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Writer's pictureKellyne Mendoza

Ellen + Gino: From City Hall to the Presidio, a wedding tour of San Francisco

Who doesn't want to get married at historic San Francisco City Hall? From the beautiful architecture to the Grand Staircase in the Rotunda, City Hall is a destination for couples from all over the world looking to solidify their love. This also means that it can be CROWDED. San Francisco City Hall opens up appointments and reservations for couples Monday-Friday-- these can range from 10 minute appointments with a county judge and 5 witnesses to an hour reservation on the Mayor's Balcony for a larger group of guests (60 max). However, City Hall also allows couples to rent out the Rotunda on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. You get the entire place to yourselves! I have had a few couples book this option and the main question is always "What do we have our guests do from 2pm until 5pm (when the reception starts)?".



You've come to the right person! After living in San Francisco for almost 20 years and an extensive background in hospitality and restaurants in the city, I have limitless ideas of how to keep your guests occupied for a few hours in this beautiful city I get to call home! For Ellen and Gino, we planned a scenic picnic at the Presidio Tunnel Tops before their guests walked over to Dalida for dinner. To keep it true to San Francisco, we had a Cable Car trolley pick guests up from City Hall and take them to the Presidio where we had charcuterie cups, wine, and lawn games for them to enjoy for a few hours. Because we prioritize the guest experience at hand+heart, we also set up room blocks at The Inn at the Presidio and planned the Friday Welcome Party at Presidio Bowl. Guests could walk to each event from their hotel room and enjoy the beauty of the Presidio and views of the Golden Gate Bridge all weekend long!



At Dalida, guests were transported into a coastal Mediterranean oasis and greeted with the most creative and delicious cocktails, an amped up raw bar with caviar and blinis, and a four course family style meal. A perfect end to a perfect San Francisco day!



VENDOR CREDITS:

Ceremony: SF City Hall

Picnic: Presidio Tunnel Tops

Welcome Party: Presidio Bowl

Dinner/Reception: @dalidasf

Planning + Design: @handheartevents

Photography: @arleneeasterwood

Picnic Coordination: @artelunar

Charcuterie Cones: @briegrazingboards

Florals: @flowerandforage

DJ: @heartofgolddjs

Invites + Day-of Signage: @jkdesigncal

Hair and Makeup: @choicosmetics @beautybysmith

Tabletop rentals: @theonicollection

Harpist: @electricharp

Cable Car Trolley: @nationwidelimousineservice

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