NYC Elopement FAQ: Your Questions Answered

The entire city is your venue. Here are a few of our fav spots. At public parks, landmarks, on the Ferry, and sometimes more unexpected locations like museums or grand libraries. We research the feasibility and permit the location when possible to fit the elopement you're picturing.

Two steps. You apply online ahead of time, then you both attend a quick in-person appointment at the City Clerk, about ten minutes, at least 24 hours before the ceremony (weekdays only). We book that appointment and handle the paperwork with you, then submit it to the Clerk after the wedding. Appointments can only be booked about three weeks out (don’t worry about that part — it’s our job to deal with), and you have to be physically in New York for it, so plan to arrive at least a full day before your wedding date. For anything specific to your IDs or names, the Clerk's office is the final word.

For some spots, yeah! Don’t worry, we take care of it.

We don't do tiered elopement packages, no good-better-best menu. There's one base Cakewalk elopement that already includes everything you need, and you add extras only if you want them. Simpler to understand, and you're not paying for a bundle to get the one thing you came for.

Much more than just a ceremony and a photographer. The base is the whole thing: a custom ceremony built from your story, an officiant who also runs the Cakewalk as your coordinator, professional, candid style photography, full marriage license handling, and location scouting and permitting. The planning itself is included too, the mood boards, the timeline, the guided process that gets you there without the stress. You don't have to add a thing.

Once you book, we really dig into what you're going for, the look, the feel, and the details that matter to you. We come back with mood boards and a timeline for the day, you tell us what's working and what isn't, and we adjust until it's right. From there we handle everything: the ceremony, the location and permits, the vendors, and the license. You make a few key calls, we do the rest. Low stress, still completely yours.

Custom. We spend a lot of timing learning about the two of you, your relationship, and how you want the ceremony to flow. It's completely bespoke and not from a template. Your officiant will write and lead the entire thing based on you two.

In-house. Your officiant and photographer are part of the Cakewalk team, not third-party vendors we're coordinating with and randomly finding online. We only work with vetted members of the Cakewalk team.

Yes, of course. Common add ons are extra photography time, film photography, Super 8 video, live musicians like a violinist, and a vintage cab. We help you figure out what’s right for your vision.

The base is $4,000 and includes everything under "what's included." Add-ons are priced on top, only for what you choose.

How does payment work?

Half is due when you sign, the rest just before the wedding. The base is $4,000, and anything you add is priced on top. No hidden costs.

Around 20, not counting the two of you. We're not strict to the exact head, but the whole day is built for a small group.

Couples arrange their own florals. We'll share florists we trust, and you book with them directly.

No. We don't provide decor, furniture, rentals, or event styling. The locations we use look great on their own.

No. We don't sell individual services on their own.

We handle the ceremony, not the reception. But once you've booked, we'll send curated restaurant recommendations, places with private rooms or set menus that fit a small group, and we can build the timeline around dinner if you want your photographer to stay for it.

Most Cakewalks happen in public, permitted locations. We typically are reserving space via the city permitting system, so most of them feel quite private and personal. We don't provide private venues. If you want a fully private space, you're welcome to book one yourself and we'll coordinate with it.

Hell yes. We've married people in museums, grand libraries, and landmark buildings (but keep in mind, usually these particular weddings have zero guests). If you have a place in mind, tell us and we'll figure out what's possible.

Non-religious, secular celebrants who also act as your on-site coordinator. They can write and lead the ceremony or build it with you. If you'd rather bring your own officiant, that works too.

No. City hall is a fine way to make it legal. A Cakewalk is a real ceremony at a location you choose, with more than 4 guests allowed (the courthouse limits guests), an officiant, photography, and the marriage license handled for you, including the appointment and any permit. You get the paperwork sorted and an actual ceremony, without the big production.

We book at least a month out. Anything shorter doesn't leave enough time to do it well, since permits, licenses, and vendors all need lead time. If your date is further out, even better.

Once you're booked, we'll send recommendations for hair and makeup, places to stay, and dress and attire resources we like. You book those directly, we just point you to the good ones.