San Francisco City Hall is one of the most stunning wedding venues, offering an elegant and timeless backdrop for your special day. But why stop there? After your ceremony, explore the city's breathtaking locations for unforgettable wedding portraits. Iconic spots such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Palace of Fine Arts provide dreamy, cinematic settings that perfectly complement your City Hall elopement.


As an experienced San Francisco wedding photographer, I know the best lighting, angles, and hidden gems to capture your love story with stunning images. In this article, let's explore 5 spots that, as an SF local, I believe are often overlooked but are the perfect place to take your wedding portraits.

1. Embarcadero District

The Embarcadero District is a perfect location for post-San Francisco City Hall elopement photos, offering a mix of modern city vibes and scenic waterfront views. Just a short drive from City Hall, this area features iconic backdrops like the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge, and the palm-lined streets along the waterfront. Whether you want romantic golden-hour shots with the bridge glowing in the background or sleek urban portraits on the pier, the Embarcadero provides a versatile setting. 

2. Cable Cars + Lombard Street

Although cable cars and Lombard Street are two things stereotypically associated with tourists, I definitely think it they are underrated as places to take post-elopement photos. Riding a cable car after your City Hall elopement is a fun and iconic way to capture the energy of your San Francisco wedding day. The classic wooden cable cars, with their vintage charm and sweeping city views, make for stunning and dynamic wedding photos. Hop on at Powell Street and ride to Lombard Street, the world-famous ‘crookedest street,’ where the winding brick road and lush flower beds create a whimsical and romantic backdrop. These quintessential San Francisco experiences add movement, nostalgia, and adventure to your wedding portraits.

3. Financial District

The Financial District is an incredible spot for elopement photos, offering a sleek, modern contrast to the classic elegance of City Hall. With its towering skyscrapers, grand archways, and chic urban atmosphere, the Financial District provides a sophisticated backdrop for couples who love a cosmopolitan vibe. It's the area that I would suggest to anyone who loves Manhattan and wants to channel downtown city vibes. Places such as the iconic Transamerica Pyramid or historic Jackson Square add depth and drama to your wedding portraits.

4. Ride the Muni Together

Taking wedding portraits on Muni after your San Francisco City Hall elopement adds a unique, authentic touch to your love story. The iconic Muni streetcars and buses capture the essence of city life, creating a blend of romance and real-world charm. The in-between moments bring a natural, cinematic quality to your wedding photos. Public transit portraits tell a story of adventure and spontaneity, making them a perfect way to document your journey together as newlyweds in the heart of San Francisco.

5. Chinatown + North Beach

Although not a hidden gem in the grand scheme of the city, I do feel like these neighborhoods are overlooked when it comes to wedding portraits. Just minutes from City Hall, Chinatown’s red lantern-lined streets, historic alleyways, and intricate architecture create a bold, colorful backdrop full of character. Stroll down Grant Avenue for dynamic street-style shots or find hidden gems like Waverly Place for a burst of colorful flags and lanterns. Transitioning into North Beach, San Francisco’s Italian district, you’ll find charming European-style cafés, neon-lit jazz clubs, and the iconic Saints Peter and Paul Church in Washington Square Park. North Beach offers beautiful views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Columbus Tower, a cool green flatiron building.

Bonus Location: The Legion of Honor

I did not want to include this in my list of 5 hidden gems as I believe that a lot of San Franciscans know about this spot for formal portraits, but I think it is still so beautiful that it should be mentioned. The Legion of Honor is one of the most breathtaking locations for San Francisco City Hall elopement portraits, offering a perfect mix of elegance, history, and stunning architecture. This grand, neoclassical museum features sweeping columns, intricate archways, and a serene courtyard that adds a timeless and regal touch to your wedding photos. Perched on a hill in Lincoln Park, the Legion of Honor also boasts panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rugged Pacific coastline, making it an ideal spot for dramatic, romantic portraits. Whether you’re drawn to classic architecture or scenic landscapes, this location provides a versatile and luxurious setting for capturing the magic of your elopement day.

Additional Hidden Gem Locations

I wrote a personal guide with Google Maps links and lots of locations around San Francisco. I have also helped countless couples plan their perfect day with personalized recommendations based on their favorite spots, activities, and desired vibe.


Capture Your San Francisco Wedding with a Professional Photographer

As a San Francisco-based wedding photographer, I have a special place in my heart for weddings in this city. I know SF as a real resident and local, and can help you plan the perfect day.


Contact me today to book your wedding photography and make your San Francisco wedding truly unforgettable!

HI! I'M ANNALEE.

I'm a wedding photographer focused on authentic storytelling.

Based in San Francisco, California, I will travel anywhere and everywhere to capture your story. Documenting your love on film and digital.

San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer, SF , San Francisco Wedding Photographer, Bay Area Brides, Wedding Photographer