A San Francisco Surprise Proposal Story
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Elizabeth + Ryan
Love has a way of finding you in the most unexpected places. Not expecting an office romance, Ryan and Elizabeth met when they worked at the same company. It wasn’t long before they started dating. They decided to take the big step and moved in together just as the pandemic was starting. They picked out their wedding date, not knowing if they would be able to have their dream wedding because of the pandemic.
Despite the obstacles they knew they might face, they decided to get married on March 14th, 2021. Their venue of choice was San Francisco City Hall. Like a lot of you, this building is the only place that would do for them. Determined to get married at City Hall, they had a Zoom wedding through the County Clerk’s Office at San Francisco City Hall. Unfortunately, all of the outside entrances to City Hall were barricaded with wrap-around fencing. This was to keep the determined brides and groom out, right?! Photography with the famous San Francisco City Hall golden doors was temporarily off-limits. However, there was no need to be disappointed because we had a fantastic backup plan.
I had them meet me across the street from City Hall at Van Ness Street at the Veterans Memorial Park for their wedding pictures. If you have ever noticed the stunning photographs of couples posing with towering black iron gates and the majestic lady, Ms. City Hall, sitting primly in the background, then you know the secret spot.
We met there to start their couple’s photo session a few hours after their Zoom wedding. As most newly married couples are, they were both sweetly nervous and so excited to be married. It was so apparent how honestly very smitten they were with each other. Few things melt my heart as much as a big hunky guy that can’t take his eyes off of his bride. That gets me every time!
They requested a cityscape setup after the San Francisco City Hall photo session. Wedding photography at Pier 7 is the best place to go for this. What makes it so special? First, it’s covered in beautiful wood planks in excellent shape and photographed beautifully. Many of the older piers are cement with many patches all over them. In contrast, this one is straight out of a Disney set with matching metalwork lanterns hanging that glow as you watch the sunset behind Coit Tower. It’s pure San Francisco magic.
And if that wasn’t enough, you get a perfect view of the new light show on the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. The rustic ironwork fencing combined with the high-rise buildings in the background made for this most picturesque setting. We are so thankful we got to document this special day for Ryan and Elizabeth, even though they didn’t get to have the full San Francisco City Hall wedding experience.
Elizabeth carried a delicate bouquet of soft pink flowers with green accents. It was the perfect color combination for a Spring wedding. Ryan was dressed in a dark blue suit that complemented Elizabeth’s simple and elegant white two-piece skirt and blouse combination. Her nude, strappy sandals completed the ultimate Spring wedding look. We couldn’t be happier for these two. Not only did they complement each other with their wedding day looks, but also they are a perfect match for each other. The way she smiled at him and he bent down to kiss her softly for a photo gave me all the feels.
The BIG news is that now you can get married inside San Francisco City Hall! The website is open, and we will share everything you need to know to get married there starting in June 2021. To get started, visit the City and County of San Francisco website at https://sfgov.org/. Select the Office of the County Clerk to get all the information needed to get married there.
Here’s the rundown. You will want to get your marriage license from the County Clerk. You can book it within 90 days before the wedding or one hour before on the day of. Waiting until a half hour before is probably cutting it too close.
Beginning June 7, 2021, the office hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for appointments and walk-in services. Marriage License appointments start on June 7, 2021, and Civil Marriage Ceremonies start on June 9, 2021. If you want a small and intimate ceremony, Civil Ceremonies are good for a couple and up to five guests.
Looking for something a little more magical? Then go to the Events Department at http://www.sfcityhallevents.org/, where you can book a one-hour wedding on the Mayor’s Balcony, Fourth Floor North, and Fourth Floor South. If you have a larger group and would like a private space for an hour, this is an absolutely beautiful option. We can take care of all of the details for you as we offer an all-inclusive package for $1299 that includes hair and makeup, bouquet and boutonniere, two hours of photo, and most importantly, an officiant to marry you here. These options are all available only Monday to Friday. Lastly, you can also book the whole first floor for a one-hour noon Saturday wedding.
So what are you waiting for? City Hall is OPEN! Visit the website at https://sfgov.org/, click on Departments, then County Clerk, and Marriage Services to learn more about getting married at City Hall. We can’t wait to see our couples at San Francisco City Hall weddings.
