An Elopement at the Frank Lloyd Wright Marin County Civic Center
Laura told me that her love story with Nick crossed an ocean. The spark between them began with a mutual love of music and grew when the two met for the first time in London. Laura had flown there to attend a Tattoo Convention. Over time the two have become each others best friends. She says that their love is that kind of fulfilling love that makes each other the best version of themselves. Their elopement was love and light-filled, a no-stress timeline, and was set against the amazing architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. As a San Francisco native, the bride knows her way around the best spots in the Bay Area. When she told me about Marin County Civic Center, I was surprised I didn’t know about it! It’s truly a hidden gem. She also picked a few favorite San Francisco locations for photos afterwards, so read on to see more!
After meeting with the County Clerk to fill out their paperwork, we took a few more photos before their ceremony. I’m always honored to sign as the witness!
Don’t you just want to take a dip in this pool? The couple had a short and sweet ceremony in the garden with a ring exchange. There’s something so peaceful about Marin County. There’s no rush, the building is never super busy, and the architecture lends itself to just enjoying the environment!
The ceremony is held out on the lawn by the pool, and you can pick your exact spot. If you’re planning to wed at the Marin County Civic Center, you should know that they only schedule marriage ceremonies Tuesday through Thursday. Contact their County Clerk to schedule your appointment.
Also Marin County Civic Center offers a bilingual ceremony in Spanish and English, if requested.
The gold spire and dome feel a bit otherworldly.
One of my favorite nooks and what I like to call the “donut bench.”
The building is a stunning work of mid-century architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright. This was his last project before he passed. Every detail has been considered, from the lush green plants, repeating balconies, and even the drinking fountains. If you love an old style telephone booth, they have those too!
Their day at Marin County Civic Center felt elevated by the surrounding architecture, but also relaxed as we took our time moving through the building. As you glide up the escalator, the building seemingly expands before you. The scalloped repeating balconies were beautiful lines to frame the happy couple!
If you are a fan of Mid Century style architecture, then you need to check out the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael! It’s such a unique location for a civil wedding, and a wonderful alternative if you like San Francisco City Hall but are overwhelmed by how incredibly busy it is. So if you’re looking for a calmer civil wedding but still want to have incredible architecture, then Marin County is your spot to get married!
The bride’s tattoo from an artist in London, where she met Nick.
After their wedding at the Marin Civic center, we headed off the beautiful Marin Headlands, for amazing views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Then we headed into San Francisco to Fort Point, for views under the bridge. Then the classic Palace of Fine Arts, and last but certainly not least, a favorite neighborhood, North Beach!
A quick stop in the Marin Headlands for jaw-dropping views of the Bay, the Golden Gate, and San Francisco’s skyline!
The historic Fort Point has beautiful old brick and a fun view of the underbelly of the Golden Gate Bridge. I love how Nick makes Laura laugh!
A stop at one of San Francisco’s historic architectural gems, the Palace of Fine Arts!
North Beach has a special place in my heart and in Laura’s too, so this was our last, but not least, scenic stop!
Contact Sonya to learn more about her weekday elopement photography for the Marin County Civic Center, San Francisco City Hall and the Bay Area!