NYC City Hall Wedding: Step-by-Step Guide (Updated for 2026)

This is a NY City Hall Weddings guide updated in May, 2026.

If you're considering tying the knot at Manhattan City Hall, you're in for a classic and hassle-free NYC wedding experience. Whether you’re eloping or simply opting for a minimalist ceremony, this guide will walk you through the entire process—from obtaining your marriage license to saying ‘I do’ in City Hall’s iconic setting. Let's dive into all the details for your NYC City Hall wedding!

Please visit the official page of the NYC Marriage Bureau for official updates.

How Much Does a NYC City Hall Wedding Cost?

One of the most common questions to ask: how much does it actually cost to get married at NYC City Hall? The answer is refreshingly simple. A city hall wedding in New York is one of the most affordable ways to make it official: total cost is just $60 for the license and ceremony combined, payable by credit or debit card only (no cash accepted).

Item	Cost
Marriage License	$35 (credit/debit card or money order only)
Ceremony at City Hall	$25 (credit/debit card or money order only)
Total (license + ceremony)	$60

You can schedule an in-person Marriage Ceremony with the City Clerk. In-person Marriage Ceremony appointments are available at nyc.gov/cupid. Virtual marriage ceremonies are no longer available. That's it. No hidden fees, no venue minimum, no catering bill. The only additional costs are entirely optional, a NYC City Hall photographer, flowers, an outfit, wherever you want to celebrate after. A city hall wedding can be as simple or as special as you make it, and the budget is entirely yours to decide.

Is NYC City Hall Open to All Couples?

Absolutely — and it always has been. New York City has recognized same-sex marriage since 2011, and the Manhattan Marriage Bureau welcomes all couples regardless of gender, orientation, or background. The process is exactly the same for everyone: same license, same ceremony, same experience. NYC City Hall is one of the most inclusive and celebrated places to get married in the world, and as a documentary NYC wedding photographer, I've had the honor of photographing couples from every walk of life here. Whoever you are and whoever you love, this place is for you. 🏳️‍🌈

Step 1: Obtaining Your Marriage License

Before you can have your ceremony, you’ll need a marriage license, which can be obtained either online (virtual appointment) or in person at the City Clerk’s Office. You can read my more in depth guide on how to obtain a license, too!

How to Apply for a Marriage License

1. Create an NYC.ID Account

   • If you have a New York driver’s license, you may already have an account.

2. Fill Out the Online Form

   • Provide personal details, including your name, birthdate, address, and parent information.

   • If either of you has been married before, you’ll need to include information on previous marriages.

3. Schedule Your Appointment

   • Once the form is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a link to schedule an appointment with the City Clerk.

   • Virtual appointments require both partners to be in the same physical location during the call.

   • Expect to wait about two weeks for the next available virtual appointment slot.

4. Attend Your Appointment

   • Join the MS Teams video call at the scheduled time.

   • Have valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.) ready.

   • The clerk will verify your details and generate your official marriage license, which will be emailed to you.

5. Print Your License

   • If you completed the process virtually, you’ll need to print the marriage license before bringing it to your ceremony.

   
   

💰 Cost: $35 (payable by credit card)

📅 Timeline: The ceremony must be held at least 24 hours after receiving your license and within 60 days of issuance. You can book your ceremony appointment without having the license on hand yet.

All The Feels by Mucci | Wedding at Manhattan City Hall Photographer

Step 2: Scheduling Your Wedding Ceremony at City Hall

Once you have your license, you’ll need to schedule your ceremony.

How to Book a City Hall Wedding Ceremony

1. Visit Project Cupid (NYC’s online portal)

   • Select "Marriage Ceremony (In-Person)"

   • Enter both partners' names, emails, and your witness’s name.

2. Pick Your Date & Time

   • New appointments are added every Monday morning. Over 3,000 appointments are available for services in all 5 offices.

   • Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM.

   • New time slots are released 3 weeks in advance (updated from the previous 2-week schedule).

   • Fridays are the busiest days, so plan accordingly.

   • I suggest not booking around 8:30 - 9:00 AM and 1:00 - 1:30 PM, as these are the busiest times.

   • You will NOT be admitted without an appointment.

3. Pay the Ceremony Fee

   • 💰 Another $25 fee is required for the marriage certificate (credit card payments only).

   
   

📌 You can book your ceremony date before obtaining your marriage license, but you must have the license in hand before the ceremony.

When Do Appointments Open — And How to Actually Get One

This is the part most guides skip, and the part that causes the most stress. Here's exactly how the NYC City Hall appointment system works as of 2026:

• Ceremony appointments: New slots open every Monday between 8:30am and 9:00am EST, for dates approximately three weeks in advance. They go fast, especially Fridays, which are the most popular and often sell out within minutes of release. I recommend being online at 8am and keep checking the website for updates.

• In-person marriage license appointments: Also released on Monday mornings between 8:30am and 9:00am EST, three weeks in advance.

• Virtual marriage license appointments (via Project Cupid and Microsoft Teams): Released on Thursday mornings at 9:00am EST, also three weeks in advance. Both partners must be in the same physical location during the video call.

• Cancellation slots: New slots also appear throughout the week as couples cancel. If you miss Monday morning, keep checking the Project Cupid portal periodically, especially Tuesday through Thursday.

The most reliable strategy: count back three Mondays from your ideal wedding date, set a calendar reminder for 7:55am that Monday, and be on the Project Cupid portal the moment slots open. For the most popular dates, Fridays in spring and fall especially, treat it like a concert ticket drop. Book your ceremony through Project Cupid (NYC's official portal) and then head over to reserve a time with your New York elopement photographer too!.

Step 3: Wedding Day at Manhattan City Hall

💡 What to Bring:

• Printed marriage license

• Both partners’ photo IDs

• One witness (with their own photo ID)

• Credit card for the $25 fee

• A folder to safely store your documents

What to Expect at City Hall on Your Wedding Day

1. Arrival & Security Check

   • The City Clerk’s Office is located at 141 Worth Street, NYC.

   • Security screening is required (no weapons or large bags).

2. Check-In & Receive Your Ceremony Number

   • Head to the kiosks and provide your IDs and marriage license.

   • You'll receive a number (e.g., A22, C14) which will be called when it’s your turn. C is for ceremonies!

   • Pro Tip: Use this waiting time to take photos inside the venue, here are examples of this iconic spot!

3. Final Document Verification & Payment

   • At the second kiosk, you’ll pay the $25 fee and finalize your paperwork.

4. Entering the Chapel for Your Ceremony

   • You’ll be directed to a small ceremony room (chapel) where a City Clerk officiates the wedding.

   • The ceremony lasts 2-3 minutes—you’ll say "I do," exchange rings (if you choose), and seal it with a kiss!

5. Receiving Your Marriage Certificate

   • After the ceremony, you’ll receive your official marriage certificate: this is your legal proof of marriage.

Getting There: Entrances, Arrival Time & What to Expect at Security

The Manhattan Marriage Bureau is located at 141 Worth Street in Lower Manhattan, the main entrance is very easy to find. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time. Security screening is required, think airport-style, without the shoes part. No weapons, and keep large bags to a minimum. Once you're through, head to the kiosks to check in with your IDs (couple + witness) and printed marriage license. You'll receive a number that gets called when it's your turn.

The waiting room, with its green velvet benches and warm golden light, is actually one of the best photo spots in the entire building. Don't rush through it. Some of the most candid, genuine moments I've ever photographed at City Hall happen right here! Use this time.

📸 Photography Tip: There are great photo opportunities outside City Hall! Contact me to get started with some ideas.

All The Feels by Mucci | New York City City Hall Photographer

Do You Need Additional Copies of Your Marriage Certificate?

After your ceremony you'll receive your official marriage certificate, and if you live in the US, you're all set — but you may want extra certified copies for things like changing your name, updating bank accounts, or legal paperwork. Here's how that works:

• Domestic use (short certificate): $15 for the first copy, $10 for each additional copy. Even if you already know your original marriage license number, the minimum fee of $15 still applies.

• Foreign use (extended certificate): $35 for the first copy, $30 for each additional copy. This includes the search, certification, and a hand signature with raised seal.

You can request additional copies at the City Clerk's office on the day of your ceremony or order them later. For full details visit the NYC City Clerk Marriage Records page.

Getting Married in NYC as a Non-US Citizen — What You Need to Know

Non-US citizens can absolutely get married at NYC City Hall with no additional requirements. However, if you need your marriage certificate to be legally valid outside the United States, for example to update records in your home country, you'll need an extended (foreign use) certificate and two additional authentication steps after the ceremony:

• Step 1: County Clerk authentication ($3): Take your extended certificate to the nearest County Clerk's Office to authenticate the City Clerk's hand signature. You can find your nearest office on the NYC City Clerk website.

• Step 2: Apostille from the NY Department of State ($10): Take the authenticated document to the New York State Department of State for final authentication and attachment of an Apostille, which makes the document internationally recognized. The Department of State is located at 123 William Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10038.

The full process for international couples adds about $48 to the base cost ($35 extended certificate + $3 + $10), and it's entirely manageable, just plan to take care of it promptly after your ceremony while you're already in the area. For the most current details on the international authentication process, visit the official NYC City Clerk Marriage Records page.

All The Feels by Mucci | New York Wedding Photographer

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Guests Can Attend?

As of July 2025, the couple is allowed to bring up to 4 guests (including their witness and photographer).

Can I Bring My Own Officiant?

Yes! You can skip the City Hall ceremony and have your own licensed officiant marry you anywhere in NYC. They must sign and file the marriage certificate afterward.

Can We Say Our Own Vows?

City Hall only uses the standard vows, but you can ask the officiant if you can say personal vows before or after the ceremony.

Do We Need Rings?

No, exchanging rings is optional. If you’re skipping rings, let the officiant know beforehand.

What If We Don’t Have a Witness?

You must have a witness, but you can ask a photographer or even a fellow visitor to sign for you. Some professional photographers offer witness services as part of their packages, including us at All The Feels (at no additional cost) so feel free to reach out.

What If I’m Not a U.S. Citizen?

Non-citizens can marry at City Hall without issue. If you need an international marriage certificate, request one immediately after the ceremony and follow the authentication process at the Supreme Court.

Best Photography Locations Near City Hall

If you’re looking for iconic NYC wedding photos, consider these nearby spots:

📍 City Hall Steps – A classic, romantic shot outside the courthouse.

📍 Supreme Court Building – Dramatic columns make for an elegant backdrop.

📍 Brooklyn Bridge – Iconic skyline views, especially at sunset.

📍 DUMBO (Brooklyn) – Cobblestone streets and skyline views make for dreamy photos.

📍 Washington Square Park – A scenic spot with the famous arch in the background.

📍 Tribeca Streets – Cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings, and stylish city vibes, a perfect setting for modern and intimate wedding portraits.

📍 The Skybridge on Staple Street – One of the most unique photo spots in NYC! This tucked-away skybridge in Tribeca is perfect for adding an artsy, cinematic feel to your photos.

📍 South Street Seaport – A mix of historic charm and waterfront views, great for romantic and candid shots.

📍 The Oculus & World Trade Center – A sleek, modern architectural backdrop, perfect for capturing a mix of NYC’s historic and contemporary style.

These locations ensure you have a variety of backdrops, from classic NYC landmarks to hidden gems, making your City Hall wedding album even more special.

📸 Pro Tip: Hire an experienced NYC wedding photographer who knows how to make the most of these locations for your wedding day portraits!

Is a NYC City Hall Wedding Right for You?

If you want a simple, affordable, and stress-free way to tie the knot, Manhattan City Hall is a fantastic option. It’s a true NYC experience—quick, full of charm, and surrounded by other couples celebrating love.

By following this guide, you’ll know exactly what to expect, ensuring your wedding day goes smoothly.

💍 Planning to elope in NYC? Consider hiring a local NYC wedding photographer to capture every moment beautifully.

👉 Need help finding a photographer? Click here to explore our wedding photography packages perfect for your City Hall ceremony!

All The Feels by Mucci | New York City Elopement Photographer

What to Wear to Your NYC City Hall Wedding

There's no official dress code at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, which means this question is entirely yours to answer. That freedom is one of the best things about a city hall wedding. I've photographed couples in everything from full ballgowns to jeans, to a whole party in bubblegum pink, and the only thing that makes a city hall outfit not right, is wearing something that doesn't feel like you.

That said, a few things photograph particularly beautifully in the City Hall environment:

• Slip dresses and simple silhouettes, the clean lines work beautifully against the architectural details of the building and the busy street scenes outside.

• Suits in warm tones, navy, camel, warm gray, even cream: all look elegant against the marble and green velvet interiors.

• Something with a little movement, a flowy hem, a veil, a long jacket, these give the photographer something to work with in outdoor portraits and adds a cinematic quality to candid shots.

• Comfortable shoes! You will be walking. City Hall Park, Lower Manhattan streets, potentially the Brooklyn Bridge if we head that way after. Think beautiful but walkable.

The most important thing: wear something that feels like the best version of you on an ordinary day. City hall weddings are intimate and real, and the photos always look best when the couple looks completely comfortable and happy rather than costumed and with an itchy dress.

💍 Frequently Asked Questions About NYC City Hall Weddings

1. How do I get a marriage license in NYC?

To obtain a marriage license in NYC, you must apply online or in person through the City Clerk’s Office. You’ll need valid photo ID, pay a $35 fee, and attend an appointment (virtual or in-person). The license is issued the same day and must be used between 24 hours and 60 days after issuance.

2. Can I book my NYC City Hall wedding ceremony before getting my marriage license?

Yes! You can reserve a ceremony date before receiving your license. When booking, you’ll be asked if you already have a license—just select "No", and you can continue with your reservation. Just make sure you obtain the license before the ceremony.

3. How many guests can I bring to my City Hall wedding?

As of 2026, you can bring up to 4 guests, which includes your witness and photographer. If you have more people, they may have to wait outside.

4. Do I need a witness for my NYC City Hall wedding?

Yes, one witness is required. They must be at least 18 years old and bring a valid photo ID. If you don’t have a witness, you can ask a professional photographer or even a fellow City Hall visitor to sign for you.

5. How much does it cost to get married at NYC City Hall?

• Marriage License: $35 (debit/credit card or money order only)

• Wedding Ceremony at City Hall: $25 (debit/credit card or money only)

  Total: $60 for an official City Hall wedding

6. Can I bring my own wedding officiant instead of having a City Hall ceremony?

Yes! You can get your marriage license at City Hall and have a private ceremony elsewhere with a registered officiant. They must sign and submit your marriage certificate for it to be legally recognized.

7. Can I have a photographer inside City Hall?

Yes, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, you can take photos inside during and after the ceremony. In the Bronx, however, photography is not allowed inside the building, but you can take pictures outside.

8. How long does the City Hall wedding process take?

From arrival to completion, expect to spend about an hour at City Hall. Wait times can vary, especially on Fridays, so plan accordingly.

9. Can I get married on a weekend at City Hall?

No, City Hall wedding ceremonies are only available Monday–Friday. If your dream wedding date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, consider getting your license at City Hall and having a private ceremony with an officiant.

10. Do I need wedding rings for a City Hall wedding?

No, rings are optional. If you don’t plan on exchanging rings, just let the officiant know beforehand so they don’t prompt you during the ceremony.

11. Can I say my own vows at a City Hall ceremony?

City Hall ceremonies typically follow a standard script and do not allow personal vows. However, if saying your own vows is important, consider having a private ceremony with your own officiant.

12. Can I have more than one witness?

Only one witness can sign the marriage certificate, but your other guests can still attend and be part of your wedding day experience.

13. Can I bring my pet to City Hall for my wedding?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed inside City Hall, with the exception of service animals. However, you can take photos with your furry friend outside!

14. What happens if I lose my marriage certificate?

If you misplace your marriage certificate, you can request a certified copy from the City Clerk’s Office. This costs $15 per copy and can be ordered in person or by mail.

15. Can I get a marriage license if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Yes! You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen to get married in NYC. If your home country requires an international marriage certificate, ask for one at City Hall after your ceremony and follow the two-step authentication process: first at your nearest County Clerk's Office ($3), then at the NY Department of State for an Apostille ($10). Full details are in the section above.