City Hall Wedding vs. a Cakewalk Wedding in NYC: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re planning to get married in New York City, chances are you’ve thought about a City Hall wedding. Quick, simple, and famously no-fuss, it’s the default option for couples who want to skip a big wedding.
But City Hall isn’t the only way to elope in NYC. A Cakewalk wedding offers the same ease and intimacy, but with more personalization, flexibility, and style — all while keeping costs transparent. Here’s a side-by-side comparison so you can decide what feels right for you.
💸 Price and Transparency
City Hall Wedding
The marriage license costs $35, and the ceremony fee is $25.
At first glance, that makes City Hall the cheapest option. But keep in mind: photography isn’t included, there’s no control over the setting, and you may need to hire outside help if you want your day documented.
Cakewalk Wedding
A Classic Cakewalk starts at $3,000. That includes your planner, a licensed officiant, a fully custom ceremony, one hour of professional digital photography, marriage license guidance and coordination, and venue research and permitting for public spaces.
From there, you can add extras like additional photography hours, film photography, videography, or private venue rentals.
Transparency is key: there are no hidden fees, and nothing is added without your approval.
🎤 Ceremony Experience
City Hall Wedding
The ceremony is standardized and brief — typically under five minutes.
You cannot personalize the script, write your own vows, or include special readings.
Guest counts are limited, usually to around 2–4 people, and you’ll be one of many couples waiting in line that day.
Cakewalk Wedding
Your officiant works with you to create a ceremony that reflects your story. Want to write vows? Include a family member? Keep it short and sweet? You choose.
You can invite up to 20 guests, making it more inclusive for family and friends who want to witness.
The setting is intentional: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the West Village, a bookstore, or even the steps of the New York Public Library. The whole city becomes your wedding venue.
📸 Photography
City Hall Wedding
No professional photography is included. You’ll need to hire your own photographer or hope a friend can capture the moment.
Inside City Hall, photos are limited to a few standard backdrops.
Cakewalk Wedding
Every Cakewalk wedding includes one hour of professional digital photography — candid portraits, group shots, and editorial-style city images.
You can choose to add more coverage, film photography, or even video.
The result is a wedding gallery that feels intentional, personal, and stylish.
⏰ Planning and Logistics
City Hall Wedding
You must book an appointment online, and slots can be difficult to secure.
Wait times on the day can be long, depending on how busy the office is.
If you’re traveling from out of town, the unpredictability can add stress.
Cakewalk Wedding
Planning starts whenever you want (no more than 18 months in advance, and we can plan a wedding in less than a week if that’s your jam).
The Cakewalk team handles all logistics: officiant, photography, permits, marriage license, and timeline.
You’ll know exactly when and where your ceremony is happening, and everything is coordinated for you.
🌦️ Rain Plan
City Hall Wedding
Rain or shine doesn’t matter: the ceremony is indoors.
Cakewalk Wedding
Ceremonies are rain or shine, but your officiant will confirm a final plan 90 minutes before start time if the weather is questionable.
Covered locations like Bethesda Terrace, Grand Central Station, or DUMBO archways are always available as beautiful backups.
🌍 Which One Should You Choose?
Pick City Hall if: you want the cheapest, fastest option, don’t care about personalization, and have no more than a couple of guests.
Pick a Cakewalk wedding if: you want something small and stress-free, but still meaningful, stylish, and documented. You get more guests, more control, and more beauty — without the chaos of a big wedding.
📚 More Resources
NYC City Clerk’s Marriage Bureau – official information on City Hall weddings
Cakewalk Weddings NYC What You Get page– our guide to elopements and tiny ceremonies
✨ Final Word
City Hall weddings have their charm, but they’re limited. A Cakewalk wedding takes the same simplicity and accessibility and makes it personal, thoughtful, and fun. It’s for couples who want a tiny wedding that still feels like a big deal, without becoming a big ordeal.