New York City City Hall Wedding

At a Glance

Guest limit varies by source. Confirm the current policy when you schedule your ceremony.

What Makes a New York City Hall Wedding Special

The Manhattan Marriage Bureau at 141 Worth Street handles thousands of civil weddings every year, making it one of the busiest marriage ceremony locations in the United States. Couples fly in from around the world specifically for a New York City Hall wedding, and the appeal is straightforward: a $70 total cost, no residency requirement, and the energy of Lower Manhattan surrounding your ceremony.

What sets an NYC city hall wedding apart from other courthouse weddings is what happens after you say “I do.” You walk out the door and you’re steps from City Hall Park, a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge, and minutes from DUMBO, Chinatown, Tribeca, and Little Italy. Your wedding day doubles as a tour of some of the most photographed spots in the world. No other civil ceremony venue gives you that kind of backdrop.

The ceremony itself is brief (2-5 minutes), but the day doesn’t have to be. Many couples turn their Manhattan Marriage Bureau wedding into a full Lower Manhattan experience with professional wedding photography, a celebratory meal, and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Married at NYC City Hall

The NYC city hall wedding process requires two separate appointments: one for your marriage license, one for your civil ceremony. You cannot do both on the same day because of New York’s mandatory 24-hour waiting period. Here’s the full timeline:

1. Create an NYC.ID account. Both partners need one. If you have a New York driver’s license, you may already have an account.

2. Apply for your marriage license through Project Cupid. Both partners must complete the online application together at nyc.gov. You’ll enter personal details, identification information, and (if applicable) documentation of any prior marriages.

3. Schedule your license verification appointment. New license appointment slots open every Thursday at 9:00 AM EST. You can verify your IDs either in person at any of the five borough Marriage Bureau offices or virtually via Microsoft Teams. For virtual verification, both partners must be physically together in New York State during the video call.

4. Attend your license appointment. Bring your original, valid government-issued photo ID and any required supporting documents. Pay the $35 marriage license fee by credit card, debit card, or money order. No cash accepted.

5. Wait 24 hours. This mandatory waiting period is required by New York State law. A New York State judge can waive it in certain circumstances, but most couples simply plan for two separate visits to the Marriage Bureau.

6. Book your wedding ceremony. Ceremony slots open every Monday at 9:00 AM EST, approximately three weeks in advance. Slots fill within hours, especially for Fridays. You’ll need to provide the names and email addresses of both partners plus your witness’s full name when booking.

7. Get married. Arrive 30 minutes early on ceremony day for security screening and check-in. A City Clerk officiates a short civil ceremony, and you’re officially married. The entire process from building entry to receiving your marriage certificate takes 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on that day’s volume.

8. Receive your marriage certificate. U.S. residents get a certified marriage certificate printed on the spot. International couples typically have it mailed to their address.

Marriage License Details

Documents You’ll Need

Each partner needs one valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID. The Manhattan Marriage Bureau accepts these forms of identification:

• Passport (any country)
• U.S. driver’s license or learner’s permit
• State-issued ID card
• IDNYC municipal identification card
• U.S. military ID
• U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
• U.S. Employment Authorization Card
• U.S. Alien Registration Card (must have an expiration date)

Only original documents are accepted. No photocopies, no expired IDs.

You’ll also need your Social Security Number if you have one. Non-U.S. residents without a Social Security Number can indicate this on the Project Cupid application.

If either partner was previously married, bring certified copies of your divorce decree or your former spouse’s death certificate. You’ll also need your former spouse’s full name, the date of divorce, and the jurisdiction where it was granted.

How to Apply Through Project Cupid

Project Cupid is New York City’s official online portal for marriage licenses and civil wedding ceremonies. The entire process, from application to ceremony booking, runs through this system.

Start at nyc.gov by creating your NYC.ID account, then search for “Project Cupid” to begin your marriage license application. Both partners fill out the application together. Once submitted, you’ll choose between an in-person appointment at any of the five borough Marriage Bureau offices or a virtual ID verification via Microsoft Teams.

Timing tip: Marriage license appointment slots release every Thursday at 9:00 AM EST. Set a reminder and be ready to book the moment they go live. Popular dates fill fast.

Fees and Payment

Accepted payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express (credit or debit), or money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau.

The 24-Hour Waiting Period

New York State requires a 24-hour waiting period between when your marriage license is issued and when your civil ceremony can take place. Your license remains valid for 60 days after issuance. If you don’t have your ceremony within that 60-day window, you’ll need to apply and pay for a new license.

A New York State judge can waive the 24-hour waiting period in special circumstances. This isn’t common, but it is a legal option if your situation requires it.

Ceremony Details

What Happens on Your Wedding Day

Here’s what to expect when you arrive at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau for your civil ceremony:

1. Security screening. You’ll pass through security at the 141 Worth Street entrance. No weapons or large bags permitted.
2. Check-in. Present your photo IDs and printed marriage license at the kiosk. You’ll receive an alphanumeric ceremony number (something like A22 or C14).
3. Document verification. A clerk reviews your paperwork at a second checkpoint.
4. The civil ceremony. A City Clerk officiates in a small ceremony room. You’ll affirm your intention to marry, say “I do,” and you can exchange rings and seal it with a kiss. The ceremony itself lasts about 2-5 minutes.
5. Marriage certificate. U.S. residents receive a certified marriage certificate printed on the spot. International couples typically receive theirs by mail.

There is no dress code at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. You can wear whatever feels right, from jeans to a full wedding gown.

Location and Hours

Manhattan Marriage Bureau 141 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM

Note: There may be a midday closure from approximately 11:45 AM to 1:00 PM. If you’re booking a late-morning appointment, verify the current schedule directly with the Marriage Bureau.

All NYC city hall wedding ceremonies are by appointment only through Project Cupid. Walk-ins are not permitted.

The other four boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island) also have Marriage Bureau offices where you can obtain a license. Marriage licenses obtained at any borough office are valid citywide and throughout New York State.

What to Bring to Your Ceremony

• Your printed marriage license (required even if you completed verification virtually)
• Valid photo ID for both partners
• One witness aged 18+ with valid photo ID
• $35 ceremony fee payment (credit card or money order)

Photography and Guest Tips

Guest Limits at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau

Confirm the current guest policy directly with the Marriage Bureau when you book. Sources report different numbers, ranging from 4 to 6 people total inside the ceremony room. That count includes the couple, your witness, and your photographer. The limit is strictly enforced, so get the exact number for your date before inviting anyone.

Best Photo Spots Near NYC City Hall

Photography is allowed during the ceremony and throughout the Manhattan Marriage Bureau building. Many couples hire a photographer who specializes in New York City Hall weddings, and the investment pays off given the variety of iconic photo locations nearby:

• City Hall Park - Directly outside the Marriage Bureau, with greenery, fountains, and classic New York architecture
• Manhattan Marriage Bureau exterior - The building’s steps and entrance work well for ceremony-day portraits
• Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway - A 10-minute walk from the Marriage Bureau, with iconic Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline views
• DUMBO, Brooklyn - Just across the bridge, home to the famous Manhattan Bridge overpass shot
• Building interior - The rotunda and architectural details inside the Marriage Bureau itself

Practical Tips for Your NYC City Hall Wedding

Getting there by subway. The Manhattan Marriage Bureau is well connected by public transit. The closest subway stations are Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall (4, 5, 6 trains), Chambers Street (J, Z trains), and City Hall (R, W trains). All are within a 5-minute walk of 141 Worth Street.

Skip driving. Parking in Lower Manhattan is expensive and limited. Street parking near the courthouse is nearly impossible on weekdays. Take the subway or a rideshare.

Best times for a calmer experience. Monday through Thursday mornings are the quietest at the Marriage Bureau. Friday slots fill fastest and tend to have the longest waits and biggest crowds. If you want a more relaxed ceremony day, book early in the week with a morning time slot.

What to wear. There’s no official dress code, but most couples dress up at least a little for their wedding day. You’ll be walking through security screening and sitting in a waiting area, so comfort matters. If you’re planning photos at City Hall Park or the Brooklyn Bridge afterward, wear something you’ll love in those shots.

Celebrate in Lower Manhattan. You’re surrounded by great options for a post-ceremony celebration. Chinatown is a few blocks north for a lively, affordable meal. Tribeca and the Financial District offer upscale dining. Little Italy is close by for a classic New York experience. Or grab coffee and pastries at one of the many cafes bordering City Hall Park.

Order extra certified copies. Request multiple certified copies of your marriage certificate on ceremony day. You’ll need them for name changes, updating insurance policies, tax filings, and other legal paperwork. Getting copies later costs more time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions About NYC City Hall Weddings

Can non-residents get married at NYC City Hall? Yes. New York City does not require residency for a marriage license or civil ceremony. Any couple can marry at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau regardless of where they live, their immigration status, or their citizenship. This open policy is one reason NYC is such a popular destination for city hall weddings.

How far in advance should I book my NYC city hall ceremony? Wedding ceremony slots release every Monday at 9:00 AM EST through Project Cupid, approximately three weeks in advance. Be online and ready the moment slots go live, because popular dates (especially Fridays) fill within hours. Weekday morning slots are easier to secure.

What if I don’t have a witness for my ceremony? You need at least one witness aged 18 or older with a valid photo ID. Their name is required when you book your ceremony through Project Cupid. If your witness cancels at the last minute, you may be able to ask a photographer or another couple at the Marriage Bureau to step in, but don’t count on it. Always have a backup witness arranged.

Can I get married the same day I get my marriage license? No. New York State law requires a 24-hour waiting period between license issuance and your civil ceremony. Plan for at least two separate visits to the Manhattan Marriage Bureau on two different days. A judge can waive this requirement in special circumstances, but that’s not the standard process.