Planning a Marriage Ceremony in NYC’s City Hall

If you’ve ever dreamed of exchanging vows in a small ceremony in the heart of New York City, a wedding ceremony in City Hall is as timeless as it gets. The process is surprisingly simple and easy to navigate. No complicated planning required, just a bit of organization and checking off a short to-do list.

Everything starts with Project Cupid, the city’s online system where you’ll schedule two appointments: one to get your Marriage License and another to book a Marriage Ceremony. Walk-ins for either appointment are not permitted but you can book a virtual Marriage License appointment to make the process a little simpler! Wedding ceremonies, however, can only be done in-person at the Office of the City Clerk. Once you have your marriage license, it’s good for 60 days but you can book your ceremony as early as 24 hours after your license is signed. 

On the day of your ceremony appointment, you and your partner will arrive at your scheduled time at the City Clerk’s office with your IDs, excitement, and maybe just a few butterflies! Keep in mind all marriage ceremonies are booked during the office’s regular business hours, meaning they will likely be closed for federal holidays. The ceremony fee is just $25, and while the moment itself is brief (probably less than 10 minutes), it’s filled with the same energy and love you’d find in a traditional full wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, you’ll receive your Certificate of Marriage immediately and that’s that! You’ll officially be married!

A few quick reminders: 

• You need to bring at least one witness (18 or older) with you to your ceremony. 
• Make sure to arrive at your ceremony on time as late arrivals will not be allowed.
• City Hall has a 4-guest limit which normally includes your photographer (Hi! That’s me! 👋) and everyone must arrive together.
• Any photos inside of City Hall can be taken before or after your ceremony depending on the wait time. But, once you leave City Hall, you can’t re-enter.

An NYC City Hall Elopement

Carolina + Taylor arrived at City Hall dressed to the nines – Taylor in a dapper black suit and Carolina in an elegant white gown with a flowing ribbon to match running through her hair. They were joined by two loved ones to witness their special moment. After checking in and showing their IDs, they had a few quiet minutes to take it all in. Of course, we took that time to snap a few portraits. The two snuggled up on a bench in the waiting room which made for the sweetest candid shots of them as they waited for their turn. 

Their ceremony itself was short and sweet, lasting less than ten minutes. A few heartfelt vows, a ring exchange, and their first kiss as newlyweds marked the start of their next chapter together. Afterward, we took a few group photos in the ceremony space then started to head out through the courthouse. As connoisseurs of unique architecture, we made sure to take newlywed portraits throughout the courthouse, pausing by exquisite marble walls and shining gold details. Then, we made our way outside where Carolina + Taylor wound their way through the Corinthian columns and intricate archways before pulling out a celebratory bottle of champagne. With pop and a bubbling, sparkling spray, the two celebrated their nuptials with a toast on the courthouse steps.

Iconic Moments Throughout New York City

After leaving the courthouse, Carolina + Taylor spent the rest of their evening traversing Manhattan – the city their love story began in. Their first stop? The City Hall subway station. There we captured quintessentially New York City photos of the newlyweds with the whoosh of passing trains whizzing by in the background. Their dazzling smiles and laughter were just right for capturing both candid and posed shots that felt perfectly in sync with the vibrant rhythm of the city around them. 

From there, they hailed a classic yellow taxi. The driver even let us pause to take photos before taking the short drive to Le Coucou, a chic French restaurant just ten minutes away. This elegant restaurant was like a little slice of Paris in the Big Apple, perfect for this travel-loving pair. Surrounded by soft natural tones, warm lighting, and chandeliers dripping with glittering baubles, the two ordered drinks from the bar and toasted to their first evening as husband and wife. 

To end their day, Carolina + Taylor traded fine dining to end their elopement in true New York fashion – with a slice of pizza. They grabbed a box from a local pizzeria and found a quiet street among the brownstones in the West Village to enjoy their spontaneous dinner. It was a wonderful ending to a day filled with love, adventure, and the magic of Manhattan.

Planning your own New York City elopement? I’d love to be there to document your love story!

Hey there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography, a wedding photographer based right here in New York City. I’ve shot weddings and elopements all over the country and internationally, but nothing beats the unique energy of having your big day in the heart of NYC. Whether you’re planning a grand NYC wedding or a simple and sweet City Hall elopement like Carolina + Taylor, be sure to reach out! Head over to my contact form and let’s start planning your special day!