How to Elope in New York City
Eloping in New York City is so much fun. These small ceremonies are some of my favorite weddings to photograph. There are many reasons why couples choose to elope here: some are visiting the city and combining wedding and honeymoon in one. Others choose to make an intimate commitment to one another before a bigger celebration with their loved ones. And for some people the big wedding day isn’t appealing so they opt for a small affair instead. These elopements can run the gamut from short and simple to detailed and elegant. I can’t wait to capture your New York City elopement in any way you choose!
Here’s the basic info you need to know when eloping in NYC.
Step 1: Apply for your marriage license.
You must apply for your marriage license at least 24 hours before your ceremony. The license is good for 60 days.
To apply you can either together and in person to the Marriage Bureau at 141 Worth Street in Manhattan OR you can book an online appointment together via Project Cupid. The Marriage Bureau is open Monday-Friday (except some holidays) from 8:30am-3:45pm. The license costs $35 and you can pay with a credit card or a money order payable to the City Clerk.
In New York you do not need a blood test, but you will need to bring proper identification—from the Marriage Bureau Site: “You and your prospective spouse must have one form of proper identification in order to apply for a Marriage License. State law also requires documentation of proof of age. Since all forms of proper identification are also acceptable proof of age, holders of proper identification will not need additional documentation.”
Step 2: Decide where you would like to have your ceremony.
Do you want to have the ceremony at City Hall (aka the Marriage Bureau) or somewhere around the city?
Ceremonies at the Marriage Bureau are simple and short, but the whole hall is dedicated to weddings so there is a celebratory energy in the air. It’s always so fun to see all of the people coming through for their weddings every day.
However, in New York City, so many places can become your wedding venue if you elope! There are many places where you don’t even need a permit for events under 20 people, including Central and Prospect Parks. As long as you are ok with the possibility that other folks may be wandering around near your ceremony this can be a really fun option. For a bit fancier option you can even book a restaurant or rooftop and enjoy a cocktail hour or dinner after with your loved ones.
Step 3: Get married!
FOR A CITY HALL WEDDING, THIS IS THE PROCESS:
Arrive at the Marriage Bureau (141 Worth Street). There are no reservations or time slots available, so you can show up at any point between 8:30 and 3:45pm. The wait times can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, time of day, if it is a special date (for instance 2/20/20 created some epic wait times). First thing in the morning there is often a line and around lunch it can also drag a bit as well. To do photos after the ceremony I’d recommend arriving sometime around 3pm in the summer and 1pm in the winter so that you get some beautiful late afternoon light for portraits.
You can bring guests with you to the Marriage Bureau. I’ve seen groups up to around 20 people before. If you have more than this it is probably easiest to do your ceremony elsewhere.
You will have to go through security to get into the building. Then you will check in with your marriage certificate, IDs, and witness (you can have up to 2, but must have one. They also need their ID). I’m more than happy to be your witness if you are not bringing along any loved ones! They will give you a number and you will move into the hall to wait.
There are restrooms in the building, but there is not a water fountain or any snacks available. If you leave you have to wait in line and go through security again to re-enter the building so I recommend both eating before you arrive and bringing water and snacks (and telling your guests to do the same).
Your number will be called and you will go to one of the counters with your license, IDs, and witness with their ID (the rest of your guests can stay behind in the waiting area). This is where you will pay the fee ($25) and sign the license. Once you wrap up here you will go back to wait for your number to be called a second time. At this point you will check in at Table 5 with all of your guests and be sent into the Oval Room, where you will wait one more time.
Finally, your officiant will call your name and invite you all into the ceremony room. They will take your rings if you are exchanging them. The ceremony is very short, but the officiants are always warm and kind. After the ceremony is over they usually give you a brief moment for hugs and a couple of photos before you exit the room for the following ceremony group.
You are married! Next you will exit the building through the door on the opposite end of the building from where you entered. If you’d like you guests can exit before you so you can exit to their cheers as you come down the courthouse steps.
FOR A WEDDING OUT AND ABOUT IN NYC:
You will need a licensed officiant. Let me know if you need a recommendation!
Choose your location. Research if you are allowed to have an elopement and photos taken in your chosen spot (i.e. photos are allowed in Grand Central Station, but photos are not allowed in the New York Public Library) or if you need to obtain a permit. Your officiant should be able to help you navigate this. Here’s a list of some popular NYC elopement locations.
Bring your marriage license for the officiant to sign. Show up at the proposed location on time and do the damn thing!
Step 4: Celebrate!
Immediately after the ceremony take the time to soak it all in and really live in the moment with your partner and any guests. Live it up.
Then we can begin any portraits you’d like to take. If you want to do any group photos we will probably begin with these so we can then take a bit of time after with just the two of you. We can usually hit up around one location during this session, but if you’d like to have an extended photo session and go to multiple locations just let me know and we will add it onto your package. I love to hit locations that have a special meaning to you, but here are some popular spots:
West Village
Central Park
Dumbo
East River Ferry and Williamsburg
South Street Seaport
Chinatown
Having a small reception or some other special celebration and want it photographed? We’ll work out what kind of package you need to cover everything that is important to you!
A FEW FINAL THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
You may be on your feet for a long time on the day of the elopement, especially if we are walking around the city for photos at all. If you are wearing uncomfortable fancy shoes, you may want to bring a walking pair to have on hand.
Don’t forget to bring snacks and water and to eat before you arrive for the ceremony. Bringing a bag for your things (phones, wallet, etc.) is also super helpful so you don’t have things in pockets for photos.
Some other things people sometimes bring: biodegradable confetti or colorful smoke bombs, a bottle of champagne, personal florals (bouquets, boutonnieres, etc.).
If you have any questions about your New York City elopement, please reach out! I can’t wait to celebrate with you.