Getting Married in NYC
How to Get Married in NYC | New York City Hall Elopement Tips
From an experienced NYC elopement photographer
First of all, congratulations on considering getting married at New York City Hall. It is one of the most iconic and well-known city halls in the world, attracting thousands of couples each year who wish to celebrate their union in the heart of New York City.
This step-by-step guide on how to get married in NYC will walk you through the basic information you need to know to legally and smoothly get married at New York City Hall.
Obtain Your New York City Marriage License
Before you can have your wedding ceremony at New York City Hall, you must first apply for a Marriage License.
You may apply it online or in person through the official NYC Cupid portal.
Proper identification needed to apple (State ID/Passport, an official identification with your photograph and birth date).
If you have been married before, you will need proof any previous marriage has ended. (Divorce or death certificate).
Application fee $35
After the license is issued, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before your ceremony can legally take place.
The Marriage License is valid for 60 days, allowing sufficient time to plan and schedule your ceremony.
Schedule and Complete New York City Hall Marriage Ceremony
Although you are allowed to schedule your marriage ceremony before obtaining your license, the license must be issued at least 24 hours prior to the ceremony.
The ceremony must take place within 60 days from the date the license was issued.
You must bring at least one witness who is 18 years of age or older.
If you do not have a witness, it is often possible to ask your wedding photographer or even a fellow visitor at City Hall to act as one.
Booking a wedding Appointment at New York City Hall
Marriage ceremony appointment slots at New York City Hall are released three weeks in advance, typically on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
While many couples are able to secure their preferred date without issue, it is strongly recommended to book your appointment as soon as you have selected your wedding day.
What to Expect on the Day of Your NYC elopement
When you arrive at New York City Hall for your wedding, you will receive a ticket number at check-in.
Ceremonies are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis, based on ticket order rather than scheduled appointment time.
Your appointment simply reserves your place in the queue; it does not determine the exact time of your ceremony.
You should be prepared for a short wait, especially during busier times of the day or week.
You Must Bring The Following
Your valid New York City Marriage License
Government-issued photo identification for both parties
Your witness, who must be at least 18 years of age
The journey of getting married in NYC can be exciting, but also confusing, which is why it’s important to learn from someone with experience. They can guide you through each step of the process and help you know what to expect on the day of your ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to get married in NYC
How many guests are we allowed to bring?
Couples may bring up to 4 guests to their City Hall marriage ceremony. While there is some flexibility for children under 12, the guest limit remains at four for everyone else. If you choose to have a wedding photographer, they will be included in your total guest count.
What time should we arrive before our scheduled ceremony?
Once you get your appointment, they will tell you to arrive 30 minutes early. But in my experience, that is not really needed, at least for ceremonies. As long as you show up on time, you will be fine.
If your appointment is at 1 PM, keep in mind the office is closed from 12 to 1, so they will not open the doors early. Basically, your appointment time is when they let you in. Just be there on time and you will be good.
Is there any waiting time?
Once you are inside, you will go through security and then check in at the front desk. The clerk will check your IDs, or passports if you are from another country, make sure you have a witness over 18 with ID, and give you a numbered ticket. You can have one or two witnesses, and I am always happy to be one if needed. Do not lose the ticket because it is important for your ceremony.
After a short wait, from my experience not more than 30 minutes, your number will be called and you will go to a desk to sign the license with your witness.
Can we take photos while we wait to be called?
The waiting area offers nice backdrops and ample natural light, ideal for sweet, candid shots.
How much is the ceremony fee?
The ceremony fee is $25. Make sure to bring a credit card, as cash is not accepted.
City Hall is not the actual location of your wedding ceremony. Your ceremony will be held at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, also known as the City Clerk’s Office.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same location at 141 Worth Street.
5 stars are not enough!
Anika was absolutely amazing! Despite the intense heat on our wedding day, she stayed calm, focused, and made sure all of our wishes were met. She has such a gentle and kind presence that made us feel completely at ease. Not for a single moment did we feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera.
She captured our emotions so naturally and beautifully. You can tell she truly cares about her work and her couples. We are beyond happy with the results and would recommend her to anyone without hesitation.
Thank you, Anika, for being such a special part of our day!
– Nicole
Now that you have a better understanding of how to get married at NYC City Hall, it is the perfect time to start thinking about booking a photographer to capture the intimate moments of your special day. Trust me, you will want to remember this day forever.
As a wife myself, I truly understand the deep emotions behind a wedding. I am not just your photographer; I am also your guide through the City Hall wedding experience. Together, we can create a meaningful and stress-free roadmap for your day.
To explore my pricing and packages, please visit the Experience page.