How to Elope at NYC Town Hall Marriage Bureau - a Complete Guide by a NYC Elopement Photographer

Eloping at NYC Town Hall Marriage Bureau, 141 Worth Street

Eloping at NYC Town Hall offers so many benefits for couples seeking a low-key and intimate elopement experience! With its iconic backdrop and quick process, NYC Town Hall provides a stress free option for those looking to marry in the heart of the city. The streamlined procedures make it easy to obtain a marriage license and exchange vows quickly, perfect for couples who prefer a no-fuss approach to tying the knot. Additionally, the historic charm of NYC Town Hall adds a timeless elegance to the occasion.

As a NYC elopement photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to capture elopements at NYC Town Hall, and I’m providing this guide based on my experience photographing there!

Planning Your Day

When planning your day, you’ll want to consider whether you’ll want to take portraits before or after your ceremony.

If you choose before, you’ll want to plan to wrap up and be at Town Hall approximately 20 minutes before your appointment time. For just portraits of the two of you in one location, you can plan for 30-40 minutes of shooting time. If you are bringing family along, you can add 20 minute to that shooting time, and any additional locations would add 20-30 minutes, just be sure to keep any travel time in mind and add that in as well.

If you choose after, plan to start your portraits at least one hour after your appointment time. The reason for this is that it takes time to wait on like to get into the building, then through security, next you take a number and wait on line to finish paperwork. After that, you wait on line to get into the ceremony room. That whole process can take up to an hour. The actually ceremony only takes 3-5 minutes.

You can make your appointment here. You can only have 4 guests accompany you at Town Hall, including any photographer/videographer you bring.

Photo Opportunities Inside City Hall

There are also many photo opportunities inside Town Hall. The first being while you walk into the building. Once you are in, your photographer must put there camera away until you pass security. Once you are passed security, you can take the iconic green couch photos! I love taking these photos both with and without flash.

Next, once you take your number, a photo of the number is always a cute photo op. There is also a backdrop that you can take a photo at. I think it’s such a cute photo, it’s “cheesy” in the best way!

When your number is called to finish paperwork, definitely take some photos during that time. You can sit down in the chairs and peek back at your photographer from time to time. It makes for the cutest photos!

Once you get into the ceremony room, your photographer can capture your actual ceremony. You can not stay in the room once you are done, so be sure they take plenty of photos during that time. There are two rooms, one having a rainbow background, and one having a purple one. You will get sent to one or the other by an employee, and can not choose.

The last opportunity is exiting Town Hall! You exit from a different door than the one you came in from. You will want your photographer to exit first, allowing them to capture the moment you come out. They can also coordinate any friends/family you have waiting outside, if you are doing some sort of confetti pop or petal toss. You have to take these photos quickly, as other couples may be exiting behind you.

After Your Elopement

There are plenty of nearby locations for beautiful photos. The David Dinkins municipal building makes for gorgeous photos, as well as Thurgood Marshall Courthouse!

Their are dozens of locations in NYC that you can head to afterwards. Your next stop totally depends on you two as a couple! Central Park offers beautiful water views near Ladies Pavilion, timeless architecture at Bethesda Terrace, and the romantic Bow Bridge. For skyline views, visit Brooklyn Bridge. In West Village, you will find the most charming streets, with historic ivy-covered buildings and cobblestone paths.

I’ve photographed at many locations in NYC. Some recommendations are:

• Coffee shop

• Bar

• Central Park (32 minute uber/24 minute subway)

• Grand Central Terminal (23 minute uber/18 minute subway)

• Joe’s Pizza

• New York Public Library (23 minute uber/22 minute subway)

Choosing a Photographer

As a documentary style NYC elopement photographer, I authentically capture the genuine moments and emotions of your NYC courthouse elopement. I focus on candid moments, telling the story of your elopement in a natural and unobtrusive way. This style allows the photographer to blend into the background, letting you focus on each other and the significance of the moment. I do some light posing for portraits in a natural & comfortable way with an editorial touch. The result is a collection of images that truly reflect the intimacy and unique charm of your courthouse elopement, preserving memories that you can cherish for years to come. I absolutely love to capture the timelessness of a NYC Town Hall elopement, as well as elopements all over NYC!

A Mix of 35mm Film Photography, Polaroids, and Digital

I also capture elopements on 35mm film & polaroids. Choosing to have your elopement captured on film immortalizes the intimacy and raw emotion of your special day. Something about the limited shots you have on film causes you to really slow down and be intentional about every single shot. The excitement of polaroids developing right before your eyes is also such a unique touch.

Through cinematic storytelling with film photography and artistic digital photography, your elopement becomes a timeless gallery that captures the your unique love story, preserving it for future generations to experience.

Contact

If you are looking for NYC elopement photographer who offers location and planning advice, as well as natural & comfortable posing with an editorial touch - you have definitely come to the right place. Check out this NYC Town Hall elopement, which was published by Wedding Chicks!

I have plenty of experience adventuring around the streets of NYC with couples for their engagement and elopement photos, and know all of the great spots. So when you're ready to book, you can view my investment page here and contact me here!