Booking Information
I support the rights of all people to be married, and am happy to offer my services for commitment ceremonies, civil unions, as well as weddings. I work toward, and look forward to, the day when all couples can legally be married.
Every wedding is different, and every wedding I photograph is different. This is both the challenge and the magic of this work. I do my very best on ever job to find what makes your wedding unique, and have that reflected in the photographs I share with you.
My wedding packages begin at $2,400 for an 8 hour day, with options to add on a second shooter, photobooth, extended hours, and album design services.
I’m currently offering a city hall special at $1,400 for a four hour session, which includes pre and post ceremony formal and candid shots of you and your guests.
Currently I am taking bookings for the 2012 season, feel free to contact me with inquiries about package options, or to secure your date.
Answers to frequently asked questions :
Do your packages include high-resolution files?
My standard package includes the days coverage, a gallery of your images hosted on my website with easy print-ordering options, a blog post on my website featuring the very best images of the day, as well as a DVD of the high resolution images for you to keep.
What if I want a large print order, or a custom album?
I offer discount rates on large print packages, and am happy to assist you with a custom album design. I have several vendors I use for albums, and am also fine using Blurb or other online printers to make your album available for purchase to family and friends.
What type of gear do you photograph with?
I shoot with professional Canon camera bodies, lenses, and flashes. I bring backups in case of emergencies (haven’t had one yet, but you never know), and I love to shoot with prime lenses which provide a lovely quality of light and soft depth of field.
Do you charge extra for destination weddings?
Short answer, no, although I require that all costs be covered including air fare, meals, hotel room (I’m happy to stay in a guest room as well to cut down on your costs), and rental car if needed. I generally fly in the day before your event to make sure there no problems with flight cancellations. I will travel for free within 50 miles of the San Francisco Bay Area, after which I much charge for mileage.
Ever book two weddings in one day?
No. I also prefer not to book half days, although I do offer a City Hall package which is less expensive than my full day package. I put a great deal of energy into photographing a wedding, and while I might be fortunate enough to book two on a weekend, I never double-book shooting a wedding.
What do I need to be married at City Hall?
Two main hoops to jump through – obtaining your wedding license, and making a ceremony reservation. Both can happen on the same day, but make sure you leave about an hour in between – just in case. You can register online for your appointment, the license can be obtained up to 90 days in advance of your ceremony and costs $95. Go to room 164 on the first floor of the building. It takes about 20-30 minutes for the license, documents can be printed out from the city website and filled out in advance. Once you obtain the license, your ceremony will take 5-10 minutes and is administered by a County Clerk, the fee is $77. Schedule your ceremony online as well at this link. You’ll also need at least one person to witness.
Where is the best location at City Hall?
The ceremony will take place where you choose, provided they aren’t overbooked. Some holidays, Christmas or Valentines day can be very busy, so consider if you’re intending to be married on one of those days. A popular location is the Rotunda, at the top of the main staircase of the building. Nearly every location in City Hall is beautiful, so don’t fret if the Rotunda is overbooked on the day of your wedding. You will be allowed 6 guests, plus your photographer.
The city charges an additional fee should you wish to be married on the 4th floor or the Mayors balcony, this allows you more guests (up to 100) as well as time for a toast afterward.
That went by so quickly! Can we take photographs in other parts of the building?
Yes please! There are a number of beautiful locations around the City Hall, with plenty of room for photographs of you, your family, friends, and witnesses.
