How to Elevate your City Hall Elopement Wedding
After over 15 years as a New York City elopement photographer, I have helped so many couples plan the tiny wedding of their dreams. I have noticed more and more couples opting for an elopement over a big wedding for so many reasons whether it be financial or just not wanting all the stress of a big wedding day. Your wedding should be the day YOU want, so if that’s eloping in NYC, I am here to cheer you on! I have a list of reasons to elope in NYC and the best places to elope in NYC on my blog if that’s helpful to convince you.
When folks elope in NYC they generally have two options, City Hall or outside City Hall. If opting for a courthouse wedding in New York, there are still lots of ways to make that day your own!
If you’re getting married at City Hall in NYC, you might be worried that you won’t be able to make it as personal or elevated as you would if you had a big wedding. I’m here to tell you can have a City Hall wedding, be stress free and have the wedding day you want!
A few ways to make your courthouse wedding in New York elevated and more personal.
Getting Ready and First Look Photos
For couples who want their courthouse wedding to feel like the whole full day wedding without the price tag, I love capturing those getting ready moments. It allows you some special time to get in the mindset for your day, we can get some detail shots of flowers, jewelry, or other special keepsakes.
If you chose, we can also do a first look moment before you arrive at the clerk’s office. While yes it’s staged, I often get some really great emotional photos from the first time you see your partner all dressed up in their wedding finery!
Wear Something Special!
This might go without saying for some, but other people say they feel silly getting all dressed up for City Hall. I say it’s YOUR wedding day! If that means a white ball gown or tuxedo, go for it! If it means a new summer dress or bespoke suit, wear it! Whatever makes you feel special, you should wear that and the happiness will shine through in your photos.
Write Personal Vows
At a City Hall wedding in NYC, you aren’t allowed to say your own vows. For some couples, this is the whole point and is totally fine. However, some couples want to take a moment to make the day a little more personal. I’ve had a number of City Hall couples recently write their own vows and then we take some time for them to read them to each other. Most often this is done with just the two of them. I stand at a distance to give you space but still capture some beautiful images. Photo tip: Write your vows on paper! Whether it’s a cute post card, stationary, or even an index card. Anything that’s NOT holding your phone is so much better for photos and then you have something to keep as a memento later! These can also make for a cute detail shot as well.
Personal Details
I love capturing fun personal details with a City Hall ticket number. Whether it’s a photo of a grandparent or parent, heirloom jewelry or embroidered handkerchief it brings in another personal element for your day.
Vintage Taxi
Another fun splurge to elevate your courthouse wedding is a vintage checker cab! You get extra fun photos, iconic New York, and it’s just plain fun! Plus a personal chauffer makes getting around town a lot easier than having to wait for a random uber driver.
Confetti Toss at City Hall
My favorite photo to take for every City Hall elopement in NYC is the exit photo! This door is by far the happiest place in the city and it’s so fun to capture the excitement of those Just Married! vibes! You can pop all different kinds of confetti, streamers, have guests toss handfuls of petals or confetti, or simply just have people cheer. Whatever you chose, even if it’s just you cheering yourselves on as you exit will make for a fun image!
Dinner or Celebratory Meal
With the hard limit of 4 guests now at City Hall, one of the best ways to include your people is not only with the confetti toss but with a celebratory meal! Lots of restaurants have a backroom or garden where you can gather your party to celebrate after you tie the knot at City Hall! If you want to include people, don’t forget to ask them to throw some confetti after the ceremony!
Need more help with planning ideas for your NYC elopement? Check my NYC Elopement Guide or contact me for answers to all your elopement questions!
