How to Get Married in San Francisco: Weddings & Elopements in the Bay Area
Look, I’ll say it right here at the top. I STAN San Francisco. After living in the Bay Area for 7 years, I can comfortably say it’s one of my favorite spots in the world.
Let me tell you why: The Bay Area offers the best of both worlds—urban and natural environments. From the vibrant cultural centers to the redwoods, the rolling green hills, beaches, and parks—there’s always something for everyone. Foodies, techies, nature enthusiasts, lifelong hippies, and hippies born too late.
There are so many iconic views, not the least of which is the Golden Gate Bridge. But that’s not all. The graffitied batteries, the always bustling Mission District, the fog rolling over the mountains. Yes, that microclimate still gets me—each neighborhood with its own temperature and weather that’s constantly in flux.
The Bay Area is not without its faults, as anyone will tell you. But for all the reasons listed above, this is an amazing spot for an elopement. So, without further ado, let’s get into it. Here’s how to elope in San Francisco!
Wedding Permits for San Francisco
California is one of those states where permits are almost always necessary. There are a lot of reasons for this, but the most important is land protection and restoration. Consider permits as an inexpensive venue fee—just $100-500, depending on where you get married.
Don’t worry about surprise fees. I always do my best to tell you what kind of fees and permits to expect before you decide on your perfect wedding location.
Leave No Trace
As incredible and timeless as the great outdoors feel, ecosystems are actually pretty delicate. To keep the outdoors happy and healthy, it’s vital to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles on your wedding day. This means packing *out* whatever you pack *in*, sticking to trails and walkways, avoiding bouquets of flowers made from invasive species, and treating the flora and fauna with respect. Even when you’re in more urban environments, it’s still prudent to follow LNT to keep the urban area pleasant for everyone.
When to Get Married in San Francisco & the Bay Area
When to get married in the Bay Area is surprisingly more important than you may think. San Francisco has notoriously cold weather (especially in the summer) and unpredictable fog (affectionately known as Karl). This is because of the area’s microclimates. Even a short drive could feel like changing seasons—and weather conditions change fast. Pro tip: Wear layers.
Here’s—more or less—what to expect from Bay Area weather:
Winter: This season is what you’d expect—sometimes cold, sometimes rainy. But fewer crowds and early nights mean this is a great time for dusk and nighttime photos at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Spring: Lately the Bay Area has enjoyed some delightful spring weather. From rolling green hills in the East Bay to wildflower blooms along the coast—this is definitely a favorite time to get married in the Bay. Be prepared for spring showers!
Summer: Now here’s where things get weird—summer can actually be pretty cold in San Francisco. Starting in July and running through August (sometimes September), you can get hit with that crazy cold fog that San Francisco is known for. This is a MUCH slower season to get married in San Francisco for that reason.
Fall: Fall is a hit or miss. Sometimes you get fog, sometimes you get a Second Summer. Even October can invite random heat waves. But all in all, you can’t predict the weather and you never know what you’ll get.
Admittedly, I am slightly exaggerating what the weather is like. But still… In one day, you can experience summer temperatures in the Mission District and winter conditions in the Sunset District. It’s important to chat with someone who has local knowledge about the weather patterns to get a better idea of what to expect on your wedding day.
In any case, layered clothing is your friend. And all that vacillating weather can make for some amazing wedding day pictures! Fog rolls in when you least expect it, making for dramatic and moody elopement photography. While other days feature bright and sunny skies, which are always a delight.
Where to Stay in the Bay Area
Where you stay in the Bay should really depend on what kind of experience you want and where you’re going to get married. Traffic is a HUGE issue in the Bay no matter where you go—but it’s especially busy in San Francisco, Oakland, and the Peninsula. You’re going to want to prepare for that!
Let’s go through major areas of the Bay and the pros and cons of each:
San Francisco: I could honestly spend paragraphs on this, but in general, SF is a very crowded city. There are areas where you can find reprieve—or if you like the hustle and bustle of an active city, this is a great place to stay. If you’re getting married at the SF courthouse, you should consider visiting coastal areas (like Lands End and Sutro Baths), or local parks (like Golden Gate Park or Twin Peaks). Try looking for lodging around these areas and use ride services for easy access and simple travel.
North Bay: This refers to the area north of San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a stunningly beautiful area and can be quieter than the city itself. Then again, traffic getting to and from the North Bay into the city can be difficult. Consider lodging options in Marin Headlands or Point Reyes.
Peninsula Inland: This refers to the areas around Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Foster City, and Palo Alto. There’s still traffic, but these towns are suburban. There’s still lots of culture, good eats, and nice places to stay. Just take the 101 into the City when you need to.
Peninsula Coast: This refers to Pacifica, Daly City, Half Moon Bay, and beyond. Far too many people miss how incredible this area is. There are steep hills, cliffside beaches, cloudy skies, and plenty of waves. Seriously, nothing beats those coastal vibes. These are ideal locations if you’re getting married on the coast or at a state/public beach.
South Bay: This refers to Mountain View, San Jose, and beyond. It’s a good place to stay if you’re getting married in the redwood forest areas in South Bay or areas closer to Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz: This is a beach and college town with access to stunning redwood forests and sandy beaches. It’s a nice place to stay if you’re getting married on a beach or in a forest.
East Bay: This refers to Oakland, Berkeley Richmond, Union City, Hayward, Fremont, and beyond. Most of these areas are crowded—but it’s an awesome place to stay if you like more of the industrial vibe. Check out some of these towns for lodging options if you are planning on getting married in the East Bay or don’t mind traveling into SF.
Getting To & Around the Bay Area
Getting to the San Francisco Bay Area is relatively straightforward. It’s once you’re in the Bay Area that things can get a little hairy. But don’t worry—we’ll cover the need-to-knows here so you can easily navigate the area.
There are two major airports:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) located in Millbrae, which is just south of the City. From here, you can jump on the 101 which runs north to SF or south through the Peninsula and South Bay. There’s also a Caltrain stop here, which offers an easy public transportation option for some travelers.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located in the East Bay. You can take the 880 to the 80 to get into SF. Or if you prefer public transportation, you can hop on the BART.
But what about once you’re in the area? Great question. If you are staying in San Francisco, I’d advise against renting a car. The city itself is only 7 miles by 7 miles—wild, right? It is arguably harder to get around in a car due to the busy streets and limited parking. It’s much easier to rely on ridesharing apps, public transportation, or the shoelace express (i.e. walking).
If you are staying outside of the city and traveling in, a car might be a viable option. As mentioned earlier, there is a Caltrain and BART that travels into the city. But unless you’re willing and able to work with its schedule, a car gives you more freedom and flexibility.
Where to Get Married in San Francisco
San Francisco has a lot to offer. There is so much diversity in scenery, different places to explore, and little enclaves of super neat stuff. Below you can find a handful of San Francisco wedding venues divided into different urban or outdoor environments. So, start with your vibe and choose from there!
SF Wedding Venues & Epic City Spots
San Francisco City Hall: SF has a gorgeous city hall. The elegant architecture makes for a fairytale wedding day, stunning photos, and is a highly coveted spot for couples looking to get married in the area.
Twin Peaks: There are some incredible views and photograph opportunities on top of Twin Peaks. You can see for miles in every direction—which is equally cool on a foggy day or a sunny one.
Palace of Fine Arts: This Greco-Roman rotunda feels like a place out of time. The reflecting pool, the classic architecture, the surrounding park—it’ll really take your breath away!
The Mountain Terrace: This is a more traditional wedding venue, great for bigger parties. The large outdoor meadow is super romantic and the catering is delectable.
Hastings House Weddings: This one is based in Half Moon Bay, so it’s a decent way from SF proper. But you get all the coastal magic and garden beauty you could want.
Cavallo Point: This wedding venue is at the beautiful Presidio district of San Francisco, complete with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Enjoy the Forest & Redwoods on Your SF Wedding Day
Muir Woods National Monument: Surround yourselves with towering redwoods, peaceful streams, and a tranquil forest for a magical elopement you’ll never forget.
Old Mill Park: A charming park in Mill Valley, with quaint bridges, a little brook, and lots of redwoods—this is a serene spot for an outdoor elopement.
Oakland Redwoods: A secluded forested retreat for couples to exchange vows.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: This is a truly amazing state park, tucked into the redwood forest. There’s even a swimming hole known as the Garden of Eden, if you’re willing to hike for it.
Portola State Park: Another stunning wedding day location, Portola State Park is home to ferns, big trees, and a babbling brook for the perfect outdoor wedding ambiance.
Castle Rock State Park: Adventure couples will love this Santa Cruz mountains state park for its rugged sandstone, sweeping views, and network of hiking trails.
Tilden Botanic Garden: A stunning and serene location in Berkeley, California for couples to exchange rings on their wedding day.
Roberts Regional Recreation Area: A lovely little area in Oakland, California—eloping couples can enjoy lush greenery and charming picnic areas on their special day.
Beach/Coast
Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Chalkfull of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and historic sites, this location is an ideal place for couples to exchange vows.
Point Reyes National Seashore: A breathtakingly beautiful and romantic setting for couples to tie the knot, with picturesque ocean views, rugged cliffs, and verdant forests all around.
Half Moon Bay: This cute coastal area offers lots of opportunities to put your toes in the sand, explore local businesses, and read your vows by the ocean.
The Presidio: This is a go-to spot for locals. The Presido offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm for couples starting their next chapter together.
Lands End: This dramatic coastal landscape offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an ideal location for couples seeking a breathtaking and intimate wedding ceremony.
Marin Headlands: This area hosts a number of military batteries that are uniquely SF and make for some really cool wedding photos.
Pacifica Coast: The coast with the most to offer couples in love, Pacifica is almost always haunted by gorgeous rolling fog, cliffside beaches to die for, and hidden coves for romantic moments.
Big Sur State Parks: This one is a little tougher due to the permitting, but you just can’t beat the views. This rugged coastline, towering redwoods, and cascading waterfall is simply awe-inspiring.
Mt. Tamalpais State Park: This state park boasts panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area, diverse flora and fauna, and a serene and tranquil atmosphere for your wedding day.
Gardens
Conservatory of Flowers: Flower-lovers rejoice! This greenhouse and botanical garden houses lots of rare and exotic plants.
Shelldance Orchid Gardens: On the western side of SF, this garden hosts tons of beautiful plants and photo opportunities for your wedding day.
Golden Gate Park: More than a thousand acres of glorious greenery, Golden Gate Park has plenty of areas to explore and plenty of room to host a small wedding party.
San Francisco Botanical Gardens: This super cool spot is actually located within GGP. With nearly 9,000 different kinds of plants from around the world, this garden is perfect for plant-lovers who want to tie the knot.
The Best Advice for Eloping in San Francisco
If you’re getting married in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’ll want to follow these quick tips.
Plan for traffic. SF traffic can be a real headache. Leave extra time (15 mins minimum) in your schedule for travel and keep an eye on the traffic before hopping in the car. Carpooling or rideshares are also a good idea.
Bring good walking shoes and wear layers. SF is very walkable, but you’ll want reliable shoes—especially for the hills. Wearing layers is great for microclimates and changing temperatures.
Hire a photographer that knows the area. SF has a lot of hidden gems. Hiring a wedding or elopement photographer with local knowledge will help you get the best angles and photo opportunities.
Expect crowds. This 7-mile by 7-mile city is full of people. Finding privacy isn’t always an option. So embrace the lively culture instead.
Let your wedding day reflect your values. SF offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoorsy couples, city-lovers, classic couples, and wild and weird people. So choose your own wedding-day adventure by telling your photographer the vibe you want for your special day.
San Francisco Wedding & Elopement Examples
Need some inspiration for your San Francisco wedding photography? Check out some of these examples.
San Francisco Wedding Vendors We Love
If you’re getting hitched in San Francisco, you might want to hire some vendors for flowers, catering, and all the rest. Here are a few people the Love & Latitudes team loves working with:
Ida Blooms | Sassy Diva Designs | Lavender Crown Events | Stratford + Pearl | Zulys Goodies | Dream Catcher Artistry | Bay Area Beautiful
Book Your San Francisco Wedding Photographer
Sold on San Francisco weddings? Then grab your special someone and book it over to the Bay Area to say, “I do.” You’ll need someone to capture the moment, so hire a San Francisco wedding and elopement photographer today!
San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Packages
+ 4-8+ hours of coverage
+ Planning and vendor services
+ Location assistance
+ Online gallery with high-resolution photos
+ Option to download images of purchase prints online
+ Travel fees included, minus permits
+ Optional officiant services.
Meet Your San Francisco Bay Area Photographer
I'm Diana Lustig, a California-born adventurer with a camera for a hand and an inborn love for the outdoors. I'm a professional photographer of 15 years and counting. In my free time you'll find me traveling with my husband in our van, Clyde. I lived in San Francisco for 7 years and fell in love with all the Bay Area has to offer.
How did I get into wedding and elopement photography? In 2019, I hired adventure photographers for my own wedding and they showed me there’s a different, more personal way to get married. It was such a special day, I want to bring it to so many more couples who believe in getting married their own way.
