Before Yes
San Francisco, CA

Marriage Preparation in San Francisco

Join 870,000 residents preparing for married life. Before Yes helps San Francisco couples have essential conversations before saying "I do."

San Francisco was a pioneer in marriage equality, performing some of the first same-sex marriages in 2004.

California Marriage License Requirements

$112
License Fee
None
Waiting Period
90 days
License Validity
No
Blood Test Required

Requirements may vary. Contact your local California county clerk for current information.

Why San Francisco Couples Choose Before Yes

West Coast couples often prioritize personal growth and non-traditional approaches.

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Flexible & Private

Work through questions together at home, at your favorite San Francisco coffee shop, or anywhere you're comfortable. Mild weather allows for year-round outdoor activities and relationship building.

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Save on Preparation

With the average San Francisco wedding costing $52,000, Before Yes offers comprehensive marriage preparation at a fraction of traditional counseling costs.

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Address Local Challenges

Extreme housing costs make financial planning and expectations around lifestyle critical conversations. Before Yes helps you navigate these conversations with 100+ research-backed questions.

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Compare & Connect

Many transplants mean building your own support network as a couple. Use Couples Mode to answer questions independently, then compare responses to spark meaningful conversations.

Essential Topics for San Francisco Couples

Before Yes covers the conversations that build a strong marriage foundation.

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Health & Wellness Physical and mental health
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Intimacy Emotional and physical needs
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Social Life Friends and activities
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Living Situation Where and how to live
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Life Goals Your shared vision
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Communication Styles How you handle disagreements
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Core Values What matters most to you
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Career Ambitions Work-life balance
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Extended Family In-laws and boundaries

Getting Married in San Francisco?

Popular Venue Types

  • waterfront venues
  • vineyard estates
  • historic landmarks

Best Seasons

The most popular wedding seasons in San Francisco are summer and fall.

Romantic Getaway

Plan a pre-wedding getaway to Napa Valley to reconnect and discuss your future together.

San Francisco Marriage Preparation FAQ

What is the marriage license fee in San Francisco?
The marriage license fee in San Francisco, California is $112. There is no waiting period required. Your license is valid for 90 days.
How long should we prepare for marriage?
Most relationship experts recommend 3-6 months of intentional marriage preparation. This gives you time to work through important topics like finances, family planning, and communication styles before your San Francisco wedding.
Is premarital counseling required in California?
Premarital counseling is not legally required in California, but it's highly recommended. Many couples find that preparation significantly improves their relationship satisfaction.
What topics should San Francisco couples discuss before marriage?
San Francisco couples should discuss finances (especially given $52,000 average wedding costs), family expectations, career goals, and lifestyle preferences. Extreme housing costs make financial planning and expectations around lifestyle critical conversations.

Ready to Start Your Marriage Journey in San Francisco?

Join couples across California preparing for marriage with Before Yes. Download free and start having the conversations that matter.

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