NYC elopement wedding rings

NYC Elopements Made Simple

Our NYC elopement packages include elopement photographer, officiant and planning services, so you can just relax and enjoy the good stuff. Whether you’re planning an NYC City Hall wedding for two, a Central Park wedding for 50, or a NYC microwedding with views, we make it easy to elope in NYC.

NYC elopement cocktail reception

NYC Elopements Made Simple

Our NYC elopement packages include elopement photographer, officiant and planning services, so you can just relax and enjoy the good stuff. Whether you’re planning an NYC City Hall wedding for two, a Central Park wedding for 50, or a NYC microwedding with views. we make it easy to elope in NYC.

Elope in NYC: married couple walking in Manhattan

For couples with decision fatigue.

For couples who want something more “them.”

For couples who want the details taken care of so they can truly enjoy their wedding day.


That’s who I’m here for. I’m an NYC elopement photographer with 10+ years of helping hundreds of couples plan their personalized NYC elopement, stress-free.

Hi, I’m Jocelyn, your NYC elopement photographer, planner, and all-around hype-woman.

All NYC elopements include:

1

PLANNING

Together we’ll collaborate on selecting locations and creating an itinerary that fully represents your vision.

2

PHOTOGRAPHY

Multiple hours, multiple locations. Documentary photography. Candids over posed.

3

OFFICIANT AND LEGAL

A registered officiant will perform a personalized ceremony and deliver paperwork back to the Marriage Bureau on your behalf.

4

ADD-ONS

For a truly stress-free experience, you can add on additional services like hair & makeup, flowers, videography, a Zoom livestream and more.

New York City elopement ceremony
“Every aspect of our experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Jocelyn exemplifies what it means to be professional and personable. Communication was seamless from start to finish. She was incredibly responsive to all our inquiries, patiently addressing every question and concern we had along the way. Her expertise and guidance was invaluable throughout the planning process, easing our minds and ensuring that every detail was taken care of.”

LESLIE & CHRISTIAN

New York City elopement couple
New York City bride and groom
“We had the MOST fun getting married and taking photos around NYC.

 Working with Jocelyn was everything I could have wanted it to be. From the beginning she was enthusiastic and had so many ideas on how we could celebrate our day. We were able to plan an elopement that felt very ‘us’ and we couldn’t have been more excited! She made every effort to help us – so many texts, phone calls and emails in a short amount of time! She was kind, patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I would recommend her to anyone looking to elope in NYC!”

SAMANTHA & RYAN

NYC elopement pizza wedding

NYC Elopement FAQ

I am a documentary-style NYC elopement photographer, meaning I strive to capture the day naturally as it unfolds. Yes, there will be some traditional posed portraits, but for the most part it’s more candid and organic; minimal “cheese for the camera”-type shots. Aesthetically, I edit for classic, true-to-life coloring.

An NYC elopement can be super affordable — for example, an NYC marriage license costs $35 and a ceremony performed at City Hall will run you $25. If that isn’t the vision you’re looking for, there are many affordable elopement locations in the city, and I help my couples weigh their options and budget.

Getting married in NYC can be both exciting and overwhelming, so here’s a step-by-step how-to guide to eloping in NYC.

Yes! Any couple — including visiting internationals and out-of-state visitors — is able to elope in NYC.

You can legally elope anywhere in NYC, as long as you have permission to be on that property. I have married couples in parks, hotels, restaurants, Airbnbs, on bridges and more.

Weather-wise, spring and fall are both the most forgiving in terms of extreme weather patterns and temperature. April also offers cherry blossom season, while October/early November is when autumnal colors peek out in the parks.

However, consider that these will also be the seasons you’ll be competing with tourism and other brides. Selecting an off-peak day during these peak seasons will ensure the best of both worlds.

Typically 50 or fewer people is the right size for microwedding packages, but reach out for a custom quote!

Yes, you need at least one witness to sign the marriage license. If you’re eloping without guests, I’m more than happy to act as your witness at no added cost, and have acted as both elopement photographer and witness for many, many couples.

Yes, all of my packages include photographer, officiant, as well as planning assistance. Additional services such as hair and makeup, flowers, videography, and more can also be added.

Absolutely, click here to see more info on how to have a New York City Hall wedding.

To elope in NYC, you’ll need to obtain a New York marriage license, which requires two parts:

  1. Fill out a marriage license application online
  2. Schedule your marriage license appointment, either for a virtual visit or an in-person visit to any Marriage Bureau in New York. (Note that for both virtual and in-person appointments, both parties must be physically together and in New York at the time of the appointment.)

When picking your appointment date/time, remember that a Marriage License is valid for 60 days, and your license must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance of your ceremony. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should confirm that U.S. marriage certificates are valid in your country — a quick call to your consulate should clear this up.

When its time for your appointment, you’ll need to bring the following:

A valid form of ID. If previously married, bring all supporting documentation.
• The Marriage License fee of $35 payable to the City Clerk by credit card or money order.
• Printed or electronic copy of this confirmation or your appointment email
• Printed or electronic copy of online application confirmation number

The Manhattan Marriage Bureau Office is located at 141 Worth St. Other boroughs have different locations.

A stylish Brooklyn rooftop micro wedding? A winter Central Park wedding with snow falling softly around you? A casual, intimate elopement on the Top of the Rock with unobstructed city views? Perfect, let’s chat; whatever your NYC elopement idea is, my elopement packages will probably work. Let’s set up a time to Zoom and discuss.

Not a problem. Pricing is reduced for photography-only elopements.

Yes! New York has been legally wedding same-sex couples since 2011 when the Marriage Equality Act was passed. I am more than happy to photograph any couple getting married.

Photographs that feel like you.

How to Elope in NYC: a Timeline

(*And yes, this is simply my recommendation. I’ve turned around elopements in a week!)

(6-18 months out) Choose your date and location

There’s endless debate as to the “best” season or location to get married in the city. I help my couples evaluate their priorities, compare options, and determine how they can most easily get married in NYC.

(6-18 months out) Select your vendors

Once your ideal date, it’s time to book your vendors that will make the vision come to life. I offer all-inclusive NYC elopement packages, so if you don’t want to coordinate multiple vendors, I’m happy to do that on your behalf.

(6-12 months out) Obtain permits/permissions (if necessary)

Some locations require permits or proof of insurance while others require none. Whatever the case may be, we will make sure everything is set for the day.

(3-6 months out) Finalize all logistics

Hotels, wedding alterations, dinner reservation — now is the time to get it dialed in. For my couples, I’m happy to make recommendations, and at this point we would already have a day-of itinerary finalized so you won’t have to sweat the details.

(1 month out) Book your NYC marriage license appointment, plan the ceremony with your officiant

All of my NYC elopement packages include a registered NYC officiant who can help guide you through the legal stuff.

get married and have the best TIME ever!

Authentic moments.
Candids over posed.
All lovers welcome.

Planning

Best Places for an NYC Elopement

New York City offers some of the most iconic and diverse locations for an NYC elopement, from peaceful park settings to dramatic skyline views. Whether you’re dreaming of saying your vows surrounded by nature, historic architecture, or the energy of the city streets, there’s a perfect spot for every couple. Here are a few of the best places to elope in NYC.

New York City elopement at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park

Central Park Wedding

Guest capacity: up to 50 (100 at Conservatory Garden)
Cost: $25 for a Parks permit ($400 for Conservatory Garden)
Seating: some locations
Privacy: varies
Best time for photography: varies

A Central Park ceremony is one of the most iconic NYC elopement experiences, with romantic spots like Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace surrounded by beautiful scenery in every season.

NYC City Hall Wedding

Guest capacity: up to 4 adults (children under 12 not counted)
Cost: $35
Seating: yes
Privacy: yes
Best time for photography: anytime

A ceremony at NYC City Hall is the classic NYC elopement—simple, intimate, and perfect for celebrating with portraits around Lower Manhattan afterward.

Eloping in NYC at NYC City Hall
NYC elopement at Brooklyn Bridge Park (St. Ann's Warehouse)

Brooklyn Bridge Park Wedding

Guest capacity: up to 100
Cost: $425 for site fee and application fee
Seating: some locations
Privacy: varies
Best time for photography: varies
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a favorite NYC elopement location for its sweeping waterfront views, cobblestone paths, and stunning Manhattan skyline backdrop.

Top of the Rock Wedding

Guest capacity: up to 20
Cost: $40-$115 per person, depending on type of ticket purchased
Seating: none
Privacy: none
Best time for photography: sunrise and sunset
For couples who want dramatic skyline views, Top of the Rock offers a breathtaking rooftop setting for an unforgettable NYC elopement above Manhattan.

See sample Top of the Rock wedding →

Eloping in NYC at Top of the Rock
Elope in NYC at the New York Public Library (NYPL)

New York Public Library Wedding

Guest capacity: up to 30
Cost: free
Seating: none
Privacy: none
Best time for photography: early morning
With its grand marble steps and iconic lion statues, the New York Public Library offers a timeless and elegant backdrop for an NYC elopement in the heart of Midtown.

See sample New York Public Library wedding →

NYC elopement bride and groom kissing

Inquire

Ready to chat more? Reach out and I will get back to you within 24 hours. If you haven’t received a reply, check your Spam folder, or email me directly at jocelyn (at) everlystudios.com .