Getting Married at NYC City Hall: The Essential Guide to Manhattan vs. Brooklyn (Updated to 2026)

Margaryta Bushkin
Nov 12
9 min read

Planning a NYC City Hall Wedding? Here's How Manhattan and Brooklyn Compare

If you’ve decided that a city hall wedding is right for you, congrats! Now you're wondering which NYC City Hall is better for your wedding: Manhattan or Brooklyn City Hall? Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between Manhattan and Brooklyn City Clerk locations. While both are popular choices for elopements and intimate weddings, each has its own charm, vibe, and practical differences. Whether you're prioritizing wait times, ceremony aesthetics, or guest capacity, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to decide where to get married in NYC in 2026.

A Visual Comparison of Manhattan City Hall vs. Brooklyn City Hall

Manhattan City Hall entrance (left) vs. Brooklyn City Hall (right)

Manhattan City Hall waiting area (left) vs. Brooklyn City Hall (right)

Manhattan City Hall paperwork (left) vs. Brooklyn City Hall (right)

Manhattan City Hall chapel waiting area (left) vs. Brooklyn City Hall (right)

Manhattan City Hall wedding ceremony (left) vs. Brooklyn City Hall (right)

Manhattan City Hall wedding building exit (left) vs. Brooklyn City Hall (right)

Manhattan City Hall Wedding (141 Worth Street, NY, NY 10013)

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:45 PM

Lunch break: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM Closest Subway: Chambers St (J/Z), Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall (4/5/6), or City Hall (R/W)

Pros of Getting Married at Manhattan City Hall:

More Elegant Interior: The Manhattan Marriage Bureau is undeniably more photogenic. Think soft green couches, gold details, soft pastel chapels, and high ceilings in art deco style: it feels more like a vintage hotel lobby than a government office.
Iconic New York Aesthetic: From the courthouse steps closeby to the golden chandeliers, this location offers endless photo ops. There’s even a "wedding garden" across the street that makes for a sweet portrait location.
Flower Stand Right Outside: Forgot your bouquet? There’s often a local vendor named George with a flower cart stationed right by the entrance. There are also a few flower shops in its proximity, like Brighten Florist, or Lun Hong Flower Shop.
Staged Exits & Confetti Moments: It's common to find couples celebrating their newlywed moment with petals or bubbles at the exit. Great if you want that classic celebratory photo.

What to Expect Getting Married at Manhattan City Hall

When you walk up to Manhattan City Hall, you’ll usually notice a soft buzz of excitement outside. Couples from all over the world gather there every weekday morning, dressed in everything from courthouse chic to full-on wedding glam. It’s one of my favorite places in NYC—there’s just something magical in the air.

Arrival and Check-In

As you approach the building, you’ll likely spot a small line forming by the front doors around 8:15–8:30 AM. While walk-ins aren’t allowed anymore since 2020. While they suggest arriving 30 minutes before your time, per experience, 15 minutes prior is plenty, since appointments are first-come, first-served around your appointment time.

Once you're inside, you’ll go through a quick security check, think airport-lite, and then walk straight to the Marriage Bureau entrance. There’s no signage saying "wedding", but don’t worry, you’re in the right place!

The moment you walk in, you’ll hand over your marriage license (which you must have obtained at least 24 hours prior) along with your and your witness's photo IDs. A clerk will check your paperwork and hand you a small slip with your ticket number on it.

The Famous Green Couches

From there, you’ll head into the waiting area, home of the iconic green couches. If you’ve seen photos of NYC courthouse weddings, you’ve definitely seen these. It's a great spot to take a few behind-the-scenes shots: nervous laughter, hand squeezes, flower adjusting, all those pre-ceremony jitters that make for really sweet candids.

While you’re waiting, you will be called twice:

The first time is by number, for your paperwork and witness signature at the window.
The second time by name, at window number 5, when it’s finally time for your wedding ceremony.

Between those two calls, there might be some more downtime. I usually use this window to capture candid shots of you two waiting, chatting with loved ones, and some solo portraits if time allows it.

First Call: Signing Paperwork

When your number pops up the first time, you and your witness will head to a station where the clerk will go over your license, have you and your witness sign, and pay the certificate fee. It's quick, but important; this is what legally binds your ceremony. Once signed, you’ll head over to window 5, the Chapels' entrance, to the green couches for your second and final call.

Second Call: Time to Get Married!

Your second call brings you to Window 5, where your name is checked one last time. Then you'll be directed to one of two ceremony rooms, East or West Chapel. You don’t get to choose, but they’re nearly identical, each with its own pastel wall art and soft lighting.

Each chapel fits around 15–20 people (despite the current guest limit), and there’s a small area for your rings or flowers. The ceremony itself? It’s fast, usually 2 to 3 minutes, but the officiants are very kind and make it often surprisingly emotional. Even after years of photographing these moments, I still get misty-eyed often.

When the officiant pronounces you married, you’ll receive your marriage certificate right on the spot. Double check your details so you can immediately request an adjustment if any of your information was inserted incorrectly. Then, we’ll then head outside to capture more moments, staged exits, confetti tosses, hugging your loved ones, and spontaneous sidewalk portraits.

Photos of Manhattan City Hall Wedding by All The Feels

Brooklyn City Hall Wedding (210 Joralemon Street, Room 205, Brooklyn, NY 11201)

Location: 210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY (Room 205, Second floor) Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Closest Subway: Borough Hall (2/3/4/5), Jay Street–MetroTech (A/C/F/R)

Pros of Getting Married at Brooklyn City Hall:

Shorter Wait Times: Typically less busy than Manhattan, which may mean quicker ceremonies, ideal if you’re on a tight schedule or want to prioritize a different celebration.
Larger Ceremony Room: Brooklyn has just one ceremony space, but it’s more inviting and beautiful.

What to Expect: Getting Married at Brooklyn City Hall

Brooklyn’s City Clerk office is a little quieter and more understated than Manhattan’s, but for the right couple, it’s exactly the vibe. The building itself is less ornate in the waiting areas, but it’s functional, simple (which never stopped us from taking stunning photos), and tends to move more quickly; the ceremony room is stunning, and there are several nice art deco corners for some more elegant portraits inside.

Arrival and Check-In

When you arrive at the Brooklyn Municipal Building, head straight into the lobby and get in line for security. There’s rarely a queue. After passing through security, you’ll go up one flight of stairs or take the elevator to the second floor. Look for the "Marriage Bureau" signage. This corner of the building is very pretty, and it gets the job done!

Just like in Manhattan, you’ll present your marriage license and photo IDs (including the witness), and you’ll receive a ticket with your number. Then it’s time to sit and wait to be called twice, once per waiting area.

Waiting Room Vibe

The waiting room at Brooklyn City Hall is more utilitarian: classic chairs, less decorative flair, but it tends to feel calmer and less chaotic. There’s no flower stand, so be sure to bring your bouquet and any props ahead of time. This is another great place for candid photos. Quiet giggles, deep breaths, ring checks, all the good stuff.

First Call: Signatures & Paperwork

Your first number call brings you to a counter where you and your witness will sign the necessary forms, and pay the certificate fee by card. This process is super quick and efficient. Then it’s back to the second waiting room until the second call.

Second Call: Ceremony Time

Once your name is called by the officiant, your entire party will be directed into the single ceremony room, which features a bold, multi-colored glass mosaic wall and American flags. Brooklyn’s ceremony room is larger than Manhattan’s, for up to 30 people comfortably (despite the guests limit here too). The podium at the front is where you can place your rings or bouquet. The officiant will conduct the ceremony, which lasts around one to three minutes, ending with your official "I do".

After that? You’re married!

You’ll receive your marriage certificate before you leave, and then we’ll step outside for photos. While Brooklyn doesn’t have a wedding garden, the Brooklyn Borough Hall building features a stunning staircase and columns, and nearby spots like Columbus Park or the Brooklyn Heights Promenade make for lovely and iconic backdrops.

Photos of Brooklyn City Hall Wedding by All The Feels

Manhattan vs. Brooklyn: Which One Is Right for You?

Feature	Manhattan	Brooklyn
Aesthetic	Elegant, romantic	Modern, minimal, colorful
Wait Times	Can be longer	Often less crowded
Guest Capacity	6 people total allowed	6 people total allowed
Flower Stand	Yes	No
Multiple Chapels	Yes (2)	No (1)
Photo Opportunities	Iconic backdrops nearby, fountain, park, columns, and staircases	City views, walk to the waterfront, park, columns and staircases, coffee spots, brownstone buildings in the area

Photography Tips from a NYC Elopement Photographer:

Best Times to Arrive: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday (Tuesday-Thursday) tends to be the least crowded.
Bring a Small Prop: A simple bouquet, veil, sunglasses, your favorite bag, a charm or a pin from a friend or family member, or a meaningful accessory adds personality to your photos.
Want more privacy and and easy-going feeling? Choose Brooklyn. Want more energy, a sprinkle of chaos? Manhattan is your spot.
Pair Your Ceremony with Portraits: Both locations are close to amazing photo locations: Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Borough Hall, DUMBO, City Hall Park, Foley Square, or even Central Park if you're feeling adventurous and want to get on the subway.

FAQs About Getting Married at NYC City Hall

How far apart are Manhattan and Brooklyn offices?
Roughly 2.5 miles. It’s an easy subway or cab ride between them.

Do I need an appointment?
Yes. You’ll need a marriage license first, then a ceremony appointment via Project Cupid. Read our full marriage license guide to start planning your courthouse ceremony.

Can I bring guests?
Yes! In both Manhattan and Brooklyn you can bring the two (2) of you and up to four (4) guests, including your photographer and witness. At their discretion, they allow kids under 12 years old outside of the six (6) person guest limit.

Can I choose my chapel for my City Hall wedding?
In Manhattan, no: you’ll be assigned to East or West. Brooklyn only has one ceremony room.

Can I get married on the same day I get my license?
No. You must wait at least 24 hours after receiving your license before your ceremony. For example, if you picked up your license at 9:25 AM today, you can get married as early as 9:26 AM tomorrow.

Which location is best for photos between Manhattan City Hall and Brooklyn for a courthouse wedding?
If indoor aesthetics matter most, Manhattan’s interiors and surrounding architecture offer a more "classic NYC" vibe. Brooklyn is more minimalist but can feel more intimate, with its indoor staircases and a stunning ceremony room.
What documents do we need to bring to our NYC City Hall wedding?
You must bring your valid government-issued photo IDs (like a passport or driver’s license), your marriage license, and your witness (over age 18) with their ID. Don’t forget the $35 ceremony fee, payable by card.

How do we get our marriage license in NYC? You must first apply for a marriage license through Project Cupid online and then schedule an in-person appointment at any City Clerk office. You can read our full step-by-step guide to getting your marriage license here.

How long will the entire City Hall wedding process take?
Typically, the entire process, from entering to receiving your certificate, can take 35 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how busy the office is that day. On average, the most common timeframe is 45-50 minutes. Fridays and special dates (like 2/2) tend to be busiest.

Can we bring a professional photographer to City Hall?
Yes! A photographer counts as one of your six allowed people, and hiring one ensures you get candid, joyful, stress-free images. I specialize in NYC City Hall weddings and know the flow inside and out, so I’ll guide you through every moment. Bronx City Clerk office doesn't allow cameras inside, only phones. See here how we made this work anyway with our iPhone!
Are there photo spots nearby after the ceremony?
Absolutely!
Manhattan City Hall: Steps outside of the courthouse columns, the Wedding Garden, Foley Square, City Hall Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Chinatown, the Tribeca Skybridge, are only a few ideas for photos in the area.
Brooklyn City Hall: Columbus Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Borough Hall steps, or nearby Dumbo.
Can we personalize our ceremony at City Hall?
City Hall ceremonies are standardized and typically very short (1-3 minutes). There’s no option for personal vows or readings. But many couples add a personal touch with a private vow exchange beforehand, which I can help photograph.
Can we get married in both locations?
Not legally, you only need one legal ceremony. But if you’re dreaming of portraits in both areas, we can do that!

Whether you're going for timeless elegance or low-key charm, getting married at NYC City Hall, whether in Manhattan or Brooklyn, is a beautiful, meaningful way to start your marriage. Both locations offer an efficient, affordable, and unique experience in the heart of the city.

And as a NYC City Hall wedding photographer, I’d love to help you capture every candid laugh, nervous smile, and joyful moment as you say your "I do". Let’s make your courthouse elopement unforgettable.

Ready to plan your NYC elopement? Start with the step-by-step guide to get married at NYC City Hall and reach out here to plan your photographer!