Ultimate Guide to Your Pasadena City Hall Wedding

January 31, 2024 7 min read

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Pasadena City Hall is a stunning location for couples who are looking for an intimate and romantic venue for their wedding ceremony. The City Hall is a popular choice for couples who want to exchange vows in a beautiful setting that is both elegant and timeless. This location is perfect for couples who want to have a small wedding ceremony with a few close friends and family members.

The Pasadena City Hall offers a range of options for couples who want to get married in this beautiful location. Couples can choose to have their ceremony in the courtyard, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. Alternatively, they can choose to have their ceremony in one of the many indoor locations, such as the Council Chambers or the Rotunda. The City Hall also offers a range of services and resources for couples who want to get married in Pasadena, including information on how to apply for a marriage license and tips on hiring a mobile officiant.

Pasadena city hall wedding

Pasadena City Hall Overview

Pasadena City Hall is a historic building located in Pasadena, California. It is considered to be one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in the city. The building was completed in 1927 and was designed by the renowned architect, Bertram Goodhue.

Historical Significance

Pasadena City Hall has a rich history and has been the site of many important events over the years. It has been used as a filming location for many movies and television shows, including "Parks and Recreation" and "The West Wing". The building was also the site of the first broadcast of the Rose Parade in 1947.

Architectural Style

Pasadena City Hall is a stunning example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. The building features a beautiful white facade, red-tiled roof, and a central dome that is visible from miles away. The interior of the building is just as impressive, with a grand staircase, beautiful murals, and intricate details throughout.

Overall, Pasadena City Hall is a beautiful and historic building that is worth visiting. It is a popular location for weddings and other special events, and its stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Pasadena.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Canva

Wedding Ceremony Options

Indoor Venues

Pasadena City Hall offers several indoor venues for wedding ceremonies. The most popular indoor venue is the Rotunda Room, which is located on the ground floor of the building. It features a beautiful marble floor and a dome-shaped ceiling, which creates a stunning backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The Rotunda Room can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized weddings.

Another indoor venue that is available for wedding ceremonies is the Council Chambers. This room is located on the second floor of the building and can accommodate up to 150 guests. The Council Chambers features a large wooden table and chairs, which are used for official city meetings. However, they can be removed to make space for a wedding ceremony.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Canva

Outdoor Venues

Pasadena City Hall also offers several outdoor venues for wedding ceremonies. The most popular outdoor venue is the Courtyard, which is located in the center of the building. The Courtyard features a beautiful fountain and a garden, which creates a romantic atmosphere for wedding ceremonies. The Courtyard can accommodate up to 200 guests, making it an ideal choice for larger weddings.

Another outdoor venue that is available for wedding ceremonies is the Memorial Park. The Memorial Park is located across the street from Pasadena City Hall and features a beautiful rose garden and a pond. The Memorial Park can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it an ideal choice for very large weddings.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Canva

Booking Process

Reservation Steps

To book a wedding ceremony at the Pasadena City Hall, couples need to follow a few simple steps. First, they need to determine the date and time they want to get married. It is important to note that the City Hall only performs civil ceremonies on weekdays during regular business hours. Once the couple has decided on a date and time, they need to contact the City Clerk's office to make a reservation. Reservations can be made in person, by phone, or online.

Required Documentation

Before the wedding ceremony, couples need to obtain a marriage license from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's office. The license must be obtained no more than 90 days before the wedding ceremony and the couple must provide valid identification, such as a driver's license or passport. The marriage license fee varies depending on the type of license, but it typically costs between $85 and $90.

Fees and Charges

The cost of a wedding ceremony at the Pasadena City Hall varies depending on several factors, including the day of the week, time of day, and location within the City Hall. The fees range from $500 to $1,500 and must be paid in full at the time of reservation. In addition to the ceremony fee, couples may also need to pay for parking, photography permits, and other related expenses.

It is important to note that the City Hall does not provide wedding officiants or photographers. Couples must make their own arrangements for these services. Mobile officiants are available for hire who can meet the couple at the City Hall grounds. Couples can also hire a professional photographer to capture their special day.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Canva

Wedding Photography

Pasadena City Hall is a popular spot for wedding photography due to its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Here are some important things to keep in mind when planning your wedding photography at Pasadena City Hall.

Permit Requirements

Before you start your wedding photography session, you need to obtain a photography permit from the City of Pasadena. The permit costs $100 and is valid for two hours. You can obtain the permit online or in person at the Pasadena City Hall.

Best Photo Spots

Pasadena City Hall has many beautiful spots for wedding photography. Here are some of the best spots to capture your special moments:

  • The Grand Staircase: The grand staircase is one of the most iconic spots at Pasadena City Hall. It is a perfect spot for a dramatic entrance or exit photo.

  • The Courtyard: The courtyard is a beautiful spot for wedding photography. It is surrounded by lush greenery and has a beautiful fountain in the center.

  • The Rotunda: The rotunda is another iconic spot at Pasadena City Hall. It has a beautiful marble floor and a stunning dome ceiling.

  • The Bridge: The bridge is a beautiful spot for wedding photography. It offers a great view of the city and is perfect for a romantic photo.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Canva

Vendor Guidelines

Approved Vendors

Pasadena City Hall has a list of approved vendors that couples can choose from for their wedding ceremony. Couples can also bring in their own vendors but they must be approved by the City Hall in advance. The approved vendors are experienced and familiar with the City Hall's policies and procedures, making them the best choice for couples who want a hassle-free wedding ceremony.

Catering and Decorations

Couples can bring in their own catering and decorations for their wedding ceremony at Pasadena City Hall. However, they must comply with the City Hall's policies and procedures regarding food and decorations. All food must be prepared off-site and brought in, and all decorations must be approved by the City Hall in advance.

Couples can choose from a variety of catering options, including full-service catering, buffet-style catering, and food trucks. The City Hall also has a list of approved catering vendors that couples can choose from.

For decorations, couples can choose from a variety of options such as flowers, candles, and balloons. However, all decorations must be approved by the City Hall in advance to ensure that they comply with the City Hall's policies and procedures.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Canva

Guest Accommodations

Parking Information

Pasadena City Hall offers a limited amount of parking spaces for guests. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is recommended that guests arrive early to secure a parking spot. Additionally, there are several public parking garages located within walking distance of City Hall. Guests can park at the Marengo Parking Garage, located at 155 E. Green Street, or at the Schoolhouse Parking Garage, located at 33 E. Green Street. These garages offer hourly and daily rates and are open 24 hours a day.

Nearby Hotels

For out-of-town guests, there are several hotels located near Pasadena City Hall.

The Sheraton Pasadena Hotel is located just a few blocks away and offers comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities.

The Westin Pasadena is another nearby hotel that offers a luxurious stay for guests. Other nearby hotels include the Hilton Pasadena and the Courtyard by Marriott Pasadena Old Town.

Guests can also explore Airbnb options in the area for a more personalized and unique stay. It is recommended that guests book their accommodations in advance to ensure availability and the best rates.

Pasadena City Hall Wedding

Photo: Tripadvisor

Legal Considerations

Marriage License

To get married at the Pasadena City Hall, a couple needs to obtain a marriage license. The marriage license can be applied for in two ways:

  • Applying during the week to the county clerk's office before the wedding day.
  • Booking a 60-minute appointment on the actual wedding day and applying the same day.

It is important to note that the marriage license must be obtained within 90 days of purchase. The cost of the marriage license typically ranges from $30 to $150 for the application.

Officiant Regulations

Couples getting married at the Pasadena City Hall must have an officiant to perform the ceremony. The officiant can be a religious leader, a judge, or a commissioner of civil marriages. It is important to note that the officiant must be authorized by the state of California to perform the ceremony.

Couples can bring their own officiant or choose from a list of officiants provided by the city. Couples are also responsible for ensuring that their chosen officiant is authorized to perform the ceremony in the state of California.

pasadena city hall wedding

Photo: Canva



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