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City Hall offers several ceremony settings:
Civil ceremonies take place Monday through Friday during business hours and are brief and intimate. Private ceremonies provide reserved space, privacy, and room for more guests.
Civil ceremonies last only a few minutes. Ceremony slots run approximately every 30 minutes from morning until mid-afternoon.
Check-in and waiting are a normal part of the process and can take around 20–25 minutes.
Civil ceremonies follow a standard script and cannot be personalized.Personal vows and customized elements are available only in private rented spaces.
For civil ceremonies, the process is simple and structured:
Arrival
Check-in
Officiant
Ceremony
After the ceremony
Civil ceremony appointments open 90 days in advance.Private ceremonies can be reserved earlier and provide more schedule flexibility.
A photographer can be reserved at any time.Popular dates often fill before the 90-day ceremony window opens, so early booking is recommended.
Civil ceremonies typically allow the couple and a small group of guests. Private ceremonies accommodate larger gatherings and offer more privacy.
Weekday mornings and early afternoons offer softer light and a calmer atmosphere. Midday and late-week periods tend to be busier.
Plan up to 2 hours for arrival, ceremony, family portraits, and couple photography inside and around City Hall.
With a second location included in the Gold package, the full experience is typically up to 3 hours.
Family portraits are usually taken immediately after the ceremony, followed by couple portraits inside the building.
City Hall is a working public building and can be busy.
Thoughtful timing and locations help maintain clean, elegant backgrounds.
Early morning is generally the quietest time.
For weekday City Hall elopements and portrait sessions inside the building, you do not need a permit as long as you're not blocking public access or bringing large equipment.Private locations like the Mayor’s Balcony or 4th Floor require a rental arranged through City Hall.For outdoor portraits around the building or nearby landmarks, no permit is typically required.
Parking at City Hall can be limited. The easiest option is the underground Civic Center Garage, located one block away.Street parking is possible but unpredictable due to time limits and enforcement, so the garage is usually the most reliable choice. I always recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to find parking and settle in comfortably.
Yes. City Hall is an inclusive space and every couple is welcome.Every love story is documented with respect, care, and intention.
Choose your date, select your package, and reserve with an agreement and retainer.All details are confirmed in advance for a smooth, relaxed experience.
