louise & keith on film: manhattan city hall elopement
How to Elope at Manhattan City Hall
If you're dreaming of an elopement in New York City that feels easy, beautiful, and iconic — Manhattan City Hall might be your perfect starting point. It’s quick, it’s classic, and if you do it right, it can be one of the most emotionally charged, quietly glamorous days of your life. I’ve put together a step-by-step guide to getting married at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau — plus a few thoughts on how to make it feel like your own.
Step 1: Get Your Marriage License
Before anything else, you’ll need to apply for a New York marriage license. You can do this online at the City Clerk’s website — or in person at any city clerk office. For most couples eloping at Manhattan City Hall, doing it online is fastest.
Cost: $35
Waiting Period: You must wait 24 hours after obtaining your license before your ceremony
Expiration: The license is valid for 60 days
You’ll both need valid photo ID (a passport or driver's license is perfect) and be present at the same time when you apply.
Step 2: Schedule Your Ceremony at the Marriage Bureau
Once you have your license, you’ll need to book a civil ceremony appointment. As of now, all ceremonies at Manhattan’s City Hall must be scheduled in advance online — walk-ins are no longer accepted.
You can book your ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau through the Project Cupid portal. The time slots are first-come, first-served and can fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long!
Location: 141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
Ceremony Cost: $25
Guests: You’re allowed up to 4 guests, but most elopements feel best with just 1–2 witnesses (photographer included!)
Step 3: Bring a Witness (That Can Be Me!)
To legally marry, you’ll need at least one witness over the age of 18. They’ll need to bring valid photo ID and sign your marriage license during the ceremony.
Many of my couples fly in solo and have me serve as both their witness and their photographer — it’s truly one of the biggest honors. But you’re allowed up to 4 guests (myself included).
Step 4: Show Up
On the day of your ceremony, arrive 15–20 minutes early and head to the second floor of the building at 141 Worth Street. There’s a short wait (sometimes longer depending on the day), and then you’ll be called into one of the ceremony rooms.
The whole thing takes 2–4 minutes, and it’s over before you realize it even started. Don’t worry — I’ll be there to document every blink.
Step 5: what do you wanna do?
After the ceremony, we can stroll through Chinatown, stop for espresso in SoHo, wander to Brooklyn Bridge, or grab a cab to Coney Island for sunset. I’ve done it all, usually we’re running around for 2-3 hours.
I shoot every elopement on analog film. 35mm, Polaroids, medium format — the works.
