San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA—Today at San Francisco’s City Hall, more than 200 couples will be married by city officials and volunteer Deputy Marriage Commissioners as part of the city’s annual tradition celebrating marriage equality and Pride weekend.

Mayor London N. Breed, City Administrator Carmen Chu, and County Clerk Diane Rea made the announcement today as San Francisco prepares to welcome thousands of onlookers at Sunday's Pride Parade and other celebrations throughout the weekend. These include the return of Pride laser beams that will project 20 rainbow color lasers from the Ferry Building up Market Street and over Twin Peaks.

This year’s theme for SF Pride is “Beacon of Love.”

“Throughout June, San Franciscans and people from around the world celebrate Pride Month in our City, and 20 years after the 'Winter of Love,' our pride has never been stronger," said Mayor London Breed. "You see it every day in this City – the reminders are everywhere, whether it's a shop window, pride and trans flags proudly flown at schools and homes, with rainbow crosswalks. Yes, San Francisco is a beacon of love, but also hope. Right now, all across this country our LGBTQ+ community is under assault, with their basic rights being threatened, and we stand strong in support of this incredible community. Today is about celebrating the love that bonds individuals together and serves as the heart of the work we have ahead of us here in this City and across the nation.”

“Today and throughout Pride Month, we uplift and celebrate the joy and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community. We also recognize the long hard-fought road to marriage equality and continued fight for equal rights around the country and abroad. As we welcome over 200 couples from all over the world to get married at City Hall, we are reminded of our responsibility to make sure San Francisco continues to be an inclusive and safe place for people of all genders and sexualities,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “I want to thank County Clerk Diane Rea and her staff, the City Hall Building Management team, and each of our Deputy Marriage Commissioners for their work to celebrate each couple getting married today.”

In 2017, under then County Clerk Catherine Stefani's leadership, additional marriage appointments were made available on Fridays before SF Pride. This allowed people worldwide to participate in events dedicated to celebrating San Francisco’s diversity.

“It warms my heart to see the tradition I began with the amazing staff of the County Clerk’s Office continue each year. This event is a testament to San Francisco’s enduring commitment to recognizing everyone’s right to marry who they love,” Supervisor Catherine Stefani said. “Today, we honor these beautiful couples and reaffirm our dedication to fighting for true equality for all.”

On a typical day, 28 marriages are officiated at City Hall by volunteer deputy marriage commissioners trained by the County Clerk's office. Now in its 32nd year, some volunteers have served nearly three decades.

“The San Francisco County Clerk’s Office has had a long history in the City’s fight for marriage equality. We are proud to continue welcoming hundreds of couples during Pride,” said County Clerk Diane Rea. “Today’s 200+ weddings represent only a fraction of over 7,000 City Hall weddings annually made possible by our hardworking staff.”

City officials including Supervisor Rafael Mandelman joined Deputy Marriage Commissioners from various offices to help couples tie the knot.

"One beautiful thing about working in San Francisco City Hall is witnessing happy couples saying their vows," said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “Given this building's role in fighting for marriage equality, it is special for me as a gay man to help with Pride Friday ceremonies."

“The journey towards marriage equality began here with bold defiance culminating in Supreme Court recognition,” Treasurer José Cisneros stated.

“City Hall today is filled with joy seeing hundreds express commitment—reminding us that San Francisco remains a place of hope,” Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres remarked.

"I am proud that San Francisco continues leading LGBTQ rights," Human Resources Director Carol Isen added.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey reflected on historical milestones: “We honor then-Mayor Gavin Newsom's decision issuing same-sex licenses marking pivotal moments."

Supervisor Joel Engardio shared personal insights: "Growing up imagining marriage was impossible; yet marrying here shows miracles happen due to San Francisco's efforts."

February marked Winter of Love's 20th anniversary when Mayor Newsom directed issuing same-sex licenses resulting in over 4,000 marriages despite legal challenges later resumed legally in June 2013.

Couples expressed gratitude: Alex Mendez & John Spangler appreciated dignity; Laura Keegan & Mikayla Brown celebrated queer love; Paul Cooksey & Patrick Dougherty highlighted diversity significance during SF Pride.

San Francisco City Hall remains popular hosting high-profile events named "Best Wedding Venue" by SFGate's Best Bay Area list.

                                                                                                ###