Elopement Guide 2024.
***UPDATED MAY 2024
Hello and welcome to my Guide to Eloping in NYC! Eloping can seem daunting and complicated, but it doesn't have to be. As an elopement photographer, I'm also your de facto wedding planner — I’m here to guide you through the process and offer assistance every step of the way. From choosing the perfect location to navigating logistics, I'm here to make your elopement stress-free and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love.
Additionally, as a native New Yorker, I have a unique advantage when it comes to capturing stunning elopement photos in this incredible city. I know the city inside out and can help you find those perfect spots that make for incredible backdrops. Whether you're seeking an edgy urban vibe or a more romantic and intimate feel, I've got you covered. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to create images that are beautiful, timeless, and capture the essence of your love story.
Now, let’s begin!
Step One: Marriage License
If you want to get married in New York, you must have a marriage license issued at least 24 hours prior to your wedding. You can make an in-person appointment at the city clerk's office or opt for a virtual appointment through Project Cupid. In-person appointments are released on Mondays at 9am, while virtual appointments are released on Thursdays at 9am, and they fill up quickly, so make sure to act fast. Keep in mind that you must be physically located in New York State during the virtual appointment. If you're having trouble getting an appointment, there are courthouses outside of NYC that offer in-person appointments. Once you have your marriage license, it must be used within 60 days.
**Click here to schedule your marriage license appointment!
Step Two: Ceremony Location!
As a New York City elopement photographer, I’ve seen many creative wedding celebrations in the city. There are literally infinite iconic locations in New York City for your ceremony and photos. The most important thing to consider is which places are unique to your relationship and/or important to you as a couple.
For instance, if you don't like Times Square, it may not be the best location for your elopement photos. And if you got engaged by the Brooklyn Bridge, you can relive those happy memories at that spot. As a personal example, my wife and I eloped in Central Park because we spent the first year of our relationship (pandemic year 2020) doing socially distanced dates and hang-outs in the park!
A place that is important to you as a couple can be symbolic importance. For example, getting married at City Hall can hold a lot of meaning and symbolism to folks for different reasons — for some queer couples, getting married at an institution that did not recognize our love for a long day can feel like a reclamation of power and celebration of progress. The symbolism can be beautiful, as well as the venue.
Enough from me — click through the carousel below for some of my favorite wedding locations!
Ceremony Locations
-
![NYC elopement city hall photographer courthouse wedding central park wedding]()
CENTRAL PARK
Central Park has numerous beautiful and timeless locations for weddings and elopements. From Gapstow Bridge to Bethesda Terrace, you'll find many options in Central Park to set the stage for your special day. Additionally, many of the beautiful locations are close enough to one another that we can stop at many iconic spots along the way to capturing your Central Park ceremony. Please click here for my Central Park elopement guide for more information.
While almost all locations in the park do not require a permit, it can be helpful to obtain a permit to ensure we have a location reserved especially for your ceremony. For information on iconic NYC locations that require a permit (shout out to the aquarium!), please click here.
-
![]()
WEST VILLAGE
The West Village, with its quintessential New York charm, presents an idyllic setting for elopement photography. This charming neighborhood is a treasure trove of picturesque spots, from ivy-clad facades to cozy, quaint streets and historic townhouses, you can find many beautiful locations for your wedding portraits.
With its vibrant yet serene atmosphere, the West Village serves as the perfect canvas for couples seeking a blend of urban sophistication and bohemian flair. The natural lighting filtered through the tree-lined streets enhances the romantic mood, making every moment captured feel timeless. Whether it's an intimate embrace on a quiet sidewalk or a joyful celebration in one of the many secluded spots, the West Village ensures your elopement photos are not just images, but stories of love, set in one of the city's most beloved neighborhoods.
-
![nyc elopement photography courthouse city hall wedding]()
CITY HALL
City Hall weddings are a beautiful and classic option for couples who want a simple and intimate ceremony. The elegant and historic architecture of City Hall provides a stunning backdrop for photography. Additionally, getting married at City Hall can hold a lot of meaning and symbolism; for example, for some queer couples, getting married at an institution that did not recognize our love for a long day can feel like a reclamation of power and celebration of progress.
To book a city hall ceremony appointment, you need either a marriage license number or an upcoming appointment to obtain your license. Similarly to obtaining your marriage license, the appointments go quickly, so be sure to set an alarm for 9am on the release days!
Previously, City Hall weddings were walk-in only, which added to the chaotic energy but also led to long wait times. With the new reservation-only system, the booking process can be stressful but the ceremony process is quick and easy, taking only about 30 minutes.
-
![]()
NY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The iconic architecture of the New York Public Library is perfect for elopement photography. You can use the library's stairs or the beautiful spots right before the doors. If you plan to do your wedding photos at the NYPL, we’ll make sure to go early, so we’re not disruptive to the library's actual traffic flow!
The library is also located in the heart of Manhattan. It is a train-stop away from the beautiful Central Park, which has numerous locations for weddings and elopements. It is also next-door to Times Square if we’re going for chaotic NYC vibes for your shoot! As a central location, it can be our only stop, or a jump-off point to many other locations.
-
![nyc elopement photography courthouse city hall wedding]()
DUMBO
Taking wedding photos in Dumbo is a lot of fun for our couples. I love capturing the New York City skyline, the bridges, and beautiful cobblestone streets all in one location. The number of different photo locations all tucked into one area is perfect for a two-hour wedding photo shoot all on its own.
A DUMBO ceremony can also be combined with Brooklyn Bridge wedding portraits. If you decide to do a courthouse wedding, the Brooklyn City Hall location is perfect and very close to DUMBO, making pre or post-ceremony photos very easy and efficient.
Step Three: Officiant!
For folks getting married on weekends, we have a licensed officiant to officiate your wedding!
For folks marrying during the week, officiants like Rev Annie, Once Upon a Vow, NYC Officiant and Honeybreak Officiants have experience with city elopements and microweddings, as well as streaming your ceremony for out-of-town friends and family. They will help make the process streamlined and simple. Of course you can also have a friend or family member become ordained to officiate, but keep state regulations in mind (for example, officiants must be registered in New York City, not just New York State). Check out the City Clerk's website for more details on officiant registration and marriage ceremonies.
Step Four: Extras!
On your wedding day, you may want to consider extras like florists, hair and make-up artists, vintage taxi rentals (!?!), champagne pops, pizza place stops, and other vendors to make your day even more special. As your photographer, I understand that these extras can be an important part of your day and I'm happy to discuss recommendations based on my experience working with other clients and vendors in the industry. Whether you already have specific vendors in mind or need help finding the right fit, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Of course, I obviously come stacked with confetti in all forms (throwable, pop-able)!
FAQs
-
Elopement photography is, in my humble opinion, one of the best forms of photography, and one of the best ways to get married (obviously an unbiased opinion as someone who eloped). Elopements are awesome because, in contrast, to a more traditional wedding/ceremony, they are all about YOU. With no overwhelming pressures of sticking to traditional wedding rules/structures, you have the freedom to focus on what truly brings you joy as a couple.
Want to have your dog be your best man? Exchange vows in a hot pink suit? Order a giant wedding cake and pass out slices to bystanders in Central Park? Have your first kiss on the Brooklyn Bridge while hundreds of passerby’s cheer for your love? Get married at your favorite hotdog stand? Have a simple and efficient ceremony at City Hall on a Monday Morning and never thing about getting married ever again?
Your elopement is your canvas to create an extraordinary experience that reflects your passions, relationship quicks, and deepest love. Whatever your wildest dreams may be, I am here to bring them to life and capture every precious moment. It’s your time to celebrate what makes YOUR relationship yours.
-
Such an important question and the TLDR is that it will come down to you and your priorities for your wedding day, which will be different for every couple! For example, some couples prioritize cost, some prioritize vibes, some prioritize photography style, and each of these prioritizes will lead you to a different photographer.
In general, I think the most important thing, regardless of your priorities, is to find someone who understands your vision and style who you CONNECT with and feel good about. Great pictures are important, but it’s even more important (IMHO) to get great pictures and have a fun experience while doing it. Plus, the more fun you’re having the more comfortable you’ll be, and the better your photos will turn out.
Of course I’d love if you want to work together (as I’m biased and think I’m awesome) BUT you have to make sure I’m a good fit for your personality, photography style, budget, etc.
As a special consideration for folks in the LBGTQ+ community, as a queer woman I will obviously be very comfortable and absolutely DELIGHTED to capture your wedding.
-
Girl, that’s why you’re paying me the big bucks! All jokes aside, while my expertise lies in elopement photography, I am highly skilled at walking you through every step of your elopement planning. Whether you need assistance with permits, officiants, florists, or other vendors, I can offer suggestions based on my experience in the NYC elopement scene.
-
Absolutely! While elopements traditionally involve a more intimate gathering, you can include your closest friends and family members in your elopement photoshoot. Capturing the joy and connection with your loved ones can add an extra layer of meaning to your images. If you have a dog, PLEASE bring them.
-
Welcome to my life haha. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. After you contact me to inquire about elopement services, I will share with you my Pricing Guide which includes 3 pages of FAQ that will cover any question you could possibly have.
Of course, I’m here to plan with you every step of the way and answer any questions that come up, up to minutes before your big day!
