Things to consider on your wedding Day

Black and white photo of a woman in a sleeveless dress, sitting at a table, holding a pen and writing on paper. She has one hand on her forehead, appearing stressed or deep in thought. The background has a stone wall and some blurred objects.

Please feel free to always communicate your needs, whatever they may be.
Whatever the day brings, I’m here to help make this process as stress-free and welcoming as possible. Above all else, my goal is for you two to enjoy this time together, to feel seen, and to remember what matters most.

Every City Hall wedding unfolds differently. Some couples bring flowers or a few close friends, some keep it just the two of them. Whatever shape yours takes, I’ll adjust with you — weaving together the bigger moments with the small, unscripted ones in between.

Black and white photograph of a wedding ceremony with a bride and groom. The bride has dark hair styled in loose curls and is wearing a white dress. The groom is holding a paper and is wearing a light-colored suit with a boutonniere. Two women are visible in the foreground, one with her hair in a high ponytail and the other with her head slightly tilted. They are inside a well-lit room with large windows.
Black and white photo of five people sitting on chairs, including a woman in a wedding dress holding a bouquet, a man in a suit, and three other women, one with a child, all dressed formally, sitting against a marble wall.

Check-In
(Ceremony Appointment)

About 10–15 minutes before your ceremony time, you’ll check in at the Clerk’s office. Here you’ll show your IDs and confirm your details.

This is also when your witness (or witnesses — you can have up to two) will sign the license, if you are having a public marriage.

Afterward, you’ll be asked to wait in the designated area until your names are called.

I usually don’t go back into the office with you unless I’ve been asked to be your witness — which is always such an honor.

Black-and-white photo of a woman in a wedding dress walking into a room, carrying her dress, with a man in a suit holding a bouquet of flowers, surrounded by smiling people, in a formal setting.

Being Called In

When your names are called over the PA system (yes, it really does feel a little like the DMV — but at least now it’s your names instead of a number!), it’s your turn.

The officiant will bring you in for a quick check and confirm a few details:

  • How to pronounce your names

  • Whether you’re exchanging rings

  • Where you’d like the ceremony to take place (most often the Rotunda, sometimes the 4th-floor gallery if you ask (they still may say no), or the private room option - which is not as breathtaking, trust me!)

  • Have your witness (or up to two, if you’d like but you’ll need to push for this) sign the license to make it official!

They’ll also let you know if you’re the first, second, or last couple in that time slot, and then direct you to meet at the Rotunda when it’s your turn.

This little moment is actually helpful — if you’re not first, it usually means we can sneak in a few extra portraits on the second floor while we wait.

First Looks (if you choose one)

A woman in a white dress touches a young man in a military uniform as they walk together in a courthouse or government building.

If time allows, we can fit in a first look before check-in.

This is often one of the rare quiet pockets of the day — before the logistics begin. It doesn’t have to be posed or dramatic; it’s simply a chance to see each other, breathe, and ground yourselves in what the day is really about.

I’ll step back and let the moment be yours, quietly documenting it as it unfolds.

Your Ceremony

A wedding ceremony inside a grand, ornate hall with high ceiling, arches, and classical decor. A couple, the groom in a black suit and the bride in a white strapless wedding gown, exchange rings in front of a officiant. Guests stand behind a rope barrier, watching the ceremony, some taking photos and videos.
A black and white photograph of a bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, with a woman taking a picture in the background.

The ceremony itself is short and sweet — usually 3–5 minutes. The officiant will guide you through every step. All you need to do is slow down: hold hands, look at each other, and let yourselves feel it.

And when it’s time for the kiss — linger just a second longer than you think you should. It feels good in the moment, and (selfishly) it also gives me the perfect chance to capture it..

Interior view of a grand, ornate domed ceiling in black and white, featuring intricate architectural details, columns, decorative reliefs, and circular artwork.
A couple getting married, standing in front of an officiant, with guests seated on gold chairs in an ornate, historic building with high ceilings and large arched windows.
A woman in a white dress smiling at a man in a military uniform during a wedding ceremony inside a church.

Family & Group Photos

Right after the ceremony is the best time for family portraits. Everyone’s gathered and emotions are fresh.

If it feels crowded, guests can wander the building while we slip away for your portraits. If you’d rather keep everyone nearby, we’ll work with that too.

A group of people dressed in formal attire standing inside a grand, ornate building with classical architecture and large sculptures.
Two men in tuxedos and boutonnières stand in an elegant, historic building with tall, arched windows and ornate ceiling art, smiling and exchanging a moment.
Group of women, including a bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet, smiling and interacting inside a grand architectural space.

Your Portrait Time

City Hall is full of beauty: sweeping staircases, dramatic windows, tucked-away alcoves, and light that shifts throughout the day.

We’ll wander together with intention but also space for spontaneity. Don’t worry about posing — just walk, whisper, laugh, lean in. The grandeur of the building is our backdrop, but the story is you.

Black and white wedding photo of a couple standing inside a grand hall with large arched windows and ornate pillars, the groom in a tuxedo and the bride in a lace wedding gown holding a bouquet.
A bride and groom on san francisco city hall's grand staircase in an elegant, historic building. The groom is lifting the bride, who is wearing a white wedding dress and veil, while the groom wears a black suit.
A black-and-white photo of san francisco city hall's large, ornate window in a historic building, with a couple standing beneath it, dancing. Perspective is from across the other balcony on the 4th floor.
film photograph of a san francisco city hall couple looking at each other about to kiss.

Film photography

a bride and groom kissing in front of the large doors of palace of fine arts captured on medium format film

Film photography

The Classic Exit

A wedding couple stands in front of city hall, smiling and holding hands, surrounded by friends and family celebrating outside.

We’ll usually finish with a portrait outside — beneath the City Hall sign or on the steps. Friends and family can gather for cheers, confetti, or hugs, or we can keep it quiet and simple.

It doesn’t need to be big to be beautiful — it just needs to feel like you.

A newlywed couple celebrating in front of sf city hall entrance. The groom is dressed in a black suit and the bride in a white wedding gown, holding a bouquet of pink roses. They are smiling and have their arms raised joyfully.
A happy couple walking hand-in-hand across a city crosswalk, with the man leading and the woman holding a bouquet, on a cloudy day in an urban area.
A bride and groom crossing a city street at a crosswalk on their wedding day with san francisco city hall's grand stone building in the background.
A couple dressed in wedding attire walking down the stairs outside SF city hall building with ornate architecture.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss in front of San Francisco city hall, with the groom lifting the bride off the ground, surrounded by friends and family.

Gentle Notes & Tips

  • Access to certain galleries or staircases changes daily. Flexibility keeps things easy.

  • If a spot catches your eye while we’re walking, let’s pause — those detours often create favorite images.

  • Ceremonies don’t always run exactly on time, so building in a little buffer helps.

  • If you’d like to sneak in a few minutes alone toward the end, let’s carve that out. Those in-between moments often hold the most meaning.

This day doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.

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