Flora Gibson Photography Big Sur California wedding and elopement photographer

San Francisco is such a fun unique city. There are a billion different things you can do when visiting San Francisco, and even more venues and destinations to elope at. While endless options can be fun, narrowing down the details of your elopement can be much harder. If I’m your San Francisco elopement photographer, I’ll help you narrow down venues and assist in planning the day! Worried about squeezing it all in? Don’t worry, I have a timeline for that too. Growing up as a Northern Californian, whether or not your zip code is in San Francisco, you make it part of your home. I want to share my big city with you lovers and show you my list of favorites. For a taste of what your San Francisco elopement could look like, explore below.

Table of Contents:

Places to Exchange Vows
Hop, Skip, and a Jump away from San Francisco
An Expert’s Timeline
Home away from Home
Savory Nibbles & Crafted Cocktails
Unbeatable Elopement Team

Places to exchange vows or take portraits:

San Francisco has stunning architecture and amazing ocean views. The various sceneries offer different visual aesthetics for your elopement day. Let’s dive into San Francisco’s elopement venue options!

For the ultimate courthouse elopement photography, you must use San Francisco’s City Hall. The classic architecture provides excellent shooting locations. City hall offers one-hour wedding packages making it easy on my elopers. I highly recommend booking the last ceremony time slot on a weekday. That way we’ll have plenty of time to wander around the building and get some artistic shots before your ceremony.

Lands End Labyrinth is the ultimate elopement destination for views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In 2014, artist Eduardo Aguilera created the rock labyrinth on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. Another cool spot to check out is The Legion of Honor, a ten-minute walk away from the labyrinth and a great place to shoot some more classic elopement shots with rounded columns.
In 1864, a massive public bathhouse that covered three acres was built. This architectural masterpiece is known as Sutro Baths. In 1966, a fire destroyed the baths leaving only concrete ruins next to the ocean to explore. With an incredibly rich history, the baths are a unique location to say ‘I Do.’
Conservancy of Flowers - Amazing botanical venue with indoor and outdoor options.
Legion of Honor -
Battery Spencer- Amazing views of the Golden Gate

A hop, skip, and a jump away from San Francisco

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge is Presidio Yacht Club. Not only is the beautiful bridge in the background of your elopement photography, but you’ll have gorgeous sailboats billowing in the sea too. Know how to sail? Rent a sailboat and let’s hit the ocean for your San Francisco elopement!
From hundreds of trails amongst the trees to vast views of the ocean, Mt. Tamalpais State Park is a magical place to elope; it’s roughly an hour's drive north of San Francisco. Permits may be required here through both Mt. Tamalpais State Park Office and Golden Gate National Recreation Area Office based on your exact elopement location. Contact David Kopler, Film & Events Coordinator for State Parks (California State Parks Marin District) for more information via phone, at 415-898-4362 x 203, or email, at dkopler@parks.ca.gov.
Slide Ranch The ranch is an easy 40-minute drive north of San Francisco. At an affordable price, spectacular vistas await in three different unique venue destinations: the dome, yurt, and farm-to-table teaching center. All events are BYOB so you can bring your favorite vendors to the party! My favorite venue of the three on the property is the dome. The unique geodesic dome sits on a picturesque meadow perfect for elopement photos and a fun place to stay after your ceremony.
While a three-hour drive may seem daunting, Switzer Farm is an elopement venue that is actually out of this world and 100% worth the drive in my opinion. The farmhouse, garden cottage, veranda, gardens, lawns, meadow, and headlands are some of the countless locations you’ll have for your vow exchange and elopement photography. On top of it all, you’ll have uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean from anywhere on the property. This venue is unique in that it is available for a 3-day/night rental, which includes the entire 22-acre property for your use and lodging for up to 27 guests in their restored farmhouse and garden cottage. You won’t be disappointed in any aspect of your elopement by choosing this venue.

An Expert’s Timeline

I offer various elopement Bay area packages; below is a timeline sample of one of my San Francisco elopement packages.

EXAMPLE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE

Getting Ready Location: Your Hotel (My favorites are listed below!)

Ceremony Location: City Hall

Additional Portrait Location: Lands end

Meal/Celebration Location: Baker beach

1:00 pm - Meet at the getting ready location. I’ll take photos of you both getting ready, drinking, and hanging out together.

2:00 pm - Let’s spend some time walking around San Francisco’s city hall and find some beautiful light and architecture in the building.

3:00 pm- VOW TIME!

3:30 - 4:00 pm- Leave for Lands End Trail, a 3.4-mile loop, and take photos overlooking the scenic Golden Gate Bridge.

4:30 - 5:30- Check out the area and take some photos! Play guitar, bring champbongs, or smoke a bowl? Let's bring that along!! Incorporating the things you love can make your elopement photos that much sweeter.

6:00 pm- How would you like to wrap up the evening? We can hit the town for a trendy restaurant or have a picnic on the beach. If you plan the beach, we can have a friend meet us with charcuterie, pizza, or tacos!

7:00 - 8:00 pm- Time to grab those golden hour photos of you two along the beach and explore. I’ll bring the champagne!

9:00 pm- One last pit stop before you head back to the hotel! Photos of the city lights can be breathtaking.

10:00 pm- Time for me to get editing and for you two to enjoy some one-on-one time ;)

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Hotels in the City

Hotel Zetta is scattered with funky art providing a warm environment to stay in. There’s a fun event space filled with games to occupy yourselves. This stylish hotel is a great place to stay during your San Francisco elopement.
In one of San Francisco’s unique triangular buildings stands, Proper a 1909 flatiron landmark building. Each room is uniquely designed and has incredible views of the city. The hotel also has two restaurants and a rooftop deck to enjoy.
Hotel Emblem - super unique decor and city views.
The Palace hotel - amazing chandeliers and history.
The Fairmont

Savory Nibbles and Crafted Cocktails

For the most romantic and fun dining experience, you have to visit Foreign Cinema. Each night, the restaurant projects classic black-and-white movies in its outdoor patio space. Great food with a movie? It’s a no-brainer to book reservations during your elopement.
One of the few rooftop experiences in San Francisco is El Techo, a Spanish-inspired restaurant with views. This popular restaurant can get booked up so it’s important to call ahead or get there early to wait in line. If you have extra time, stop by El Techo for brunch; their Chicharrones de Carne is a savory dish perfect for sharing.
For the ultimate elopement dinner in San Francisco, you must visit Lazy Bear. To get a reservation, you order one of their dining tickets. Tickets become available once a month so mark your calendars! Lazy Bear encourages a unique and fun dining experience by seating guests at two long elm tables. They want guests to mix and mingle as you taste their nostalgic cooking with fresh ingredients. Corona tip: they have AMAZING takeout options.
Barzotto is a great restaurant for delicious pasta at an incredible price. San Francisco is notorious for its outrageous pricing, however, Barzotto is able to create a delectable dining experience for a price that won’t break the bank. They’re known for their spaghetti, but truly anything on the menu is a great option.

Brunch For The Bunch

Nestled in Cole Valley, Zazie is easily one of San Francisco’s best brunch spots. Between their outdoor patio and friendly staff, you won’t be disappointed in the ambiance. Pro tip: show up early! Zazie typically has a decent wait time for brunch. If you can’t make it to Zazie’s brunch, they’re also great for dinner.
Cassava is a fabulous brunch with a twist. Each plate is Asian-inspired, giving you a different take on your typical brunch dishes. Do yourselves a favor and order a pitcher of the Blood Orange Paloma~ to die for! Like most places in San Francisco, the restaurant is a bit small so make reservations to avoid the wait.

Cheers!

Fitted as a retro-glam cocktail bar, The Beehive is a trendy spot to visit for delicious cocktails. Each cocktail is made with unique ingredients making you want to order a few things off the menu just to try it all. The bar's classic, and my personal favorite cocktail, is The Beehive: botanist gin, sarsaparilla honey, ginger, lemon, and salt.
To get one of the best lookouts in San Francisco, you must visit The View Lounge. Located at the top of Mission’s Marriott hotel, stands a beautiful art deco-inspired bar. While you can get food here, I recommend just grabbing a cocktail to enjoy the view.
Fig and Thistle is a romantic wine bar in San Francisco. There are countless options of wine to choose from and the bar's ambiance is incredibly inviting. Fig and Thistle also have a market if you’re looking to buy a couple of bottles.

Unbeatable Elopement Team

The most important part of elopement planning is finding the right team for you. Picking vendors that understand your vision and work harmoniously is essential. Meet my favorite vendors that have achieved my past bride’s visions countless times.

Florists:

Hair and makeup:

Team Kelsey Sanches and Izzy Garcia: Info@bridalhairbykelsey.com // izzygarciamua@gmail.com
Malina: 831-246-4662 // malinaterrahair@yahoo.com *up for travel*

Photographer: