Complete Guide to Having a Civil Wedding Elopement at NYC Town Hall Marriage Bureau
Eloping at NYC Town Hall Marriage Bureau, 141 Worth Street
Eloping at NYC Town Hall offers a multitude of benefits for couples seeking a low-key and intimate wedding experience. With its iconic backdrop and quick process, NYC Town Hall provides a stress free option for those looking to marry in the heart of the city. The streamlined procedures make it easy to obtain a marriage license and exchange vows quickly, perfect for couples who prefer a no-fuss approach to tying the knot. Additionally, the historic charm of NYC Town Hall adds a timeless elegance to the occasion, ensuring a memorable and romantic elopement for the couple to cherish.
As a NYC elopement photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to capture elopements at NYC Town Hall, and I’m providing this guide based on my experience photographing there!
Planning Your Day
When planning your day, you’ll want to consider whether you’ll want to take portraits before or after your ceremony.
If you choose before, you’ll want to plan to wrap up and be at Town Hall approximately 20 minutes before your appointment time. For just portraits of the two of you in one location, you can plan for 30-40 minutes of shooting time. If you are bringing family along, you can add 20 minute to that shooting time, and any additional locations would add 20-30 minutes, just be sure to keep any travel time in mind and add that in as well.
If you choose after, plan to start your portraits at least one hour after your appointment time. The reason for this is that it takes time to wait on like to get into the building, then through security, next you take a number and wait on line to finish paperwork. After that, you wait on line to get into the ceremony room. That whole process can take up to an hour. The actually ceremony only takes 2-3 minutes.
You can make your appointment here. You can only have 4 guests accompany you at Town Hall, including any photographer/videographer you bring.
Photo Opportunities Inside City Hall
There are also many photo opportunities inside Town Hall. The first being while you walk into the building. Once you are in, your photographer must put there camera away until you pass security. Once you are passed security, you can take iconic green couch photos.
Next, once you take your number, a photo of the number is always a cute photo op. There is also a backdrop that you can take a photo at.
When your number is called to finish paperwork, definitely take some photos during that time. You can sit down in the chairs and peek back at your photographer from time to time.
Once you get into the ceremony room, your photographer can capture your actual ceremony. You can not stay in the room once you are done, so be sure they take plenty of photos during that time. There are two rooms, one having a rainbow background, and one having a purple one. You will get sent to one or the other by an employee, and can not choose.
The last opportunity is exiting Town Hall! You exit from a different door than the one you came in from. You will want your photographer to exit first, allowing them to capture the moment you come out. They can also coordinate any friends/family you have waiting outside, if you are doing some sort of confetti pop or petal toss.
After Your Elopement
There are plenty of nearby locations for beautiful photos. I usually head to the local courthouse first.
Your next stop totally depends on you two as a couple! I’ve photographed at many locations in NYC. Some recommendations are:
Coffee shop
Bar
Central Park (32 minute uber/24 minute subway)
Grand Central Terminal (23 minute uber/18 minute subway)
Joe’s Pizza
New York Public Library (23 minute uber/22 minute subway)
Choosing a Photographer
Documentary style photography for your courthouse elopement is a perfect choice to authentically capture the genuine moments and emotions of your special day. Instead of posed shots, documentary photography focuses on candid moments, telling the story of your elopement in a natural and unobtrusive way. This style allows the photographer to blend into the background, letting you focus on each other and the significance of the moment. The result is a collection of images that truly reflect the intimacy and unique charm of your courthouse elopement, preserving memories that you can cherish for years to come.
As a documentary style elopement photographer, I absolutely love to capture the timelessness of a NYC Town Hall elopement!
You can inquire with me and view more work.
I also capture elopements on film. Choosing to have your elopement captured on film immortalizes the intimacy and raw emotion of your special day. The decision to document this cherished moment allows you to relive every heartfelt smile, loving glance, and tender touch for years to come. Through cinematic storytelling and artistic photography, your elopement film becomes a timeless memento that captures the essence of your unique love story, preserving it for future generations to experience and celebrate.
