How to Elope in New York City

If you’re thinking about eloping in New York, this is the ultimate guide for you. We’ve got the best tips for eloping in the Big Apple. As two of the top elopement photographers in New York City, we know exactly what to do. Read on to learn how to plan your NYC elopement.

Why Should I Elope in New York?

Eloping in New York City can be a momentous occasion. The city that never sleeps is the perfect location to elope with your partner. Whether you’re coming in for a destination elopement in NYC, or you’re locals running off to marry, this city has a ton of options.

Many wedding vendors here offer services catering specifically to couples like you. There are countless beautiful NYC elopement locations to choose from for your special day. For those who want to have dinner or brunch afterward, there are also many options for restaurants.

How Much Does Eloping in NYC Cost?

The elopement NYC price can be as much or as little as you want to spend! Some planners provide NY elopement packages if you want to take the stress out of planning. However, if you’re looking for a low-cost elopement in NYC, the cost can be whatever you decide. Some of the typical NYC elopement costs would be:

• Having a bouquet
• Finding a location in New York and obtaining a permit
• Having NYC elopement photography
• Finding outfits, accessories, and shoes
• Using an elopement planner
• Hair and makeup
• Hiring an officiant to legally marry you two

Find an Officiant for Your NYC Elopement

To have an NYC elopement wedding and officially marry your partner, you must find an officiant. This is someone who will pronounce you a couple and make the marriage official. Search around for an officiated person with experience in elopements. There are plenty of different types of officiants to look into when you elope.

Make sure to have a conversation with your officiant beforehand to make sure you get along. After all, they’ll be spending one of the biggest moments of your life with you! You’ll want to make sure you have a good vibe with each other. 

Can Anyone Officiate a Wedding in New York?

Can anyone officiate a wedding in NYC? The law in New York requires the person officiating your ceremony to register with the City Clerk. Read further on the City Clerk website to see who is eligible to register as an officiant in New York City.

How Do I Get a Marriage License in New York City?

The first step to getting married legally is to obtain a marriage license. You must obtain this from the City Clerk. Once you’ve received the marriage license, you must wait a minimum of 24 hours before you can marry. It must be no less than 24 hours between the license and the ceremony.

The best part about having a classic NYC elopement is getting to marry your partner. Some couples choose to elope first and have a big wedding later. Other couples just prefer a smaller ceremony. Doing your elopement now means you can be legally married for whatever reasons you need to be.

That being said, the most important part of that is the legal marriage! Remember to obtain your marriage license ahead of your elopement. Even if you are doing your NYC elopement at City Hall, you need to have the marriage license in advance. You can’t get same-day married in NYC.

When Should I Elope in New York City?

Many couples choose to elope in NYC during the autumn. This is one of the nicest times of year in terms of weather. New York City elopements can get very hot and humid during the summer months. If you’re looking for an NYC romantic elopement, consider the spring or fall for your special day.

If you’re considering something out of the box, there’s also the idea of a winter ceremony. Having an NYC winter elopement can make for some iconic imagery. Manhattan is so charming in the colder season. From Bryant Park’s holiday market to the windows on 5th Avenue, you’re faced with an abundance of choices.

What is the Best Time for an Intimate NYC Wedding?

Also consider what day of the week you’re going to tie the knot. If you’re planning to get married at city hall, the Manhattan Marriage Bureau is only open on weekdays. On the other hand, if your intimate wedding somewhere else in the city, you have more flexibility.

If you want to hold your wedding ceremony in a crowded tourist spot, consider a weekday wedding. There will be far fewer people in a place like Brooklyn Bridge Park on a weekday. Also consider the time of day when you plan to elope. This can make a big difference.

Central Park, for example, is going to be much less crowded in the morning than the afternoon. Even for a City Hall wedding, the time of day makes a big difference. The wait times are much longer on a Friday afternoon than they are on a Wednesday morning.

Find the Best Elopement Venues in NYC

When it comes to NYC elopement ideas, we’ve got tons of advice. Your wedding day, no matter how big or small, is so important. Whether you’ll be surrounded by friends and family or just the two of you, finding the right spot is crucial. What are the best NYC elopement locations for your love story?

City Hall – Manhattan Marriage Bureau

The classic NYC elopement spot is at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. This saves you the trouble of having to find a wedding ceremony location and officiant. You can then have a photoshoot after and a celebratory brunch or meal. There are so many gorgeous spots in Downtown Manhattan for your elopement photos.

Grab an NYC City Hall elopement photographer like us and make a day of it! Travel around to different iconic locations in the city. Once your marriage is finalized, use this opportunity to celebrate with professional photos.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park gives you a timeless view of the Manhattan skyline while you say ‘I Do’. There are a number of stunning spots for photos in Dumbo as well. Consider this location to elope at if you’re a fan of a classic New York feeling.

Central Park

Central Park provides an iconic landscape for your celebration. There are also a large breadth of places to choose from within the park. Some spots are quieter than others in the park, and timing is everything. Make sure to consider the time and day of week when you’re planning to elope in Central Park.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park is an enormous park in the heart of Brooklyn. Consider this park if you’d like an outdoorsy elopement without as many tourists. Central Park is wonderful, but it is often filled with visitors from out of town. Prospect Park provides a lovely backdrop of nature in every season.

Restaurant and Rooftop Elopements

New York City is famous for its fantastic restaurants. Consider eloping at your favorite restaurant if they give you the option. There are also rooftop elopements for places with a beautiful view. Consider Brooklyn for your marriage celebration if you’re looking for an iconic NYC rooftop view.

If you choose a restaurant wedding venue, you can have your elopement dinner in NYC there too! You won’t have to move between locations. This is especially helpful if you’re inviting any friends and family to your intimate wedding ceremony.

Choose an NYC Elopement Photographer

One of the biggest parts of eloping is capturing the moments! That’s why it’s so important to have an NYC elopement photographer. If you’re eloping and having a wedding later, these photos can also serve as wonderful memories on your wedding website and save the dates.

There are plenty of photographers who offer elopement services in NYC. That being said, you must make sure to choose the right one for you. As two of the top elopement photographers in New York, we’re experienced in marriage ceremonies of all sizes.

How to Find the Best Elopement Photographer in NYC

Try searching Google, Instagram, and Pinterest for elopement photographers in New York. Some professionals like Brooklyn Wedding Photo even offer NYC elopement videography with their packages. Having the options for these elopement services is helpful for couples who are focused on lifelong memories.

Once you find a photographer you like, make sure to have a conversation with them. We offer consultations with all couples to ensure our couples feel a good vibe before they make their choice. Plus, with every package, we offer a complimentary engagement photoshoot in the Hudson Valley. This is to get you comfortable having a camera on you before your wedding ceremony of any size.

Should You Get Elopement Videography Too?

You could consider an NYC elopement videographer to make further memories. If you want to capture the audio of your elopement and raw emotional reactions, then videography may be for you. Compare our NYC elopement photography packages to see what may be the best fit for you.

Find Your Elopement Outfit

Not sure what to wear when you tie the knot? Your options are limitless – make sure to dress for the occasion, though. If you’re having an NYC rooftop elopement in the fall, for example, you may want to dress a little warmer. Grab a nice coat to go overtop of your outfit.

Check out amazing dress designers like Loulette Bride who have beautiful, bespoke wedding designs. There are so many options for what to wear. It all depends on what you’re most comfortable in! From dresses and suits to casual clothing, you’ve got choices.

Choose Your Rings

If you plan to wear rings, don’t forget these! Some couples who elope decide to wear their rings after they’re legally married. Others sometimes wait if they’re planning on having a larger wedding down the line. Exchanging rings can be a beautiful part of your ceremony.

Find Your Florals for When You Elope

If you’re planning to have elopement flowers, NYC provides a ton of options. Many florists will create an elopement bouquet just for you! You also have the option of smaller pieces like a boutonniere, corsage, or even a floral crown.

When searching for an elopement bouquet, check on which florists speak to you. Floral design is so specific and you’ll want to find something that matches your taste. Stems Brooklyn provides beautiful options for an elopement bouquet in NYC.

Figure Out Your Plans for After the Elopement

Do you plan to have an elopement dinner afterwards? Some couples who go for morning elopements also consider a brunch with friends. Whatever the case may be, make sure to figure out your plans in advance. Many restaurants need reservations, especially if you’re showing up with family and friends.

Who Are You Going to Tell?

Speaking of your friends and family, who are you going to tell? Some couples decide not to tell anyone when they have a low-key ceremony. Others will let family and friends know ahead of time. It may be important to have your parents there, for example.

Go Ahead and Elope in New York City!

Elopement in New York City is such a fun time. This is the best city to elope in. The whole city can easily cater to your wishes to elope. At Brooklyn Wedding Photo, we’re well-trained professionals who are ready to bring your intimate wedding vision to life.

Are you thinking about eloping? Let us know! We’d love to share our NYC elopement packages with you. We’ll find the best possible package, and guide you through how to elope in New York City. We’re excited to help with your special day!