San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
Meet San Francisco City Hall Photographer, Hannah Leigh
As a San Francisco City Hall photographer, it is my highest goal to capture the moment of your wedding so that you can be fully present with one another. Your San Francisco City Hall elopement or wedding should feel authentic and genuine without having to think about how to document the day. That’s my job!
As a photographer, I bring seven years of wedding experience, hundreds of hours exploring San Francisco for those perfect spots, and ten years of photography knowledge to your special day. I will do my absolute best to ensure that your moment last a lifetime.
Destination: San Francisco City Hall
Elegance. Intimacy. Beauty.
San Francisco City Hall is sought out from couples around the world for elopements because of its gorgeous architecture, streamlined process and central San Francisco location. Couples looking for the simplicity of a small wedding or the uniqueness of a San Francisco City Hall elopement will be amazed at the stunning architecture, ambiance, and grounds of the San Francisco City Hall.
Brides can make this day quirky, elegant, simple or grand--the options are endless! Whether you prefer a floor length gown and train or a Rime Arodaky jumpsuit, a San Francisco City Hall elopement is the perfect destination for you.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography
As a San Francisco City Hall photographer, my goal is to not only capture the elegance and grandeur of the architecture and grounds of City Hall, but also to capture the beauty of the couple within this beautiful location.
Couples will find beautiful locations throughout City Hall that provide the perfect backdrop for bridal portraits or wedding day photographs. As guests enter City Hall through a gorgeous wooden door, an iconic stairwell that screams of grandeur greets them and leads them to floors that radiate with brilliant natural light, perfect for portraits. Portraits taken on the Mayor’s Balcony, surrounded by City Hall’s romantic architecture, will take your breath away!
Benefits of a San Francisco City Hall elopement
Eloping at City Hall could not be easier. As a San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer, I have noticed that couples who choose large weddings and venues tend to experience more stress and chaos during their wedding day. A San Francisco City Hall elopement is simple, elegant, intimate and beautiful. The space gives couples permission to enjoy an intimate day, instead of trying to impress family and friends. It leaves room for quirky attire and unique details that express the couple’s personalities.
Aside from its gorgeous architecture and central San Francisco location, a San Francisco City Hall elopement is a streamlined process that is sure to eliminate unnecessary stress. With its central location, couples can easily share their vows at City Hall and then visit any of the gorgeous locations nearby, such as Lovers Lane, Sutro Baths, Marshall Beach, Palace of Fine Arts, and Baker Beach for additional photographs.
FAQs with Hannah Leigh, San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
What are some important things to think about when planning ahead for a wedding or elopement here?
Book your marriage license appointment one hour before your ceremony to ensure you aren’t rushed or stressed. Or, even better, pick your marriage license before your wedding date (CA licenses are valid for 90 days). This eliminates a lot of stress!
Bring your current ID and marriage license with you or you won’t be able to have your civil ceremony.
Do you want to pay to reserve a space (Mayor’s Balcony or 4th Floor North Gallery) for your wedding ceremony? You’ll receive the area for one hour and chairs for your guests. If not, you just need to book a time for your civil ceremony.
To avoid tourists and crowds, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best days to book your ceremony. In addition, I highly suggest morning appointments: less people equal easier and better photos.
What is within walking distance that future elopers should know about?
These locations are not necessarily within walking distance but I have a car and will gladly take you to other locations. Here is a list of locations all within 15 minutes of City Hall:
Sutro Baths / Lands end
Battery Spencer (Close view of Golden Gate Bridge)
Are there certain FAQs about eloping or getting married at City Hall that you are asked about (or that you think people might/should ask)?
There is a guest limit of 6 people (this includes your photographer, videographer, and any children). Definitely something to keep in mind.
If you want more guests, I highly suggest renting space within City Hall. There is a one-hour wedding package that includes private use of either the Mayor’s Balcony or a fourth floor gallery. This is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. This allows for more than six guests to be a part of your ceremony!
Book a day that’s early to mid-week. Avoid Fridays and holidays because they are crazy with weddings and San Francisco tourists. Book the first appointment time slot if you can. Getting there before the crowds is key to capturing the grandeur of the space!
What are your favorite areas at city hall to take wedding photographs at and why?
The Front Entrance:
The front entrance is beautiful. It is definitely the most iconic location of City Hall with its gorgeous door, natural light and the City Hall sign. Once you enter, the City Hall Grand Staircase sits in the middle of the building and is perfect for photographs and portraits.
The Mayor’s Balcony:
You’re able to get gorgeous portraits with City Hall architecture in the backdrop, right above the grand staircase. It creates photographs filled with grandeur and elegance.
Third floor north windows:
This floor has beautiful windows that allow natural light to pour in. It’s a great spot for portraits!
Fourth floor north gallery:
The architecture plus the natural light in this location is a San Francisco City Hall photographer’s dream.
What can I bring to City Hall to make my wedding day special and unique?
A San Francisco City Hall elopement can look any way that you desire it to look! As a City Hall photographer, it has been fun to see all the quirky and unique details couples bring to their wedding day. Brides wear anything from a knee length, simple dresses to full-length gowns. Jumpsuits, such a Rime Arodaky Patsy jumpsuit, are really popular right now, too! A groom’s attire is just as versatile and can be anything from a full tux to business casual; whatever makes for the most comfortable and enjoyable day is encouraged. It’s one of the reasons I love being a San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer--I get to see each couple’s personality come alive in all the details they choose, from florals, jewelry, head pieces, and clothing. It really can be anything a couple wants it to be!
Our ceremony will only be a few minutes, do we really need all that coverage?
It depends! We can work together to create a timeline with the coverage that feels right to you. Everything from getting ready, first looks, ceremony, portraits after and driving to multiple locations around the city - it can be a full day of coverage.
