How to elope in NYC at City Hall

Thinking about getting married at City Hall in Manhattan? The process is actually pretty simple, and you don’t have to be a New York resident to do it. In fact, you can get married here no matter where you live in the world!

Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to getting legally married in NYC, including where to get your marriage license, what it costs, and what to bring.

Apply for Your Marriage License

Your first step is getting a New York City marriage license. You can apply through Project Cupid, the NYC City Clerk’s online system. You can choose to complete the process virtually or schedule an in-person appointment. If you live in NYC, you are required to do an in-person appointment.

Marriage license fee: $35 Your marriage license is valid for 60 days, but you MUST get it at least 24 hours before your ceremony appointment time.

The Manhattan Marriage Bureau is currently open Monday–Friday, with marriage services from 8:30 AM–3:45 PM.

Important: If you’re doing a virtual appointment, both people must be physically located in New York State during the appointment.

Schedule Your City Hall Ceremony

Once you have your marriage license, you can schedule your marriage ceremony through the NYC City Clerk.

Your ceremony takes place at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau at 141 Worth Street, not inside the iconic New York City Hall building itself (but no worries, we can certainly take photos at every iconic building around)!

The City Clerk performs a short civil ceremony, and then you’re officially married!

Ceremony fee: $25

Bring a Witness

You’ll need at least one witness who is 18 or older. That can be me, if you prefer not to bring guests! If you are bringing guests, you the clerks office only permits SIX people total per group – the couple, and 4 others. If you bring a photographer, that counts as 1.

Your witness will need valid identification as well.

Bring the Right Documents

For your marriage license appointment and ceremony, make sure you have your required identification and paperwork.

At a minimum, plan to bring:

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Marriage license
• Your Project Cupid confirmation information
• Your witness and their ID
• Payment for applicable fees

Ready to Plan Your NYC Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of a Manhattan City Hall wedding and want photographs that capture more than just the ceremony, I’d love to document your day.

I photograph NYC elopements and intimate weddings with a candid, editorial approach, documenting the real moments while creating beautiful, timeless portraits along the way.

Your ceremony may be at City Hall. Your wedding day can be anywhere in New York City.