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Wedding Photography at San Francisco City Hall (and beyond!)

December 14, 2010
Here’s a frequently asked question I get:

“We’re having a civil wedding ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. Besides ceremony pictures, can you suggest some locations around City Hall and in San Francisco in general for our wedding photos?”

The short answer is, I usually create an individual itinerary for each couple, depending on their schedule, the number of guests coming with them, and what they want to see in their photos. But, after working with so many wonderful couples, I’ve found that there are several really popular itineraries. So, here’s a set of possibilities that can help guide your planning! Enjoy!

The Marilyn Monroe (2 hours)

In case you didn’t know it, or didn’t believe it, Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio at San Francisco City Hall on January 15th, 1954. Because they were hounded by the press, the time and place were kept a secret. Nevertheless, the information leaked and crowds gathered at City Hall to get a glimpse of the pair. Civil ceremonies are quick, and their ceremony began at 1:46PM, concluding at 1:48PM. Two minutes! The couple then tried to duck out as quickly as possible.

You probably won’t have hundreds of people mobbing your SF City Hall wedding, which leaves us with a bit more time to do some fun photography inside and outside City Hall. Just to make sure that we don’t have the media on our six (and to ensure that you have a lot of fun) we’ll craft an unpredictable route through the building. This two-hour itinerary will provide ample time for us to document your license-getting, your ceremony, and a diverse set of photo-ops in the most beautiful parts of the building.

The Tony Bennett (3 or more hours)

Everyone knows “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, Tony Bennet’s signature song. Written in 1954 by a gay couple, George Cory and Douglass Cross, who were nostalgic for SF after moving to NYC, the song eventually was shopped to Tony Bennett.

Many couples considering a City Hall wedding actually decide to travel to SF from another part of the country, or even the world! I’ve documented the City Hall weddings of couples from Germany, Russia, Southern California, Israel, Virginia and New York, just to name a few. There’s something magical about our City and our Hall that draws people here.

For couples who want to capture both City Hall and another ‘true piece’ of SF, here are some options. After documenting the ceremony and doing a quick tour of City Hall, consider one of the following routes (or add in some extra time and combine some elements):

  • Take a drive to Crissy Field and the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, passing through the Presidio. There are a lot of interesting textures in the Presidio, the former military base. The wood, brick and cannons you’ll find there will make a nice addition to your photos. End at the Golden Gate bridge for some sweeping shots with the bridge and the City skyline in the background.

  • Head over to the top of Nob Hill via Powell or California Street, passing along the Cable Car routes to capture those classic only-made-in-SF shots. At the top of Nob Hill, you’ve got amazing views, along with the grandeur and architecture of the big hotels like the Mark Hopkins and Fairmont.

  • Go directly to Union Square to get some photographs in a bustling, glitzy, urban setting. Union Square is full of interesting displays and textures and a bevy of San Francisco’s finest characters. The Powell Street Cable Car line also runs right through the Square.

  • Head to the Ferry Building and the adjacent Embarcadero. This is an extremely fertile photographic environment, with the multi-colored Market Street F trolleys passing by, the texture of the financial district and Justin Herman Plaza, the art that’s displayed along the Embarcadero, and of course, the Bay Bridge and the water in the background.

  • On a sunny day, you can go west towards Golden Gate Park and the beauty of the Conservatory of Flowers or the Japanese Tea Gardens. There’s plenty of public and secluded spaces in the park to take gorgeous, organic photos. This is a really great option on a nice, warm day because the afternoon light makes for gorgeous pictures. Another stop on this itinerary can be a tour of Haight Street, with its colorful walls, shops, and characters, and it’s marvelous late afternoon light.

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San Francisco City Hall Wedding Guide

June 30, 2010

A San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony is one of the hidden surprises this city offers, and couples come from all over the Bay Area, California, and even Europe to get married in this majestic building. And while the photos options inside and around the building are plentiful, it’s also fun and convenient to grab some quality portraits around the city after the ceremony. Since SF is so small, many scenic places such as Union Square, Yerba Buena Gardens, Financial District and the Embarcadero are just a short drive away.

If you’re coming in from out of town, or even if you live in SF but have never stepped foot in City Hall before, this post will help you get acquainted with the space and the process, and will help you feel more comfortable as you navigate the building on your wedding day.

San Francisco City Hall History

The current building replaced the original city hall which, like much of San Francisco, was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. It was designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. who also architected many other San Francisco landmarks, including the War Memorial Opera House, Temple Emanuel and Coit Tower. If you’ve ever been to Paris, you might find that the dome looks quite familiar; that’s because it’s an emulation of Mansart’s Les Invalides dome.

If your ceremony happens on a sunny day (best bet for this is to schedule the ceremony in the afternoon – after the famous fog burns off but before it rolls back in), the golden ornamentation on the dome’s exterior will gleam beautifully in the sunlight. I’ve taken some pretty stunning photographs with the dome and the blue sky in the background. Not to worry – even on foggy days the building’s grey exterior soaks up the ethereal light and makes for some beautiful photographs.

Some famous films have been shot at City Hall, including Dirty Harry, The Rock, and A View To A Kill.

Getting Married at City Hall

The good news about a San Francisco City Hall wedding ceremony, is that reservations may be made in person or online, and up to 90 days in advance of the date. Online, go to the county clerk’s website to make your San Francisco City Hall wedding reservation. You’ll need to book two appointments: the first, to get your marriage license, and the second is your Ceremony time. It takes about 30 minutes to get your license, so it’s best to book the two appointments at least 45 minutes apart.

As of July 1, 2010, the license fee for getting married at City Hall is $95.

Once you get to City Hall, head to the Office of the County Clerk – Room 168 – where you will obtain your marriage license. You’ll need to have valid photo ID’s with you. After this, you’ll “take a number” and will be called to sign the marriage documents in front of the officiant and your witnesses. It’s fun to have friends or family witness the signing. What about wedding photographers? Yep. I’ve been a witness for several couples. It’s an honor and I’m happy to help!

Selecting Your Ceremony Location

When you’ve obtained the license and all the documents have been signed and witnessed, the officiant will ask you where you’d like to hold your ceremony. There are several great spots to choose for your ceremony, but the Rotunda and the Balcony under the clock are the most popular. On busy days (usually later in the week) those spots may not be available or may require a longer wait. A good way to ensure that you get the spot of your choosing is to schedule your weekday San Francisco City Hall ceremony on Monday or Tuesday, when there aren’t as many ceremonies going on. The fourth floor is also an incredible spot to get married. You and your guests are perched above it all, and the huge windows provide beautiful, flattering diffused light which makes for gorgeous photographs.

Tips for San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photography

Your wedding photography at San Francisco City Hall consists of several parts:

  • Obtaining the Marriage License – Although it’s important, this is not the most glamorous part of the day. I will photograph in a very photojournalistic style to capture your preparations, interactions, and those pre-ceremony butterflies.
  • The Ceremony – City Hall is magnificent, so there will be beautiful photos no matter which location you choose for your City Hall wedding ceremony. I also shoot the ceremony in a very photojournalistic style, to let your wedding moments happen naturally and to allow you to enjoy making the commitment to one another.
  • Portraits Inside City Hall – After the ceremony is an excellent time to take portraits that encompass the building’s majestic architecture, and also to take advantage of all the quirky nooks and crannies. From the expansive staircase, to the light wells and balconies, there are endless possibilities. This is where working with a knowledgeable photographer becomes really important, because you’ll be able to visit the most interesting spots in the shortest amount of time.
  • Portraits Around City Hall – Once you joyously emerge through the gilded doors, there are ample opportunities to take photographs on the grounds outside the building. The lawns, groves of trees, surrounding buildings, and even some of San Francisco’s “characters” can all make for interesting pictures. Something’s always going on in the plaza and together we’ll play and create some memorable photos. Of course, City Hall itself provides the most stunning backdrop. Note that depending on your schedule, you can also take the outdoor portraits before you enter the building for your ceremony.
  • Adventures Beyond City Hall – If you have time, there are many scenic places to visit in the vicinity of City Hall. From visiting the classic SF landmarks, to the famous neighborhoods, parks and beaches, I am happy to plan the day’s itinerary with you, and even be the guide and chauffeur.

I offer convenient weekday packages – contact me at 415.706.9350 or email info@sashaphotography.com when you are ready to book your San Francisco City Hall wedding photographer.

More information is available at the Office of the County Clerk, located in Room 168 in the City Hall building. You can reach them by phone at (415) 554-4950, by email at: county.clerk@sfgov.org, or online at www.sfgov.org/countyclerk.

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San Francisco Legion of Honor Wedding

June 13, 2009

History

The Legion of Honor Museum was completed in 1924 – a gift to the city of San Francisco by Alma de Breteville Spreckels. It is an imitation of the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris. The museum holds a collection of ancient and European Art, as well as an impressive set of over 70 sculptures by Auguste Rodin. The Legion of Honor has recently featured such prominent exhibitions as the works of Frida Kahlo and the stunning contents of Marie Antoinette’s private residence. The building features impressive neoclassical architecture and has stunning views of the Bay and the Golden Gate bridge.

Planning Your Wedding Photography at the Legion of Honor

With its magnificent Balustrade lawn, sculpture garden, and several spacious, airy galleries, a wedding at the Legion of Honor can accommodate about 300 guests and is an impressive venue for your ceremony and reception. But even if you decide to host your wedding elsewhere, the Legion is freely accessible as a setting for beautiful wedding photography.

legion of honor wedding photo

Photography Tips

Legion of Honor wedding photos are instantly recognizable. The stately columns in the Court of Honor, the expansive courtyard of the museum, contribute to a unique architectural beauty not found anywhere else in the relatively young city of San Francisco.

Cruise the Courtyard
When you arrive at the Legion, take the time to walk around the courtyard, entrance and fountains, and really explore different photographic possibilities. The light is constantly changing throughout the day, and the white stone courtyard offers both beautiful reflected light, as well as protection from harsh midday sun (should you happen to arrive on a rare sunny day in the Outer Richmond). Don’t stand in one place – move around and don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles. The Legion is truly one of the most fertile photographic environments in San Francisco.

Classical Details
Pay special attention to the textures found in the courtyard and surrounding areas. The floor, the inside of the arches, the walls, the columns – they all offer different textures and moods for your Legion of Honor wedding pictures. Just across form the main entrance, located adjacent to the parking lot, is the fountain. With the right angle, the reflections in the water can serve as a beautiful complement to your wedding photos.

Avoid the Crowds
The museum and the courtyard can be quite crowded on some days – especially on weekends during the warm months of September – October in San Francisco, when many couples choose to take their wedding photos at the Legion of Honor. Usually, a beautiful bride in a wedding gown, accompanied by a professional photographer, will have the right of way in any public place, so you won’t have any trouble navigating the museum’s architecture. In case you do cross paths with another wedding party, take it in stride. Explore a different part of the venue to give the other party some space, and let your photographer negotiate the photo opportunities!

Helpful Links

Check out reviews of the Legion of Honor on Yelp, and visit the official website for information about booking your Legion of Honor wedding.

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Berkeley City Club Wedding

May 9, 2009

Just several blocks removed from the hippies, t-shirt vendors and free spirits of Telegraph Avenue, stands a beautiful building, whose elegant façade only gives a small taste of the beauty found within. This is Julia Morgan’s Berkeley City Club – an elegant wedding venue in a most unexpected place.

History

Throughout her prolific career, architect Julia Morgan (of Hearst Castle fame) also spent considerable time designing buildings for institutions that exclusively served women. Constructed in 1929, The Berkeley City Club (originally the Berkeley Women’s City Club) is one of these famous buildings, and a California Historical Landmark.

Planning Your Wedding at the Berkeley City Club

The club has several stately rooms and some very distinctive features that make it appealing for your wedding celebration. Several unique rooms can play accommodate an intimate wedding ceremony, such as the Drawing Room, with its rich ceiling, candles and intricate tapestries. On a warm, dry day, the ivy-covered Terrace or the courtyards are also a good option. Much like in Julia’s Hearst Castle, all of the rooms have a very unique feel, and are a joy to explore. One of my favorites is the Members’ Lounge, with its red upholstery, warm lighting and antique book collection.

One thing that isn’t prominently featured on the venue’s website, but which I really appreciated (from the outside, of course) is the Ladies’ Powder Room. With it’s large mirror and old-world comforts, this is one of the most unique bridal preparation rooms in the Bay Area. A great place to get ready for your Berkeley City Club wedding.

Photography Tips

As a preferred wedding photographer of the Berkeley City Club, I’ve spent much time exploring the rooms and the grounds of the City Club. I can honestly say that it provides some of the most interesting and organic photo locations.

Window Light
Berkeley City Club wedding photos should utilize the gorgeous window light that streams in through the lead glass windows all around the building. The building interiors themselves can be quite dark, lit dimly by tungsten lamps, but this provides a great opportunity for some classical portraits by window light.

Attention to Detail
Beginning with the striking carvings above the main entrance, the building is replete with Moorish and Gothic elements and textures that beg to be captured. The main stairway, as well as the buildings many arches and doorways make create some perfect settings for Berkeley City Club wedding photography.

Ambiance is Everything
The rooms are lit by a combination of window light and some lamps and chandeliers. The key to beautiful Berkeley City Club wedding pictures is preserving the quality of this available light. I always work with fast, low-light lenses, and carefully blend the ambient light with flash or other light sources when necessary.

Helpful Links

Check out the Berkeley City Club reviews on Yelp, or explore the beautiful Berkeley City Club website for more information.

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Ralston Hall Mansion Wedding

April 9, 2009
If your wedding plans call for ‘old-world’ elegance, then a wedding at Ralston Hall Mansion in Belmont is just the ticket.

History

After I visited Ralston Hall Mansion for the first time, I was so struck by its posh interior and surroundings, that I immediately had to look up the history of the place. In a place as suburban as Belmont, the Mansion was an incongruity. Turns out that it was constructed in the style of an Italianate Villa, with a ‘steamboat gothic’ interior, and that it was a project of California financier William Chapman Ralston. An early painting depicts the 80 plus-room Mansion nestled in a completely bucolic setting – the empty, agrarian peninsula. The high society wedding of the Ralston Hall’s subsequent owner’s daughter to a British nobleman was held there over a century ago.

Planning Your Wedding at Ralston Hall Mansion

After its day in the sun as a posh estate of the San Francisco elite, the Mansion went through several lives, with the most recent incarnation being the College of Notre Dame. The place is now a mix between an opulent party venue and an administrative building. As you try to find your way around the building, the myriad staircases and hallways can be confusing.

The nice thing is that the buildings daily functions are properly sequestered to the upstairs area, and the only time you’ll really bump into them is when you ascend to the Bride’s Room.

Ralston is conveniently located: it’s easily accessible from all points in the Bay Area, and several churches and synagogues are a short drive away.

The other nice thing about Ralston is how self-contained the property is. A Ralston Hall Mansion wedding offers an evening of elegant fantasy, and although you’ll have to drive past suburban shopping centers and gas stations to get there, once you enter the courtyard, it’s easy to forget where you are.

Photography Tips

If you choose this stunning location, it’s my job as your photographer to ensure that your Ralston Hall wedding photos capture every detail.

The Staircase and Balconies
On the way down from your preparations in the Bride’s Room, you’ll pass through the grand staircase and the balconies. This is one of the most interesting parts of the building, and there are ample opportunities for timeless, elegant photographs. Pose on the balconies, lounge on the rich furniture, let yourselves be reflected in the antique mirrors. The beautiful light coming from the large window above the staircase is perfect for photographs.

The Ballroom
Before your reception here dazzles the guests, we’ll incorporate the unique flooring, mirrors, chandeliers and general opulence of the ballroom in our photographs. There’s also a grand piano and some interesting nooks that are perfect for pictures. All in all, the ballroom will make your Ralston Hall wedding photography unforgettable.

The Courtyard
It’s important to take advantage of the courtyard in the daylight. The late afternoon, with the sun low in the sky is absolutely the best time to take photographs here. The expansive verdant lawn, the fountain, the building’s façade, and the 150-year old bamboo trees all add a unique flair to the photographs. A veritable European estate smack in the middle of the San Francisco Bay Area, the courtyard and the Mansion make Ralston Hall wedding pictures instantly recognizable.

Helpful Links

Check out Ralston Hall Mansion reviews on Yelp, or visit the official Ralston Hall Mansion website to find out more and prepare for your day.

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A Wedding at The Mountain Winery

March 9, 2009

The Mountain Winery in Saratoga is a California Historic Landmark and an esteemed location in the minds of many of Bay Area citizens. Impressive in its heer size and breathtaking views of the Valley below, it also plays host to the Summer Concert Series in its sweeping auditorium. The venue is incredibly versatile, providing many location options for your Mountain Winery wedding.

History

The first incarnation of the winery was completed in 1905 by French winemaker Paul Masson, and rebuilt again after the 1906 quake. Masson used the property to produce sparkling wine and hosted lavish parties at “The Chateau”. In the 1950’s, the winery ceased to produce wine, and instead began to host the summer concerts, welcoming many famous performers. The concert series continues, while new vineyards were replanted in 2004.

Planning your Wedding at The Mountain Winery

The trip up to the winery is exciting. After passing through affluent Saratoga, you follow the verdant, winding mountain road to the winery gates. As the view opens up below, a series of twists and turns finally takes you past the vineyards and into the main lot.

The winery is an extremely versatile venue. Two stone decks are available for your wedding ceremony, with a third deck that’s perfect for cocktails and mingling. Both the Vista and the Chateau decks can accommodate ceremonies up to 250 people, but the larger Chateau deck is spacious enough to accommodate a ceremony and a cocktail reception. Saying “I do” perched high above the valley below is quite an experience. The former chateau contains the bride’s room where you can make your preparations. If you choose to hold your reception indoors, the Grand Hall can comfortably fit over 200 people.

Photography Tips

The Mountain Winery offers some amazing photographic opportunities, and with a little pre-planning, you should be poised to create some amazing memories at this picture-perfect wedding venue.

Going the Distance
Perhaps inspired by Masson’s overindulgence, Mountain Winery wedding photography is truly a feast for the eyes. However, the grounds are so vast that its crucial to budget enough time for a photography session. Pictures in the vineyards are always classic, but keep in mind that in the late fall and winter the vineyards are not very photogenic. A trip out to the vineyards requires driving.

Back at the winery, the sandstone architecture, crawling vines, lampposts, wooden gates and expansive views provide plenty of photographic inspiration. The key to getting the best photographs is to plan the session around the best light (early morning or late afternoon), and to take enough time to tour the winery grounds.

The Gates
The hallmark of The Mountain Winery Wedding photos are the giant wooden gates that are part of the ancient entrance portal of St. Patrick’s Church from San Jose. Masson acquired this piece of structure after the quake. The trip down to the gates will require traipsing through the giant amphitheatre, which in itself can provide some interesting photo opps. Giant barrels, which make great backdrops, are scattered around the property.

Seeing the Light
As I tour the grounds with the bride and groom, I always look for interesting light, and I’m keenly aware of how it interacts with the buildings and stairwells. While the view decks and the gates do provide striking backdrops, unique Mountain Winery wedding pictures become available only if you take the time to really explore the property grounds.

Helpful Links

A pictures says a thousand words, but a video contains thousands of pictures, so take a look at this beautiful Mountain Winery wedding video shot by Sasha Kino, San Francisco Bay Area wedding videography. Also, check out The Mountain Winery reviews on Yelp, and visit the official Mountain Winery website for more information. Keep in mind that since the winery hosts concerts and events year-round,  you’ll have to sift through the hundreds of Yelp reviews to find wedding-specific ones.

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