How Much Does It Cost to Elope in San Francisco?

How Much Does It Cost to Elope in San Francisco?

One of the first questions every couple asks me is some version of "so... how much is this actually going to cost?" Fair question — and the honest answer is: way less than you think.

A California marriage license runs somewhere in the $90–$120 range depending on the county, and if you go the confidential license route, you won't even need a witness. Add an officiant (often bundled into City Hall's public ceremony fee, or separately booked for around $75–$200), a simple bouquet, and a photographer, and most couples find they can put together a beautiful, fully legal San Francisco elopement for well under $1,500 — a fraction of the average traditional wedding cost in this city.

Where the range really opens up is photography and add-ons. A City Hall elopement package with a couple hours of coverage typically lands in the $1000–$2,000 range depending on your photographer and what's included, while more elaborate day-long adventure elopements (think Golden Gate Bridge overlooks, Muir Woods, a cable car ride, a dinner reservation) can run higher.

The beauty of eloping is that you control every line item. You're not paying for 150 chairs, a DJ, or a five-tier cake unless you want to. You're paying for the moment — and that's exactly what we specialize in capturing.

Curious what's actually included in our City Hall and elopement packages? [See our pricing here].