Pasadena City Hall

It’s one of the best place to visit in Pasadena. Beautifully representing the historic architecture. Amazing architectural views . So many photo shots are happening here . Best views to take pictures . Peaceful place for evening walk and enjoy architectural work.1927 built

Every wedding tells a unique story, and today, I had the absolute honor of capturing the heartfelt moments of this incredible celebration. To the couple, thank you for trusting me to preserve these memories. Your love radiates in every frame, and it was an absolute privilege to be a part of your day. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and love! A #WeddingPhotographer #ThomasKimPhotography #WeddingGoals

Great place for photoshoot. It’s non stop place for photoshoot. You should show up early to get your shot otherwise lot of people show up later of the day. Great vibe. There’s a small outlet. The day I been there was so much of happening near the outlet. Parking is crazy. Make sure after 2 hr parking and want to stay for long, then renew your parking meter. You may expect ticket via mail.

I love the Pasadena City Hall, just a couple of blocks from my dad's old work at Kaiser Permanente. The city hall was built in 1927 and it features popular movies that were filmed here like Bedtime Stories (2008) with Adam Sandler and Beverly Hills Cop 2 (1987) with Eddie Murphy.

Beautiful area. Great for photos

One of my favorite places in LA area. Definitely worth to come and enjoy the architecture, beautiful, nice and clean area. Fontaine that located at the courtyard is nice and calming.

After our lunch at Lunasia Dim Sum House we decided to take a short walk to the amazing building which is the Pasadena City Hall. Located on Garfield Ave. Spectacularly designed and artfully finished. With wide and nicely paved streets.

Power outage Without at LEAST 24 hours notice. I wish you a sugar honey ice tea day. If my pets perish and my food goes to waste, you'll be paying the damages Yet again another update july 11 2024. These so called people turned off the power since the morning and wont be back till late at night. Its hot and we need the AC! You will be paying for damages yet again. Another update- Ableist La Vallarta keeps this ongoing for months now. No one should risk their lives getting hit and killed by traffic because this grocery store is greedy and invading public property due to its lack of parking. See photos.

This is a review for the space only as I only came here for a photoshoot. I wasn't able to find close street parking on a Monday so I parked on City Hall's parking lot. It was $1.25 for an hour and you pay at the machine. Cash and card are accepted. It prints a parking pass and you place it on the driver's side dashboard. It wasn't too crowded on a Monday and only a couple of people doing photoshoots. The architecture was breathtaking and many photo opportunity moments.

This was a 3.5 stars event since I Attended numerous community events this 2024 year through PCC: I showed up to 'Pasadena City Hall,' was for PCC's 100th year birthday celebration part 2 continued and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration as well. There existed a Latinos' Parade on top of all vendor booths advertising their businesses handing out swags. Well....it was a super hot day, and I parked about a block or two away since they blocked off the immediate parking lot for vendors? This was a big community all complimentary event, but lack of parking from the City Hall itself kind of sent negative vibes in general. I wished there was an easier parking situation but that didn't happen.

Literally one of the most stunning buildings in the heart of Pasadena! As a resident and someone who works walking distance from this historical monument that turns 100 years old in 2027, I'm in awe every time that I pass it. Whether day or night, the city hall exhibits such an immense presence with its beautiful architecture. It is also commonly used in many movies and TV shows, and is only a hop, skip and a jump from Hollywood. If you're visiting LA, take a trip to Pasadena and experience all of the great things this city has to offer!

A beautiful place for photos shoot, we visited on Sunday morning, there were many photographers with their clients all over the city hall. Parking was easy on Sunday not sure about other days of the week.

This is a gorgeous city hall and if you happen to spend the day in Pasadena, I highly recommend making a visit. There's plenty of parking and it isn't super crowded like other tourist spots in LA. The city hall in Pasadena transports you to something you might read out of a book or lost somewhere in Europe. This is free to visit and it's huge to walk around. There are so many gorgeous views from wherever you are. Each tower has its own staircase and they're not connected so you have to locate the staircase for the view you want. Overall, it's really beautiful here. There's a fountain and you can get really pretty photos for social media. It's also quiet so you could read a book on a bench if you want.

The city hall is a beautiful place that hosts events as well as many taking engagement photos etc. I came here for the symphony orchestra free concert and that was real nice. Also did my engagement shoot here when it was raining which was also beautiful. Just overall a cool spot all around!

Pasadena City Hall is a great place to stop at when visiting the area. I enjoy taking pictures, so going here was a treat. When we visited during the afternoon, we noticed many high schoolers taking prom pictures. Despite that, the atmosphere around still felt relaxing and didn't take away from my ability to fully admire the architecture. If walking around Colorado Blvd., I highly recommend taking a stop by the city hall.

I recently shot a elopement/engagement here at the Pasadena City Hall on a Monday morning and it was empty and such a perfect intimate and beautiful place for photos! Would highly recommend to couples that love the architecture here in LA

It's a beautiful location!! Don't just pass by, take time to stop and walk the grounds. Great place to have photos taken.

After our lunch at Lunasia Dim Sum House we decided to take a short walk to the amazing building which is the Pasadena City Hall. Located on Garfield Ave. Spectacularly designed and artfully finished. With wide and nicely paved streets.

Being from SGV, I thought taking photos at PCH would've been so typical/boring... but I am so glad we did it! I think you can already tell from all the other Yelp photos how beautiful City Hall is for shoots. We went in May for our engagement shoot and it was very crowded due to prom season. But our photographer was so great that she was able to make it seem like we were the only ones there. (Message for info!) There are so many areas to shoot. I went to a garden and city hall and I actually liked the hall photos way more!! You won't regret this location for photos. Ample parking, beautiful, spacious, classy.

I'm not a politician, I don't help run the city government of Pasadena and neither have I partaken in a rally/protest in the area. Does Pasadena even protest anything? It's so 'perfect' but I digress... I am, however, a working model and have been for quite some time. I've driven past the Pasadena City Hall on Garfield countless times and was blown away by the architectural prowess of the structure. It is inarguably one of the most gorgeous buildings in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area.  When I discovered that Pasadena City Hall would be the location of one of my modeling shoots; I was elated. Allow me to give you the insider's scoop on using this gorgeous spot for your own photo background. Like me, you've probably driven by the Pasadena City Hall on numerous occasions and had your eye grow wide at its beauty. Whether in the day sun or lit up by landscape lights in the evening; it is nothing short of glorious with a Grecian meets Colonial air. It is a monument, to be sure.  Completed in 1927; Pasadena City Hall has been the home to numerous photo shoots, weddings, and city happenings and even if you aren't partaking in one of those activities: you must see it on foot. Parking is metered on the street so be prepared to pay and possibly walk but it is certainly worth it. The first noticeable trait of Pasadena City Hall is the HUGE, circular cement courtyard in the front. This serve a purpose as an event space for press conferences, parades, rallies and city events but it is certainly tempting to zoom around it in a go-kart. Take the front steps up to the building and feast your eyes on gorgeous architectural details: atriums, high ornate ceilings, staircases, columns, a beautiful water fountain, landscaping galore with lovely flora and fauna, hallways and the list goes on until the next set of steps leading to the bordering street which also has its own supplemental beauty of a modern fountain, old gothic style church and walkways. There are so many nooks and crannies to take photos; it is almost overwhelming. In fact, EVERYONE and their mother takes advantage of Pasadena City Hall and takes photos there from engagement, bridal, baby, quinceanera, graduation, holiday cards to formal modeling and tv/film shoots. If you haven't taken photos here... what are you waiting for?! Luckily, permits are not required unless it is a formal paid shoot or with a crew so photograph your heart out. Plus, the employees at Pasadena City Hall are used to this sort of thing.  We encountered a few employees and security guards during my modeling shoot and not only do they not bother you; but are also very kind, complimentary and smile. They aren't possessive oftheir space at all and even if they are annoyed then they hide it well. It seems that all models making use of Pasadena City Hall for their own photos are also quite respectful of each other: most people acknowledge each other and try to stay out of others' pictures and share the prime spots. Of course, there ARE some rude folks; but in general everyone works together. A little tip: A key rule of thumb of outdoor photography is that it is best in golden hour (immediately before sunset). However, photos at Pasadena City Hall are even ideal in the late afternoon prior to Golden Hour due to the immense size of the structure. The sun sets at such an angle with the building; that it can create too many shadows that will result in overly dark photos unless you have proper light filters, screens, and post-production. I do believe that Pasadena City Hall offers ticketed tours of the interior which is definitely worth looking into. I may not be running for the next mayorship of Pasadena (perhaps I should!); however I HAVE modeled in countless locales and Pasadena City Hall is certainly in my top favorites from the relaxed atmosphere to the heavenly beauty of the grounds. Pasadena City Hall should certainly be a location option for your next photoshoot.

What a beautiful wedding venue! After days of rain, the sun came out for my friend's wedding. No one expected the weather to cooperate but there was a bit of sunshine for her outdoor wedding by the fountain. As it was an Indian wedding and Hindu ceremony, the groom made his way down the street with family and friends in tow. There was an exchange with the families and we were told to sit in the courtyard. We brought our dog since she wasn't allowed to be left alone at the hotel but she enjoyed being outside in a new place. Pasadena City Hall has beautiful neo-classical architecture and is reminiscent of Italy, where the happy couple got engaged so I can see why they chose this venue.

Cannot miss this striking structure. What a beautiful venue to call city hall. On any given day this feels like a palace!

Beautiful place. Great architecture. This is a public place that offers many things: permits for building, filming, etc. [As stated on their website] Now the real question many people ask: Can I have professional photography done? Answer: yes but with rules. Just take couple pictures then move along for others to use the area. On Sunday the 25th, I had my mini wedding ceremony and photos taken at city hall. I went to a hall where not many people were walking around so we got it done there. I was not the only person who was getting professional photos done at city hall. There were many quincerea photos being taken. Advice: Ceremony - keep it short and sweet. 5-10 minutes is enough. I have total 10 people [including photographer]. No one bothered us about it. Photos - just one photographer to take photos. No need for tripods and umbrella lighting etc. If they bring that, that is when pasadena city hall people will cut that out. Just a nice camera is all is needed. The lighting in Pasadena is perfect. Though we got there at 11am and was wayyy too hot, otherwise everything was perfect. Stairs, hall ways, 2nd floor, and grounds are open to the public for use. Sunday, the offices were closed.

The hotel manager suggested we do see this place. It was a little over a mile from the hotel so we decided to walk over there. It was a Sunday so I'm assuming that's why we were unable to go up to the very top of the building. It's a very pretty building and I'm glad I saw it. Although there were MANY people being photographed so it made it a little difficult to walk without being asked to "please stop so you won't be in our pictures" lol understandable but still a little frustrating. All in all a nice place to visit if your going to be in Pasadena.

TLDR: For resident parking, going in person is much easier than online. When the website fails or incorrectly reflects parking on site, it takes a while to process. Follow-ups are quick by phone call, but in-person visits are always the most efficient. Note: For new residents, update vehicle registration to address in Pasadena before visiting parking office for quickest turnaround. ------ Having moved to Pasadena and experienced LA parking first hand, I was quite annoyed about having to get a parking permit. The place that I rent doesn't offer parking, but getting an overnight permit was easy at $3 / night. However, it is much better to get the annual permit as a resident for $89. I spent a week wrestling with DMV and eventually swapped my vehicle registration to reflect that I had lived there. The online ordering was exceptionally difficult since I had to call in for my situation. The system reflected that I had parking when I didn't. Fortunately I connected with someone, but I eventually visited in person since I didn't want to keep paying $3 each night after a week. The person at the info booth was nice and helpful, and the person working the parking office that day was also easy to work with.

Excellent customer service. Always greeted with a smile and very helpful. everyone at the front desk is very attentive in making sure you don't have to wait for a long time. Thank you....

I've passed by this building for decades but never stopped to visit the grounds. While I walked around the place it had many photographers taking pictures of young girls and women in beautiful dresses. It's definitely a popular place to take professional photographs for life events.

Very nice and clean place that I've seen multiple people go and take their winter formal/prom photos at. This is such a beautiful architecture that is opened to the public to take photos at. Although, I do have to warn you that during Wedding season or High School dances season, be patience because there will be a wait! There is parking spots outside of the City Hall but they are by meter so beware. *Perfect date stroll or for photoshoots!

Easily one of the prettiest city halls in the country, Pasadena City Hall is one of the most photographed spots in the City. It is rare to not see a wedding party, graduates, or dancers onsite! And for good reason. City Hall is also conveniently located close to Old Town and near several wonderful restaurants. Parking is plentiful. Most of it is metered.

My friends and I came here for graduation photos and we immediately were treated horribly. There were no signs that showed a private event was going on so we continued to go deeper into the halls until one security guard said we couldn't be there. We were super confused as to why because we didn't get any reasoning from the security. My 5 friends and I thought they went we couldn't take pictures in that one spot so we were okay with moving. Later as we were walking around, we heard the security tell his friend that if they saw us again, they would CALL THE COPS! mind you, we were high schoolers just trying to take graduation photos. Overall, we were treated super poorly and we won't be coming back! Avoid it if you don't want to be discriminated! Another note: There were other groups of people taking photos but none of them were kicked out.. That shows something

The Pasadena Department of Transportation are the thieves who purposefully issue the parking citations to car drivers who may be stopping to drop off and pick up passengers. When you try to dispute it with them, there is no evidence provided or whatsoever. What happened is we stopped our car very briefly (with us being inside and the engine on) to pick up our son, and received a citation for a parking violation, when we hadn't parked there! There is a difference between the "no stopping" vs. "no parking" signs these people apparently do not follow, and they don't communicate to visitors properly. This is a borderline corrupt criminal behavior to be addressed by the State and Federal authorities sooner than later. Shame on you, the City of Pasadena and your Department of Transportation!

Who would have thought a city hall could be the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot? Such a tranquil location in the heart of Old Town. Mini rose gardens, mature trees and the piéce de résistance being the beautiful fountain the building centers around, makes this city hall building an acquisition of Pasadena's soul. The architecture marries old as new, and new as old timelessly and effortlessly. Juxtaposed are the pillars and archways, the courtyard and stairwells. It's no wonder so many choose Pasadena City Hall for their photo ops.

I come here at least once a year just to enjoy the view of the city hall. It's also pretty close to Old town Pasadena. So I usually go for a walk here then eat and shop after

Pretty architecture that you can stroll around in to see for free. Lots of people doing photo shoots throughout the exterior of the building.

Beautiful architecture! I've seen photos of this landmark and have always wanted to visit and take my own pictures. The City Hall of Pasadena in California didn't disappoint! Hazel, Alana, and I had some time, so we found metered street parking and had our adventure! Right away, the height of the tower was astounding. The steps at the entrance helped to build the excitement! We entered a courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by fresh flowers and thriving dark green shrubs. The majestic hallways lined with even archways looked better in real life! I commented that the ground wasn't paved...it was on the sandy side. My friends suggested that it gave more of a natural feel. I agree! We strolled through the grounds and crossed the street to see the awesome Jackie and Mack Robinson sculpture. The Pasadena City Hall looks great from every angle - even from the next block! Thanks to Alana and Hazel for this fun excursion! Let's go again at night when it has different lighting!

A striking landmark in Pasadena, City Hall attracts countless wedding parties and others like a magnet. As a backdrop for dramatic photo shoots, it's hard to beat. All the more so because it's free! Dear Hubby and I had attended an evening wedding ceremony and reception here over 10 years ago. I recall how magical the courtyard setting was on a warm summer evening. Today, on a considerably cooler day, we strolled over. Even though it was a late afternoon on a Sunday, there was a quinceanera group, two wedding parties, and at least two other photo shoots going. We were able to find some clean shots of the stunning architecture against a vivid winter sky. I was sorry to see that the central fountain was dry. They'd also had a mud bath after the last storm, but the pathways were drying out in the courtyard. Should you ever find yourself in need of a dramatic backdrop for pictures, consider Pasadena's Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival standout of a courthouse.

Majestic. Need I say more. The Pasadena City Hall is more elaborate, larger, and more impressive than most state capitol buildings. It's such a wonderful place to walk around as well. The grounds are terrific, peaceful, and inviting.

Just love walking around old town and seeing City Hall. It's really a sight to see. I come here when I have visitors from out of town to show them one of the beauties that I have so close to where we live. We saw a wedding party there today taking pictures. Highly recommend checking out this beauty if you're in town.

VERY beautiful architecture, especially if you so happen to be strolling around Old Pasadena at night time! I'm sure there has been a ton of history around this insane looking sight. So peaceful and quiet to witness when the city is quieting down. Lovely place!

It's such a gorgeous location for photos or events! Definitely worth paying for parking to enter this free facility.

beautiful place for weddings and Quinceañeras Pictures,

I don't have any experience with actually going inside the offices, but we have walked around outside, taking in the sights of the pretty architecture. I remember seeing this on an episode of The Bachelor, lol. I suggest going at night, and the buildings have gorgeous lighting on it- very romantic! A nice, local landmark.

One of the more eye catching city hall's I've been to. It might even be better than the one in SF which is monument of California. It's a decent size, but what really makes this place stand out, is the attention to detail they placed when making this place. The buildings are hold, but well kept, and the staff is friendly enough. You'll also probably run into 500 people trying to take wedding photos. If you're in downtown Pasadena, check this place out for at least a minute. You probably won't regret.

Really nice place to take some really pretty photos. Came here and there was like 3 brides taking pictures and prom photos and etc. There's some gorgeous backgrounds.

Gorgeous photoshoot venue! I went like around mate afternoon on a weekday and it wasn't crowded at all. I highly suggest doing the same thing if you want some sort of privacy and good space to work with for your photoshoot.

Wow, how come San Diego's City Hall doesn't look like this? My girlfriend's brother-in-law wanted to renew his vows with her sister, and this past Sunday he brought her and their son to the place where they had their original engagement photos taken - which was Pasadena City Hall - under the pretense of a family picnic and professional photos to celebrate their anniversary. What he actually had in mind was much different: a flash mob which he would take part in and then get on one knee! This place is GORGEOUS... we were in the central courtyard area which came complete with a fountain in the center and a decent sized garden area. I kept looking up to the cupola expecting to see a giant bell above. There's a number of acorn trees here, which also means that there's plenty of well-fed squirrels here (and these guys aren't shy, either)! If there's a slight issue I have with the building, it's that since we came in on a Sunday, the offices were closed - and since the bathrooms are located within the building, we had to run to the nearby churches to use the facilities. Still, a very good day for a picnic and flash mob, which surprised a number of visitors (and least of all, my girlfriend's sister - she had no idea what was happening)! Definitely glad I came to City Hall!

Pasadena City Hall is what it is but is a lot more in the way of that it's a really cool structure that's complete with a huge courtyard and fountain! I've been here many times over the years for various permits for different events I've done in the city limits and everyone I've encountered who works here has been super helpful and just all around nice! This building is awesome every visit as it has a cool kinda dark gothic concept to it with long hallways that lead to its numerous automatic doors. The parking around the area has meters that you can pay coins or a card with for a 2hr limit thats set at a few dollars. Just don't forget to put you parking receipt face up on your dash so you will be chillin ticketless. The location is pretty easy to access no matter what direction you come from so your adventure to city hall will always be easy in a sense. Pasadena is a pretty radical and just all around awesome city to visit every time and a place that I will always look forward to spending my New Years in!

This location is nothing short of amazing. The architecture to the layout of the grounds. I could not have been more pleased. This is a very crowded popular location with tons of photographers shooting weddings, prom, quincenaira and everything else. To see more amazing images go to www.Mindytanimotophotography.com

Walking back from dinner, I caught this amazing structure up on the "hill" and went to check it out. What an amazing structure and I know I've seen it on TV and in movies. Yep, it's visible from the window of the apartment in The Big Bang Theory. Completed in 1927, the structure has Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial elements making for a dominant structure. The dirt center courtyard was actually pretty neat and so was the fountain. Pretty amazing that such a building could survive so long against Southern California earthquakes, but in the 90 years since it was built, it has been extensively modernized and retrofitted. Well worth a stop, even if you have no business to transact with the City.

If you are ever within spitting distance of this building you should stop by and pay a visit to this beautiful City Hall of Pasadena. The style of this building was inspired by the 16th century Italian architect Andrea Palladio of the early Renaissance period. This building was completed on December 27, 1927. There is also a Jackie Robinson sculpture right across from the front of the building. It is very popular with wedding photographers and this building was used as a set for various movies and TV series.

It's beautiful at day and night, the only thing not convenient is that the parking could be really difficult to find around this area.

God this is a such a beautiful location. It's defiantly one of those location where you will see people taking wedding, prom/quince photos here. Parking isn't hard to find but you'll definitely have to pay by the meter. But if you find yourself with extra time you can walk towards colorado and sort of enter a plaza/mall/outlet where there is food and shopping. You can kill two birds with one stone here and then head to old town too since their right next to each other. Great place to take your family or love ones if you're bored and have time to kill xD

When visiting this illustrious location, I saw a strange sight in front of the building. A crazy librarian was shouting the name Ron, when a very American-looking-90's dad started shouting back. Another woman with bright blonde hair was trying to stop the altercation, but to no avail. Real piece of work. Besides this place being where Pawnee City Hall also lived, it's a great place for photos and just a generally nice place to walk around.

I recently made a trip to the Pasadena City Hall. I only explored the front exterior of the building. The place is beautiful. I love the detail in the architecture.

An amazing spot for engagement and wedding pictures. I arrived at 5pm on a Sunday evening to take my engagement photos. There were at least 10 others taking pictures here!! It's a great place. We took pics at the bench in the center, then on the stairs, then in the upper walk way, then in the middle of the entrance, and last in the middle of the street. Once you're done, you can go across the street (literally walk across the street) to the building with the barn house doors to take more pics!! Nice and beautiful architecture! And once you're done with this location, drive 10 min to the la arboretum and take more pics there!! $50 permit which is so freaking worth it!! Ps. Many people were taking wedding pictures here. So so so many.

It's a really nice place to walk around and take some pretty pictures. Historical buildings, peaceful environment and nice weather!!!

This building is a symbol of the city's dedication to preserving its past, while keeping up with the times to ensure its future existence. The building and the citizens that own it have weathered some hard times, but are still standing today. As someone who occupies part of this space during the week, I still have my breath taken away by the beauty and grandeur of the dome, courtyard, and rotunda. The insides of the various floors of city hall have also maintained most of their historic character. While most of the offices are closed to the public, there are a few spaces to check out if open, such as the City Council Chambers on the South Second Floor. Blast from the past. The Central Library, Hale Building, and Police Station also add to the beauty of Centennial Square. Nearby All Saints Church is also a hotspot for commercial film, tv, and photo shoots. Its not surprising that so many engagement/wedding/graduation/quince/modeling photo shoots occur at City Hall on such a frequent basis. I've probably photobombed many a wedding/engagement shoot just going to/from my office. I apologize if my mug is hovering somewhere in your wedding album, but if its a good shot, please send it my way! The most amount of employee/business foot traffic will be M-Th 7:30-5:30, and M-F at the same time every two weeks, as City Hall is shut down bi-weekly. Call the Citizen's Service Center or use the app to find out the Friday closures. This blessing of a beautiful building can sometimes be a curse, as there are loud wedding parties that show up on a Friday when City Hall is open, blasting terrible music and screaming at the top of their lungs for reasons unknown. Also, skateboarding anywhere on the City Hall grounds is explicitly prohibited in the Municipal Code and i've seen some rule breakers every now and then. Don't make me become the curmudgeon that yells at kids (and sometimes adults) to stay off our lawn and recite the muni code to you. But most of the time, visitors are respectful and have never impeded my ability to get my work done. Thanks Pasadena, for being you and supporting your local history and architecture.