Betty

Whenever i travel i always bring my camera with me. I guess that’s a given being a photographer. While i love shooting at the beach the key for me is not be repetative. But it’s also improtant to work with someone who’s willing to be playful, have fun and just try different things. I met Betty while at the Riviera Maya where i went to celebrate New Years Even with my family.

We chatted a bit but when we truly connected is when taking photos. We were both filled with energy and enthusiasm, ready to do whatever is needed to get some of the fun shots. I also wanted to capture Betty (who’s about to turn 17) in this very innocent way of the girl who’s whole life is ahead of her - all the choices, big decisions, new experiences are all waiting and are not that far off.

Here are some of my favorite images from our shoot

Boris PolisskyJanuary 15, 2021portraitphotography, photography, photo, photo album, photohrapher, professional photography, beachphotographyComment

Carleigh & Adam by SF City Hall Photo

Who says you can’t have a small wedding ceremony in the City Hall without your bridesmaids and groomsmen? Carleigh and Adam definitely didn’t think so.

Yes, it was small.. yes it was intimate.. and it was perfect! We got great emotional ceremony photos, lots of group photo variations and of course a good variety of photos with just the couple. Couldn’t help it but take extra photos of just the lovely bride by herself.

sf weddings, city hall weddingBoris PolisskyMay 21, 2019SF City Hall Photosf city hall photo, san francisco, san francisco city hall, wedding photographer, weddingguide, weddingphotography, photographer, photo, photography, photojournalism, photoalbum, professional photography, City HallComment

San Francisco City Hall Wedding Information by SF City Hall Photo

SF City Hall Wedding Walkthrough

Fourth Floor, SF City Hall, Rosey Bouquet

SF City Hall Photo began in 2015 as an affordable and high-quality photography service for couples getting married inside the iconic downtown building. After spending so much time in and around the structure, we thought we should share some tips and suggestions for making your San Francisco City Hall wedding even more enjoyable, and perhaps alleviate any confusion you may have about how the entire process works.

Civil ceremonies take place Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. You must first make a reservation online to schedule an appointment for your marriage license and your marriage ceremony. Payment for both services is due upon making the reservation, and is $107, and $86 respectively.

Whenever possible, we recommend getting your marriage license on a day other than your ceremony date. However, if your license and ceremony appointments are on the same day, make sure to schedule them at least one hour apart.

Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio got married at SF City Hall in 1954!

The County Clerks Office in room 168 is where you will check in and handle your paperwork. You'll receive a ticket before being asked to wait in the hallway until your number is called. Getting through the office is generally a breeze, however, it's always wise to arrive early in case their are delays.

Once your number is called we go back inside the clerk's office and meet the person who will be marrying you that day. Interestingly enough there are more than a dozen volunteer officiants who rotate during the week. We have had the pleasure of working with almost all of them and, very similar to us, they love what they do.

After greeting and handling paperwork, you will be asked if you are exchanging rings and given the choice of where you would like the ceremony to take place: private room or the Rotunda. The idea of a private room may sound appealing but in reality is a rather drab, windowless box which doesn't allow for stunning images. The Rotunda is the place to be.

You too can be a deputy marriage officiant for a day!

Another thing to keep in mind is the length of the ceremony itself. If you elected to use a city-appointed officiant the ceremony itself lasts no more than 5 minutes. You will also not be allowed to exchange your own vows. A private officiant is something to consider if you would like to share your own written vows with your partner.

After choosing your location you both will be asked to show your identification and sign the marriage license. One witness (Two Max) needs to be present to sign the license as well as the decorative certificate City Hall provides for newlyweds. If your wedding is a low-key affair with just the two of you we can happily act as an official witness and sign the corresponding documents, just let us know.

Finally, the paperwork is settled and you are asked to head upstairs to the Rotunda to wait for the beginning of your ceremony. Typically there are at least 2-3 other couples getting married by the same officiant, so while you may be the first or last, it is best to go straight to the Rotunda forthwith to avoid any delays and potentially lose your place. We can help usher the rest of your party upstairs so everyone can watch this magical moment.

guideBoris PolisskyAugust 29, 2018SF City Hall Photosfcityhallphoto, sf, weddingguide, weddingtips, sfchwedding, cityhallsf, cityhall, wedding photography, weddings, photoshoot, professional photographyComment

Andrea & Kevin by SF City Hall Photo

Andrea and Kevin are getting married in Aruba in 2019, but wanted to do a session at the City Hall as they were getting their license. They came in on Friday afternoon and although City Hall got filled up with occasional tour groups, it was relatively quiet as the last ceremonies were finished at 3.30. That allowed us room to maneuver around the City Hall and actually achieve a "clean", crowd-less shot of the Grand Stairwell. I have to admit it's quite a rare occasion and even then i had to polite ask a few people to move for just a split second.

It was a gorgeous day and i wanted to take advantage of the outdoors and the sun creating glares and fun shadows. The end result is quite a good collection of photos done within a very short period of time.

Boris PolisskyJuly 18, 2018sfweddingphotography, sf, sfcityhall, sfweddingphotographer, sfchphoto, sfcityhallphoto, wedding photographer, weddingpgotogaphy, weddingguide, photojournalism, photohrapher, professional photography, weddingphotoComment

Akiyo & Ryota

Boris PolisskyJanuary 6, 2018sfweddingphotography, sfweddingphotographer, cityhall, sfcityhallphoto, cityhallsf, sfcityhall, photography, photohrapher, photojournalism, professional photography, sfchphoto, wedding, weddingphoto, Weddings, weddings, san francisco city hallComment

Kenzi and Chris

Melissa & Alvin

Hannah and Martin

A&S

Thanks for the great shoot! Another successful San Francisco City Hall Wedding!

Boris PolisskyOctober 8, 2016sfchphoto, sf, SF, San Francisco, weddingguide, wedding photographer, wedding photography, weddings, marriage, photography, professional photography, photographer, photojournalism, city hall, sf city hall, san francisco city hallComment

A&L

Boris PolisskyOctober 7, 2016weddings, sfcityhallphoto, sfchphoto, sf city hall photo, photography, professional photography, wedding photography, wedding, wedding guide, wedding tips, getting married?, marriage, bride, City Hall, SF, San Francisco, tiedtheknotComment

J+M

Great time with the local couple, congrats to the newlyweds!

Boris PolisskyMarch 27, 2016sfchphoto, Weddings, wedding, wedding photography, photoshoot, professional photography, portrait, photography, happycouple, city hall, sfcityhallphoto, sfchwedding, gettingmarried?Comment

H+A

Photos at City Hall and on location in SF. Great time with the lovely out of state couple, congrats from SFCH Photo!

Boris PolisskyMarch 26, 2016sfchwedding, sfchphoto, san francisco, professional photography, photography, Weddings, wedding photography, newlyweds, elopement, gettingmarried?, sfcityhallphotoComment

French Tribute at SF City Hall

Flags at half mast following last weeks tragedy in Paris. Our prayers go out to everyone who lost something that day.

Boris PolisskyNovember 19, 2015SFCH Photosfcityhallphoto, san francisco, photography, professional photography, paris, france, solidarityComment

Must See's in SF City Hall

With such great natural light, San Francisco City Hall offers stunning backdrops for photographers and visitors alike. This article highlights five great spots for taking pictures, and to helps provide people with a sense of familiarity with the building prior to their visit.

* NOTE - NO PARTICULAR ORDER *

1. FRONT OF CITY HALL

A true must-have for anyone getting married at city hall. This sign is located above the middle door of the main entrance on the Polk Street side, and offers the perfect cover to any photo album. This spot is relatively easy to access and usually doesn't require a wait (Except when protests or demonstrations are commandeering the front steps!)

2. GRAND STAIRCASE

The grand staircase leading to the rotunda is one of the first things you'll see once you pass security and enter the main building of City Hall.

This is arguably the most difficult location to photograph since there are often dozens of people trying to get the same shots. However, with a little patience and luck, great shots await.

3. GOVERNOR'S BALCONY

Staring out at the rotunda and the vast beauty of City Hall, the Governor's balcony is a perfect location for couples and group shots alike. While sometimes difficult to secure unattended, it highlights the architectural beauty of City Hall.

4. THIRD FLOOR WINDOWS

These windows are an absolute must for couples visiting city hall. Not only does everyone have a blast here, the photos turn out incredible. Further, since most people avoid exploring the upper levels of city hall, these hallways are usually empty.

5. FOURTH FLOOR

In order to truly appreciate the magnificence and grandeur of San Francisco's City Hall, one must venture up to the fourth floor balcony. Here you'll fine beautiful light for group and couples shots alike.

* TREE GARDEN *

Technically not inside of City Hall, the trees lined up outside the front entrance make for even more great photo opportunities. Living above a massive underground parking lot, these trees offer a great spot for people to capture SF City Hall in a different light.

guideBoris PolisskyNovember 19, 2015SF City Hall Photosfchphoto, sf, sfcityhallphoto, sfchwedding, san francisco, cityhall, City Hall, cityhallsf, professional photography, photoshoot, photography, wedding photographyComment

E+J

Highlights from a lovely photoshoot at City Hall. Wishing you both the best!

Boris PolisskyNovember 9, 2015sf, sfchwedding, sfcityhallphoto, sfchphoto, cityhallsf, happycouple, bay area, marriage, gettingmarried?, professional photography, photoshoot, wedding photography, putaringonit, photographyComment

A Perfect San Francisco City Hall Wedding

SF City Hall Wedding Walkthrough

SF City Hall Photo began in 2015 as an affordable and high-quality photography service for couples getting married inside the iconic downtown building. After spending so much time in and around the structure, we thought we should share some tips and suggestions for making your San Francisco City Hall wedding even more enjoyable, and perhaps alleviate any confusion you may have about how the entire process works.

Civil ceremonies take place Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. You must first make a reservation online to schedule an appointment for your marriage license and your marriage ceremony. Payment for both services is due upon making the reservation, and is $107, and $86 respectively.

Whenever possible, we recommend getting your marriage license on a day other than your ceremony date. However, if your license and ceremony appointments are on the same day, make sure to schedule them at least one hour apart.

Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio got married at SF City Hall in 1954!

The County Clerks Office in room 168 is where you will check in and handle your paperwork. You'll receive a ticket before being asked to wait in the hallway until your number is called. Getting through the office is generally a breeze, however, it's always wise to arrive early in case their are delays.

Once your number is called we go back inside the clerk's office and meet the person who will be marrying you that day. Interestingly enough there are more than a dozen volunteer officiants who rotate during the week. We have had the pleasure of working with almost all of them and, very similar to us, they love what they do.

After greeting and handling paperwork, you will be asked if you are exchanging rings and given the choice of where you would like the ceremony to take place: private room or the Rotunda. The idea of a private room may sound appealing but in reality is a rather drab, windowless box which doesn't allow for stunning images. The Rotunda is the place to be.

You too can be a deputy marriage officiant for a day!

Another thing to keep in mind is the length of the ceremony itself. If you elected to use a city-appointed officiant the ceremony itself lasts no more than 5 minutes. You will also not be allowed to exchange your own vows. A private officiant is something to consider if you would like to share your own written vows with your partner. We enthusiastically recommend the services of San Francisco-based officiant Mark Hespeth.

After choosing your location you both will be asked to show your identification and sign the marriage license. One witness (Two Max) needs to be present to sign the license as well as the decorative certificate City Hall provides for newlyweds. If your wedding is a low-key affair with just the two of you we can happily act as an official witness and sign the corresponding documents, just let us know.

Finally, the paperwork is settled and you are asked to head upstairs to the Rotunda to wait for the beginning of your ceremony. Typically there are at least 2-3 other couples getting married by the same officiant, so while you may be the first or last, it is best to go straight to the Rotunda forthwith to avoid any delays and potentially lose your place. We can help usher the rest of your party upstairs so everyone can watch this magical moment.