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Get Married Outdoors · San Francisco · San Francisco
Here's exactly how to get your permit, what it costs, and what to expect — from the Our Little Wedding team.
The Quick Answer
Permit Office
Reserve through SF Recreation and Parks Department
SF Rec & Parks official fee schedule FY25-26
Capacity
Up to 200 guests
Micro wedding context — intimate ceremonies
Permit Required
Yes
Permit fees: $341 non-refundable reservation fee (FY25-26) + $85/hour (2-hour minimum). Total for a 2-hour ceremony: approximately $511. Fees update annually July 1 — contact the department for the current schedule.
Lead Time
4–8 weeks minimum
Reservations open up to 1 year in advance. Minimum 10 business days' notice; 30 days if SF staff presence is required. Bookings within 2 months require immediate payment.
The Permit Process
Here's the exact process — sourced from official permit offices and verified by the Our Little Wedding team.
Reserve through SF Recreation and Parks Department: sfrecpark.org/427/Weddings or call (415) 831-5500, or email rpdreservations@sfgov.org.
SF Rec & Parks official fee schedule FY25-26Permit fees: $341 non-refundable reservation fee (FY25-26) + $85/hour (2-hour minimum). Total for a 2-hour ceremony: approximately $511. Fees update annually July 1 — contact the department for the current schedule.
SF Rec & Parks Park Code Fees PDF, FY25-26Popular ceremony spots include the Shakespeare Garden (up to 200 guests), Queen Wilhelmina Garden (tulip garden, intimate), and the Chinese Pavilion (up to 50 guests). Request your preferred site when booking.
Reservations open up to 1 year in advance. Minimum 10 business days' notice; 30 days if SF staff presence is required. Bookings within 2 months require immediate payment.
From the Team
Things the permit office won't tell you — from the Our Little Wedding team and couples we've worked with here.
OLW tip
The Shakespeare Garden is our top pick — enclosed, rose-lined, and surprisingly private for being inside one of the busiest parks in the country.
OLW tip
Parking anywhere near Golden Gate Park on weekends is brutal. Plan an Uber/Lyft pickup zone for guests and communicate it clearly in advance.
OLW tip
Most sites allow ceremonies only, not receptions. Plan dinner at a restaurant — the Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, and Castro neighborhoods are all 10–15 min away.
Our top recommendations from the team for celebrating nearby.
Nopa
Late-night neighborhood bistro, large communal table option
15 min drive from the park
Souvla
Modern Greek, Hayes Valley — great for groups, semi-private seating
18 min drive
The Anchovy Bar
Small plates and natural wine, Inner Sunset, cozy for 10–20
8 min drive
Real Weddings
Our Little Wedding has planned intimate ceremonies across San Francisco. More wedding stories from Golden Gate Park are coming soon.
Browse real wedding storiesFrequently Asked Questions
You found the perfect spot. Now let's make it happen.
Our micro wedding package starts at $4,500 for up to 10 guests. We handle everything — from the paperwork to the last dance.
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