9 Tips

Do you want to fast-forward the engagement period and start enjoying your married life adventures already? Maybe you already want to ditch the traditional wedding to say "I do" in a city hall. This way, you make exchanging vows more intimate, low-key, and cost-effective.

Whether you're inviting your entire crew or just eloping as two, we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed down tips on how you can have a seamless elopement at a city hall in California. Let’s read on!

Pro tips: keeping your elopement process seamless

Admittedly, city hall weddings are one of the most straightforward and economical ways to do your nuptials. However, it still requires planning and a series of preparations. To kick off your preps, below are tips to consider:

1. Choose your location

First things first. Identify which city hall in California you’d like your elopement to take place. You can consider the city hall in the area where you reside or somewhere that has special significance to your relationship. San Francisco’s city hall is one ideal venue to consider.

You must plan early though as San Francisco is only open for public weddings during weekdays. But take note that Fridays tend to be the busiest days since they’re a day before the weekends while Mondays can be more of a wildcard.

Another tip is to avoid busy days like holidays. Usually, around a hundred couples get married during Valentine’s Day alone.

2. Get your marriage license

You need to apply for a marriage license to legalize your marriage. This license must be issued within 90 days of your marriage ceremony since you can’t tie the knot without it. Remember to also pick up your marriage license in advance so you can relax on your special day.

The official process of getting your marriage license will vary depending on the area you’re in. So, you must allot time to do some research on your specific city’s requirements. Typically, some requirements include a state-issued ID or driver's license, certified copies of both birth certificates, and your social security numbers.

3. Schedule your "I do"

If you wish to actualize your dream wedding at San Francisco City Hall, make a reservation up to 90 days in advance on the county clerk's website. There, you can also book a one or two-hour ceremony, depending on your duration preference. By booking those, you can also have private access to various building spaces such as the Grand Staircase or the Mayor's Balcony.

Many events happen at the city hall, so make sure to talk to their events department first.

4. Prepare a wedding checklist

Make sure to have your checklist in place. When you head to the hall, ensure that you bring all the necessary paperwork such as your marriage license, associated paperwork, ID documents, and witnesses at your appointment. You can also confirm with your point of contact if you can incorporate certain elements important to you such as reciting your own vows, the number of guests, and photographers.

Don’t forget to also prepare your bouquet by coordinating with a florist and setting your makeup and hair appointment.

5. Gather your core crew

In California, you’re allowed to have two witnesses in your marriage license signing, so you can consider having a best man and or maid of honor. If you’ll have your ceremony in Rotunda, there’s no guest limit so you can invite your family and friends.

Note that every city hall in California may have slightly different rules for ceremonies so it’s best to confirm this in advance. But generally, every city hall can only accommodate a specific number of guests.

6. Keep your guest count in check

For civil ceremonies, the San Francisco city hall limits each couple to four wedding guests. This may also include your photographer or any vendors present.

If you want a semi-private ceremony with more guests, try renting out one of the city hall’s balconies. One is the Fourth Floor Gallery which allows up to 60 guests. There’s also the Mayor’s Balcony which can accommodate up to 40 guests. You can opt for any of these balconies for a more flexible and personalized ceremony.

7. Come either earlier or later for photographs

If you and your partner want to achieve that newlywed photo at the city hall’s empty staircase, the key is to come earlier as soon as the San Francisco city hall opens or after your wedding. As the day progresses, more guests and couples start to prepare at the base of the stairs while the ceremonies happen upstairs.

Make sure to coordinate with your photographer as you don't want to miss capturing the best moments during your special day.

8. Add personal touches

There are some city halls in California where couples cannot recite their own vows. But do not fret! You still incorporate some traditions that reinforce the importance of your special day. Some ways to do this include carrying a bouquet, exchanging wedding rings, having a wine toast following the ceremony, releasing a wedding announcement in the local paper, or holding post-wedding parties.

9. Throw a fun after-party

What better way to cap off your wedding ceremony than to throw a fun post-wedding party with your partner or with your family and friends! You can do it the way you want—either grand or simple and intimate. You can try hosting a wine night with your crew, go all out with a reception at a classic restaurant, or throw a pajama party at someone’s home.

Whatever your plan is, keep the celebration true to your personality or personal interests as a couple for maximum enjoyment!

Conclusion

However you want to do your courthouse wedding, ensure that you plan ahead, have all the requirements you need in advance, and consider these nine tips. You can also check out some real wedding inspo.

Don’t forget to also make every moment of your special day count!