Tying the knot in the City by the Bay offers a unique and convenient option for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. San Francisco's historic courthouses provide a picturesque backdrop for intimate ceremonies, with stunning architecture and symbolic significance.
The San Francisco County Clerk's Office facilitates courthouse weddings at two locations: the Old City Hall and the Superior Court Building. Both venues offer a range of ceremony options, from simple civil ceremonies to more elaborate weddings with personalized vows.
San Francisco Courthouse Wedding
Courthouse weddings in San Francisco offer a convenient and affordable option for couples seeking a memorable and intimate ceremony.
- Stunning Venues
- Convenient Location
- Affordable Fees
- Personalized Ceremonies
- Expert Officiants
- Easy Parking
- Historic Significance
- Stress-Free Planning
With its beautiful architecture, convenient location, and range of ceremony options, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is an excellent choice for couples seeking a meaningful and memorable start to their married life.
Stunning Venues
San Francisco's courthouses offer a variety of stunning venues for courthouse weddings, each with its own unique charm and historical significance.
- Old City Hall
Built in 1915, the Old City Hall is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that exudes grandeur and elegance. Its marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, and stained-glass windows create a breathtaking setting for wedding ceremonies.
- Superior Court Building
Completed in 1929, the Superior Court Building is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture. Its sleek lines, geometric patterns, and marble interior provide a modern and sophisticated backdrop for courthouse weddings.
- Marriage Bureau
Located in the San Francisco City Hall, the Marriage Bureau is a more intimate venue for courthouse weddings. Its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a popular choice for couples seeking a simple and stress-free ceremony.
- Rotunda
The Rotunda is a grand, circular room located in the Old City Hall. Its high ceilings, marble columns, and ornate chandeliers create a truly unforgettable setting for wedding ceremonies.
With its stunning architecture and historical significance, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is sure to provide a beautiful and memorable backdrop for your special day.
Convenient Location
One of the biggest advantages of a San Francisco courthouse wedding is its convenient location. Both the Old City Hall and the Superior Court Building are situated in the heart of downtown San Francisco, making them easily accessible by public transportation, car, or foot.
The Old City Hall is located at 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102. It is directly accessible by the Powell Street cable car line and is within walking distance of the Civic Center BART station. Metered street parking is also available in the surrounding area.
The Superior Court Building is located at 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102. It is accessible by the Van Ness Avenue and Market Street bus lines and is within walking distance of the Civic Center BART station. Street parking is also available in the surrounding area.
The convenient location of San Francisco's courthouses makes it easy for couples and their guests to attend the wedding ceremony. This is especially beneficial for couples who have guests traveling from out of town or who have limited mobility.
Affordable
Another great thing about a San Francisco courthouse wedding is that it is relatively affordable. The cost of a civil ceremony at a San Francisco courthouse starts at just $90. This fee includes the cost of the marriage license, the ceremony, and the officiant.
- No venue rental fee
Unlike traditional wedding venues, you do not need to pay a rental fee to get married at a San Francisco courthouse. This can save you a significant amount of money.
- No vendor fees
Since courthouse weddings are typically simple and straightforward, you do not need to hire any vendors such as a photographer, videographer, or florist. This can also save you a lot of money.
- No guest list restrictions
Unlike some traditional wedding venues, courthouses do not have any restrictions on the number of guests you can invite. This means you can invite as many friends and family members as you want without having to worry about the cost.
- No hidden fees
The cost of a San Francisco courthouse wedding is very transparent. There are no hidden fees or surcharges. The only cost you will need to pay is the marriage license fee.
If you are looking for an affordable and convenient way to get married, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is a great option.
Personalized Ceremonies
While courthouse weddings are often thought of as being simple and straightforward, they can also be personalized to reflect the couple's unique style and preferences. At San Francisco courthouses, couples can choose to write their own vows, select their own music, and even have a friend or family member officiate the ceremony.
One of the most popular ways to personalize a courthouse wedding is to write your own vows. This allows you to express your love and commitment to each other in your own words. You can also choose to include readings or poems that are special to you.
Another way to personalize your courthouse wedding is to select your own music. You can choose to have your favorite songs played during the ceremony, or you can hire a musician to perform live. This can help to create a more intimate and special atmosphere.
Finally, you can also choose to have a friend or family member officiate your ceremony. This can be a great way to involve someone special in your wedding day and to make the ceremony more personal and meaningful.
With a little planning, you can create a personalized courthouse wedding that is both beautiful and memorable.
Expert Officiants
One of the great things about getting married at a San Francisco courthouse is that you will have access to expert officiants. The officiants at San Francisco courthouses are experienced and professional, and they will work with you to create a ceremony that is both meaningful and memorable.
The officiants at San Francisco courthouses are also very knowledgeable about the legal requirements for marriage in California. They will make sure that your marriage is legal and valid, and they will provide you with a marriage license that you can use to register your marriage with the state.
In addition to being experienced and knowledgeable, the officiants at San Francisco courthouses are also very friendly and supportive. They will take the time to get to know you and your partner, and they will work with you to create a ceremony that is perfect for you.
If you are looking for an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly officiant for your San Francisco courthouse wedding, you can be confident that you will find one at one of the city's courthouses.
Easy Parking
Another great thing about San Francisco courthouse weddings is that they offer easy parking. Both the Old City Hall and the Superior Court Building have ample parking available either in their own parking garages or in nearby public parking lots.
- Old City Hall
The Old City Hall has its own parking garage located at 555 McAllister Street. The garage is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers hourly and daily rates.
- Superior Court Building
The Superior Court Building does not have its own parking garage, but there are several public parking lots located nearby. The closest parking lot is the Civic Center Garage, which is located at 355 McAllister Street.
- Street parking
There is also limited street parking available in the surrounding area. However, it is important to note that street parking in San Francisco can be difficult to find, so it is best to arrive early to secure a spot.
- Public transportation
If you are able, taking public transportation to your courthouse wedding is a great way to avoid the hassle of parking. Both the Old City Hall and the Superior Court Building are easily accessible by public transportation.
With its ample parking options and convenient location, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is a great choice for couples who are looking for a stress-free and convenient way to get married.
Historic Significance
Getting married in a San Francisco courthouse is not only convenient and affordable, but it is also a great way to be a part of history. Both the Old City Hall and the Superior Court Building are historic landmarks that have played an important role in the city's history.
The Old City Hall was built in 1915 and was the city's main government building until 1995. It is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many famous people have been married at the Old City Hall, including Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
The Superior Court Building was built in 1929 and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Superior Court Building has been the site of many important trials and hearings, including the trial of Patty Hearst.
Getting married in a historic courthouse is a great way to add a touch of history and romance to your wedding day. It is also a great way to show your support for the preservation of San Francisco's architectural heritage.
Stress-Free Planning
One of the best things about a San Francisco courthouse wedding is that it is very easy to plan. The courthouses have streamlined the process, and they provide all of the necessary information and support to make your wedding day go smoothly.
- No need to book a venue
When you get married at a courthouse, you do not need to worry about booking a venue. The courthouse will provide you with a beautiful and historic setting for your ceremony.
- No need to hire vendors
Courthouse weddings are typically simple and straightforward, so you do not need to hire any vendors such as a photographer, videographer, or florist.
- No need to worry about guest list restrictions
Courthouses do not have any restrictions on the number of guests you can invite to your wedding.
- Courthouse staff is there to help
The courthouse staff is experienced and professional, and they are there to help you with every step of the planning process. They can answer your questions, provide you with information, and make sure that your wedding day goes smoothly.
If you are looking for a stress-free and easy-to-plan wedding, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is a great option.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about San Francisco courthouse weddings:
Question 1: What are the requirements to get married at a San Francisco courthouse?
Answer 1: To get married at a San Francisco courthouse, you must be at least 18 years old and not currently married. You must also have a valid marriage license from the State of California.
Question 2: How do I get a marriage license in California?
Answer 2: To get a marriage license in California, you must apply in person at any county clerk's office in the state. You will need to provide proof of identity and pay a fee.
Question 3: How much does it cost to get married at a San Francisco courthouse?
Answer 3: The cost of a civil ceremony at a San Francisco courthouse starts at $90. This fee includes the cost of the marriage license, the ceremony, and the officiant.
Question 4: Can I get married at a San Francisco courthouse on the same day that I get my marriage license?
Answer 4: Yes, you can get married at a San Francisco courthouse on the same day that you get your marriage license. However, you must first obtain a waiver from the court.
Question 5: Can I have a large wedding at a San Francisco courthouse?
Answer 5: San Francisco courthouses have no restrictions on the number of guests you can invite to your wedding. However, the courthouses are relatively small, so it is important to keep your guest list to a reasonable size.
Question 6: Can I have a religious ceremony at a San Francisco courthouse?
Answer 6: No, San Francisco courthouses do not allow religious ceremonies. However, you can have a civil ceremony at the courthouse and then have a religious ceremony at a different location.
Question 7: Can I bring my own officiant to a San Francisco courthouse wedding?
Answer 7: Yes, you can bring your own officiant to a San Francisco courthouse wedding. However, the officiant must be registered with the State of California.
Question 8: What should I wear to a San Francisco courthouse wedding?
Answer 8: You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in to your San Francisco courthouse wedding. However, most people choose to dress in semi-formal attire.
I hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about San Francisco courthouse weddings. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the San Francisco County Clerk's Office.
Now that you know more about the basics of San Francisco courthouse weddings, here are a few tips to help you plan your special day:
Tips
Here are four practical tips to help you plan your San Francisco courthouse wedding：
Tip 1: Book your appointment early.
San Francisco courthouses are very popular, so it is important to book your appointment as early as possible. You can book an appointment online or by calling the San Francisco County Cl
Conclusion
San Francisco courthouse weddings are a great option for couples who are looking for a beautiful, convenient, and affordable way to get married. The courthouses offer a variety of stunning venues, convenient locations, and affordable fees. The courthouse staff is experienced and professional, and they can help you plan your wedding day every step of the way.
Whether you are looking for a simple civil ceremony or a more elaborate wedding, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is a great option. With its beautiful venues, convenient location, and affordable fees, a San Francisco courthouse wedding is a great way to start your married life together.