Planning a New York City Hall elopement can be a beautifully simple and intimate way to say “I do.” Whether you’re drawn to the iconic architecture, the ease of the process, or the magic of a small, heartfelt ceremony, NYC City Hall offers couples a grounded, meaningful way to get married.
As a City Hall elopement photographer, I’ve walked alongside hundreds of couples through this exact process — from license appointments to subway portraits and celebratory cocktails around NYC. Altogether, this guide combines logistics + lived experience so you can feel prepared, calm, and present on your day.
Let’s walk through it together.
NYC City Hall Elopement: The High-level Process
There are three main steps:
Step 1: Apply for your marriage license
Step 2: Complete your license appointment (virtual or in-person)
Step 3: Book Your Marriage Ceremony
Step 4: Attend your City Hall ceremony (in person)
You’ll need both a marriage license and a ceremony to legally get married. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Apply for your marriage license
NYC uses an online system called Project Cupid. One partner will create an NYC.ID account (you may already have one if you’ve lived in NYC).
From there:
1. Select Marriage License (virtual or in-person)
2. Fill out basic personal info for both partners
3. Share prior marriage info if applicable
4. Submit your application
After submitting, you’ll schedule an appointment with a City Clerk.
Here are some important notes:
- Both partners must be physically in the same room for your appointments.
- You’ll show photo ID.
- Availability opens about 1–3 weeks out, so plan ahead.
- Marriage license fee: $35 (as of Jan 2026)
Step 2: Complete your license appointment
At the end of your appointment, your license is generated and emailed. Your license is what allows you to get married. You must wait 24 hours after receiving your license before you can have your ceremony. Your license is typically valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Book Your Marriage Ceremony
Once your license appointment is scheduled, you can book your ceremony via Project Cupid under Marriage Ceremony (in person). Yes, you read that well. You can book your marriage ceremony before you receive your license. So technically, you can do this step simultaneously to Step 1.
To schedule your ceremony appointment, you need: Both partners’ names and emails, and your witness’s name. You only need one witness.
Ceremonies happen Monday–Friday in time slots between: 8:30am–11:30am & 1:00pm–3:30pm.
Appointments are released about 2–3 weeks in advance, typically as early as Monday. Because Fridays fill the fastest and tend to be the busiest, stay diligent if you’re hoping for a Friday City Hall wedding.
Step 4: Your NYC Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
Wedding day!
Here are some core items to bring:
- Both partners + photo IDs
- Printed marriage license
- Witness + photo ID
- $35 ceremony fee (credit card accepted)
- Folder for documents (highly recommended, also give this to your witness to carry)
As of December 2025, you may bring up to four guests total, this number includes your photographer and witness. This means: couple (2) + guests (4) people max. 6 total. No, there are no exceptions. Remember it’s a federal building.
More of a visual learner? Here is a video that breaks it down for you:
Appointment Notes:
- Thursdays + Fridays are busiest
- Peak Months: May, June, September, October
- Expect 45–90 minutes total inside Manhattan City Hall on busy days
- The office is close for lunch 11:45 – 1 PM ET.
- If you’d like a quieter experience, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx often have shorter waits and less
A Photographer’s Tip: Plan for Breathing Room
City Hall moves quickly. It kind of happens in a blink of an eye. Here are a few things I recommend:
- To start, plan to arrive early. Ideally 10–20 minutes before your appointment, especially on warmer days.
- Also, eat breakfast — trust me. Even a light meal helps, especially if you don’t want to feel bloated. That said, I don’t recommend empty stomachs, particularly with the nerves and high energy of the day.
- Hold hands. Touch. Make eye contact. Ground yourselves.
Remember Why You Chose This
Most couples choose City Hall because they want something simple, grounded, and real.
Let it be that.
Breathe.
Hold each other.
Laugh when things feel rushed or tense.
Trust the unfolding.
An intimate wedding isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.
Ready to plan your NYC City Hall elopement?
Let’s make space for both the details and the moments that matter.
