So I’ve photographed a ton of weddings inside New York City’s City Hall on 141 Worth Street! I’ve had amazing couples from all over the world from places like Singapore, UK, Ireland and even some from as far as Australia to come to New York City as a destination wedding. I’ve even had some come from as close as Brooklyn- because they chose to have a small intimate ceremony inside the NYC City Clerk Chapel with either an entourage of family and friends, or with just me- as their witness! Whatever the reason, it’s exciting!! The giddy feeling of dressing up in a wedding dress and galavanting into a historical building of New York City and immortalizing your vows in the best city in the world. There’s nothing like it to describe it. Having your soul mate by your side, making promises that will last a lifetime, then getting your pictures taken all around the amazing views of New York City? Nothing. Can. Beat. It.
So if this is something you’re planning on doing, I figured it’d be nice for me to give you some tips on how to make your planning and day go smoothly!
1. Apply for your marriage license!
I know you may think this is a no-brainer- but in fact, a lot of couples don’t realize you need to apply first in order to get married at the chapel! You can apply online on the Office of the City Clerk. After you have done that, you’ll receive a Confirmation Number with more info telling you what IDs and documents you will need. Keep in mind that this is all BEFORE the actually wedding ceremony at the Chapel. I believe now, (post covid in 2024), you MUST schedule all appointments online before entering City Hall. So you must schedule to get the license and you must schedule a time to go in for the in-person ceremony.
If you want more in depth on the types of paperwork, IDs you’ll need, please go to the office of the City Clerk Website, or you can check out this great article from The Knot.
2. Invite your friends and family as early as possible!
Since City Hall elopements happen only during normal government work hours (M-F, 8am-4:30pm) - chances are your friends and family will need ample time to take off of work/class/other engagements so they can attend! Especially true if they are flying out from another country! Also updated post covid in 2024, there is a limited amount of guests you can bring in with you for the in-person ceremony, so please check your guidelines before inviting too many people!
3. Secure A Photographer and Secure a Witness!
If you have someone in mind, reach out to them ASAP! ( You can also contact me! 😉) You will definitely want this day captured! So get someone who knows the rope of the City Hall procedures and can also take you around to some cool places afterwards to get some portraits done! If you also plan on having just you and your significant other at this intimate ceremony, make sure you find a witness! It’s not legal until you have a witness sign that paper! Most photographers can also act as a witness- so make sure they bring a legal ID. (drivers license or passport works!)
4. Best Time to go to City Hall for the Chapel Wedding
My biggest tip is to NOT go on Mondays and Fridays and Fridays before a long weekend are usually the most busy. I always recommend the after-morning rush, which is either 11am (if you’re aiming for a brunch with friends/family) or go for the 3pm slot if you are planning to do some photos and have dinner afterward.
5. A BIT OF Wait Time is Expected!
No matter what, there is going to be a small wait time. Even though now (2024 and post covid) you can make a reservation online for an appointment— there is still a small wait. If you’ve ever been to the DMV, you can equate it to that. There are a few lines to wait on, but they generally go by rather quickly! From my experience, the wait these days is at most about 45 minutes to an hour; from entering, paying, having the ceremony to exiting! So always have that in mind when you’re planning your day. Get insight on where you want to do your photos after and where you want to hold your lunch or dinner intimate reception in accordance to your ceremony.
6. Plan your MEAL!
Keep in mind that the ceremony at Cityhall and then photos afterwards could take about 2-3 hours, so make sure you have a hearty meal beforehand or grab a snack along the way… and always, always remember to bring water! Modeling is tough work!
7. Think about transportation!
Do you have a large group or is it just you two? If you have a big group that is traveling from out of town, make sure they know where and how to get to their next destination! After a few group portraits, you’ll either need to call them some taxis, teach them how to manage the subways or call uber- getting them situated would be the best move in order for you and your photographer to go and easily start your portrait session. If it’s just you and your photographer, make sure you plan where you’ll be heading to next and how you’d like to get there!
I hope this helps out in your planning for your special day! If you have any other questions or would like to book a session through me, you can always reach out to me!
8. BONUS TIP - Bring a hard and unbendable folder to store your MARRIAGE LICENSE IN! After the ceremony, they give you your official marriage license! So make sure you have somewhere safe to store it when you leave city hall! You can also hand it to a trustworthy friend/family member so they can hang onto it until after you finish your wedding portraits!
