City Hall Weddings: Making Your Special Day Unique

Planning a city hall wedding and want to make it special? From flowers to photographers, there are many ways to elevate your big day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

- Flowers and attire: Opt for a bouquet or boutonniere, or other floral touches to elevate your event. You can also choose to wear a fun, non-traditional outfit or go for a classic, elegant look.

- Photographer: Hiring a professional photographer can guide you through the day and help personalize your celebration by including meaningful locations in your photos.

- Vows: Write your own vows or include special readings to add a personal touch to your ceremony. You can also create vow books as a sentimental keepsake.

- Getaway: Make a grand exit with your vehicle of choice decorated with balloons, flowers, or cans.

- Signs: Create wedding signs to feature in your pictures, such as a sign with your wedding date hung on your getaway car.

- Announcements: Share the happy news with friends and family who couldn't be there by sending out elopement announcements.

- After-party: Celebrate with your loved ones after the ceremony with a reception, brunch, or a fun-filled after-party.

Flowers, wedding clothes, hair, makeup, and a photographer

Flowers are a must-have for any wedding, and a city hall wedding is no exception. You can opt for a tasteful bouquet and boutonniere set, or any other combination of florals that suits your style. If you're looking for something more affordable, you can even make your own bouquet or rent artificial flowers.

For wedding clothes, there are no rules when it comes to a city hall wedding. You can go as casual or as formal as you like. If you want to wear a traditional wedding gown or a suit, go for it! Alternatively, you can choose something more unconventional, like a modern jumpsuit or a stylish outfit in your favourite colour. The most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel happy and comfortable.

When it comes to hair and makeup, it's a good idea to hire a professional. They will be able to create a look that enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel confident. If you have a specific theme or style in mind, be sure to communicate this to your hair and makeup artist so they can create a look that aligns with your vision.

Lastly, don't forget to capture all the special moments of your city hall wedding by hiring a photographer. Look for someone who is experienced in shooting weddings and familiar with the venue. That way, they can guide you through the process and help you find the best spots for photos.

• Add some personal touches: Incorporate family traditions, heirlooms, or meaningful jewellery into your outfit or bouquet.
• Have a first dance: If you're having a private ceremony, surprise your guests with a romantic first dance right after you say your vows.
• Bring your furry friend: If you have a well-behaved dog, consider including them in your wedding party. Just make sure you have a designated dog handler to take care of them during the ceremony.
• Exchange personal vows: Write your own unique vows to make the ceremony even more intimate and special.

Read your vows privately

City hall weddings are a great option for couples looking for a more intimate setting to exchange their vows. While the ceremony itself may be quick and impersonal, there are ways to make the day feel more special, such as by reading your vows privately. Here are some tips to make this moment memorable:

Timing Your Private Vows

The beauty of private vows is that you can choose when to exchange them. You can opt to read them before, during, or after the official ceremony. Reading them before the ceremony, perhaps during your first look, can add to the intimacy of the moment. If you prefer to keep the moment private, you can ask others to step away during the ceremony or wait until after the ceremony when it's just the two of you.

Benefits of Private Vows

Private vows offer increased intimacy, allowing you to express your deepest emotions without the pressure of public speaking. You can include inside jokes, personal stories, and intimate details that may not be suitable for a public setting. This is especially beneficial for introverted or shy couples who want to avoid the anxiety of speaking in front of a large audience.

Making the Moment Special

To enhance the experience, consider having a photographer capture the moment. These emotional photos will be cherished memories that you can look back on. You can also include your wedding party or close family members if you wish, making it a more inclusive event.

Writing Your Private Vows

When writing your private vows, allow yourself to be vulnerable and embrace your emotional side. Start by addressing your partner and stating why you're excited to marry them. Detail the qualities you admire about them and the things you appreciate about your relationship. Make specific promises for your marriage and close with a loving wish for your future together.

Private vows are typically longer than public vows, allowing you to take your time and say everything you want without feeling rushed. It's recommended to keep them between three to six minutes to maintain their emotional impact. Start writing your vows two to three months before your wedding to align with your emotions and thoughts about the upcoming marriage.

By reading your vows privately, you can create a special, intimate moment that reflects your unique relationship. Whether you choose to include others or keep it just between the two of you, this moment will be a cherished memory of your wedding day.

Meet up with friends and family

Meeting up with friends and family is a great way to make your city hall wedding extra special. Here are some ideas to help you plan this part of your day:

Guest List

First, decide who you want to invite to your city hall wedding. While you may be restricted by the number of guests allowed at your chosen venue, you can still make your day special by inviting your closest family and friends. It's a good idea to give them a heads-up in advance, especially if you're planning to elope, to avoid any hurt feelings.

Location

If you can't have everyone you love at your ceremony, ask your friends and family to meet you for drinks or dinner after your photos. This way, they can still be a part of your celebration. Consider choosing a location that is meaningful to you and your partner, or opt for a nearby restaurant or your favourite city bar.

Timing

When planning the timing of your get-together, keep in mind that city hall weddings are typically held during designated days and times, and most jurisdictions do not perform weddings on weekends. Therefore, you may need to be flexible and choose a time that works for your guests, especially if they are coming from out of town.

Transportation

If you're planning to move locations between your ceremony and get-together, consider hiring a special vehicle, such as a classic car or a fun mode of transport, to make the journey between locations even more memorable.

Food and Drinks

Whether you opt for a casual get-together or a more extravagant celebration, food and drinks are always a good idea. You could host a food truck party with your favourite bites, cater a special meal, or keep it simple with drinks and canapes. Don't forget to save some of your wedding cake to share with your guests!

Decorations and Music

Although you may not be able to decorate your city hall venue, you can still create a festive atmosphere at your get-together. Consider simple decorations like balloons, flowers, or twinkly lights. If you want to take it up a notch, hire a local band or DJ to provide entertainment and get everyone in the party mood.

Photography

Hiring a professional photographer is an excellent way to capture the memories of your special day, including the moments spent with your loved ones. They can guide you to the best spots for photos and ensure that your celebration is beautifully documented.

Remember, your city hall wedding should be about you and your partner, so tailor it to your vision and enjoy every moment!

Create a guest book and frame your ticket

A city hall wedding is a beautiful and intimate occasion. The ceremony can be as simple or as extravagant as you choose, and you get to make the rules!

One way to make your city hall wedding extra special is to create a guest book and frame your ticket.

If your city hall hands out tickets for spots in line, keep your ticket as a memento and frame it as a keepsake. This is a great way to remember the little details of your special day. You can also ask your guests to sign a guest book, which will become a cherished reminder of the loved ones who witnessed your nuptials.

If you're looking for something more creative, consider using your city hall ticket as a guest book of sorts. Ask your guests to sign the back of your ticket, or provide colourful markers and stickers so they can decorate it with their well wishes. That way, you'll have a unique and personalised memento to frame and display in your home.

Another idea is to create a DIY guest book that reflects your personality as a couple. For example, if you're both avid travellers, you could use a globe and ask your guests to sign their names on different countries or cities. Or, if you're foodies, you could use a cookbook and have your guests sign their names next to their favourite recipes.

Framing your city hall ticket and creating a unique guest book are wonderful ways to add a personal touch to your wedding day and preserve those precious memories for years to come.

Plan your wedding exit

Planning a wedding exit from your city hall wedding? There are many ways to make your exit memorable. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Make your exit colourful and fun by incorporating glow sticks, paper airplanes, ribbon wands, confetti, and bubbles. These simple additions will make for some great photos and will get your guests engaged.
• If your city hall has a staircase, make sure to capture the moment of you descending the stairs as a married couple. This is a classic wedding exit shot that will look beautiful and elegant.
• If you're looking for a grand exit, consider having your loved ones cheer you on as you leave the building. This can be a fun and celebratory way to end the ceremony and start your new chapter.
• Decorate your getaway car with balloons, flowers, or even cans to let everyone know you just got hitched! This is a great way to make a statement and have some fun with your exit.
• If you're looking for a more intimate exit, consider reading your vows privately to each other after the ceremony. This can be a special moment between just the two of you, and you can even write them in a journal or vow book to keep as a memento.
• If you're looking for a unique exit, why not have the groom sweep the bride off her feet as they leave the city hall? This romantic gesture will make for some beautiful photos and will definitely make your exit memorable.

Frequently asked questions