When I say Ryan and Kelsey understood the assignment I mean, Wow! These two flew across the ocean from the UK to say “I do” in the middle of Manhattan, baby on board and all, for what turned into the most effortlessly chic NYC City Hall elopement ever. And yes, I got to be there not just as their photographer, but as their witness, city hall guide, and hype woman. Almost 90% of my elopement clients fly in from the UK to make this city their ceremony backdrop. But something about Ryan and Kelsey’s day just hit differently. From the quiet excitement of their vows to wandering the streets of Manhattan with confetti still in their hair, every moment was cool, intimate, and wildly romantic!
Why Couples from the UK Are Choosing a Chic NYC City Hall Elopement
There’s just something about New York. It’s the boldness. The drama. The feeling that anything can happen. And for international couples like Ryan and Kelsey, planning a chic NYC City Hall elopement means skipping the stress and leaning into the romance of the city, minus the fuss of a huge wedding day. They reached out months in advance (we love a planner) and trusted me to walk them through the entire process: how to book their marriage license, how to lock in their City Hall appointment, and yes, how to secure their extended license, which so many international couples don’t realize is a must-do so your marriage is recognized in your country!!! When I say I’ve done this dozens of times, I mean it. Shooting here 3-4x a week has made me part-photographer, part-City-Hall-whisperer.
Eloping in Manhattan: Vows, Columns & City Streets
We started at 141 Worth Street, that iconic New York Marriage Bureau spot with the kind of dramatic architecture that makes a white dress pop. Kelsey wore a sleek satin gown with the most delicate bow detail in the back (cue the Pinterest boards), while Ryan looked sharp in a tailored black tux. Their ceremony was short, sweet, and full of emotion. Just the two of them, present and grounded, exchanging vows in front of a city that doesn’t stop for anyone, but paused just long enough to make room for their moment.
Editorial Portraits in the Subway? Always Yes.
After the ceremony, we didn’t stop the energy. We turned downtown Manhattan into our photo playground steps, streets, sidewalks, subway stations (shoutout Chambers Street), you name it. This is where the magic really happens. The textures, the movement, the cool city shadows. We shot just outside the subway, we danced through the stairway, we found little pockets of quiet in all the chaos. It was editorial and romantic and a little gritty in the best way! And somehow, even in the busiest city in the world, they were completely in their own bubble.
A City Hall Elopement That Felt Like Them
That’s what I love most about elopements like this. They’re not about doing what’s expected, they’re about choosing you. And Ryan and Kelsey did exactly that. No pressure. No 200-person guest list. Just two people starting their biggest adventure yet hand in hand, baby on the way, and the NYC skyline as their witness! And if you’re wondering if it’s really possible to pull off a day like this from across the globe? Yes. 100 times yes. Ryan and Kelsey’s testimonial says it best:
“We were undecided on where in the US to elope but as soon as we found Angelisa online, we knew it had to be NYC. We flew in from the UK and Angelisa provided all the information we needed to ensure we booked our appointments correctly, where we needed to go and even general recommendations whilst in New York. Angelisa was kindly our witness and pretty much took care of the whole process for us so that we could just focus on being together and enjoying our special day. The photos are incredible and exactly what we had hoped for when we originally booked Angelisa almost 12 months ago!”
That’s what I’m here for.
Planning Your Own Chic NYC City Hall Elopement? I Would Love To Chat!
Angelisa Rios Photography | New York Elopement Photographer
If you’re dreaming of flying to NYC for your own unforgettable moment, I’ve got you. From step-by-step planning help to documenting, it all in a way that feels true to you, I’m more than just your photographer, I’m your hype woman. Ready for me to capture it? Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! if you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
