City Hall Wedding Photography Cheat Sheet for New York by Angela Cappetta
What to expect from your photographer and other useful tips. What I have learned from real world experience shooting at City Hall.
A sweet moment on line before clearing security.
Grooms in black tie.
Let’s get started.
So, I've been shooting at City Hall NYC for decades and I absolutely love it. The people watching alone is worth the trip. Nowhere else in the world will you see a black tie tux five feet away from an off-duty mailman tying the knot on his lunch break. Resultant of my experience, I’ve compiled these top questions.
Important to mention, these tips are based solely on my own personal experience. Your own experience may differ, but since it’s a well-oiled city run agency, I doubt the process will deviate much from what I’ve described here. That’s another thing that makes it so cool, it’s refreshingly reliable.
A taxi ride to lunch after tying the knot at City Hall offers a great extra location to photograph.
About how long is a City Hall ceremony?
A City Hall wedding ceremony can best be described as “in and out —boom!”
The nuptials themselves take about ten minutes. However, the check-in process is where the time is spent. For example, some days you have to clear security and wait on an intake line, like at an airport. Then there are days where you have to wait for your number to be called, like in a deli. There are also the days where you get your number, the family is late, and you have to get another updated number. The amount of time you wait is roughly based on how well your party is organized. Being there on time and arriving together can save you about a half an hour. The new rule is everyone has to arrive together, there is a cap on the amount of guests allowed with your party. Clear this with the Marriage Bureau before you arrive.
A quick smooch as they wait for their number to be called.
These two grooms eloped from Israel. Jeans and ties (no jackets!) complete their summer wedding look.
What is so special about city hall weddings?
Ah, where to start. Its never the same day twice at City Hall. I've shot loads of couples eloping from other countries simply because they love the idea. It is easy to romanticize. Whisking away and eloping. Furthermore, eloping under everyone's nose. There's something timeless about it.
The frigid temps did not stop these grooms from making their grand exit at the street door on Worth Street. It’s a beautiful example 1920’s architecture.
They display every update on easy-to-read screens.
How do you make a city hall wedding reservation?
In short, you can't. But if you see my notes above about waiting time, you'll get a good idea of how you should prepare. You do need a witness, but if you hire me, I'm happy to sign your witness papers. Check out the Marriage Bureau website for more info.
This couple eloped from London. I was there witness as well as their photographer 💗.
What are the rules and regulations? Straight from the City Clerk’s Marriage Bureau website, compiled here for you.
Bride on the left forgot to buy flowers. Bride on the right swooped in to loan her own bouquet. They never met before. So bride on the left got her “something borrowed”. City Hall is so special that way.
Fee
The fee for a Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk's Office is $25 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk.
You can schedule an in-person Marriage Ceremony with the City Clerk. In-person Marriage Ceremony appointments are available at nyc.gov/cupid. Virtual marriage ceremonies are no longer available.
Marriage License Duration Period
You must wait for 24 hours after you obtain your Marriage License before you can have a marriage ceremony. The 24-hour waiting period may be waived by a judge or justice of the Supreme Court of New York State.
The Marriage License expires in 60 days after the time of purchase, except for active military personnel (see below).
A Marriage License obtained at any of our five offices may be used anywhere within the State of New York.
Active Military Personnel
There is a little sliver of a garden across from the Marriage Bureau.
If either you or your prospective spouse is an active member of the armed forces, your Marriage License expires in 180 days after the time of purchase.
Please indicate that you are an active member of the United States Military when you apply for your Marriage License by showing your Active United States Military Identification Card.
Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk's Office
You may have a civil Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk's Office.
Marriage Ceremonies are held during our regular business hours.
Marraige Ceremonies are available by appointment at nyc.gov/cupid.
You and your prospective spouse must arrive together with the same proper identification you brought when you obtained your Marriage License.
You and your prospective spouse must have at least one witness, who must be 18 years of age or over.
The witness or witnesses must bring proper identification.
Because of Covid-19 restrictions, we currently only allow one witness. No other guest are permitted.
We will not perform your Marriage Ceremony if you have not satisfied these requirements or if you arrive after your appoinment time.
Waiting patiently for him to make his entrance.
City Hall Cheat Sheet, by Angela Cappetta