Best Locations Near San Francisco City Hall for Stunning Post-Ceremony Photos
San Francisco is home to one of the most iconic places to elope. Unlike other cities, San Francisco’s City Hall building is drop dead gorgeous. IMO, it’s one of the most romantic places to get married in the city! If you’ve ever been to City Hall, you know how classic the building is. It’s beauty shines through in every corner and honestly, it’s hard to take a bad photo!
One of the best things about San Francisco City Hall is that it’s nestled right in the middle of the city — giving couples the unique option of adding a second (or third!) location for photos. I wanted to share how to pick a second location, logistics for having a second location and some of my favorite spots around the city!
Palace of Fine Arts
How to choose a second location for wedding photos:
There are four main ideas to keep in mind when choosing a second location to San Francisco City Hall. Let’s break them down:
Proximity: How far is the location from City Hall? Will you be trying to travel during rush hour? My photography packages are consecutive in coverage — picking a location that is 30 or 40 minutes away is definitely not how I would recommend spending precious photo time. As a guideline, I’d recommend staying within San Francisco City Limits.
Aesthetic Appeal: What kind of vibe are you looking for? Keep in mind the strong Beaux-Art and classical Revival elements that San Francisco City Hall has.. A second location gives you the opportunity to explore different aesthetics within the city — think of this second location as a “personality location.”
If you’re not from SF here are some questions to ask: Are you a nature or city person? Do you share any unique hobbies (browsing new book stores, finding new cocktail bars, hiking, watching sunsets). Do you love the beach? Do you want an iconic Golden Gate Bridge view?
If you are from SF and want to get super personal to you and your relationship, consider these questions: Where was your first date? Where was the first place you said “I love You”? Do you frequent a certain park or beach together often? Do you have a favorite ice cream shop or bar?
Lighting Considerations: Depending on your ceremony reservation time and coverage, second locations are often during the day when the sun can be a bit harsh — especially a beach! Choosing a location with different lighting options can be really helpful. For example, if you want an outdoorsy location but it will be 1pm — maybe choose a park that offers tree shade or a location within the city that offers open shade from the neighboring buildings.
Crowd Levels: If you’re getting married at San Francisco City Hall, I am going to assume you are ok being around a reasonable amount of crowds. The great part about being inside City Hall is that you aren’t the only couple getting photos taken - which can really alleviate any awkwardness. When we head to a second location, other tourists or locals are most likely not also doing a photoshoot. Keep in mind how popular your second location choice is and whether or not that might make you feel uncomfortable. Another note on this — as your photographer, it’s my job to guide you through the session. Even if we are in a super crowded area, I always do my best to make you feel confident and comfortable (usually that involved laughing at ourselves a bit 😂)
Sutro Baths
Second portrait Location Logistics
Timing: This encompasses a lot of what we just chatted through but it’s worth noting again. Depending on the time of day, a lot of things can change. 1. Lighting - mid day in May might be super harsh, 5pm in January will be really dark. 2. Crowds - Fridays are always busier with tourists, mornings are usually quieter than afternoons. 3. Traffic - if your timeline has us crossing the city at 4pm, maybe we choose a closer second location to limit travel time and maximize shoot time!
Transportation: Speaking of traffic - how are we getting from City Hall to Location B? Are you Ubering? Driving? Renting a limo? Let me know so we can make a plan! I have a car and can always transport myself but sometimes it’s nice to get fun shots in a limo!
Weather Considerations: It’s not often we get a “total wash out” but having a rainy day plan is always a good idea! More likely than heavy rain is foggy views of Golden Gate Bridge. These things are totally out of our control but something to keep in mind!
Your attire: Are you wearing a ballgown, tux, short dress, high heels…? Keep this is mind for your second location! If you’ll be in a ballgown, a beach location might not be the best fit (unless you’re ok getting it sandy!).
My favorite locations near San Francisco City Hall
Now for the fun part! My favorite spots in San Francisco that make the perfect second location to a City Hall elopement!
Baker Beach - Perfect for popping champagne and views of the Golden Gate Bridge!
Approx. 20-30 minute drive.
Fort Point - Great for views of the Golden Gate Bridge without the sand.
Approx. 20 minute drive.
Palace of Fine Arts - More gorgeous Beaux-Arts architecture! Great location if you’re worried about dirt/sand.
Approx. 15 minute drive.
A restaurant or cocktail bar - I’ve had couples pick their first date restaurant or a random pub nearby to get a beer!
Plenty of amazing spots within walking distance in Hayes Valley!
Sutro Baths / Lands End - Beautiful trails and ocean views. I would be prepared to “hike” down to the baths (maybe bring a pair of sneakers to wear!).
Approx 25 minute drive.
Alamo Square - An iconic SF location with beautiful views of the city, great trees and walking paths.
Approx. 10 minute drive.
Golden Gate Park - GGP has so much to offer! From Shakespeare's garden to beautiful fountains and gorgeous gardens.
Approx. 15 minute drive (depending on where you’re going in the park, it’s pretty big!)
Legion of Honor - Similar to Palace of Fine Arts or City Hall itself, this location offers beautiful and simple architecture.
Approx. 15 minute drive.
Still not sure what location would be best for your San Francisco City Hall wedding photos? Reach out! I’d love to chat more and create authentic photos of your day!
