had some couples want different looks that are all bridal and other couples who want the causal look for an engagement type of shoot before they get married the same day. I love both ideas for variety and fun!
5. Think about the details. Make sure to hire a florist for a bouquet for your day as well as bring little momentos from your dating history for the detail shots.(Movie tickets from when you first started dating, pictures of you two, postcards of places that mean a lot to you etc.) Also, think about doing getting ready photos as well at a nearby airbnb with amazing light and a style that matches your wedding look.
Example timeline below: Based upon 7:15 pm sunset time on April 15, 2022 – 6 hour wedding day
2:00-4 pm getting ready at a local airbnb or opt to do a causal engagement session in the city or go out to brunch and we document the simple sweet parts of the day
4-4:20 pm Stand in line at SF City Hall (They do not allow for photography, so I stand with your family and wait for you to have the witness sign alongside you. This can take even up to a half hour so allot for that time just in case).
4:00-4:20 pm ceremony (they usually have you get married top of the stairs, if you can request the fourth floor for light please do so you will love it!)
4:30-4:45 family photos at city hall
4:45-5:15 pm city hall photos of couple
5:15-5:35 pm drive to first spot
5:40-6:15 pm: roller skate in China town and find dumplings to eat for a snack
6:15-6:35 pm drive
6:35-7:30 pm sunset sail on a sailboat in the bay with dinner on it!
7:30 dessert time on the boat! (Fun flash photos on the boat!)
8 pm Dock at pier – coverage ends
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