San Francisco City Hall Elopement with Glydel and Josh
- Kaleigh Schouten
- 4 days ago
- 17 min read
On April 24, 2025, Glydel and Josh will officially have been married for one full trip around the sun! Their elopement will continue to be one of the most special days I have had the opportunity to be part of... let alone, document! This blog post is going to take you on the wild ride on how Glydel and Josh's love story, how they found me, their engagement session which turned into their elopement, and their entire process on choosing to elope at the San Francisco City Hall over a traditional wedding. This read will have insight from the both the photographer and the client's point of view in hope to give you a well rounded perspective!
Starting with the Big Sur Engagement Session
Before I ever received the inquiry to photograph Glydel and Josh's elopement, I received my dream inquiry for an engagement session in Big Sur! It was absolutely a pinch me moment that seemed way too good to be true. I remember sending off a quote that included my session cost and travel holding my breath, and they came back almost immediately ready to sign! We were complete internet strangers, so why me? To give reference, I was living in Huntsville, AL while Josh was on an army base in up state New York and Glydel was working in the Bay Area.
It started with a mini session... that turned out ehh
That's right. It started because of a MINI SESSION. I swear when I look back over my business and the clients that have meant the most to me, our paths eventually crossed because of a mini session. I wrote a blog post a while ago on how to plan for your mini sessions, so if you're interested in that... you can read that here!
Let me take you back to Fall 2022. For y'all that don't know already, I grew up in small town Indiana! After I graduated from Purdue University with an engineering degree, I eventually made my way to Huntsville, AL to work on data centers for a huge media client. Photography found me at random in 2020, and I was quitting my full-time job to pursuit it by spring 2022. So after making a short story long, I would try to book and plan sessions near my hometown so I could travel home as a tax write-off. Fall 2022, I planned fall mini sessions in Madison, IN... which didn't book out at all. In fact, only one slot was filled - the sunset slot.
Right when that one and final mini session was starting, I realized I made a poor judgement call when it came to picking my time slots. I put the last time slot during golden hour, which sounds like a promising idea. However, my mini sessions were in a wooded area. This meant it got dark QUICK once the sun started to flirt with the horizon. Unfortunately, the photos were going to turn out darker and grainer than I had originally envisioned for this session.
I remember that when I delivered them, I wasn't very excited about them. The client did love them, and I eventually got around to posting a few about a month later because A) I wanted to post some fall content, and B) I needed to grab attention of more midwest clients. What I didn't expect was that C) someone from California would want to book me for their engagement session.
The client from the mini session reposted the photos I posted onto their Instagram story. Glydel happened to be friends with that girl on Instagram because they went to the same high school. From there, Glydel stalked my Instagram and decided that I was the one that would take her engagement photos out west! So, she reached out!
If you followed all of that than you should be able to connect the dots that I posted photos that I wasn't excited or really that proud of, and it booked me my dream client... So if you're a photographer reading this, JUST POST SOMETHING ALREADY. It doesn't have to be your favorite work. It doesn't even have to be your best work. Putting your art out there will start to attract those that need to be in your orbit, so JUST DO IT ALREADY. Okay, so moving on...
Meeting a stranger on the internet, part 1
Once Glydel and Josh became more serious about booking me for their engagement session, I asked to jump on a Zoom call to chat through all the details. Needless to say, I was so nervous. It's so difficult to sell yourself to a client to book you for their wedding in a different state, so booking just an engagement session out of state seemed like the final boss. But within minutes of being on the call, we all became instant best friends. At the time, I refused to pay for Zoom, so we went through almost 3 free 40-minute zoom chat rooms just getting to know each other and to chat through their vision.
Once everything was booked, I spent HOURS on google maps to put together a photo timeline of where along the coast we would take photos. Up until that point, I have never been to Big Sur, so it took a lot of research to put together a plan on where to shoot and during what time of day. That whole process could fill a chapter book, so I may go more in-depth on that in a future blog.
A few weeks before my husband (then fiance), and I headed out west, we jumped on one last call to chat through the timeline details and make the final plans on where to meet up and when. After that call ended, the adventure truly started!
Meeting a stranger on the internet, part 2
I remember being increasingly anxious driving down CA-1 with my fiance on the way to meet Glydel and Josh in Big Sur. Although we were trying to pass the time and the nerves by listening to podcasts on Logan Paul's crypto-zoo fiasco and whatever the heck Akon was up to, all I could think about was how embarrassing it would be if either A) they didn't show up or B) my plan went to complete trash. Lucky for me, neither were the case! The session was met with the most stunning weather, and Glydel and Josh were more than I was expecting! We basically ended the session eating Starbucks chocolate croissants on the beach at the end of golden hour while my fiance took film photos of birds... the best!
But hold the phone... didn't you say he was in New York, and she was in California? How did they meet?
Yes girl, you heard me right!! I was just as shook about that detail when we did our first initial video call. What's an even crazier detail is that were long distance all the way up until AFTER they were MARRIED. So all I have to say is... If he wants to, he will.
I asked them to tell me their love story so I could also share it with y'all. This is what they said -
Glydel: "The first time Josh and I met was on March 26th, 2017, we started as good friends first. He went to school with my cousins in California and that's how we basically met. We started talking consistently sometime in September of 2017. In December of 2017, before the holidays, he came to visit me in Indiana. January 5th of 2018 before he flew back to Cali, we made it official, he asked me to be his girlfriend.
Prior to him asking me officially, he actually thought of not pursuing me because he was already enlisted in the Military at this time and was about to leave for bootcamp, as you probably already know that means he will be gone for a while with no frequent communication. He was afraid of hurting me when he leaves, there was a lot of what-ifs on his end. But I told him, "why don't we give it a try? If it doesn't work out, at least we tried." He wrote me lots of letters and vice versa until he finally finished training. (FAST FORWARD TO ALMOST ONE YEAR MARRIED, LOL!!)
What dating was like for us wasn't your typical dating, we were in long distance relationship for basically the entirety of our relationship. It was challenging and there were lots of sacrifices made. We lived in different time zones, we were in school, we were both working. At the end of the day we made sure that we made time for each other, communicated well and we made sure to see each other in person as much as we can.
We were engaged for 1 year & 7 months.
How we survived long distance consisted of many things: a huge one is trust, we survived long distance because we both fully trusted each other, we never gave each other reasons to be worried. A lot of communication, assurance, consistency and a lot of patience."
So, how did he propose?
Glydel: "Josh came home for Labor Day weekend in Sept. 2022. I had no idea he and our closest friends planned a picnic in Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, CA. We were late showing up at our own engagement. We were driving from Fresno after spending a couple of days with his family... The traffic was so heavy on our way there, but when we finally made it, he got down on one knee, reminisced time together and asked me to marry him!
The first thing I said was, "Did you ask my mom?" HAHAHAHA"
Deciding to elope over a traditional wedding
Kaleigh hoping back in here for a moment! My husband and I also eloped instead of choosing to host a traditional wedding for our friends and family. Being a wedding photographer, I obviously see both sides! Glydel and Josh's elopement was their decision; and after experiencing their day in person, I can vouch that was the most perfect union for them. Choosing to elope or have a wedding is so incredibly personal. Always do what is best for you (first) and your loved ones. There is nothing, in my opinion, offensive with Glydel and Josh's reason to elope... but just wanted to put that disclaimer out into the air because people like to people.
Now that is out of the way....
I was curious as to why Josh and Glydel chose to elope. Did they ever even consider a traditional wedding?
Glydel: "We did consider a traditional wedding in the Philippines so our family there can also witness it. However, Josh and I have different religions. In the Philippines, you really can't get married in the church if one is not converted in one's religion. When we got together, we made sure that we respected each other's beliefs and decided to welcome both religion without the need for one to convert. So, we decided to elope."
But where? Did y'all always have your heart set on the San Fransisco City Hall?
Glydel: "No, it was not always going to be San Francisco City Hall. We were going to elope in Little White Wedding Chapel & Drive thru Tunnel of Love in Las Vegas; my Dad originally suggested that. Josh and I thought a drive-thru ceremony was so unique. However, we fell in love with SF City Hall!"
An elopement was decided, so it's time to plan!
I remember that when the original inquiry came in for their elopement, they put down a date of 04/24/24! Such a fun and cool date, but there was a small caveat... There was nothing set in stone quite yet for that date.
Glydel: "When we eloped in SF City Hall, there was a 90-day window for our chosen date to open. We chose April 24th, 2024 to elope so our window opened January 25th, 2024 exactly 90 days. There were several times to choose from. Josh was in charge of securing a time for our date since his time zone was ahead, but he sort of got on late and almost did not get a guaranteed spot to elope, LOL!!! There were 2 time slots open left when he remembered to log-on."
A lot of venue locations across the country typically only book elopement dates (and times) starting 90 days out! Just something to consider if you're planning your own elopement. Also consider checking your time zones and setting tons of alarms!
Glydel: "When we planned to eloped at SF City Hall we were told we needed an appointment to get our marriage license within the 90-days of the date of our ceremony. We had an appointment for April18th, 2024 to get out marriage license prior to us getting married on April 24th, 2024. We were also told to arrive 30 minutes before our ceremony time to check-in and bring at least 1 witness to sign our marriage certificate. (Thank you, Kaleigh!!! :D)"
Just like a traditional wedding you, you typically have to secure your marriage license BEFORE your ceremony date. I know that when my husband and I eloped in Yosemite NP, we picked up our marriage license a day or two before our elopement date. We filed and picked up our certificate a few hours after we eloped.
Although you're eloping, your marriage certificate is the same as everyone else's! Check the state that you're eloping in and the requirements you need to make it official. Since Glydel and Josh were signing and filing the same day at the City Hall, their officiant was able to quickly sign. They also needed one witness to make it final. They surprised me on the way to the ceremony that they wanted me to be their witness! I almost cried! It's so wild and crazy to me that I was once a stranger on the internet, and now I'm forever on their marriage license! But speaking of their marriage license, they had to pick their marriage certificate days after their filed their marriage license.
Glydel: "There were no further steps after the ceremony. However, after our mini reception at RH, Josh and I came back to SF City Hall to get our marriage certificate. If you're a Military service member, you can actually get your marriage certificate the same day you got married."
Most that choose to elope also tend to host a reception/party for the rest of the family and friends that were not part of the actual ceremony. Glydel and Josh chose to have their reception a few days after their elopement! We'll get into those details later.
Planning on the photography end was... something
Knowing that I planned and photographed their engagement session without a hitch, you'd think that I would have been super on top of it on their wedding day, right? Well... right and wrong. Here are a few of things that I planned for, what actually happened, and what I learned.
Locations for the elopement
Leading up to the big day, we had a timeline with locations. I made the mistake of just putting the name of the location on the timeline and not the actual address. Glydel and Josh were getting ready at the Ritz Carlton and eloping at the City Hall. The goal was to meet them at the Ritz first for details, first looks, and vows. Thank GOODNESS I planned to arrive almost an hour early because I managed to go to the WRONG Ritz Carlton. So, I rushed to the correct one, but I don't know if you have ever driven in San Francisco... If not, my advise is to just don't. The amount of red lights and cars I almost hit on the way to the correct location was absurd. I'm still surprised I made it with my rental car being in one piece.
When I arrived, I parked on the street and rushed in at the exact minute my timeline started. The bell hop tracked me down as I was running to the elevators to tell me that I would get towed for where I parked because (supposedly) there was a sign that stated construction was due to happen on that side of the street that week. On the edge of panicking, the bell hop looked at me and said, "I know you're here for a very special mission. Give me your car keys. I will move your car for you."
God bless that man. I think the Glydel's father paid to put my car in valet when he saw me about to have a heart attack as I was running into the nicest hotel I have ever stepped foot in.
So, make sure you have addresses and preferably parking garage to park in.
Their first look was not approved
When planning for their big day, Glydel informed me that she wanted to have their first look in the lobby at the Ritz Carlton. My brain didn't stop to think that we should ask the hotel for approvable before doing that. I should have thought of that detail, because even hotels here in Huntsville requires approval for photoshoots to take place in their lobbies.
So without really planning to, we asked for forgiveness over permission for sure. After their first look, we definitely were told by the manager that we were not allowed to do that. She nicely gave us on the spot permission to continue their vows in the courtyard outside. The courtyard was way more quiet and intimate, so a win is a win!
Don't forget about your film!
Glydel and Josh booked a film package! Typically with a film package, it's way easier for me to shoot film and digital through out wedding/elopement when I have a second shooter because sometimes I forget to shoot film during long portions of the day. On this day, that was not the case! I was on top of it when it came to the film game.
When we arrived to the City Hall, you had to go through security. If you're a photographer, you're already aware of where I'm going with this.... I forgot to ask the security officer to hand check my film instead of letting it go through the baggage scan. Luckily (again, I was pretty lucky on this day), the baggage scan wasn't nearly as intense as what you'd experience at an airport. Since my film was lower that 800 ISO, everything turned out fine.
Knowing where you can take photos
I already mentioned the light scolding by the hotel manager for taking photos in the lobby. I
also got a light scolding by a city hall worker for taking photos in an area where photos we're allowed. I was truly on fire that day.
Have a back up camera body
Right after the ceremony was done, we jumped into a few family photos. Although they eloped, they had a small amount of friends and family there to celebrate with them! Towards the end of family photos, my camera's shutter got stuck.
Just two weeks before that, I happened to purchase another of my favorite camera bodies. Although I had three camera bodies, I brought the two that were the exact same. Thank goodness I did! I quickly switched my cards and lens to the new camera and kept on shooting!
Snacks...
When I arrived at the Ritz Carlton, it was 7am. When we started couples portraits, It was well into 11am. Your girl was about to pass away from hunger right when I needed to start using my creative brain to it's full advantage. I absolutely still pulled through, but a protein bar would have been nice.
Now for weddings, I carry around a lunch box! Quick bites are the secret sauce to staying mentally on top of it. After couple portraits, I was invited to lunch with Glydel, Josh and their friends and family who attended the ceremony. Best melt of my life!
What caught them off guard?
Anyone that elopes will not shut up about how amazing it was. I know because I'm one of them! However, things are never always perfect.
What was something that caught you off guard with your elopement?
Glydel: "What caught us off guard was how many people elope there on a daily. It can definitely get busy! Can't blame anyone, because SF City Hall is such a beautiful venue to get married in."
The amount of photoshopping I did was insane! Thank goodness Adobe came out with their early version of photoshop AI when I was editing their gallery.
What would you have done differently?
Glydel: "We would have invested in videography (elopement & reception) and the day-of coordinator (reception)."
When It came to planning your elopement, what was something you stressed over that didn't amount to anything?
Glydel: "We were stressed over food not being enough, but it turns out there was plenty left at the end of the night, and later that night everyone was raving about how good the food was. We were also stressed about the tablescape; because of the wind we weren't able to put our white rose bud vases on the tables because it will just get knocked down by the wind and break. Our little souvenirs served as tablescapes instead and it turned out so cute in the photos. People were able to bring the white roses home with them.
Because we already got married 2 days before the reception, we weren't that stressed at the reception, if anything we wanted to party and have so much fun."
It's been brought up a few times already, so I feel that it's time to chat more about their reception.
Let's chat about the after party!
The elopement was on a Wednesday, and their reception was on a Friday! It took place in the courtyard at a cute hotel in Santa Clara! The weather was perfect, and the vibes were immaculate! They had an open bar, a boba bar, sushi, and straight up a cooked pig! Everyone was having the time of their life!
How did you pick your reception venue?
Glydel: "Josh and I have always wanted an outdoor reception venue, and it just so happens that I worked at Delta Hotels and there was an outdoor area. With the help and support of my amazing then co-workers who helped me plan our reception set-up, some stress was lifted off my shoulders."
Now picture this - surrounding the courtyard where you're hosting you're reception are the hotel rooms for all your favorite people! This was one of my favorite aspects about their reception. It made it super easy for guest to step into their rooms if they needed to grab something or put something away!
How did the reception go?
Since their reception didn't follow directly after a ceremony, it looked a bit different than most traditional wedding receptions but similar all at the same time!
The reception kicked off with all the guest taking their seats at their tables. The reception was organized with only two long tables with an aisle down the middle that lead to the head table. Josh, then all the family members and close friends that were part of the ceremony, then Glydel were introduced into the reception almost like a presentational. When Glydel was introduced, everyone stood! So, she still had that similar moment that a bride would have on a traditional wedding day. And yes, Josh cried.
After intros, Glydel and Josh had their first dance! Followed by dinner and toasts!
While everyone was eating, the couple snuck away for a quick dress change. After they were re-introduced together this time, we jumped into parent dances then cake cutting! To get the dance floor started, the couple had a money dance to allow some one on one-ish time with their guest.
Between the elopement day and reception, they truly had the best of both worlds!
Time for the highlights!
What was your favorite part?
Glydel: "Everything!!! Especially when Josh and I did our private vows. Also, we love the fact that we were surrounded by the people we love so much when we said our, "I dos". It was a very emotional time yet the happiest, most perfect day for Josh and I."
Anything else you want to share now that you walked down memory lane?
Glydel: "Be present on your day because time does go so fast it's insane!!! We love that we had 2 different days to celebrate -- we had time to process and take in every beautiful moment from our elopement. Then we looked forward to a great time and celebrated our marriage at our reception with our other close family and friends. Even 2 days of celebration wasn't enough -- we loved our elopement and reception so much we cried for days after. WISH WE COULD RE-LIVE IT FOREVER!
Be really intentional with whom you want to celebrate your marriage with, at the end of the day this is about you and your person. If we could do it all over, we would still do our elopement again with just our immediate family and 3 close friends and celebrate with everyone else at the reception. It was a stress-free elopement day getting ready with our family, we were able to really prepare and focus on ourselves before we said our "I dos."
Lastly, invest in photography + add-ons (film/polaroid) and videography if you can because that's all you will have after all of the planning and executing. You'll want to have something to remember from your special day. I look at our gallery from time to time and I fall in love every single time!!! It truly brings me back to all of the emotions and moments from our big day shared with people we hold so close in our hearts."
If you have been on my wedding page as of late (2025), you will see Glydel and Josh's photos all over it. The San Francisco City Hall is insane, and might I add... not expense! They have options for just an elopement and to also host a small ceremony. If you're interested in solidifying your union at the SF City Hall, let's chat!! I want to be part of it!
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