NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer - Wedding Photography
So, you're looking for an NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer?
There is a distinct skill set required for being a Courthouse Wedding Photographer, which sets it apart from traditional wedding photography. NYC City Hall weddings possess a unique charm and call for a photographer who is well-versed in the intricacies of the venue and the surrounding areas. An experienced City Hall wedding photographer is adept at identifying and uncovering the most picturesque spots to capture breathtaking images that accentuate the splendor of your ceremony.
If you're searching for an NYC City Hall photographer who can document your big day, look no further! Contact us for your NYC City Hall wedding photographer today!
City Hall Photographer | Why Choose a City Hall Wedding?
Why You Should Choose a City Hall Wedding: The Perspective of a Courthouse Wedding Photographer
Why opt for a NYC City Hall Wedding over a traditional wedding? Courthouse weddings offer a myriad of benefits that make them an exceptional choice for couples. Check out our blog post on why a City Hall wedding may be a better choice from the perspective of an NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer.
Capture Your Love Story by an NYC City Hall Photographer
Vincent & Deana
"We used Adama for our NYC City Hall wedding - our photos came out beautifully and we had fun taking them! She accommodated our semi-silly request to do some photos on the big courthouse stairs a la Law & Order and helped direct us into specific positions. I never felt rushed or that she didn't want to be there (an experience from a previous photographer). The turnaround for us to get our photos was also very fast. I highly recommend for any photography needs especially wedding ones! "
Daniel & Diana
"We are immensely grateful to Adama for capturing our precious memories with such grace and skill. It was a beautiful July day at NYC City Hall and it’s easy to revive the feelings we experienced just looking at the amazing images she produced for us. She’s knowledgeable about the surroundings of City Hall and made us feel incredibly comfortable while making photos of us (and that’s a lot to say as I’m quite shy!) Communication was excellent and she made planning our day a breeze. If you’re looking for a photographer who will exceed your expectations and deliver breathtaking images, we highly recommend reaching out to her. "
Hyuma & Ariana
" Adama was amazing- she paid attention to the small details, was patient, and had a great eye for cool shots"
Julio & Vanessa
Wow! I don’t think words can really describe Adama and her work. An utmost professional and a phenomenal photographer. I’ve never had my photos taken and turn out as beautifully as they did with her. Bonus is she is super easy to work, very responsive and she delivered on time as promised. Definitely recommend the Little Black Photobook.
NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer - NYC Elopement Photographer - Wedding Photography
Getting Married at City Hall: The Process
Obtaining Your Marriage License
To get a full detailed outline on how to get your Marriage License please visit the City Clerk's Website.
HOW TO GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE
All appointments for marriage-related services must be scheduled through the virtual portal, Project Cupid. Please note that prior to booking your Marriage Ceremony, you must schedule an appointment to obtain your marriage license, or already possess a marriage license. To obtain a marriage license, you must visit the Project Cupid virtual portal and make an appointment. Issuance of in-person marriage licenses is available by appointment only.
HOW MUCH IS A MARRIAGE LICENSE
The fee for the marriage license amounts to $35, which can be paid by credit card or money order. When applying for a marriage license, it is essential to bring along one form of proper identification.
Upon securing your marriage license, there is a mandatory waiting period of 24 hours before the marriage ceremony can take place. The marriage license holds validity for 60 days from the date of purchase, except for active military personnel.
Scheduling your NYC City Hall Wedding Ceremony
You've Got Your Marriage License, Now What?
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE CEREMONY
After going through the necessary steps to get your Marriage License, you then schedule your Marriage Ceremony through the Project Cupid Website.
ARRIVAL
On the day of your NYC City Hall Wedding Ceremony, it’s important to arrive on time for your appointment. Although the office usually sticks to the scheduled appointment times, they may allow couples to enter up to 15 minutes early on occasion, but no more than that.
When arriving for the ceremony, make sure to bring the same identification you used when obtaining your Marriage License. You must have at least one witness who is over the age of 18 years old and a proper ID. Only 4 guests are allowed to attend the ceremony, including your witness and your NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer. All attendees will go through a security check and the couple, witness, guests, and photographer must enter together to avoid any issues.
PAPERWORK AND PAYMENT
After passing through security, you will present your marriage license and appointment information. You will then receive a ticketed number indicating your turn in line. When your number is called, you will complete the necessary paperwork, sign the documents, and pay the $25 ceremony fee at the designated window, either by credit card or money order. After completing the paperwork and payment, you will move to a waiting area until you are called by name for your ceremony.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony goes quickly, lasting about 3-5 minutes, and concludes with the receipt of your marriage certificate.
-For a more detailed outline of the Marriage Ceremony process please visit the City Clerk's Website.
Choosing the Right NYC City Hall Venue for Your Wedding
Which Venue is Right for You?
When selecting the ideal venue for your NYC City Hall wedding, it's essential to consider several factors, such as convenience, the venue's ambiance, and the opportunities for stunning photography. This guide provides an insightful overview of different City Hall locations across the boroughs, highlighting their unique features, benefits, drawbacks, and potential photography options. With this information, you can make a well-informed decision for your special day.
**Note** Bronx City Hall does not allow professional photography cameras inside their venue.
Manhattan City Hall
The Waiting Area
The Manhattan location has the best waiting area among all the boroughs. The waiting areas are spacious and elegantly decorated. This setting offers a perfect opportunity for capturing special moments before the ceremony, with abundant natural light and intricate architectural details that serve as beautiful backdrops for photographs.
The Ceremony Room
The ceremony room itself, while not the most captivating, offers a generous amount of space, ensuring that you and your guests are comfortably accommodated. The room features classic dark wood furnishings and large windows that allow natural light to flood in, creating a serene and intimate environment for your vows.
Surrounding Areas
The Manhattan City Hall location, in my opinion, stands out as the finest choice among all the boroughs for your post-ceremony photoshoot. The immediate surroundings feature prominent judicial court buildings and various neo-classical architectural structures, which contribute to a visually appealing backdrop. This area provides an abundance of spots ideal for capturing memorable moments after the ceremony. Overall, this location is an excellent choice for couples looking to enhance their wedding album with striking visuals.
Take Away
The Manhattan City Hall venue offers an aesthetically pleasing waiting room that stands out in terms of space and design. While the ceremony room may appear somewhat plain, it provides ample space for couples, their guests, and photographers. Additionally, the surrounding areas around City Hall are ideal for taking post-ceremony pictures, enhancing the overall experience.
Brooklyn City Hall
The Waiting Area
While the waiting area may not have the same charm as Manhattan’s—consisting of a more conventional room—there are still charming corners along the hallways that can serve as pleasant photo spots. Simple but effective, these areas allow couples to capture candid moments with their guests prior to the ceremony.
The Ceremony Room
Brooklyn City Hall has by far the best ceremony room among all the boroughs. It features an impressive ceremony room that stands out for its spaciousness and elegant decorations. The room is adorned with a beautiful multi-colored wall that serves as a vibrant backdrop for exchanging vows. This adds a contemporary flair to your wedding, making it a stylish choice for couples looking to capture their special moment in a visually captivating setting.
Surrounding Areas
Though Brooklyn City Hall may lack the wealth of nearby landmarks compared to Manhattan, it is located close to a court building that offers a classic courthouse wedding aesthetic. This proximity allows for a combination of modern and traditional photography styles within a short walking distance.
Take Away
Brooklyn City Hall is a happy medium checking off multiple boxes for what it offers as a venue. It is an excellent choice for couples looking for a city hall venue. It offers a spacious and well-decorated ceremony room, which provides a pleasant atmosphere for the event. Additionally, there is a beautifully designed hallway area that serves as a great backdrop for photographs. For those interested in outdoor photography, the nearby court building area provides a lovely setting as well. Overall, it strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics, making it a top contender among city hall options.
Queens City Hall
The Waiting Area
The Queens waiting room, similar to those in Brooklyn and Staten Island, is less extravagant than its Manhattan counterpart. It features more comfortable seating options with plush chairs. Some indoor areas provide nice hidden spots for photos, particularly in the surrounding hallways and staircases.
The Ceremony Room
The ceremony room is a standard space adorned with flags and is designed to accommodate a good number of guests comfortably, making it suitable for intimate gatherings or larger celebrations alike.
Surrounding Areas
The Queens City Hall marriage bureau is located along the busy Queens Boulevard, offering a vibrant and dynamic setting. Although the immediate area may not be particularly visually striking, several nearby parks and the courtyard provide attractive venues for taking memorable photographs and enjoying a pleasant outdoor environment.
Take Away
Queens City Hall stands out as a convenient and accessible venue for residents of Queens, making it an excellent choice for those looking to host a simple and intimate wedding. One notable advantage of this location is the availability of parking. There are options for both free and metered parking in the surrounding area, making it generally easier to find parking compared to centers like Manhattan or Brooklyn. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for guests who will be driving, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone attending the event.
Staten Island City Hall
The Waiting Area
The waiting area is basic and somewhat standard, similar to Brooklyn, lacking the elegance of Manhattan's space.
The Ceremony Room
Staten Island City Hall features a ceremony room that is the smallest among the city's venues. This means that it may not comfortably accommodate larger groups. If you are planning to invite more than two guests, be prepared for the possibility that some of them may have to watch outside the room during the ceremony, as space may be limited. It's advisable to consider this aspect when making your guest list to ensure a smooth experience.
Surrounding Areas
The lower level of the venue features an impressive collection of large historic paintings, providing a distinctive colonial charm that appeals to those with a taste for vintage or historic themes. For post-ceremony photography, while options in the immediate vicinity may be somewhat limited, the City Hall courtyard presents a beautiful outdoor setting. Additionally, there is a judicial building nearby that can serve as another potential backdrop for photos.
Additionally, for stunning shots consider taking a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. This short ferry ride provides spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, framed by the ferry's vibrant orange hues, offering a breathtaking backdrop for photographs and a memorable experience for you and your guests—all at no cost.
Take Away
Staten Island City Hall features the smallest ceremony room, making it an ideal choice for intimate gatherings. The waiting area is modest, and while it may not accommodate larger groups comfortably, the historic paintings located on the lower level provide a charming backdrop for photographs. For those interested in capturing moments post-ceremony, the courtyard offers a pleasant outdoor space. Additionally, the Staten Island Ferry provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, which serves as a striking backdrop for unique and memorable wedding photographs at no charge.
One of the notable advantages of this location, alongside Queens, is the availability of parking. Finding parking is generally easier here compared to Manhattan or Brooklyn, with metered parking conveniently located right in front of the courthouse, ensuring convenience for guests who are driving.
