Are you dreaming of a romantic and intimate NYC City Hall Elopement? Then you’re in the right place! Getting married at NYC City Clerk Office is a perfect way to start your marriage journey in a simple yet beautiful way. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about planning your perfect NYC Elopement. From obtaining your marriage license to finding the perfect photographer, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make your special day remember. So get ready to plan your dream NYC City Hall Elopement!
Pick your season
Having a wedding in New York City is a dream for many couples, and an NYC City Hall elopement is the perfect way to make that dream come true! Depending on your preference, you can pick the perfect season for your downtown elopement. If you prefer warmer weather, then spring might be the perfect season for you. This time of year offers mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and plenty of outdoor activities. A spring NYC elopement is ideal for couples who want to experience the city’s full glory.
The city offers plenty for couples who prefer a wintery atmosphere. An intimate winter wedding in New York City can provide stunning views of the snow-covered streets and landscapes. Plus, you can enjoy the city’s unique attractions, such as holiday-themed events and special decorations.
No matter what season you choose, an NYC City Hall elopement will surely be a memorable and romantic experience. With careful planning, you can make your dream of having a wedding in New York City come true!
Choose your day
When it comes to an NYC elopement, one of the most important decisions is picking your special day. The City Hall marriage bureau offers ceremonies on weekdays only, so it’s essential to do your research to ensure your desired date is available. If a specific date is special to you and your partner, be sure to book it fast, as dates can go quickly. With city hall releasing dates three weeks in advance, you should ensure you stay on top of securing your appointment at city hall to get your desired date and time. Whichever day you choose, a City Hall wedding is a unique way to make your love official!
Get your marriage license
Getting your marriage license is essential in your NYC City Hall Elopement. To obtain a marriage license in New York, you and your partner must appear at a City Clerk’s Office. In addition, both parties must bring valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. You will also need to provide your Social Security numbers. There is a $35 fee for the permit, payable by cash or money order.
Once you have obtained your license, you must get married within 60 days, or it will expire. It is important to note that New York has no waiting period for a marriage license. Therefore, you may leave the City Clerk’s Office with your license and get married 24hrs later. After the ceremony, the officiant will file the signed marriage license with the City Clerk’s Office, registering your marriage. Congratulations! You are now married.
Book your photographer
Securing an elopement photographer for your NYC City Hall Elopement is one of the essential steps to planning your special day. Whether you want a small intimate session or a larger celebration, an experienced photographer can capture all the special moments of your elopement. You should book your NYC wedding photographer in advance to ensure they are available on your elopement date, as some wedding photographers book up to a year in advance. Make sure you find a photographer who understands the unique aspects of an elopement and the joy of an NYC City Hall elopement.
Choose your witnesses
If you plan an intimate NYC City Hall Elopement, you can opt to have just one witness during the ceremony. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only one witness is allowed to be present at the ceremony if it is taking place inside NYC City Hall. If you want photos of your elopement ceremony, your NYC Elopement photographer can serve as your one witness. Otherwise, you can choose someone close to you, such as a family member or close friend, to witness your special moment. No matter who you choose, make sure it’s someone you trust and feel comfortable having there with you. It’s important to know that whoever you choose will be required to show photo identification to witness your ceremony.
Celebrate your marriage!
You’ve said your “I do’s” at NYC City Hall, and now it’s time to celebrate your intimate elopement with friends and family! Even though only one witness is allowed at the NYC City Hall Elopement, you can still celebrate to commemorate this special moment. There are plenty of ways to celebrate your marriage; you can arrange a small toast in a local park or enjoy dinner with your closest loved ones at a restaurant. You can also take a quick cab ride to DUMBO to get romantic images with your partner. Remember to make it unique and intimate no matter what type of celebration you decide.
Decide what to wear
What you wear on your special day is entirely up to you, so make sure you pick something that makes you feel beautiful and confident for your NYC City Hall Elopement! From a downtown elopement look of white pants, suits, and short dresses, to more traditional long wedding gowns, the outfit you choose is entirely up to you. Whether you’re going for a romantic and intimate wedding look or more of a chic elopement ensemble, picking out what you will wear is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your NYC Elopement at City Hall. So have fun with it, and remember to pick an outfit that fits your style and personality and the season.
Photography Locations
You are spoiled for choice when finding photo locations for your downtown elopement after your NYC City Hall wedding. The city offers endless possibilities! As an NYC Elopement photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to experience many beautiful spots to snap the perfect post-ceremony shots. There are so many stunning places that it can be hard to narrow down to just one or two, but these are some of my favorites.
Visit the Brooklyn Bridge and the Flatiron Building for a classic New York look. Both offer stunning views of the city skyline and can provide a romantic backdrop for some lovely photos. However, if you’d prefer something a bit more off the beaten track, several parks in the city make for gorgeous settings for your elopement photos. Try Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, or Prospect Park for unique outdoor shots.
Of course, your downtown elopement can be free of New York City proper. However, many other options are nearby, like New Jersey and the Hudson River waterfront in Hoboken. So whether you’re looking for a classic New York scene or something a bit more unique, you’re sure to find a great photo location for your NYC City Hall elopement.
Bethany Michaela and her team are wedding photographers and videographers serving Brooklyn, NYC, and beyond. We specialize in authentic, timeless, and documentary wedding photography. Are you planning a city hall elopement? Click here to view our wedding portfolio or contact us for availability and pricing.
