There are a lot of reasons why elopements are a great idea. They are very personal and intimate, they are less expensive than a traditional wedding, and you can make them as dressy or casual as you want. The elopement process at City Hall in Manhattan is pretty straightforward; after getting your marriage license at least 24 hours before your expected marriage date, the hardest part is waiting in line at the City Clerk’s Office. In my experience, the whole process (on a pretty busy morning) took less than two hours. What’s not to love about that?

Haley and Mike were married on September 20, 2019 in New York City’s City Hall in Downtown Manhattan. City Hall elopements have always been one of my favorite things to photograph, and I was thrilled when I learned I’d be shooting my first one in New York City.

This was the same day that students all over the world walked out of class in a strike for action against climate change. It was such a cool thing to see these students being willing to ask world leaders to act faster against climate change AND to see them shower Haley and Mike with more congratulations and well wishes than anyone could hope to receive.

This wedding was shot for Emily Kirke Photography

For more information about getting married at NYC City Hall, click here.