Welcome to caketalk. Your blog for all things love, weddings, and New York
Getting Married at Manhattan City Hall: A Step-by-Step Guide (and Why Some Couples Choose Cakewalk Instead)
Manhattan City Hall is one of the most popular places to get married in New York City, but the process can feel confusing—especially for international couples. From applying for your marriage license through Project Cupid, to scheduling your ceremony, to understanding how apostilles work for foreign recognition, this guide covers it all. We’ll walk you step by step through what documents to bring, what fees to expect, and how the ceremony itself unfolds. And if you’re considering alternatives, we’ll also show how a Cakewalk wedding compares: more guests, more customization, and iconic NYC backdrops. Whether you’re a local couple or traveling from abroad, here’s everything you need to know about getting married at Manhattan City Hall.
How International Couples Can Get Married in New York City
Getting married in New York City as an international couple is easier than you think. Whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with the Manhattan skyline behind you, exchanging vows in Central Park, or celebrating at Brooklyn Bridge Park, NYC offers endless options for a stylish, memorable elopement. In this guide, we break down exactly what overseas couples need to know—from how to apply for a New York marriage license, to confirming paperwork with your consulate, to choosing iconic wedding locations. With Cakewalk, you’ll have full transparency, no hidden fees, and a team that specializes in helping couples from around the world create unforgettable NYC weddings.
City Hall Wedding vs. a Cakewalk Wedding in NYC: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a City Hall wedding in NYC and a Cakewalk elopement comes down to cost, customization, and experience. While a City Hall wedding is quick, affordable, and straightforward, it often limits guest count, offers no personalization in vows or ceremony, and leaves you with standard courthouse photos. A Cakewalk elopement, on the other hand, starts at $3,000 and includes a registered officiant, a fully custom ceremony, one hour of professional photography, marriage license help, and location planning in iconic New York City spaces like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, or the West Village. Cakewalk weddings allow up to 20 guests, flexible locations, and beautiful editorial-style photos—all with complete price transparency.
Where You Should Elope in NYC, Based on Your Horoscope ✨🗽
Your zodiac sign might just hold the key to the perfect New York City elopement spot. Whether you’re a romantic Pisces dreaming of the Ladies Pavilion, a bold Aries who belongs on the High Line, or a practical Capricorn who loves the ease of City Hall, there’s an NYC location that matches your vibe. Explore the best elopement venues in New York City based on astrology—and find the spot where your love story was written in the stars.
Can You Get Married in Central Park? (2025 Elopement Guide)
Central Park might be NYC’s most iconic wedding location — and yes, you can actually get married there. Here’s how to do it right in 2025.
It’s Pretty Cool to Elope in New York City
From subway platform kisses to skyline vows, here’s why eloping in New York City is one of the coolest ways to get married — especially in 2025.
Where to Elope in NYC Without a Permit (2025 Guide)
Eloping in NYC in 2025? Skip the permits and get straight to the good stuff. This guide covers our favorite public spaces where you can get married without a permit — legally, beautifully, and stress-free.
Our Favorite Guerilla Wedding Locations in NYC (2025)
Want to get married in NYC without a venue or permit? Here are the best guerilla-style wedding locations in NYC for 2025 — creative, public, and unforgettable.
How to Add Jewish or Persian Traditions to a Modern NYC Elopement (2025)
You don’t need a big wedding to honor your heritage. This guide shows how to fold Jewish or Persian wedding traditions into your 2025 NYC elopement — from breaking the glass to honey ceremonies and everything in between.
Getting Married in Manhattan Without a Venue: A 2025 Guide
You don’t need a venue to get married in NYC. This 2025 guide shows how to elope or plan a tiny wedding in Manhattan using public spaces — legally, beautifully, and without spending a fortune.
How to Get Married on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade (2025 Guide)
Skyline views, brownstone charm, and no permit required — this guide shows you exactly how to get married on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in 2025. It’s one of our favorite NYC ceremony spots for good reason.
Real NYC Wedding: A City Hall Park Elopement with Style (2025)
No stress. No crowd. Just love in the middle of Manhattan. This real wedding story follows Jamie and Lila’s intimate 2025 elopement in City Hall Park — complete with candid photos, a sweet ceremony, and brunch to celebrate.
Rain Plan Wedding Locations in NYC (That Don’t Require a Permit)
Rain happens — but your wedding can still be amazing. This guide covers NYC’s best backup wedding locations for rain, all of which are covered, beautiful, and don’t require a permit. Cakewalk-tested, couple-approved.
Eloping in NYC with 10 Guests or Less: A Cakewalk Guide
You don’t need 100 people to have a beautiful wedding. In fact, NYC is one of the best places to elope with just 10 guests or fewer. This guide walks you through how to do it right — legally, simply, and with all the style and none of the stress.
How to Get a Marriage License in NYC
Planning a wedding in New York City? First things first — you need a marriage license. This guide breaks down the exact steps, costs, and timing so you can get legally hitched without the headache. We’ve got tips, shortcuts, and a few Cakewalk tricks, too.
The Best Places to Elope in NYC (That Aren’t Central Park)
Looking to elope in New York but want something a little different than Central Park? This guide covers our favorite lesser-known, ultra-romantic ceremony spots — from skyline views in Brooklyn Heights to wildflowers on the High Line. Quiet, cool, and very NYC.
The Best Places to Elope in New York City (That Aren’t City Hall)
Not into courthouse vibes? Same. NYC is packed with stunning places to elope that are just as easy as City Hall — but way more special. From quiet corners of Central Park to waterfront spots with skyline views, here are our favorite locations to get married in New York without the chaos (or the fluorescent lighting).
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in NYC?
Thinking about ditching the big wedding for something more low-key? We break down the real cost of eloping in NYC — and why a Cakewalk ceremony might be the best money you’ll spend.
10 Cool NYC Wedding Photo Locations for Small Ceremonies
Whether you're eloping in Central Park or saying "I do" on the steps of the New York Public Library, the city is your backdrop. Here are 10 iconic and unexpected photo spots perfect for intimate NYC weddings.
4 Public NYC Spots That Feel Like Secret Gardens
Yes, New York is loud—but not everywhere. These five public spots feel like secret gardens in the city, perfect for couples who want an intimate wedding with a little magic (and no venue markup).