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NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer | NYC City Hall Weddings
"I Do" Moments in New York City: NYC City Hall Weddings
As an NYC City Hall wedding photographer, I capture the joy and elegance of couples choosing intimate NYC City Hall weddings. From candid courthouse moments to portraits on the steps and surrounding city streets, I create timeless wedding photos that tell your unique love story
City Hall Wedding Photographer - NYC City Hall Weddings
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!
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
"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. "
Getting Married at City Hall: The Process
Obtaining Your Marriage License
1. Apply Online: Fill out the Marriage License Application online through Project Cupid.
2. Schedule an Appointment: Book an in-person or virtual appointment to process your application and obtain your license.
3. Attend the Appointment: Bring your partner, your IDs, and the $35 fee.
4. Wait 24 Hours: After receiving your license, you must wait a minimum of 24 hours before you can have your marriage ceremony.
5. Check Validity: The marriage license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in New York State.
Scheduling your NYC City Hall Wedding Ceremony
You've Got Your Marriage License, Now What?
1. Book a Ceremony: Schedule an in-person appointment for the ceremony using Project Cupid.
2. Bring Required Items: You'll need your valid marriage license, your partner, and at least one witness (who also needs proper ID).
3. Arrive for Your Appointment: Go to the NYC Marriage Bureau venue that you have chosen for your appointment at your scheduled time.
4. Go Through Security: Be prepared for a security screening upon entry.
5. Check-In: Check in, and you'll receive a number to wait for.
6. Finalize Paperwork: When your number is called, you'll finalize your paperwork and pay the $25 ceremony fee.
7. Get Married: You'll be directed to a ceremony room for your short, civil ceremony, after which you'll receive your official marriage certificate.
Important Details
- Cost: The marriage license costs $35 and the ceremony costs $25, for a total of $60.
- Witnesses: You need at least one witness (age 18 or over) with their own photo ID.
- Identification: You will need proper identification (like a US driver's license or passport) for both you and your partner.
- Patience: Be prepared to wait, as there can be lines and busy periods at City Hall.
- Remember, City Hall weddings do have a guest limit: you can bring up to four guests total, and that includes your photographer.
Considerations for Out-of-State and International Couples
If you and your partner are coming from out of state—or even from another country—planning a City Hall wedding in NYC is still wonderfully doable. Out-of-state couples follow the same process as locals: just get your marriage license from the NYC City Clerk’s Office, wait the required 24 hours, and you’re good to go.
For international couples, you’ll need your passport or another valid photo ID to obtain the license. Once married, if your home country requires it, you might need an apostille for your marriage certificate to ensure it’s recognized internationally. The City Clerk’s office can provide guidance on this simple additional step.
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 this is the perspective of an NYC City Hall Wedding Photographer and is only an overview of the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island locations. At the time of this posting, the Bronx City Hall Venue doesn't allow professional cameras inside.
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
If you venture inside, you’ll find a lovely lower level adorned with large, historic paintings that add a touch of colonial charm. This unique decor can be a delightful backdrop for those who appreciate a historic or vintage theme. For post-ceremony photography, the surrounding areas may be limited, but the City Hall courtyard offers a beautiful outdoor option.
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 has the smallest ceremony room. The waiting area is basic, and while the space may not cater comfortably to larger groups, the lower level features historic paintings that can enhance photography. The courtyard offers an outdoor option for post-ceremony photos. Additionally, the Staten Island Ferry provides stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a great, free choice for unique wedding photos.
