Here’s What You Should Know About Getting Married in NYC

Getting married in New York City can feel like a monumental task. There are so many things to do! Where does one even begin to start on this challenge?! The first thing you need to do is find vendors who have got your back.

As top NYC wedding photographers, we know the ins and outs of a wedding day like the back of our hands. We’ve put together a list of things no one tells you about New York wedding planning. These are things to consider in your event planning process in the Big Apple.

Some Couples Get Married at City Hall First When They Get Married in NYC

Some couples in New York choose to have a City Hall elopement before they actually have a wedding. New York wedding planning and design can get expensive and time-consuming. When you elope at City Hall first, you get to get married ahead of time and start the next chapter of your lives together. Having a wedding can be so much fun, but many couples want to be married on their own time.

You Need Your Marriage License at Least 24 Hours in Advance

To get married at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau (or at all in New York!) you must have your marriage license at least 24 hours in advance. You cannot get same-day married in New York City. Head on over to the offices of the city clerk to obtain your marriage license. The city clerk’s office is located at 141 Worth Street in Manhattan.

People Usually Plan Over the Course of 1-2 Years

When planning a wedding in New York, many couples plan over the course of 1-2 years. This is so they have time to sort everything out. Many wedding venues in New York are already booked up that far in advance, so couples choose to take a longer engagement and plan on their own time. 

Some Vendors Tend to Book Up Quickly in New York

Some vendors tend to book up pretty quickly in New York. It’s always worth a shot to reach out to your favorites and see if they’re available. Once you settle on a wedding date, it’s best to start reaching out to your vendors immediately. Some of these vendors include wedding photographers in NYC, DJs/entertainment, wedding florists, and officiants.

You May Want a Wedding Planner for a Bigger New York City Wedding

Event planners are hugely beneficial for larger weddings in New York City. If you’re looking to host a larger occasion, many marrying couples tend to go with a wedding planner. They can help with your event’s designs and coordinating every last detail. If you’re looking for planner recommendations, we have a few amazing planners in mind – let us know!

Having a Small NYC Wedding is a Challenge, But Possible

If you choose to go for small NYC wedding planning, it’s possible but can be a challenge. There are plenty of intimate wedding venues in New York that can host a small wedding. Let’s be real, weddings don’t always have to be enormous celebrations. No matter how you choose to celebrate love, there are options for you in New York City.

Related: How to Plan a Small Wedding in NYC

There May Be Tourists in Your Dream Wedding Photo Location

If you’re dreaming of a specific location for your wedding photography, there may be tourists hanging out there that day. Coordinate with your New York wedding photographers to figure out the best timing and locations for your wedding photos. A top wedding photographer in New York like the ones at Brooklyn Wedding Photo can help you figure out what’s going to work well in your special day.

You Might Need a Photography Permit

Your New York wedding photographer can help you figure out what permits are needed for your wedding photography locations. Some spots in New York require a photography permit to take pictures there. This is because they’re special spots in the city that will usually make amazing backdrops to your wedding images. Arranging for photo permits is part of your NYC wedding planning process that must be taken into consideration.

Your Timeline May Not Go as Planned

Your wedding day timeline may not go as planned, and that’s okay! Being able to buffer for that time will allow you a much less stressful wedding day experience. For example, if you plan to have your ceremony in Tribeca but want to take photos in Central Park, account for that travel time within your wedding day timeline. Consult your event planner and photographer on your final wedding day timeline.

Your New York Wedding Is Going to Be Beautiful

Wedding planning in New York is a wonderful challenge that will result in a beautiful occasion. Getting married in NYC is one of the most beautiful experiences, and will make for lifelong memories. If you’re getting married in New York, let us know! We’d love to help you capture incredible memories.