In San Francisco, anything is truly possible for your wedding. Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” on the water at sunset, getting married at San Francisco City Hall or the San Francisco Ferry Building, or something different, San Francisco has something for every couple.
I had the chance to photograph K + J’s gorgeous, grand celebration at San Francisco City Hall. Their ceremony was followed by their reception on a yacht that sailed the bay. This was such a unique and incredible experience I’ll never forget!
Keep reading for a behind-the-lens look at their day at San Francisco City Hall and their classy yacht wedding reception.
Kristina + James’ Romantic San Francisco City Hall Wedding + Yacht Reception On The San Francisco Bay
Kristina and James planned a gorgeous October wedding in San Francisco. James’ dream was to get married at San Francisco City Hall. It’s easy to understand why that was his dream, as San Francisco City Hall is iconic for a reason. Furthermore, it is truly breathtaking setting for a wedding.
Whether you’re drawn to its marble staircases or its impressive dome, San Francisco City Hall offers a backdrop full of charm and elegance. Nothing about getting married here feels like your typical government building ceremony. Rather, a celebration here feels luxurious and intimate. I love every chance I get to photograph weddings here.
Getting ready and first looks
Krisitina and James chose to do a full buyout of City Hall for their day. They rented City Hall from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. If you’re curious to know what options are available to you for your ceremony or want more info about planning your wedding at San Francisco City Hall, be sure to check out my in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know here!
Kristina and James chose an elegant, classy black-and-white theme with white flowers, which paired perfectly with the overall ambiance and timelessness of City Hall.
Their day began with Kristina and James getting ready at City Hall in separate areas. Once they were both ready, they met for an emotional and heartfelt first look on the Mayor’s Balcony.
This was such a dreamy and romantic spot for a first look! If you are planning on doing a first look at City Hall, my top recommendations are either the Mayor’s Balcony or the Rotunda – the lighting in both locations is stunning, and your pictures will be breathtaking.
After K + J’s first look, we continued moving through the building for couples’ portraits. There are so many magnificent backdrops to work with throughout City Hall, and it was amazing to have the building entirely to ourselves to take gorgeous couples portraits.
The ceremony
K+J chose to have their ceremony on the iconic grand staircase of City Hall. They lined the stairs with white hydrangeas, roses, and candles, while at the bottom, they had a harpist and a violinist. Everything about their ceremony felt cinematic, dreamy, and classy.
Yacht wedding reception on the San Francisco Bay
After K+J’s ceremony, we headed to Pier 40 for their reception, where everyone boarded the yacht for their reception and enjoyed a cocktail hour together on the second floor. K + J chose to have their reception on a yacht was such a fun alternative reception experience and provided a unique backdrop for their day.
Everyone had such a great time on the water, and we all enjoyed San Francisco from a different perspective. It was truly the experience of a lifetime, and such a treat for their guests to enjoy celebrating this new chapter in their lives in such a special way.
After the cocktail hour, it was time for the grand entrance, and of course, I also took photographs of the couple at sunset, which was absolutely stunning with the city skyline as the backdrop.
The lighting at sunset was perfect! K + J concluded their day by dancing the night away with their guests and enjoying the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline at night.
If you’re looking for unique wedding reception ideas, I would definitely recommend considering a yacht for your reception, as K + J did! With a yacht reception, you’ll have unbeatable views and won’t have to worry about spending a fortune on decor, and you and your guests are guaranteed to have a great time!
Before booking with a yacht, you can also see if they offer bar or catering services, or both. If they have both, it will make your wedding reception planning so much easier and less stressful. And if you don’t want to have your ceremony or reception on the yacht but still would like to have a yacht experience, you could also always consider having your rehearsal dinner on a yacht, too!
James + Kristina’s Wedding Vendors
I wanted to give a special shout-out to J+K’s wedding vendors who made this incredible day possible:
- Venue: Ceremony at San Francisco City Hall
- Reception: Yaachtly
- Planning: Simply Elegant By Diana
- Floral design: Bing’s Design
- Partner 1’s outfit (designer, retailer): Paper & Petals (Bridal Store), Dress: Elizabeth Lee
- Partner 2’s outfit (designer, retailer): Louis Thomas
- HMUA: Shannon Le
- Officiant: Mike Lopez
- Catering: Yaachtly
- Cake Conquette: @cakecoquette
- Rentals: AM Party Rentals
- Videography: @Symboll
- DJ: All Ears DJ
- Photographer: Khariza Rae Photography
Ready To Book Your San Francisco Wedding Photographer?
Hopefully, K + J’s wedding gave you some inspo and ideas on what your own San Francisco wedding and reception could look like.
Now all you need is your wedding photographer! If you’re still looking for a San Francisco Bay Area wedding photographer with a documentary-style approach who values inclusivity and authenticity, let’s connect! Your love story is a one-of-a-kind celebration of authenticity and connection that deserves to be captured on camera.
You can learn more about my wedding services here or get in touch with me here.
Read these next:
Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Married at San Francisco City Hall
Intimate, Joyful Napa Wedding Followed By A Reception At Ashes & Diamonds Winery
