Groom helping his bride zip up her dress

Intimate San Francisco City Hall Elopement

Natalie + Clay

Why They Chose to Elope at City Hall

The story of this San Francisco City Hall elopement begins in high school. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Let love go. If it comes back to you, it is yours.” This quote clearly describes the relationship between Natalie and Clay. They were high school sweethearts. Young and in love, they got matching Zodiac tattoos at 17 years-old. Then, they broke up. For 10 years! Later in their 20s, life brought them back together and they have been inseparable ever since. They are each other’s best friend, safe place, and loves of their lives.

Growing up in the Bay Area, they wanted to marry locally. And since both of them are very laidback, they desired an extremely simple day. Naturally, San Francisco City Hall was an easy choice because it was accessible to them. To further simplify their day, they did not have a wedding party and only get married with me, their photographer, as their sole witness.

City hall elopement. Close up image of ankle tattoos of Aries and Libra

Getting Ready Together

Natalie and Clay kept their day as simple as possible. They stayed at The Beacon Grand in San Francisco and got ready together! Natalie wore a simple dress and selected a bouquet from the window of Dragonfly Floral. Her attire accented by a bracelet from Clay she never takes off, Jimmy Choo heels thrifted from The Real Real, and the original Ralph Lauren perfume she has been wearing since they were teenagers! Clay completed his outfit in a dusty blue sports coat, a family heirloom mixed-metal watch, and a simple boutonniere to match.

Since they were alone, Clay zipped Natalie’s dress, and Natalie pinned Clay’s boutonniere. They were ready in a matter of minutes and simply relished in a truly relaxed morning before hailing an Uber to San Francisco City Hall.

A Simple and intimate Civil Ceremony

After checking in at the County Clerk’s office, they signed their marriage license and were escorted to the third floor for their short civil ceremony. Their officiant was quite animated, prompting Clay to gaze into Natalie’s eyes and truly take in the moment. Despite this short, simple, five-minute ceremony, Natalie and Clay felt relieved they could finally call themselves husband and wife!

Running Around City Hall

After an hour of exploring City Hall, they exited the building with one last hoorah! Our time together ended, but they spent the rest of their evening simply enjoying each other’s company, sharing dinner at Wayfare Tavern, and exchanging private vows in the coziness of their bed.