How Much Does It Actually Cost to Get Married in NYC?
If you’ve ever typed “how much does it cost to get married in NYC” into Google and slammed your laptop shut two seconds later, we get it. The internet is full of wild numbers and outdated assumptions. $30K minimum? $100K if you want chairs?? Let’s bring it back to earth.
At Cakewalk, we plan tiny weddings and stylish elopements that are beautiful, memorable, and—most importantly—realistic. Here’s what it actually costs to get married in NYC depending on what you want.
City Hall Ceremony: The Absolute Basics
Marriage License: $35
Ceremony at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau: $25
Total: $60 (plus a subway swipe and a decent outfit)
If you love bureaucracy, don't mind fluorescent lighting, and are okay with a waiting room vibe, City Hall will get the job done. It’s legally binding, but not exactly stress-free or stylish. There’s no privacy, you’re on the city’s timeline, and there’s no backup if things run late or get chaotic.
DIY Elopement in a Public Park
Marriage License: $35
Permit for public space (e.g. Central Park): $25–$100 (depending on the spot)
Officiant: $200–$600
Photographer: $400–$1,000
Bouquet: $75–$150
Total: ~$750–$1,800
DIY sounds cute until you’re printing permits, texting vendors the morning of, or realizing the tulips you were banking on are blocked off for a film shoot. This route can work, but it puts all the logistics on your shoulders. And when it comes to weddings, even small ones, the details matter.
Weekday Wedding: $3,000 + tax
Weekend Wedding: $3,500 + tax
This includes:
One hour of beautiful, documentary-style photography
A registered NYC officiant who shows up prepared and calm
All permitting handled
Planning, coordination, timeline building, and day-of support
A built-in rain plan and backup options if needed
Style and logistical support from a real live New Yorker who does this all the time
You get the ease of a City Hall wedding, the beauty of a private elopement, and the support of a full team—without the overwhelm.
Private Venue Wedding with Cakewalk
Starts at $5,000–$7,000 depending on space
If you’ve got your heart set on an indoor venue (think: private greenhouse, museum garden, hidden loft), we can do that too. The cost varies depending on the venue, but you still get the Cakewalk experience: thoughtful, efficient, and low-key luxe.
The Bottom Line Getting married in NYC doesn’t need to break the bank—or your spirit. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a little magic, there are beautiful options at every price point. But if you want something that feels easy, special, and taken care of from start to finish—Cakewalk is built for that.
