Planning A City Hall Wedding: A Guide To I Do

Planning a city hall wedding can be a fun and romantic experience, but it's important to be prepared. From picking a location that has special significance to you and your partner, to making sure you have all the necessary documents, there's a lot to consider. You'll want to make sure you know what to bring on the day, from your rings and marriage license to a witness and a form of payment. You should also think about how you want to organise the day and whether you want to add any special touches, like carrying a bouquet or hiring a photographer.

Picking a location

If you do decide to get married in your local area, you could pick a city hall that has special significance to your relationship. This could be the place you met, or where you currently live.

It's important to remember that, even at a courthouse, you can't tie the knot until you get your marriage license. So, figuring out the logistics ahead of time is crucial. The formal and official process of ensuring your marriage is legal will vary from city to city and county to county within each state, so you'll need to do some digging on your specific city's requirements. Many states also require a waiting period after getting your marriage license, which can be as long as a couple of days.

To avoid any surprises, it's a good idea to know your timeline, fees, and how you want to organise the day ahead of time. You should also reserve a spot in advance so you get the day you want, as it can get busy.

What to wear

There are no rules on what kind of dress you should wear for a city hall wedding, so don't be afraid to wear your dream dress. Carry a bouquet or have a boutonniere for your groom.

If you're looking for something more low-key, you could opt for a simple dress or suit. You could also add small touches to make the day feel more special, such as hiring a photographer or asking a talented guest to take pictures.

If you're travelling to a city hall in another destination, you could make it the first stop on your honeymoon or part of a fun-filled family vacation.

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you know what you need to bring on the day. This includes your rings, marriage license, photo ID, and a witness. Don't forget to bring an accepted form of payment for the ceremony, and arrive early to account for any potential delays.

Photography

If you're hiring a professional, it's a good idea to reserve them in advance so you get the day you want. City hall weddings are often busy, so you'll want to make sure you have a photographer lined up as soon as possible.

If you're asking a guest to take photos, make sure they know what to expect as well. They should be familiar with the city hall location and the timeline of the day. It's also a good idea to give them a list of must-have shots, so they know what to focus on.

Finally, don't forget to bring your own camera or phone to take pictures as well. You'll want to capture all the special moments of your big day, even if it's just a small, intimate affair.

Timeline, fees and organisation

The first step in planning your city hall wedding is to pick a location. You could choose a city hall that has special significance to your relationship, or one that is simply convenient for you and your guests. Once you've decided on a location, you'll need to reserve a spot in advance to ensure you get the day you want.

Next, you'll need to figure out the logistics. This includes obtaining a valid marriage license, which is required before you can get married. The process for obtaining a marriage license can vary depending on your location, so be sure to research the specific requirements for your city or county. Many states also require a waiting period after obtaining a marriage license, which can be up to a couple of days.

On the day of your wedding, make sure you bring your rings, marriage license, photo ID, and a witness. Your witness will also need to bring proper identification. Don't forget to bring an accepted form of payment for the ceremony. Arrive early to account for any potential delays, as there may be other couples getting married at the same time.

To make your city hall wedding feel more special, consider adding small touches such as carrying bouquets or wearing your dream dress. You may also want to hire a photographer or ask a talented guest to take pictures.

What to bring on the day

Planning a city hall wedding can be an extremely romantic and intimate event. However, there are some crucial things to remember to bring on the day. Firstly, make sure you have your rings, marriage license, photo ID, and a witness. It is also important to ensure your witness brings the correct identification. Secondly, don't forget to bring an accepted form of payment for the ceremony. You should also bring a bouquet or a boutonniere for your groom, and consider hiring a photographer or asking a talented guest photographer to take pictures. If you are planning to have a small reception, don't forget to bring any decorations, food, or drinks you may have prepared. Finally, remember to bring any other personal touches you may want to add to make the day feel special and unique to you and your partner.

Frequently asked questions