Getting married at Manhattan’s Marriage Bureau is the perfect balance for couples who want something low-key but undeniably iconic. While we call it a City Hall wedding the magic actually happens at the Office of the City Clerk at 141 Worth Street, right in the heart of downtown’s beautiful municipal architecture.
The ceremony itself is short and sweet—often lasting just a few minutes—but that is exactly what leaves us so much room to make the experience uniquely yours. The energy in the marriage bureau is unmatched with the famous green couches and running out the doors as newlyweds. As a photographer who knows the ins and outs of this building, I love guiding couples through the chaos to find the quiet, intimate moments. My goal is to handle the logistics so you can focus on each other and relax while I capture your story as it unravels that day.
01. obtaining your marriage license
Before we can celebrate, you’ll need to secure your marriage license. You can book an appointment to do this in person or virtually via Project Cupid, and it will cost $35.
New York requires a full 24-hour period after you get your license before you can actually wed. Plan to get this done at least a day before your ceremony!
Your license is valid for 60 days (slightly longer for military personnel), so don't get it too early.
You must have proper identification for both the license appointment and the ceremony itself.
02. Schedule your City Hall wedding ceremony
There are strictly no walk-ins at the City Clerk, so you’ll need to book your ceremony appointment via Project Cupid (the same site used for your license). These spots are highly competitive and usually drop about three weeks in advance, so be ready to click fast!
While we sometimes have to take whatever time is available, I always recommend aiming for the first appointment of the day since the lighting is so so perfect early morning!
Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM. There is a $25 fee for the ceremony as well, rounding out your total for a City Hall elopement to $60.
03. hire a photographer
Just because it’s a civil ceremony doesn’t mean it’s any less celebratory than a traditional wedding. In fact, I find that City Hall elopements allow for more genuine connection because the pressure is off. You get to focus entirely on your partner and the weight of the moment, rather than the logistics of hosting a massive event. This moment deserves to be documented and memorialized! I might be a bit biased as a photographer... but having photos to look back on is the closest thing we have to time travel. Long after the adrenaline fades, these images will bring you right back to the nervous giggles, the rush of the city, and the overwhelming joy of making it official.
As a wedding photographer myself, I would love to photograph your wedding at city hall. You can inquire about my availability on my contact page linked here.
04. Get ready for the day!
When the big day arrives, head to 141 Worth Street with the essentials: your printed marriage license, photo IDs (for you and your witness), and a credit card for the $35 ceremony fee.
After security, you'll grab a ticket number and wait for your turn. This is the perfect time to snap portraits on the iconic green couches! Once called, you’ll finalize paperwork at the counter before heading into the chapel for a short, sweet 2-minute ceremony. You'll say "I do," exchange rings, and walk out moments later with your official marriage certificate in hand.
And just like that... you’re officially married! Now you can exit the building and make your debut on the streets of New York as a married couple. Whether we pop champagne, toss confetti, or just cheer, this is your moment to celebrate!
FAQs
Where exactly do we go?
While we call it a "City Hall Wedding," the magic actually happens at the Office of the City Clerk. It is located at 141 Worth Street, right next to the Supreme Court in downtown Manhattan.
How do we get there?
Subway: Take the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall, the R to City Hall, or the Q to Canal Street.
Driving: There is a parking garage located one block away at 101 Worth Street.
Can we just walk in?
No, walk-ins are not allowed. You must have an appointment for both your Marriage License and your Ceremony. You can book these through Project Cupid. Remember: ceremonies are only performed Monday through Friday during business hours (no weekends!).
How many guests can we bring?
As of late 2025, you are allowed to bring up to 4 guests total. This count includes your witness and your photographer (me!). Children are allowed in limited numbers, but if you have a larger crowd, they may need to wait outside the building.
Do we need a witness?
Yes! You are legally required to have at least one witness over the age of 18 with valid photo ID. Don't have one? I would be honored to sign for you! I frequently double as a witness for my couples at no extra cost.
Can we say our own vows?
The civil ceremony is very standardized and fast (about 2-3 minutes), so personal vows are not allowed during the actual appointment.
My tip: We can find a quiet spot outside the building or at our portrait location to exchange your personal vows privately.
Do we need to exchange rings?
Rings are totally optional! If you aren't exchanging them, just let the officiant know right before you start so they don't pause for that part of the script.
What should we wear?
This is NYC—anything goes! I’ve seen everything from ballgowns and tuxedos to vintage mini-dresses and street style. Wear whatever makes you feel like you.
Where should we take photos afterwards?
The exit of the Marriage Bureau is iconic for those "just married" cheers. From there, we have endless options:
The surrounding municipal buildings offer that grand "courthouse" look.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a short walk away, or we can head to DUMBO for skyline views.
We can also wander SoHo and Tribeca, grab a slice of pizza, or hit up your favorite local bar. The city is our playground!
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD WE PLAN FOR OUR the ceremony and photoshoot?
This could vary greatly depending on the day. Fridays are the busiest. My suggestion is to allot about 2-3 hours for the entire experience. You could be waiting for up to an hour inside the courthouse, but it could also be as quick as 20-30 minutes! The wait times can be unpredictable.
Can I bring my own officiant?
You can! If you want a custom ceremony, we can pick up your license at the Clerk’s office together, and then head anywhere in the city (a park, a rooftop, a street corner) to have your own officiant marry you. They just need to be registered with the City of New York to sign your license.
Are you looking for a photographer for your city hall wedding? My contact form is below. I would love to hear from you, answer your questions, and help you plan your day!
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I can't wait to hear your story!
Fill in the form and I'll reach out to you within 48 hours. Looking forward to working together!