NYC City Hall Wedding Guide 2026: Cost, License, Ceremony & Photo Tips
Updated: Oct 6
If you’re dreaming of a NYC City Hall wedding, there’s something so special about getting married in the middle of New York City. Manhattan City Hall is simple, iconic and full of its own kind of magic. The ceremony itself may be quick, but the day can still feel deeply personal, emotional and completely yours.
I've been a photographer since 2008, and City Hall weddings are a big part of what I shoot in New York. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you, bringing a few favorite people or planning a full day around your City Hall ceremony, this guide covers the parts the official site leaves out: from getting your marriage license to booking your ceremony, knowing what to bring, when appointment slots drop and how to grab one, what happens between security and the chapel, and where to take beautiful wedding photos within walking distance afterward.
My hope is that this helps you feel prepared, calm and excited for your NYC City Hall wedding, so you can be present for the little moments that make the day feel like yours.
TL;DR: How to Have a NYC City Hall Wedding
A NYC City Hall wedding costs $60 in legal fees: $35 for the marriage license and $25 for the ceremony. You apply for the license through Project Cupid, wait at least 24 hours, then arrive at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau on 141 Worth Street with your printed license, photo IDs and one witness. The ceremony takes two or three minutes.
Table of Contents
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: the total cost is just $60 for the license and ceremony combined, payable by credit/debit card or money order (no cash).
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, and 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
Create an NYC.ID Account
If you have a New York driver’s license, you may already have an account.
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.
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.
Virtual appointment availability varies and slots fill fast, so book as soon as you know your date. Here's how long it takes to get a marriage license in NYC. Expect to be on the lookout about three weeks out for the next available virtual appointment slot.
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.
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 (credit/debit card or money order)
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.
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
Visit Project Cupid (NYC’s online portal)
Select "Marriage Ceremony (In-Person)"
Enter both partners' names, emails, and your witness’s name.
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 - 8:45 AM and 1:00 - 1:30 PM, as these are the busiest times.
You will NOT be admitted without an appointment.
Pay the Ceremony Fee
The ceremony fee is $25 (credit/debit card or money order only). You'll receive your marriage certificate right after the ceremony.
You can book your ceremony date before obtaining your marriage license, but you must have the license in hand before the ceremony.
When Do NYC City Hall 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:
Before heading to the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, make sure you have everything you need for your ceremony. City Hall weddings are simple, but you still need the right documents and payment ready when you check in.
Bring the following with you:
Your printed marriage license: If you received your license virtually, print it before your ceremony and bring the physical copy with you.
Valid photo IDs for both partners: This can include a passport, driver’s license, state ID or another accepted government-issued photo ID.
One witness with valid photo ID: Your witness must be at least 18 years old and needs their own photo ID.
A credit or debit card or money order: You’ll need this to pay the $25 ceremony fee.
A folder or envelope: This helps keep your marriage license and certificate safe before and after the ceremony.
Comfortable shoes: Even if you’re dressing up, you may be walking around City Hall, Lower Manhattan, or nearby photo locations after the ceremony.
Any personal details you want photographed: Rings, flowers, vow books, a special accessory or anything meaningful you want included in your wedding photos.
A little preparation goes a long way. Having everything organized before you arrive will make the check-in process easier and help the day feel calmer from the start.
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. Your confirmation email asks you to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. Do that. Here's what the email doesn't say: people are let in by appointment hour, and once you're inside, it's first come, first served. Show up way too early and staff will tell you they're letting the 10 o'clock people in and ask you to wait. Show up late (please don't) and in my experience you'll still get married, so be kind and polite at the desk.
Everyone in your group has to walk in together. Anyone who arrives after you've gone through won't be admitted, so meet outside and go in as one group, with IDs, your printed license and your appointment confirmation in hand. The longest line of the day is around 1 to 1:15pm. The bureau closes for lunch from 11:45am to 1pm, and everyone who showed up during lunch is already lined up when the doors reopen.
Security works like the airport: bags through the scanner, empty your pockets, no weapons. Save the photos for later. Photography isn't allowed until you have your number, because you're still in the security area.
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.
What Happens Inside the Marriage Bureau? Step by Step
From security to certificate, a NYC City Hall wedding takes about an hour and runs in eight steps. Here's each one, with what I tell my couples.
Step | What happens | Insider tip |
Line up | Arrive 10-30 minutes before your appointment. Couples are let in by appointment hour. | Worst line: 1 to 1:15pm, right after the 11:45am–1pm lunch closure. |
Security | Airport-style: bags through the scanner, empty your pockets, no belts. | No photos until after you have your number. |
Check-in | The whole group walks in together. Show IDs, your license, and your appointment confirmation. You get a number like C034. | Latecomers in your group won't be admitted. Keep IDs and license in hand. They'll ask for them more than once. |
First wait | Green velvet couches in the waiting room. | Photos are OK now. Check out the merch store and the giant City Hall photo backdrop. |
Sign the license | You're called to sign. You two and your witness sign; the rest of your crew can come along. | After this step, you can put your IDs away. |
Second wait | Head to the chapel waiting area (window 5). | You're half married! ⚠️ |
Ceremony | You're called by name into one of two ceremony rooms. It lasts 2 to 3 minutes. | You can put your rings on the corners of the clerk's stand. Hold hands and look at each other in the eyes to savor in the moment. |
Marriage Certificate | Handed to you at the end of the ceremony. | If you need extra copies: go back to where you got your number, fill out the form, wait in a new line. |
Where do you wait at NYC City Hall before your ceremony?
Once you have your number (it looks something like C064), you wait in the Marriage Bureau's waiting room on the famous green velvet couches. Don't just sit there scrolling, this is the fun part! Photos are finally allowed, and some of my favorite candid City Hall wedding photos happen right here (see a few). Take a peek at the City Hall merch store (it's really funny) and take some silly prom photos at the giant City Hall photo backdrop on the wall.
Who signs the marriage license at NYC City Hall?
When your number is called, you two and your witness go up and sign the marriage license. Up to 2 witnesses can sign. Bring the whole crew with you or just the people who need to sign, your call. Keep your IDs and license in your hands until everything's signed, because they'll ask for them a few times!
What happens during a NYC City Hall wedding ceremony?
After signing, you wait again. Relax, you're half married! A clerk calls you by name and you walk into one of the two ceremony rooms. The NYC City Hall ceremony lasts 2 to 3 minutes and follows a standard script, so there's nothing personal to prepare. Put your rings on the little ledge at the corners of the clerk's stand (it looks like a tiny speaker's booth), hold hands, take a deep breath, and look only at each other. Ignore everything else. When the clerk prompts you, say "I do" (if that's your choice). Your marriage certificate is handed to you right there at the end.
Can your photographer take photos during the City Hall ceremony?
Yes! There are no restrictions on photographing the ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, just be respectful. I keep the officiant's face out of my photos as much as I can and focus on the two of you. They marry couples all day long and probably don't love being in a million strangers' wedding photos.
What goes wrong most often at a NYC City Hall wedding?
It's rarely a forgotten document. It's big groups getting messy and scattered all over the place! Walk into the building together (anyone who comes later won't be let in), stay together, have your IDs, license and appointment confirmation ready, and go easy on yourselves. You're getting married today!
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 New York County Clerk's Office at 60 Centre Street (a short walk from the Marriage Bureau) to authenticate the City Clerk's signature. You can also 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's Apostille office is at 123 William Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
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.
How Many Guests Can Attend a NYC City Hall Wedding?
As of June 2026, the couple is allowed to bring up to 4 guests, including their witness and photographer. Because your photographer counts as part of the guest total, it’s important to plan your guest list carefully. If you want more people involved, you can always have additional friends or family meet you outside City Hall for portraits or join you for a celebration afterward.
Best Times for NYC City Hall Wedding Photos
The best time for your NYC City Hall wedding photos depends on the kind of day you want. Morning appointments can feel calmer and give you time for brunch or portraits afterward. Late morning and early afternoon appointments can be busier, especially on Fridays. If photos are a priority, it helps to think about your ceremony time and portrait route together so the day feels relaxed instead of rushed.
As a photographer, I usually recommend avoiding the busiest appointment windows when possible and building in extra time for portraits inside the Marriage Bureau, outside City Hall and around Lower Manhattan.
Best Photography Locations Near City Hall
One of my favorite things about photographing NYC City Hall weddings is how much beauty is already waiting right outside the Marriage Bureau. You don’t need to plan a complicated day for your photos to feel meaningful. Sometimes the best images come from walking hand in hand through Lower Manhattan, catching the light between buildings, laughing on the sidewalk, or letting the city move around you while you stay completely present with each other.
After your ceremony, these are a few of my favorite nearby locations for City Hall wedding portraits:
City Hall Steps
A classic place for that “just married in New York” feeling. It’s simple, timeless and perfect for a few romantic portraits right after your ceremony.
Supreme Court Building
The columns, stairs and architecture add a dramatic, elegant feel to your photos. I love this spot for couples who want something classic and elevated without going too far from City Hall.
Tribeca Streets
Tribeca is one of my favorite areas for modern, intimate wedding portraits. The cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings and softer city corners create a cinematic backdrop that still feels relaxed and true to New York.
The Skybridge on Staple Street
This tucked-away Tribeca spot adds something a little more artful and unexpected to your gallery. It's perfect if you want photos that feel stylish and editorial, without the crowds at the bigger landmarks.
South Street Seaport
For couples who love waterfront views, historic charm and a little movement, South Street Seaport is a beautiful option. It gives your gallery a mix of city texture, open space and softer romantic moments.
The Oculus & World Trade Center
If you’re drawn to clean lines, modern architecture and a more contemporary NYC feel, this is the spot: white steel ribs overhead and a white marble floor. It's also the easiest backup if it rains, so bring a clear umbrella for the walk over.
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is iconic for a reason. It works best when we have enough time built into your schedule, especially if you want skyline views and a more classic New York elopement feel.
DUMBO
If you want cobblestone streets, waterfront views and the Manhattan skyline, DUMBO is a dreamy option after your City Hall ceremony. It’s not directly next door, so I usually recommend this for couples who want a longer portrait session after City Hall.
Washington Square Park
This is a great choice if you want your photos to feel playful, romantic and full of NYC energy. The arch, the trees and the movement of the park can add so much personality to your wedding gallery.
The best location for your City Hall wedding photos depends on your ceremony time, the weather, your guest count and how you want the day to feel. Some couples want classic and elegant. Some want cinematic and editorial. Some just want to wander, laugh and let the city become part of the story.
That’s where having a photographer who knows these spaces really helps. I can help you choose a photo route that feels natural, beautiful and completely yours, without making the day feel rushed or overly posed.
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.
What to Do After Your NYC City Hall Wedding
After your ceremony, you can keep the day simple or turn it into a full NYC elopement experience. Some couples take portraits around City Hall and Tribeca, then head to brunch or dinner. Others meet family for a small celebration, book a hotel suite, walk through the city or plan a private vow reading somewhere nearby.
A few easy post-ceremony ideas include:
Brunch or dinner with your closest people
Champagne and cake at a hotel
Portraits in Tribeca, City Hall Park or DUMBO
A private vow reading nearby
A relaxed walk through Lower Manhattan
A small restaurant reception
Is a NYC City Hall Wedding Right for You?
A NYC City Hall wedding might be the right fit if you want your day to feel simple, intimate and true to you. It’s one of the most straightforward ways to get married in New York, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel rushed or impersonal.
For many couples, the beauty of a City Hall wedding is the freedom. You can keep things minimal with just the two of you and a witness, or you can turn it into a full New York elopement experience with portraits, flowers, dinner, a hotel stay or a small celebration with your favorite people.
Manhattan City Hall has its own kind of magic. The ceremony is quick, but the day can still hold so many meaningful moments: walking in together, waiting for your number to be called, seeing each other right before the ceremony, stepping outside as newlyweds and letting the city become part of the story.
If you want a wedding that feels low-stress, affordable and still deeply personal, a NYC City Hall wedding can be such a beautiful option.
If you’re planning to elope in NYC or get married at City Hall, I’d love to help you document the day in a way that feels natural, emotional and completely yours.
Planning to Elope in NYC? Let’s Document It
If you’re planning a NYC City Hall wedding, I’d love to help you capture the day in a way that feels relaxed and true to you. Whether you want simple ceremony coverage or a longer elopement-style experience around the city, I can help you plan a photo route that fits your timing, guest count, weather and style.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC City Hall Weddings
Do I need a witness for my NYC City Hall wedding?
Yes. You need one witness for your NYC City Hall wedding. Your witness must be at least 18 years old and bring a valid photo ID. They will sign your marriage certificate after the ceremony.
What if I don’t have a witness?
If you do not have a witness, you can ask your photographer or another adult present at City Hall to sign as your witness. Some City Hall wedding photographers offer witness services as part of their packages, which can make the process easier if you are eloping just the two of you.
Can my photographer be my witness at NYC City Hall?
Yes, your photographer can usually act as your witness as long as they are at least 18 years old and have valid photo ID. This can be especially helpful for couples who are eloping privately or traveling to NYC without guests.
Can I have a photographer inside City Hall?
Yes, photographers are allowed inside the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. Your photographer can document the waiting area, ceremony and moments after you are officially married. Just remember that your photographer counts toward your allowed guest total.
How long does the City Hall wedding process take?
The ceremony itself usually lasts only 2 to 3 minutes, but the full City Hall wedding process often takes about an hour from arrival to completion. Wait times can vary depending on the day, appointment time and how busy the Marriage Bureau is. Fridays and popular dates may take longer.
How early should we arrive for our City Hall wedding appointment?
Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time. You’ll need time to go through security, check in at the kiosks and get your ceremony number. Arriving too early does not always mean you’ll be seen earlier, but arriving late can create unnecessary stress.
Can I get married on a weekend at City Hall?
No. NYC City Hall wedding ceremonies are only available Monday through Friday. If you want to get married on a Saturday or Sunday, you can still get your marriage license through the City Clerk and then have a private ceremony elsewhere in NYC with a registered officiant.
Can I bring my own officiant instead of having a City Hall ceremony?
Yes. You can get your marriage license through the City Clerk and then have a private ceremony anywhere in NYC with a registered officiant. After the ceremony, your officiant must sign and submit the completed marriage license so your marriage is legally recorded.
Can we say our own vows during a City Hall ceremony?
City Hall ceremonies usually follow a short standard script and do not include personal vows. If saying your own vows is important to you, consider reading them privately before or after your City Hall ceremony or having a separate ceremony with your own officiant.
Do we need rings for a City Hall wedding?
No, rings are optional. If you do not plan to exchange rings, let the officiant know before the ceremony so they do not prompt you during the vows. You can still have a legal and meaningful City Hall wedding without rings.
Can I bring my pet to City Hall for my wedding?
Pets are not allowed inside NYC City Hall, with the exception of service animals. If you want to include your pet in your wedding day, you can plan photos outside the building or at a nearby location after your ceremony.
What is the best day of the week to get married at NYC City Hall?
Tuesday through Thursday are often a good choice if you want a calmer City Hall experience. Fridays are popular and can be busier, especially during spring, fall and around meaningful dates. If photography is a priority, choosing a less crowded day can make the experience feel more relaxed.
What should we do if it rains on our NYC City Hall wedding day?
Rain does not have to ruin your City Hall wedding photos. The Manhattan Marriage Bureau has beautiful interior photo opportunities, and nearby covered or indoor-friendly locations can still work well for portraits. Bring a clear umbrella, comfortable shoes and a little extra buffer time in your schedule.
Where can we take wedding photos after a NYC City Hall ceremony?
Popular photo locations near NYC City Hall include the City Hall steps, the Supreme Court Building, City Hall Park, Tribeca, Staple Street Skybridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, South Street Seaport, The Oculus and the World Trade Center area. Your photographer can help you choose locations based on your timeline, lighting and overall style.
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