All-Film San Francisco City Hall Wedding
This San Francisco City Hall wedding was such a fun one to photograph on film. The couple shares a love of analog photography and asked me to capture their day almost entirely that way, so I brought a mix of 35mm and medium format cameras. I gave myself plenty of room to get creative!
Between the dreamy film tones, colorful details, the bride’s custom-designed dress, and the beauty of City Hall itself, the whole day felt relaxed and personal.
Arriving To The SF City Hall
One of the many things I love about a San Francisco City Hall wedding is how many different versions of the day can work here. You can keep it very intimate with just the two of you, or bring your closest family and friends along. For this couple, their family was already waiting inside when they arrived, which made the beginning feel so warm and celebratory.
The bride also designed her own dress with a friend. There were so many beautiful details woven into it. Her soft cream skirt, peach-toned top, gold jewelry, deep red scarf, and colorful bouquet looked incredible against City Hall’s marble and warm architectural details. The groom kept things classic in a dark suit, letting all of those colors stand out even more.
An Intimate San Francisco City Hall Wedding Ceremony
From the County Clerk’s office, the couple made their way through City Hall and upstairs for their ceremony. Their San Francisco City Hall wedding felt intimate and relaxed, with their family nearby to watch them exchange vows. They held hands and read their vows to one another.
I loved how the film captured all of it. The celebratory elevator ride (which happened to be some of the brides favorite photos) to the sweet moments during their civil ceremony. The grain and softness gave these photos such a nostalgic feeling without taking away from all the color and personality of the day.
Family & Newlywed Portraits Around San Francisco City Hall
After the ceremony, we took a few family photos before giving the newlyweds time to wander around City Hall together. For portraits, we moved through some of the building’s most beautiful spaces. I loved the sweeping staircase, marble hallways, enormous arched windows, and little pockets of sunlight throughout the upper floors.
City Hall also photographed so beautifully on film. The warm stone, deep shadows, patterned windows, and all of the color in the bride’s outfit took on that soft, dreamy quality I love. We finished with a few portraits outside, including the ornate entrance and a wider view of the building itself. It gave them such a fun mix of San Francisco City Hall wedding photos!
Why Get Married at SF City Hall?
San Francisco City Hall is such a beautiful choice for couples who want something meaningful and a little less traditional. You can keep things small with an intimate civil ceremony or elopement. If you’re planning something bigger, City Hall also offers one-hour, two-hour, and evening wedding options.
Depending on the package, weddings can include anywhere from a smaller guest list to hundreds of people. Spaces like the Rotunda, Mayor’s Balcony, and Fourth Floor Gallery give you even more ways to make the day your own. The grand staircase, marble halls, arched windows, and incredible architecture make the building feel special as soon as you walk in.
It also photographs beautifully on film. I love how the warm stone, deep shadows, and soft window light take on such a dreamy quality. The architectural details look especially beautiful, too. Film is a huge part of what I love. Sometimes I mix it with digital. Other times, I photograph most of the day on 35mm and medium format. My approach is relaxed and laid-back, with guidance when you need it and space for real moments to unfold naturally.
If you’re planning a San Francisco City Hall wedding and love colorful, candid photography with plenty of film, I’d love to hear what you’re thinking! You can learn more about me on my about page, see more real weddings on the blog, or inquire through my contact page if you think we might be a good fit.
Kind Words From A&S:
“Ohhh my goodness!!!!! Laura, I am just sooo in love and delighted by the photos. I just knew you were the right choice to capture my wedding 🥹
You caught so many cherished and authentic moments between us and our loved ones. The lighting, the details, the candids! The elevator ones made me so happy.
And I absolutely love the holga ones and multiple exposures (the stairs one is art).
This might end up being a miles long message if I kept saying why I loved all the photos, but mostly I’m just so thankful.”
