Plan your Boston City Hall wedding with this complete guide – from marriage license steps to photography tips and the best photo spots near City Hall.
Over the years, more and more of my clients choose to have an intimate wedding at Boston City Hall.
A small intimate wedding at Boston City Hall is for couples who prefer a low key, intimate, “just the two of us” wedding. It’s simple, no need to worry about venues, vendors, timelines, guest lists. It’s just you and your partner, saying “I do.”
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of getting married at Boston City Hall – from legalities to how to capture great memories of the day. Just because your wedding is small, it does not mean that it can’t be meaningful, reflected in beautiful photos.
Why Choose Boston City Hall for Your Wedding?
Boston City Hall may not be the first spot that comes to mind when you are thinking of where to get married, but it deserves a second look; no couple whose Boston City Hall ceremony I photographed ever have regretted their decision.
Boston City Hall is famous for its iconic urban architecture style which provides a setting for striking, editorial photos. It’s the unexpected combination of concrete, soft natural light, and the surrounding urban textures combined with the natural softness of your wedding day – makes this location unexpectedly photogenic and ideal for Boston City Hall elopement photos.
City Hall, located in the heart of Boston, provides the perfect setting for walking around the iconic historical part of Boston and after all the photography is done, there are plenty of amazing restaurants where you can go to celebrate your day.It’s also one of the most budget-friendly ways to get married. When I have asked couples why they choose a City Hall wedding, intimacy and low stress are their top answers. Many have mentioned that they want to use the money saved on a large wedding to travel or make a down payment on their dream home. When you opt for a Boston City Hall wedding, the focus stays on you and your story and gives you opportunities to move forward.
How to Get Married at Boston City Hall?
Planning a City Hall wedding is more straightforward than many couples expect, but it helps to know exactly what to do and when. I’ve gone through this process with many couples, so here’s a step-by-step guide to make everything as easy and stress-free as possible.
1. Get Your Marriage License
What you first need is a marriage license, and both of you need to apply in person to receive one. There are some exceptions. You’ll need to schedule an appointment online with Boston City Hall before you go. No walk-ins are permitted, so make sure you schedule ahead of time. You will need valid photo identification (a driver’s license or passport) and your Social Security numbers, if you have them. The marriage license fee is $50, which must be paid in cash. Once you’ve completed and signed the marriage intention form, you need to wait for three days before you can actually get married. Your license is valid for 60 days after the date of issue. If you can’t wait you can try to get a court waiver but that requires an extra step and a bit more money.
2. Book Your Ceremony
Once you have your marriage license, you can book your wedding ceremony. You may do it online or by phone. The ceremonies are held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning or early afternoon. When booking, you’ll choose a 15-minute time slot. The cost for the ceremony is $75, also paid in cash. It covers both the ceremony and administrative fees. Keep in mind – if you’re late, there’s a late fee and a risk of having to reschedule, so be sure to arrive early.
3. What to Expect on the Wedding Day?
On the day of the wedding, ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the time that you are scheduled. Bring your marriage license, identification, and some money in case there are some last-minute fees. The staff at City Hall is friendly and efficient, and they will verify everything with you before the start of the civil ceremony. The ceremonies themselves are fairly short, perhaps 10 to 15 minutes in duration, but meaningful. A City official will conduct the ceremony, and you can invite a small entourage of guests (generally not more than a half-dozen, depending on available space). After the ceremony, your license is signed and returned, and you’re married!
Tips for a Smooth City Hall Wedding
Though Boston City Hall weddings are designed to be simple and low-key, there are a few things you can do that will make the day less stressful, intimate, and magical. Below are some tips that will help you squeeze every last bit out of every moment – from the technical stuff to the emotional moments.
1. Pick the Right Time of Day
If you would rather have more quiet and private experience, book your ceremony as early as possible. Morning time slots, especially Mondays or Fridays are less popular with less traffic in the building and outside, in the plaza. Morning light outside Boston City Hall is perfect for photography. Natural light hits the plaza and surrounding streets softly, giving your portraits a warm, flattering look. If you’re planning photos right after the ceremony, early to mid-morning is ideal – your Boston City Hall wedding photographer can help you capture that soft, beautiful light.
2. Know Your Way Around City Hall
The Boston City Hall building does not appear romantic at first glance, if you know where to look there are some great locations: if you know where to look. Room 601, where you will have your ceremony, is chic and minimalist, so the whole room is your spotlight. After the ceremony, head outside. The brick plaza has a neat, urban look, and a few minutes down the road, you’ll find classic Boston scenery: cobblestone walks, tree-lined boulevards, and the Boston skyline. If you’re up for it, Beacon Hill or the waterfront are minutes away and offer stunning Boston City Hall wedding photos. Take a look at my blog post about the best locations for a Boston photoshoot, any time of the day or at any location.
3. Keep It Simple – but Special
One of the most enjoyable aspects of a City Hall wedding is how relaxed it is. Whether you write your own vows, or wear whatever you like feel comfortable, it’s all about you, not a large crowd of guests. That being said, I do always recommend to couples that you dress in a way that feels right and elegant. It’s your wedding day, so dress in what feels authentic to you. If you only have a few guests, you can still create the ambiance of a celebration with flowers, small toasts, or even a small photo shoot later.
In short, a Boston City Hall wedding offers a great mix of intimacy, sophistication, and affordability.And when it comes to capturing those memories, we at Mind On Photography are here for you, with an eye and a love for authentic storytelling, we will create elegant and emotional wedding photos that preserve the joy of your day for years to come.
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