A Romantic San Francisco Wedding: From City Hall to an Intimate Garden Celebration

Sep 15

Written By Shelley Albanese

As a California wedding planner, I’m always inspired by how couples make San Francisco their own on their wedding day. Some weddings are grand, some are intimate, and some, like this one are the perfect blend of both. With a stylish first look at the Proper Hotel, an elegant ceremony at San Francisco City Hall, and an intimate, moody dinner at Del Popolo, this celebration told a love story that was authentic, bold, and deeply romantic.

Getting Ready at the Proper Hotel

The day began at the Proper Hotel, one of San Francisco’s most design-forward spaces. Its chic, eclectic interiors were the perfect backdrop for the couple’s first look.

As a San Francisco wedding planner, I love recommending the Proper Hotel for couples who want modern, editorial-inspired photographs with a touch of luxury.

A Ceremony at San Francisco City Hall

San Francisco City Hall is iconic, and it’s easy to see why so many couples choose it for their ceremony. With its soaring dome, marble staircases, and timeless architecture, it provides a backdrop that feels both grand and intimate.

Recommendations for couples: If you’re planning a wedding at City Hall, I always suggest scheduling time for portraits inside the building. Its light and architecture are unmatched in San Francisco, and the results are breathtaking. Also, reserve public transportation ahead of time, such as an iconic San Francisco trolley car, ride share, or hired transportation such as a shuttle bus or town car.

A Garden Dinner at Del Popolo

After the ceremony, the celebration shifted to an intimate dinner at Del Popolo. Known for its wood-fired pizza and inviting garden, it was the perfect space for a cozy yet elevated evening.

The design leaned into the couple’s love of moody, textured aesthetics. Tables were dressed in dark linens, layered with candles, rich florals, and unexpected textures fresh fruits. It was romantic, dramatic, and uniquely theirs.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a San Francisco wedding reception space that feels personal and relaxed, restaurants like Del Popolo are a wonderful option. They allow couples to focus on incredible food and connection with their guests, without the formality of a traditional ballroom.

The Beauty of Dark, Moody, and Stunning

What set this wedding apart was the couple’s willingness to embrace bold design. The result was striking: a color palette that felt like autumn in the city.

As a California wedding planner, I often encourage couples to explore palettes and textures that go beyond the expected. Stunning doesn’t always mean soft—it can be dramatic, edgy, and layered with depth.

Why This Wedding Worked So Well

This day was the perfect balance of style and intimacy:

The Proper Hotel offered a stylish, modern backdrop for a first look.
San Francisco City Hall provided the grandeur for their vows.
Del Popolo brought warmth and intimacy to their reception.

For couples searching for San Francisco wedding planner recommendations, my advice is this: choose spaces that reflect who you are, not just what you’ve seen before. A wedding that feels authentic to your love story will always be the most beautiful.

This San Francisco wedding was a stunning reminder that you don’t need a huge guest list or elaborate production to create something unforgettable. With thoughtful design, meaningful spaces, and a little boldness, your wedding can be a true reflection of you.

From moody florals to heartfelt vows under the dome of City Hall, to a cozy dinner at Del Popolo, this day was proof that love shines brightest when celebrated authentically.

If you’re planning your wedding and searching for a San Francisco wedding planner, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you dream of an iconic City Hall ceremony, a hidden-garden dinner party or grand estate my role is to guide you through the details so you can focus on what matters most to you.