An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (2024)

Kiara and Mike had a sweet and intimate NYC City Hall wedding. Surrounded by their loved ones, this New York City elopement was a family occasion. These two tied the night in a low-key ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. We were so lucky to capture this small and sweet elopement that created memories for Kiara and Mike for a lifetime.

Starting the Day with Family

The day started at the couple’s apartment. Their family welcomed us up to get some photos before the big moment. Kiara and Mike had wanted an intimate wedding ceremony at City Hall. When we arrived, we were a surprise for the wonderful couple. They had not expected to have NYC City Hall wedding photography, so we were thrilled that their family reached out to us to document this occasion.

Who Should You Invite to Your New York City Hall Wedding?

When it comes to your City Hall wedding in New York City, it’s up to you who you invite. Some couples choose to go by themselves and just take their NYC City Hall wedding photographer as their witness. Others choose to invite family and friends to have them come and support while they tie the knot. Kiara and Mike had their close family members with them on the day of their marriage at the City Clerk’s office.

An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (1) An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (2) An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (3)

Surprising Kiara & Mike with NYC City Hall Wedding Photography

One of the best parts of the morning was surprising Kiara and Mike with the gift of wedding photography. Their family members came together and decided to hire Brooklyn Wedding Photo as their NYC elopement photographers on the wedding day. We arrived at Kiara and Mike’s apartment in the morning to reveal the surprise before we all headed over to the NYC City Hall.

An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (4) An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (5) An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (6) An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (7)

Heading to Get Married at City Hall in NYC

Located at 141 Worth Street, the Manhattan Marriage Bureau is one of the most iconic spots to elope in New York City. The wait time wasn’t so bad, as these two chose to have their City Hall wedding in the morning. Typically, the earlier you arrive, the better the wait time will be. However, this also depends on what day you choose to get married –Fridays are going to be busier than Wednesdays, for example.

Ensure You’ve Waited 24 Hours Before Your New York Elopement

You must wait 24 hours after you receive your marriage license before you can get married in NYC. When planning an elopement in New York, don’t forget that whether it’s at City Hall or a different elopement location, this rule still applies. You’ll want to make sure that if you’re planning a big day at City Hall, you get your marriage license in-person a minimum of 24 hours beforehand.

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NYC City Hall Elopement

Kiara and Mike’s New York City Hall elopement was such a joy to capture. These two and their family were all so filled with love as they said their ‘I Do’s’. When it comes to getting married at City Hall in NYC, it’s a fairly quick process. You can usually budget about 2-3 hours as needed for a courthouse wedding.

During the ceremony, there isn’t a time when you exchange vows. It’s a simple and quick process that takes less than five minutes in total. After that, you’re married legally to your best friend! Some couples choose to have private vows during their elopement photography after their City Hall wedding ceremony.

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Elopement Photography Outside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau

Once we finished up with the wedding ceremony at NYC City Hall, these two were officially married! We headed outside to take elopement photos outside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. Our group was met with a bright and sunny morning; perfect for some happy photos with these two and their loved ones.

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Where Should You Take NYC City Hall Elopement Photos?

There are plenty of options for elopement photography spots in New York City. The beauty of getting married in Manhattan is that you’re met with some of the most iconic locations available. From Central Park, to Times Square, to the Brooklyn Bridge, there are tons of options. We would recommend that if you’d like to do Brooklyn Bridge elopement photos, you go to the bridge before your City Hall wedding ceremony to avoid the crowds.

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Book Your NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer

Looking for NYC city hall wedding photographers? We’ve got you covered at Brooklyn Wedding Photo. We’re here to capture your elopement photography needs all over New York City. Reach out to us and let us know what you’re thinking for your special day.

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An Intimate NYC City Hall Wedding with Family (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to get married in NYC City Hall? ›

The fee for a Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk's Office is $25 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk. You can schedule an in-person Marriage Ceremony with the City Clerk. In-person Marriage Ceremony appointments are available at nyc.gov/cupid.

How many people can come to a City Hall wedding NYC? ›

On the day of your ceremony, you and up to four (4) guests over 12, including one or two witness(s) (18+) with ID, (and a limited number of children under 12) can enter.

How do you get married at the courthouse in NYC? ›

Overall process
  1. Apply for marriage license (online or in-person)
  2. Go to appointment with city clerk to verify application information and create license (online or in-person)
  3. Go to marriage ceremony at City Hall to receive your marriage certificate (in-person)
Mar 2, 2024

Where to eat after City Hall wedding in NYC? ›

Top 15 Restaurants to Visit After Your Elopement in NYC
  • THE NOMAD RESTAURANT. The NoMad Restaurant is the heart of the NoMad hotel! ...
  • WAGAMAMA. You're sure to love Wagamama! ...
  • LE BERNARDIN. ...
  • THE POLO BAR. ...
  • ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA. ...
  • GRAMERCY TAVERN. ...
  • OCEANS. ...
  • RAOUL'S.
May 23, 2023

How many witnesses do you need to get married in NYC? ›

To get married at the City Clerk's Office, you must bring all of the following: A valid New York State Marriage License. At least one witness over the age of 18. Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), debit card (Visa, MasterCard), or money order of $25, payable to the City Clerk.

Can you get married the same day in New York? ›

Although the marriage license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued.

Do you say vows at a courthouse wedding in nyc? ›

NYC City Hall Style Wedding Ceremony

This is the text of the brief civil ceremony typically performed at the marriage bureaus in New York City. You are allowed to exchange rings, but not vows.

How long does it take to get married in nyc? ›

Once you obtain your Marriage License, you must wait a full 24 hours before your Marriage Ceremony can be performed unless you obtain a Judicial Waiver. How long is the Marriage License valid? A Marriage License is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.

How to get married fast in New York? ›

You must give the Judicial Waiver to your Marriage Officiant to enable them to perform the ceremony within the 24 hour waiting period. The Marriage Officiant must attach the Judicial Waiver when returning the Marriage License to the City Clerk's Office.

Do you need a birth certificate to get married in NY? ›

Both applicants must provide the following: A current Driver's license with photo or a state issued photo ID such as a non-driver's license, passport, etc. A Certified Birth Certificate listing parents' names; Social Security Number.

Who can marry you in NY? ›

Marriage Officiant Registration
  • Clergy members or ministers of any religion;
  • Leaders of the Society of Ethical Culture;
  • The Mayor or any former Mayor of the City of New York;
  • Federal, state, or local judges or justices, elected or appointed in the State of New York, who are currently serving or retired;

Who pays for the meal after the wedding? ›

Traditionally, the breakdown of expenses was very clear: The bride's family paid for the groom's ring, engagement party, the wedding and reception, a brunch the next day, and a belated reception (if there was one).

How much is it to book the Plaza New York for a wedding? ›

There is a $12,000 rental fee for the Terrace Room OR Grand Ballroom. The ceremony can be held in either room as well but must be in the room you are renting.

How much does wedding catering cost NYC? ›

New York Wedding Catering Cost

When you budget wedding catering, you can expect to spend about the same! A plated dinner will often cost between $100-$150/per person and a buffet dinner will range from $85-$100/per person (a little more if you add food stations!).

Can you get married in a different borough? ›

If you and your partner live in different places, you'll both have to go to your own local Register Office to give notice. The Superintendent Registrar then issues authority for the marriage and you can marry in any Register Office or local authority approved premises in any district.

How much does it cost to get married at SF City Hall? ›

It costs between $1,000 and $30,000 to get married at City Hall in San Francisco. Most couples will spend between $1,000 and $3,000 for their City Hall wedding. How many hours?

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