Office of the City Clerk - Manhattan, NYC Marriage Bureau Elopement Photo Story Award

Domestic Partnership, Civil Marriage Ceremony image from when the couple fills out paperwork before their vows

Domestic Partnership, Civil Marriage Ceremony in NYC | the couple fills out paperwork before their ceremony

Lisa lovingly touches Jacob’s arm as the couple fills out paperwork before their ceremony.

Lisa and Jacob agreed that a large wedding was not their style, so they decided to elope at New York City Hall in Manhattan, where they've both been living and working for the last few years. The couple planned their city hall wedding for October of 2021. The marriage bureau had just recently opened back up to in-person appointments but only allowed one guest to be a witness. This meant that I, as their photographer, was the sole guest and official witness to their ceremony, which was just fine for them and an honor for me. 

City Hall was filled with couples in a wide range of fancy dress, all masked and waiting for their number to be called. It was romantic in its own way; simple, no-frills weddings without the need for any over-the-top expense or fanfare. Jacob and Lisa's love did not need a big crowd to be true. 

After the quick ceremony, the couple walked around the financial district for portraits throughout the city and enjoyed some quiet time together in City Hall Park. 

NYC City Hall Wedding Photography in BW of couple eagerly waiting inside the bureau for their number to be called

NYC City Hall Wedding Photography in BW | The couple eagerly wait inside the bureau for their number to be called

Jacob and Lisa eagerly wait inside the bureau for their number to be called to fill out their marriage paperwork.

Marriage License Waiting Ticket detail image in New York City shows assigned number

Marriage License Waiting Ticket image in New York City | A ticket with an assigned number

A ticket with an assigned number rests on Lisa’s knee as the couple eagerly waits for their turn at the desk.

BW image of couple getting married in New York City looking at book of marriage records dating back to the 1800s

Getting married image in New York City | a book of marriage records dating back to the 1800s

Lisa points out an interesting record within a book of marriage records dating back to the 1800s that is on display in the room where the couple’s ceremony took place.

New York City Marriage Bureau Office Ceremony Pic of couple taking hands during vow exchange

New York City Marriage Bureau Office Ceremony Pic | The couple take each other’s hands as their ceremony begins

Jacob and Lisa take each other’s hands as their ceremony begins. The officiant behind his shield as they exchange vows.

Worth Street Office in Manhattan, New York City Wedding Image of newly married couple leaving the bureau

Worth Street Office - Manhattan, New York City Wedding Image | the newly married couple leave the bureau

Lisa looks excitedly at Jacob as the newly married couple leave the bureau hand in hand.

County Supreme Court Building, NYC Wedding Photo of newlyweds kiss while posing

NY County Supreme Court Building, NYC Wedding Photo | The newlyweds kiss while posing for a portrait

The newlyweds kiss while posing for a portrait between pillars at the NY County Supreme Court building.

Financial District, NYC Wedding Couple Pic in BW as bride and groom crosses a busy street

Financial District, NYC Wedding Couple Pic in BW | The couple crosses a busy street

The couple crosses a busy street in the Financial District. Their wedding attire sparked lots of congratulatory remarks from passersby.

City Hall Park, Manhattan NYC Wedding Portrait in BW of The couple in a quiet minute alone

City Hall Park, Manhattan NYC Wedding Portrait in BW | The couple takes a quiet minute in the park

The couple takes a quiet moment in the park to enjoy their first moments together as a married couple.