Same-Sex Ring Exchange at SF City Hall

This is probably one of the most unique Marriage Ceremony images I have ever taken at a city hall wedding. This same-sex couple eloped to San Francisco City Hall with their newly adopted baby. They had no guests so in order to do the ring exchange, the Deputy Marriage Commissioner had to hold their baby. I love the fact that their baby is actually watching her parents put on the rings. Classic! The other thing that was so nice about this wonderful moment is that it was actually the Marriage Commissioner's idea to hold the baby. She offered to do it without hesitation. This, despite the fact that she was going to have to perform the ceremony at the same time.

We were all wondering how they were going to pull off giving each other rings and the Officiant had the solution. Just another one of the fun and unique things that occur every day in this historic building during marriage civil ceremonies. Everyone who is involved in San Francisco city hall weddings displays this type of helpful attitude. Did I mention that all of the San Francisco city hall wedding officiants are volunteers? They do weddings because they love what they do (they are not judges, by the way). This clearly shows under these circumstances.

Same-Sex SF City Hall Wedding Photography

As we have mentioned elsewhere in this website, we were one of the first San Francisco city hall wedding photographers to embrace LGBTQ weddings. In the very beginning, they were somewhat controversial for mostly political reasons. But we never got caught up in any of that and had no problem working with the gay community. To us, all that matters is helping 2 people who love each other and want great wedding pictures to remember their special day. I believe in this point in time, we have probably photographed over 200 same-sex marriages at San Francisco city hall and hope to do many more. It is an honor to be asking to service any couple no matter what.

This couple in particular were so much fun to be around and really loved that baby. I am certain that they will remember that picture of their ring exchange for years to come! I recently saw the officiant who performed the ceremony and was reminded of this great day. I was able to show her the actual picture and she loved it so much, she asked me to send her a copy of it. This is what San Francisco city hall marriages are all about.

Fun Rainbow socks for this LGBTQ marriage - Another example of creative memories

Props Can be Fun At San Francisco City Hall

Speaking of the props used by the LGBTQ couple above, it can be lots of funs for all couples. Consider bringing some sort of prop that speaks to your relationship. Even things like sports jerseys and hats work amazing during your city hall wedding photography tour. We have also had many couples bring signs to display with them as they pose for their wedding pictures. One example is a "Thank you" sign. This is a great idea to use for thank you cards for your wedding gift givers. Above, we see a Gay couple proudly displaying their rainbow socks. Check out these great ideas for wedding photo props.