Kiara and Mike had a sweet and intimate NYC City Hall wedding. Surrounded by their loved ones, this New York City elopement was a family occasion. These two tied the night in a low-key ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. We were so lucky to capture this small and sweet elopement that created memories for Kiara and Mike for a lifetime.

Starting the Day with Family

The day started at the couple’s apartment. Their family welcomed us up to get some photos before the big moment. Kiara and Mike had wanted an intimate wedding ceremony at City Hall. When we arrived, we were a surprise for the wonderful couple. They had not expected to have NYC City Hall wedding photography, so we were thrilled that their family reached out to us to document this occasion.

Who Should You Invite to Your New York City Hall Wedding?

When it comes to your City Hall wedding in New York City, it’s up to you who you invite. Some couples choose to go by themselves and just take their NYC City Hall wedding photographer as their witness. Others choose to invite family and friends to have them come and support while they tie the knot. Kiara and Mike had their close family members with them on the day of their marriage at the City Clerk’s office.

Surprising Kiara & Mike with NYC City Hall Wedding Photography

One of the best parts of the morning was surprising Kiara and Mike with the gift of wedding photography. Their family members came together and decided to hire Brooklyn Wedding Photo as their NYC elopement photographers on the wedding day. We arrived at Kiara and Mike’s apartment in the morning to reveal the surprise before we all headed over to the NYC City Hall.

Heading to Get Married at City Hall in NYC

Located at 141 Worth Street, the Manhattan Marriage Bureau is one of the most iconic spots to elope in New York City. The wait time wasn’t so bad, as these two chose to have their City Hall wedding in the morning. Typically, the earlier you arrive, the better the wait time will be. However, this also depends on what day you choose to get married – Fridays are going to be busier than Wednesdays, for example.

Ensure You’ve Waited 24 Hours Before Your New York Elopement

You must wait 24 hours after you receive your marriage license before you can get married in NYC. When planning an elopement in New York, don’t forget that whether it’s at City Hall or a different elopement location, this rule still applies. You’ll want to make sure that if you’re planning a big day at City Hall, you get your marriage license in-person a minimum of 24 hours beforehand.

NYC City Hall Elopement

Kiara and Mike’s New York City Hall elopement was such a joy to capture. These two and their family were all so filled with love as they said their ‘I Do’s’. When it comes to getting married at City Hall in NYC, it’s a fairly quick process. You can usually budget about 2-3 hours as needed for a courthouse wedding.

During the ceremony, there isn’t a time when you exchange vows. It’s a simple and quick process that takes less than five minutes in total. After that, you’re married legally to your best friend! Some couples choose to have private vows during their elopement photography after their City Hall wedding ceremony.

Elopement Photography Outside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau

Once we finished up with the wedding ceremony at NYC City Hall, these two were officially married! We headed outside to take elopement photos outside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. Our group was met with a bright and sunny morning; perfect for some happy photos with these two and their loved ones.

Where Should You Take NYC City Hall Elopement Photos?

There are plenty of options for elopement photography spots in New York City. The beauty of getting married in Manhattan is that you’re met with some of the most iconic locations available. From Central Park, to Times Square, to the Brooklyn Bridge, there are tons of options. We would recommend that if you’d like to do Brooklyn Bridge elopement photos, you go to the bridge before your City Hall wedding ceremony to avoid the crowds.

Book Your NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer

Looking for NYC city hall wedding photographers? We’ve got you covered at Brooklyn Wedding Photo. We’re here to capture your elopement photography needs all over New York City. Reach out to us and let us know what you’re thinking for your special day.