A Documentary Photographer's Guide to Manhattan & Brooklyn City Hall Elopements
As a documentary-style NYC elopement photographer, I’ve had the honor of witnessing hundreds of emotional moments: laughter on green couches, deep breaths before names are called, the glow that happens right after “you’re married.” If you’re planning a NYC City Hall wedding in 2026 and wondering whether Manhattan or Brooklyn City Hall is right for you, this guide will walk you through the experience — not just the logistics, but the feeling of each space.
Manhattan vs. Brooklyn City Hall: What’s the Difference?
Both locations are run by the NYC Marriage Bureau, but they just feel different. Neither is better, so it’s about what resonates with you.
Manhattan City Hall |141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013
Manhattan City Hall feels cinematic. It’s where the classic NYC courthouse imagery comes from — soft green couches, gold accents, pastel chapels, high ceilings, and a constant, gentle buzz of excitement.
Why couples love Manhattan City Hall:
✔️ Elegant, art-deco interiors that photograph beautifully;
✔️ Iconic NYC energy — couples from all over the world;
✔️ Multiple nearby photo locations: The Wedding Garden across the street, City Hall Park, Foley Square, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge
Note: It can be busier than Brooklyn City Hall, especially on Fridays, but with shorter wait times on average.
Manhattan City Hall feels cinematic. It’s where the classic NYC courthouse imagery comes from — soft green couches, gold accents, pastel chapels, high ceilings, and a constant, gentle buzz of excitement.
Why couples love Manhattan City Hall:
✔️ Elegant, art-deco interiors that photograph beautifully;
✔️ Iconic NYC energy — couples from all over the world;
✔️ Multiple nearby photo locations: The Wedding Garden across the street, City Hall Park, Foley Square, Chinatown, Brooklyn Bridge
Note: It can be busier than Brooklyn City Hall, especially on Fridays, but with shorter wait times on average.
Brooklyn City Hall Wedding |210 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Brooklyn City Hall is calmer and quieter, but the ceremony room itself is stunning. The colorful mosaic wall, larger space, and slower pace make it feel intimate in a different way.
Brooklyn City Hall is calmer and quieter, but the ceremony room itself is stunning. The colorful mosaic wall, larger space, and slower pace make it feel intimate in a different way.
Why couples love Brooklyn City Hall:
✔️ A larger, more inviting ceremony room;
✔️ A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere;
✔️ Easy access to Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Borough Hall steps, and nearby parks
✔️ A larger, more inviting ceremony room;
✔️ A quieter, more relaxed atmosphere;
✔️ Easy access to Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Borough Hall steps, and nearby parks
Note: Wait times can be a bit more unpredictable at Brooklyn City Hall, depending on your appointment time.
What the City Hall Wedding Process Is Really Like
No matter which location you choose, the flow is similar — and knowing what to expect makes everything feel easier.
No matter which location you choose, the flow is similar — and knowing what to expect makes everything feel easier.
Arrival & Check-In
You’ll arrive with:
✔️ Your marriage license (issued at least 24 hours prior);
✔️ Valid photo IDs;
✔️ One witness (over 18);
✔️ Your photographer (who counts toward the guest limit)
You’ll pass through security, hand in your documents, and receive a number. Then you wait — together.
A Note on Guest Limits:
As of 2026, six people total are allowed, including your photographer and witness. Children under 12 are sometimes permitted outside the count at the staff's discretion. If you’re dreaming of a true elopement with no guests at all, I can also serve as your witness — allowing your ceremony to stay private and deeply personal.
The Waiting Rooms
Hands squeezing. Dresses being adjusted. Nervous smiles. These in-between moments are deeply human, and they’re why documentary photography matters here.
You’ll be called twice:
✔️ First call – paperwork, signatures, certificate fee
✔️ Second call – your ceremony
The Ceremony
City Hall ceremonies are short, usually 1 to 3 minutes. The ceremony itself is standardized, but many couples choose to exchange private vows before or after, which I’m always happy to photograph. When it’s over, you receive your marriage certificate immediately. Just like that — you’re married.
After the Ceremony: Exit Photos & Portraits
The moment you step outside City Hall is magical! In Manhattan, this often means:
✨ Confetti or petal tosses on the steps;
✨ Family hugs in the Wedding Garden;
✨ Walking portraits among columns, parks, and crosswalks
In Brooklyn, we might:
✨ Photograph you on the Borough Hall staircase;
✨ Walk toward Columbus Park or the Promenade;
✨ Capture quieter, cinematic moments with skyline views
FAQs About City Hall Weddings in NYC
Do we need an appointment?
Yes. You’ll schedule your ceremony after obtaining your marriage license through Project Cupid.
Yes. You’ll schedule your ceremony after obtaining your marriage license through Project Cupid.
How long does the whole process take?
Anywhere from 35 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how busy the office is.
Anywhere from 35 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how busy the office is.
Can we take photos inside City Hall?
Yes — professional photography is allowed in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens City Hall (unlike the Bronx).
Yes — professional photography is allowed in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens City Hall (unlike the Bronx).
Let’s Document Your NYC Courthouse Elopement
Eloping at City Hall isn’t about skipping tradition — it’s about choosing your own. As a NYC City Hall wedding photographer, I don’t just document ceremonies, I capture the moments you didn’t even realize were happening, the ones you’ll return to years from now. If you’re planning a Manhattan or Brooklyn City Hall elopement in 2026, I’d love to walk alongside you. Let’s tell your story in an artistic, authentic, and fun way!
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