Getting Married at Manhattan City Hall: A Step-by-Step Guide (and Why Some Couples Choose Cakewalk Instead)
Planning a New York City wedding and considering City Hall? You’re not alone—Manhattan’s City Clerk’s office processes thousands of marriage ceremonies every year. But the process can feel confusing, especially if you’re an international couple or you’re comparing it with other NYC elopement options, like a Cakewalk wedding.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to get married at Manhattan City Hall, from applying for your license to the ceremony itself, plus what to expect if you need international paperwork like an apostille. And because Cakewalk specializes in intimate NYC elopements, we’ll also link you to resources that compare City Hall weddings vs. Cakewalk weddings so you can choose the best fit for your day.
Step 1: Apply for Your NYC Marriage License
Before you can get married in New York City, you’ll need a marriage license. You can do this online through Project Cupid or in person at the City Clerk’s office.
Fee: $35 (credit card accepted)
What you’ll need: Photo IDs (passport, driver’s license, etc.), your partner present, and an NYC.ID account to start the application.
Timing: Once issued, your license is valid after 24 hours and expires after 60 days.
For international couples: the license itself is valid in NYC, but you’ll want to confirm with your consulate whether you’ll need additional steps for your marriage to be recognized back home. (More on that below.)
👉 Related: What paperwork do you need to get married in NYC?
Step 2: Schedule Your Ceremony
City Hall weddings are by appointment only. You can book through Project Cupid by choosing "Marriage Ceremony (in person)."
When to book: Dates open about 2–3 weeks in advance, and Fridays fill up fastest.
Ceremony hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30–11:30am and 1:00–3:30pm.
Guests allowed: As of 2025, you can bring up to 4 guests, including your witness and photographer.
At the ceremony, you’ll need:
Your marriage license (hard copy)
Your witness and their photo ID
Another $35 fee (for the marriage certificate)
👉 Related: City Hall vs. Cakewalk weddings
Step 3: The City Hall Wedding Day
Here’s what to expect when you arrive at Manhattan City Hall:
Check in – You’ll go through security and check in at kiosks with your IDs and witness. You’ll receive a number to wait for your turn.
Wait your turn – The waiting area is lively, with couples taking photos and vendors outside selling flowers and photography.
The ceremony – When called, you’ll head into a small “chapel” (really just a conference room). The officiant will perform a very short ceremony—about 2–3 minutes. You can exchange rings and share a kiss, but you cannot personalize vows or write your own script.
Marriage certificate – Afterward, you’ll get your official certificate, which is your legal proof of marriage.
Step 4: International Couples and Apostilles
If you’re an international couple, you may need additional steps to make your NYC marriage legal in your home country.
After your ceremony, request an extended marriage certificate from the clerk.
Take it to the New York State Supreme Court to have it authenticated.
Then get an apostille so it’s valid internationally.
We always advise couples to check with their consulate before booking to confirm exactly what paperwork is required for their country.
👉 Related: International couples getting married in NYC
Cakewalk vs. City Hall: What’s the Difference?
While City Hall is straightforward and budget-friendly, many couples find it limiting:
Strict guest caps (4 people total)
No personalized vows
Only one ceremony space, with limited photo opportunities indoors
A Cakewalk wedding offers more freedom without the fuss of a full-scale wedding:
Up to 20 guests included
Personalized, non-religious ceremonies with our officiants
Choice of iconic NYC locations (parks, gardens, rooftops, cultural spots)
One hour of photography included
Transparent pricing, starting at $3,000
👉 Related: How much does a Cakewalk wedding cost?
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, simple way to make it official, a City Hall wedding might be right for you. But if you want something small, stylish, and deeply personal—without red tape—Cakewalk might be the better choice.
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