San Francisco Wedding Resources
From the breathtaking waterfront views to hidden gems throughout the area (not to mention wine country in Napa!), San Francisco is one of the top wedding destinations. There is so much for you and your wedding guests to do and explore while in town. Here are some tips and San Francisco wedding resources to help prepare for your special day!
Marriage License Requirements in San Francisco
To get married in San Francisco, you will need a California marriage license. Fortunately, you can apply for it through the SF county clerk’s official website. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all marriage services, including conduction of ceremonies, are through video conferencing. You will need the following for your virtual appointment:
- Schedule an appointment- you can make your reservation online
- Pay the marriage license fee– issuance costs $112
- Fill out the application- also available online
- Send required paperwork– email your application form and valid identification to the SF county clerk marriage services office
- Physically appear together– couples must be physically present together in the state of California during their video conference to file the marriage license application.
Average Wedding Costs in San Francisco
Wedding costs in the Bay Area can vary depending on the season, venue, and number of guests. Below is a helpful chart from Zola’s San Francisco wedding guide on general expenses (in USD):
Wedding Venue Ideas in San Francisco
The Bay Area has some of the most luxurious estates and gardens. The wide variety of venues make it hard to choose! Here are some ideas to help narrow your options:
- Parks and Gardens: If you want gorgeous natural scenery and peaceful ambiance for your wedding, San Francisco has numerous country clubs, farms, and resorts.
- Waterfront Settings: They don’t call it “the Bay” for no reason! With plenty of coastal venues, you can have a lovely seaside ceremony at hotels, restaurants, cottages, and more.
- Vineyards and wineries: Looking for a nice balance of chic and rustic, consider a winery! Most of them offer special event coordination and (best of all) amazing wine.
It’s best to book venues several months in advance since the availability of many venues depends on the season and tourism. Weather in San Francisco is generally mild year-round where the highest temperatures reach the low 70s. This chart below can give you a better idea of what to expect:
10 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco
There are so many hidden gems in this city to discover. It’s no wonder why San Francisco receives over 26 million visitors per year! While you and your wedding guests are in town, make plans to do at least one of the following fun activities:
- Visit the Walt Disney Family Museum
- Take a City Guides Walking Tour
- Taste the Bay Area cuisine
- Spend the day at Pier 39
- Check out the Jazz & Blues music festival
- Hop on a Cable Car around town
- Take a walk through Golden Gate Park
- Visit Wine Country (45 minutes outside of SF)
- Hike the Muir Woods
- Go on a bar crawl
Annual Events in San Francisco
Depending on the time of year, you can catch several events and festivals while in town. Keep in mind when planning your wedding that these events in San Francisco occur during peak levels of tourism. Nevertheless, you and your guests may see and enjoy one of the following popular events throughout the year:
- February: Chinese New Year Celebration
- March: St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
- April: San Francisco Film Festival
- May: Bay to Breakers
- June: San Francisco Pride Parade
- July: The San Francisco Marathon
- October: Castro Street Fair
- December: SantaCon
We hope these resources and tips were helpful! Now that you have everything you need to plan your big day, now is the time to book an incredible wedding photographer to capture every moment!
