NYC Elopement FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How many guests can attend our Cakewalk wedding?

Cakewalk weddings are built for intimacy — we specialize in ceremonies with 20 guests or fewer (including you two). That’s our sweet spot for keeping the experience stress-free, personal, and beautifully documented. Check this one out, for example.

We don’t provide extras like chairs, arches, or amplified music — instead, we focus on making your ceremony feel effortless in the city itself. If seating is important to you, we’ll help you choose a location that already has built-in benches or steps.

We also account for accessibility. If you or your guests need easier pathways, shade, or seating, we’ll prioritize locations that make sure everyone can participate comfortably.

If your vision is slightly different, let’s talk — we can advise on what’s realistic within our format, and find a creative way to make it work.

How much does a Cakewalk cost?

A Classic Cakewalk wedding costs $4,000. That includes everything you actually need for a tiny wedding: a registered officiant and a fully custom ceremony, one hour of professional photography, venue research and public space permitting, and marriage license guidance.

We don’t sell “packages.” Instead, we start with this base cost and build from there if you want more. Options like film photography, videography, or additional hours of photography will increase the price — but you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for. We believe in full price transparency and will never add fees you haven’t cleared first.

What kind of officiants are on your team?

Our wedding officiants are secular, non-religious celebrants who specialize in elopements and tiny weddings. Each is a licensed New York wedding officiant, legally authorized to marry you in NYC.

They’re experienced in creating ceremonies that feel personal, modern, and stress-free. Some couples like to collaborate closely with their officiant to write vows and shape the ceremony, while others prefer to let us handle the details — either way, you’ll get a meaningful, custom ceremony.

Our team is warm, inclusive, and used to working with couples from all backgrounds. Whether you want a short-and-sweet ceremony in Central Park, a romantic elopement on the Brooklyn waterfront, or vows under the Manhattan skyline, our officiants know how to set the tone.

What if it rains?

Cakewalk weddings are rain or shine. Because so many of our ceremonies happen outdoors in New York City, we always prepare our couples to roll with whatever the day brings. Rain in New York City is very romantic and makes for gorgeous photos.

If the forecast calls for rain, your officiant will confirm the final plan about 90 minutes before the ceremony. We’ll move to a covered outdoor space nearby whenever possible. There are plenty of beautiful spots in Central Park, Brooklyn, and downtown Manhattan that work on a rainy day and still keep things on budget.

We don’t provide tents or large-scale rentals, but we’ll give you our best recommendations for covered spaces and help guide your guests. As long as you’re willing to be a little flexible, we promise the day will still feel personal, romantic, and fun — umbrellas and all.

We really mean it when we say all of New York City - and now Los Angeles - is your wedding venue.

Most Cakewalk ceremonies take place in public spaces — think Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the West Village, or hidden gardens. These iconic locations are included in your Classic Cakewalk at no additional cost beyond your base price.

If you’re dreaming of a private space — an art gallery, a bookstore, a hotel rooftop, or a chic restaurant — we can make it happen. Private venues usually require:

• Extra coordination (keep in mind if you’re on a tight timeline!)

• A location fee charged by the venue

• A Cakewalk service fee if the planning is more complex

We’ll walk you through all of this during your consultation so there are no surprises.

Do we need a permit?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the spot.

Here’s how we handle it:

• We know the permitting process for New York City, and we’ll guide you through it or handle it for you when possible.

• We do not hold weddings in spaces that explicitly prohibit ceremonies.

• Some locations are in a “gray area” — we’ll always be honest about what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

• We always prepare backup locations. They’re carefully scouted, beautiful, and never “second best.”

If you already have a dream location in mind, let’s talk. Chances are we’ve scoped it out already — or we’re ready to.

Can’t I just do this at City Hall?

You can — and for some couples, City Hall is the right fit. But here’s what to know:

• Guest limits: Courthouse weddings usually only allow a handful of guests.

• Scheduling: Appointment slots can be hard to secure, and wait times are unpredictable.

• Atmosphere: The experience is efficient but can feel rushed and impersonal.

• Ceremony: You cannot personalize the script or exchange your own vows at City Hall. The ceremony is brief and standardized.

A Cakewalk wedding gives you the best of both worlds. It’s as easy as a City Hall ceremony, but you also get a thoughtful, personalized experience in a setting that feels like you. With Cakewalk, you can bring up to 20 guests, have a custom ceremony written just for you, and walk away with professional photography that captures the day.

For a full breakdown, check out our blog post: City Hall Weddings vs. Cakewalk Weddings

What paperwork do we need to actually get married in New York City?

Every Cakewalk couple needs a marriage license from the New York City Clerk’s Office. You can apply online or in person, and once issued, the license is valid for 60 days. There’s a short waiting period before you can use it (currently 24 hours), so you’ll want to plan ahead. We’ll guide you step by step—making sure you know where to go, what documents to bring, and when to do it.

On the day of your wedding, your Cakewalk officiant will complete the license and file it with the City Clerk. After that, you’ll receive your official marriage certificate directly from the city, making your marriage fully legal in New York.

For international couples:
New York City is one of the most popular destinations for couples traveling from abroad to elope. Your NYC marriage certificate will show that you are legally married in the United States. However, each country has its own rules for recognizing foreign marriages. Some may require an apostille, translation, or additional authentication before your marriage is valid at home.

Cakewalk cannot provide legal advice about recognition in your country. We always recommend that international couples contact their consulate or embassy in advance to confirm exactly what paperwork you’ll need after your New York City wedding. We’ll handle everything on the NYC side—you just need to make sure the paperwork works once you’re back home. You can read our full guide on international couples getting married in New York City here.