GETTING MARRIED AT NEW YORK CITY HALL CLERK’S OFFICE
K + B
L + K
E + J
A + J
H + N
While I love photographing a giant wedding day, city hall elopements are a special part of my weekdays. Most people have a question about how to secure hiring me with enough notice due to not being able to book your date & time until 3 weeks out; it’s no problem. While I can’t guarantee I’ll be available on short notice, sometimes the stars align; and if you reach out in advance a desired date is sufficient to move forward as I won’t book any other city hall couples until you’ve secured your time with me.
Photography package options are offered as 90 minutes or up to four hours. Keep in mind that only three additional guests/witnesses are allowed inside the clerk’s office, as me, you, and your partner count as the other three guests. It is your choice whether I meet you at the exit for photos, or opt to bring me inside from start to finish. New York “city hall” elopements are actually wedding ceremonies that take place at the clerk’s office, but it’s located right across from City Hall Park. All city hall elopements with me include film photography, Polaroids, and digital photo coverage.
To inquire, email hello@alyhansenphoto.com
New York City Hall Marriage Information: Hiring Your Elopement & Wedding Photographer
How to elope at NYC City Hall?? (Well, the clerk’s office).
How to obtain your marriage bureau license for the wedding or elopement?
How to find a wedding photographer for your city hall elopement?
Step 1: Choose Your Courthouse
Manhattan Marriage Bureau (141 Worth Street)
This is the classic, the one you’ve probably seen in all the movies…and in my photographs. It has a fast-paced energy and often a longer line, but it’s peak New York.
Brooklyn Marriage Bureau (209 Joralemon Street)
A bit quieter and slower-paced, with a charm that feels more neighborhood than high-rise. It’s just as beautiful and photogenic as Manhattan, just less crowded and more lowkey.
My best advice: Choose your courthouse based on where you want to take your post-ceremony photos. Manhattan gives you Chinatown, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, etc. Brooklyn offers brownstone-lined streets, cafes, and less foot traffic.
Step 2: Get Your Marriage License
Before your ceremony, you need to get a marriage license at least 24 hours in advance!!
Apply online through the Project Cupid portal or in-person at the City Clerk’s Office (there may be a wait).
Bring valid ID (passport or driver's license).
It costs $35.
You have to wait at least 24 hours before your ceremony appointment.
Step 3: Book Your Ceremony Appointment
Once you have your license, you can book your ceremony at either the Manhattan or Brooklyn Marriage Bureau.
You’ll choose a date/time via Project Cupid again. You can only book your date & time 3 weeks before the appointment date. (NYC photographers like myself are used to this; we have no problem being flexible around making it work with you).
(The ceremony itself is about 2–5 minutes. No frills! Just the two of you, an officiant, some witnesses and your photographer.
You’ll need:
Your license
A witness (can be your photographer, hi!)
Your ID
Step 4: Book yourcity hall elopement photographer
My elopement packages have a 2 hour minimum, which means we spend “up to” two hours together. Think roughly… 30 minutes to check in at city hall, 5 minutes for the ceremony, 10 minutes for celebrations, 20 minutes for family photos, and the remaining time we’ll run around the city hitting cool spots. I photograph your elopement mostly on film and Polaroids, and some digital. You’ll receive image previews within 72 hours of the elopement, and your full gallery with full download and print rights within 5 weeks.