Q: Will 2 hours of coverage be enough?
A: Majority of my clients fit within two hours. Unless you are planning to travel around the city for multiple locations or would want bridal preparations or dinner reception covered you will fit within two hours.
Q: We have more then six guests, will this be a problem getting a Rotunda Ceremony?
A: Even though City Hall website states six guests is a limit for Rotunda Ceremony, I've witnessed many Ceremonies with over 30 guests attending inside the Rotunda with no restrictions. The only day I recall we weren't able to get the Rotunda, was 08/08/08. Still don't take my word for it and make sure to verify that City hall doesn't hold assembly meeting on your date as there may be large group of people gathering around the Rotunda. SF Assembly chamber located right behind it.
Q: How crowded City Hall can be?
A: On Fridays afternoon City Hall is usually more crowded the on other weekdays. If you want to enjoy empty City Hall, schedule your Ceremony for 9:30AM on Monday or Tuesday. City Hall is fairly empty around lunch break as well.
Q: Will photos be edited?
A: Yes. Basic editing included. Color correction, exposure, contrast and white balance. Some photos may be converted to BW if requested in advance. We also offer fine art editing a-la-carte.
Q: Can you be our witness?
A: Yes. I'd love to.
Q: Can we print the images?
A: Yes. As long it is for personal (non commercial use).
Q: Where should we go for our second location?
A: San Francisco is a beautiful city with plenty of places to visit. Palace of Fine Arts, Legion of Honor, Crissy Field, Fort Mason, Golden gate Park, Baker's Beach, Japanese Tea Gardens are just few of them. Even City Hall by itself is so magnificent, two hours can be easily spent there.
Q: Can San Francisco Mayor perform our Ceremony?
A: Yes. But his schedule is very tight.
Q: Can we split the coverage and have you photograph our dinner reception in the evening?
A: Yes. You can split the time with minimum of three hours of coverage. Ex: Two hours during the day to cover the Ceremony and additional location for portraits and one hour to cover the reception.
Q: How do we get the photos?
A: You will have 30 days to download them from secure online gallery. You will be responsible to back them up. We recommend making multiple copies on a DVDs and hard drives. We are not going to delete the photos but can not be responsible for the them after 30 days.
Q: Do you provide transportation?
A: Yes, you can drive with me although my car is packed with equipment so it might not be the most comfortable ride.
Q: Can we see some feedbacks from people who had experience with your City Hall package?
A: Yes, please take a look at our San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer Reviews page on Yelp. We've also put together a dedicated City Hall package reviews page. Link.
Q: How same-sex weddings will affect City Hall schedule if Prop 8 is dropped?
A: Most of gay and lesbian couples won't schedule appointments with City Hall to get married: they simple show up at the county clerk office to get their marriage license. City Hall officiants mentioned multiple times that they will accommodate 100 weddings a day. What will happen is simple: there will be line for scheduled appointments and there will be line for same sex couples. Everyone should be able to get married on time or with slight delay.
Reception Ideas:
If you are planning a small reception after the civil ceremony, my suggestion would be scheduling a ceremony for 3PM. At around 4PM you will be already married with all the group shots and City Hall portraits behind you. At this time your guests can head towards the restaurant in provided transportation (cable car or limo bus). Having a cocktail hour starting around 5PM is a good idea as guests can enjoy hor devours while you finish up the photo session. You will be back at 5:30PM to continue the celebration.
Some recognitions we've received in the recent years.
