Arrive at San Francisco City Hall around 8:30–9:00am for security, check-in, paperwork, and photos before the civil ceremony. The building is generally open weekdays during business hours, but wedding appointments and civil-ceremony availability must be confirmed directly with the San Francisco County Clerk; bring valid photo ID and any required documents. Allow roughly two hours, including time for portraits beneath the grand rotunda and outside on Polk Street. Afterward, walk about 15–20 minutes downhill to Ferry Building Marketplace—or take Muni along Market Street if anyone is dressed formally and prefers to avoid the hills.
Spend about an hour at Ferry Building Marketplace, where you can make the post-ceremony stop feel celebratory without committing to a full meal: pick up pastries, coffee, cheese, or something from the food stalls, then step outside to the Embarcadero for bay views. Most vendors operate roughly 8am–6pm on weekdays, though individual hours vary. From there, take Muni or a taxi/rideshare toward Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turntable; allow 20–30 minutes, and remember that cable cars require a separate fare—about $8 for a single ride, subject to change. The turntable is an enjoyable quick stop, but lines for the actual cable car can be long, so treat the ride as optional rather than something to rush for.
After watching the historic cars turn around, ride the Powell–Hyde line toward Russian Hill and exit near North Beach, or take a rideshare directly if timing matters. Have your main celebratory lunch at Original Joe’s, a classic San Francisco Italian-American restaurant known for generous portions, red-sauce staples, steaks, and its lively old-school atmosphere; budget approximately $30–$60 per person before drinks and tip. A reservation is wise, especially on a Sunday, and lunch timing around 1:30–2pm gives you breathing room after the ceremony and cable-car stop.
Walk off lunch through Chinatown, entering around Grant Avenue and branching onto quieter Stockton Street and the small side alleys. Allow about 90 minutes for bakeries, tea shops, herbal stores, red lanterns, and the distinctive architecture around Portsmouth Square. This is a good part of the day to wander without a strict checklist; bring cash for small purchases, and expect many independent shops to close by early evening. Wear comfortable shoes—this route includes steep streets and uneven sidewalks.
Finish at Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar in the Fairmont on Nob Hill, about a 15–20-minute uphill walk from Chinatown or a short taxi/rideshare ride. Plan on roughly two hours and approximately $25–$50 per person for drinks and light food, with additional service charges or minimums depending on the night. The Polynesian décor, indoor “storms,” live music, and famously theatrical atmosphere make it a fun wedding-day finale; check the current schedule and reservation policy before going, since hours and entertainment can vary. A rideshare back to your hotel is the easiest option afterward, particularly if you have formalwear or have been drinking.
Start around 8:30am at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, allowing about 90 minutes for the arched bridges, stone paths, pagodas, and quiet tea-house garden. In August, mornings can still be cool and foggy, so bring a light layer. The garden generally opens at 9am; admission is typically around $15–$18 for adults, with some free-entry periods on weekday mornings, so check the current schedule before going. From there, a rideshare to The Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio is the most practical choice—about 15–20 minutes, often $15–$25—since public transit can take considerably longer. Give the museum roughly two hours; it usually opens at 10am, and timed tickets are commonly around $25–$30. The galleries are an especially good weather-proof stop, with detailed exhibits on Walt Disney’s life, animation, and the company’s early creative history.
After the museum, take a short rideshare—about 10 minutes—to the Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District. Spend 45 minutes strolling around the lagoon and photographing the rotunda; the grounds are free and open during the day, though the area can be breezy. Around 11:30am–noon, continue toward Fisherman’s Wharf by rideshare, roughly 10–15 minutes, or use the 28 bus if you prefer saving money and have time. Have lunch at Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe, budgeting $15–$30 per person. The clam chowder in a sourdough bowl is the classic order, though the café can be crowded—go upstairs or choose a table away from the busiest windows for a more relaxed break.
Walk the short distance to PIER 39 for about 90 minutes of easy waterfront wandering. The sea lions are usually gathered on the western docks, while the eastern side has broad views toward Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge. Shops and outdoor areas generally stay open into the evening, and this is a good place to pause for coffee or a snack rather than trying to add another major attraction. Finish at the Aquarium of the Bay, allowing about 90 minutes for its clear underwater tunnels, local marine-life exhibits, and touch pools. It commonly operates from late morning into the early evening, with adult admission often around $30–$35; buy timed tickets ahead if visiting on a busy August afternoon. From here, you are well placed to continue along the Embarcadero for dinner or return by the F Market & Wharves streetcar—allow 35–50 minutes back toward Civic Center, or use a rideshare if everyone is tired.