Wedding Ceremony and Reception Ideas for City Hall and Courthouse Elopements
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, memories, and love – and your wedding photos will preserve those moments. Check out our wedding blog to get ceremony and reception ideas and inspiration. For all of the special moments, like wedding poses, locations, and trends, it is essential to prepare your wedding planning process. Planning to ditch the elaborate wedding and just get married at the courthouse instead? I absolutely love that idea! To help you prepare for your elopement, I’ve compiled some courthouse wedding planning tips below to help you get the most out of your wedding photos and plan a beautiful celebration.
Planning Your Courthouse Wedding
1. Choose a Courthouse with a Good Aesthetic
You do not have to get married at the courthouse closest to your home or where you acquire your marriage license. I personally love courthouses with a vintage feel, such as large columns, stone exteriors and steps out front. It’s also nice if they have pretty landscaping for more photo opportunities.
2. Reserve a Ceremony Time Wisely
The worst time to take photos is around noon, when the sun is highest in the sky. If possible, choose a ceremony time first thing in the morning or late afternoon. That way, you’ll have more flattering light for your portrait session after.
3. Add Special Touches to Your Day
Courthouse weddings can still be incredibly sentimental and special. Showcase your personal style with a fun cocktail dress, a vibrant-colored suit, or fun accessories. Don’t hesitate to bring personal mementos like family heirlooms, something old, new borrowed and blue, or even just a simple bouquet to add a little something special to your big day.
Detailed Guides for Major City Hall Venues
San Francisco City Hall
San Francisco City Hall looks a little different from the usual unadorned basement of a government building. For that reason, this venue is super popular. If you want to avoid crowds in as much as it’s possible, go for the very first civil ceremony appointment of the day: 9am. This is the only ceremony slot that enables you to start your photography session at 8am which is when the doors open. If you’re not a morning person, consider the last civil ceremony appointment which is at 3.30pm.
New York City Hall Marriage Bureau
The destination for City Hall weddings will be 141 Worth Street. Typically, it’s better in the mornings. They break for lunch at NOON for an hour, so you don’t want to be stuck waiting around. City Hall weddings are best scheduled Tuesday through Thursday to avoid long wait times. Mondays and Fridays have always been the BUSIEST!
Regarding the logistics of these venues, here is a summary of the costs and requirements mentioned:
| Location | Service | Estimated Cost / Detail |
|---|---|---|
| NYC Marriage Bureau | Marriage License | $35 |
| NYC Marriage Bureau | Ceremony Fee | $25 |
| NYC Marriage Bureau | Address | 141 Worth Street |
| SF City Hall | Best Time for Photos | 8am (Doors Open) |
| SF City Hall | Ceremony Length | Approximately 15 minutes (Total slot) |
The Importance of Engagement and Wedding Photography
Engagement photos are more than just a trend—they’re an essential part of your wedding planning process. From creating cherished memories to preparing for your big day, engagement photography captures the magic of a couple's journey. Don’t think just because you’re taking the courthouse route you can’t have some beautiful wedding photos to remember the day. A photographer can capture the special moments of your wedding day, from getting your marriage license to saying your vows.
Essential Photography Tips
- Plan for Photo Time: Be sure to account for about 30 minutes to an hour of time after the ceremony to take portraits.
- Hire a Professional: A photographer who has photographed hundreds of ceremonies understands the process and what you need to ensure quality photography.
- Personalize the Session: Let your photographer know what you’ve brought with you so they can be sure and grab some photos.
Posing and Trends
For those planning their weddings in 2024 and 2025, consider the evolving world of wedding cakes and ceremony trends. If the idea of an intimate, personal celebration sounds more appealing than a traditional big wedding, a destination elopement might be the best choice. Whether it is a timeless Dallas wedding or an elopement in the US, capturing the elegance and timeless romance is the ultimate goal.
Practical Preparation for Your Big Day
What should you bring with you for a civil ceremony? Thankfully, this isn’t a trip to the DMV. You can purchase flowers from a local florist or make your own for City Hall weddings. Unfortunately, they do not sell food or drinks inside for safety reasons, so I recommend bringing your own if you plan on waiting a long time to elope. After your City Hall wedding, you can head to locations like the Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo, or City Hall Park for additional photos.