If you’ve ever imagined a love story that feels straight out of a film, one that starts with a quick cab ride, a bouquet in hand, and that perfect mix of nerves and excitement, then eloping at City Hall is your moment. Choosing to elope at NYC City Hall is the definition of effortless and timeless. It’s intimate, chic, and full of meaning. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of loved ones tagging along, this process keeps things simple without losing the magic. Here’s everything you need to know, every step, every form, and every little detail, to make your City Hall elopement smooth, stylish, and totally stress-free!
#1 Book Two Appointments on the Project Cupid Website
Before anything else, you’ll need to book your appointments through Project Cupid. There are two separate appointments required, one for your marriage license and another for your ceremony! Appointments typically open 3–4 weeks in advance, and they book up fast, especially during spring and fall. I encourage my clients to set a reminder and check the website daily. If you’re traveling from out of state or abroad, you can apply for your marriage license in person once you arrive to New York.
Your marriage license must be at least 24 hours old before your ceremony, meaning you’ll need to wait a full day between the two appointments. (If you’re visiting from another country, you’ll need an extended license. I always walk my international couples through that process step by step to make sure nothing gets missed.) When arrive for your marriage license appointment, you will both need to bring valid, government-issued photo IDs (like a passport or driver’s license) and pay the $35 fee, which can be paid by credit card or money order!
#2 Know the Guest Rules at NYC City Hall
When you elope at NYC City Hall, the guest list stays cozy. You’re allowed a total of six people, including the couple themselves. That means you can bring four guests along to witness your moment, this includes your photographer (that’s me!). The only exception? Children under 12 years old don’t count toward your six-person limit, so if you have little ones joining, they’re more than welcome. If you’re eloping just the two of you, don’t worry about finding a witness, I can serve as your witness at no extra charge. It’s one of my favorite parts, getting to sign that paper knowing you’re officially married!
#3 Arrive Early and Check In for Your Ceremony
You can check in up to 30 minutes before your ceremony appointment time. When you arrive, you’ll enter through security (similar to airport security, bags go through a scanner, and you’ll walk through a metal detector).
Once inside, you’ll head to the reception desk to check in. Make sure you have:
- Your valid photo ID
- Your appointment confirmation email
- Your marriage license (issued at least 24 hours prior)
- And your witness’s ID (if you’re bringing your own)
After check-in, you’ll be given a number, and then you’ll wait in the main room until your number is called. When it’s your turn, you and your witness will head up to a window to sign your marriage paperwork with the clerk. That’s when it starts to feel real. Once everything is signed and sealed, you’ll be called by name to head into the ceremony room!
#4 The Ceremony: Quick, Sweet, and Officially Yours
The ceremony itself is short and sweet, about four to five minutes long, but it’s filled with emotion. You can exchange rings if you’d like, but personal vows aren’t allowed in the ceremony room. If you want to exchange personal vows, we can absolutely carve out a quiet moment before or after your ceremony somewhere nearby (I love the courtyard right outside or the surrounding streets, the architecture makes for the dreamiest photos). The officiant will say a few words, ask for your “I do’s,” and just like that, you’re married! You’ll receive your Marriage Certificate immediately after the ceremony, it’s printed right there on the spot!
#5 The Iconic Exit And Why It’s a Must
Once you step out those double doors, that’s where the real magic happens. The NYC City Hall exit is iconic, the distressed green backdrop, the skyline peeking through, and that just-married glow. Friends and family can wait outside to shower you in rose petals, confetti, or bubbles, which are all allowed as long as you’re respectful of the space and clean up afterward. It’s such a fun way to celebrate that first moment as newlyweds before we hit the streets for portraits!
#6 Celebrate Around the City
After you’ve officially tied the knot, there’s no wrong way to celebrate. Grab a cab to a rooftop bar, walk hand-in-hand through SoHo, or sneak away to the West Village for a sunset photo session. When you elope at NYC City Hall, the beauty is in the freedom, no strict schedules, no pressure, just the two of you soaking up every second of being in love in one of the most cinematic cities in the world!
Pro Tips for a Smooth NYC City Hall Elopement
Because I’ve helped so many couples through this process, here are a few tips that always make things easier:
- Arrive early: security lines can back up, especially in the morning.
- Bring exact documents: no photocopies or expired IDs.
- Don’t forget your appointment confirmations: printed or on your phone.
- Avoid weekends or holidays: City Hall is closed, and Fridays tend to be the busiest day.
- Plan your photos: whether you want downtown shots near the courthouse or dreamy post-ceremony portraits in Central Park, let’s map it out ahead of time for smooth transitions!
Ready to Elope at NYC City Hall? Let’s Chat!
Angelisa Rios Photography | NYC Elopement Photographer
Whether you’re flying in from abroad or just skipping the big traditional wedding. Eloping at City Hall is such an unforgettable experience, fast, meaningful, and full of New York charm. I’ll help you every step of the way, from navigating the legal details to capturing those effortlessly candid, just-married moments. If you’re ready to plan your own NYC City Hall elopement, I’d love to document it all for you! 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!
