Is there anything as iconic as a courthouse wedding? You and your partner get to focus just on each other. Amy and John had an incredible elopement in NYC. After their courthouse ceremony, we explored Manhattan together. This blog post highlights Amy and John’s sweet day along with tips for planning your NYC elopement.
I was lucky enough to meet John and Amy before their NYC elopement. John reached out to me a few years ago to photograph his proposal to Amy. They were the sweetest then, and that still rings true today.
In December, they reached out to me because they decided to elope two weeks before their anniversary. They loved their proposal photos so much that they hoped I’d be available to photograph their elopement. I was so excited to be a part of it!
Once they had all the pieces in place, Amy and John made their appointment at the Manhattan courthouse in late January. They showed up for their NYC elopement decked out in chic outfits. Amy wore a velvet suit from Banana Republic with a cute fascinator hat. The deep red suited her. I love the way the velvet caught the light and brought vibrance to the city’s wintry tones.
The wedding ceremony itself lasted all of thirty seconds. A short courthouse ceremony suited Amy and John, though. They liked keeping everything low key. I even got to sign as a witness!
After the ceremony, we spent more of Amy and John’s NYC elopement day exploring the city. Manhattan is full of amazing architecture. It gave their photos a sophisticated feeling without losing the fun.
Amy and John’s elopement day was so cold and windy. It brought another level to the idea of windswept romance. Their joy kept them going all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge. Even with crowds passing by, you could tell they felt like the only two people in the world.
If you ask me, winter elopements are underrated. They’re a cozy bright spot in a cold time of year. You also get lots of fun fashion options that are too warm during the most popular wedding months. I’d photograph a winter NYC elopement again in a heartbeat!
To see more photo locations around New York City, check out these playful engagement photos at Central Park and these sunrise Brooklyn engagement photos!
Are you planning an NYC elopement? Here are some tips to help you create an amazing elopement experience.
Getting your marriage license is the first step towards your NYC elopement. You can apply for your marriage license in person or online, but they’re only issued in person by appointment. Here are the must-know details about your marriage license application.
Bring these documents with you:
Eloping gives you more flexibility than a traditional wedding. You can plan your NYC elopement for any day or time of year, of course. If you want your photos to be a little less crowded and have more flexibility in your day, getting married midweek can be ideal.
When you’re scheduling your elopement, you’ll notice, too, that the city only offers officiants during business hours (8:30-3:30 on most days). There are plenty of perks to getting married on a weekday, including:
This is your sign to go for it! Plan that runaway romantic elopement. Head to the courthouse in your favorite look, and enjoy exploring the city with your new spouse afterward. You’ll be so glad you created an experience that’s authentic to you.
Would you like me to photograph your NYC elopement? I’m a New Jersey wedding photographer, and I’d love to document your marriage with joyful photos. Inquire with me here.
As a wedding and elopement photographer based in New Jersey, I specialize in capturing enchanting moments that tell the unique love stories of my clients. I am dedicated to providing LGBTQIA+ friendly services and take pride in embracing and celebrating the diversity of all couples.