Getting Married During the Month of April 2026 at the San Francisco Main Library
General Information
San Francisco Public Library is delighted to offer space for small civil ceremonies during the month of April 2026, as a celebration of our Main Library’s 30th anniversary.
We are offering 30 time slots, all on select Friday mornings in April, at 10 or 11 a.m., in the following Affinity Center rooms:
James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center
Fisher Children’s Center Storytelling Room
Steve Silver Beach Blanket Babylon Music Center
Because of overwhelming demand, we will use a lottery to select participants. Click here to enter your details and express interest by January 20, 2026. Selected wedding participants will be notified by February 2, 2026.
All wedding ceremonies will occur while the Main Library is closed to the public. Additional areas in the Library will be set up for photography immediately before or immediately after your ceremony.
Additional Details
1. Invite your guests and witnesses
You are allowed up to 10 guests total for the Library’s civil ceremonies. The guest count includes any photographers, videographers, children, witnesses, etc.
For a Public Marriage Ceremony, you must have 1 witness present during your ceremony.
For a Confidential Marriage Ceremony, no witnesses are required.
*Library staff cannot serve as a witness for marriage ceremonies. You are responsible for providing your own witness.
2. Bring your marriage license
Please familiarize yourself with the rules to obtain a marriage license from the San Francisco County Clerk. https://www.sf.gov/get-marriage-license
You must obtain a marriage license from the San Francisco County Clerk’s office within 90 days of your ceremony. Marriage licenses are only valid for 90 days.
Only licenses issued by the San Francisco County Clerk will be allowed for the San Francisco Main Library weddings.
Bring the original San Francisco County Clerk-issued marriage license on the day of your ceremony. You will not be able to obtain your license on the same day as your ceremony.
3. Arrive on your ceremony day
Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Because the Main Library is closed to the public on Friday mornings, you and your guests must enter the Library at its gated entrance on 30 Grove Street, located between Hyde and Larkin streets.
Be prepared for your civil ceremony appointment with the following:
- Valid, authentic, legal government-issued photo identification for each person
- A valid, unexpired, marriage license issued by a California County. Photocopies are not acceptable.
- 1 witness if you are presenting a public marriage license.
Here's the link again to enter your details and express interest by January 20, 2026. Selected wedding participants will be notified by February 2, 2026.
Thank you for your willingness to make our anniversary your anniversary and celebrate 30 years under the nautilus!