In my experience of NYC elopements, I love to ask newly engaged couples what they wish most for in this chapter of their life. One of the most common answers is, “To enjoy every moment!” In the shuffle of the proposal and excitement of an impending celebration, priorities can be quickly overlooked and lost in the mix.
Secure the venue – you don’t want to miss out on your date!
Book your favorite vendors – they could become unavailable if you wait any longer!
It’s easy to become overwhelmed in wedding planning when step five quickly becomes step one. Before you know it, you’re wondering why your intimate wedding is beginning to feel like it is about everyone except for you and the person you love.
Not sure where to start as you plan your New York City elopement? Read A NYC Courthouse Elopement Guide to find out exactly what you need to know as you plan your Manhattan or Brooklyn civil ceremony.
Sarah and Ben’s NYC elopement story unfolded like a love letter. Soft morning light filtered through their Bowery Hotel window as they got ready together. They walked hand in hand through NYC streets, laughing with one another. The Manhattan courthouse was a blur with people and that quintessential New York bustle. But every moment was still sweet and intimate.
In order to truly “enjoy every moment”, the way Sarah and Ben did, it is essential to set aside time for a check-in with your partner before the madness sets in. This will be especially helpful if you haven’t set in stone what celebrating your marriage would ideally look like for the both of you.
When Sarah and Ben decided they would like to go to France for an intimate marriage celebration and vacation with their families, they also wanted to find a way to celebrate – just the two of them – in New York City.
After clarifying their vision, and deciding on an elopement ceremony at Manhattan City Hall, Sarah and Ben scheduled their appointment at the courthouse, booked a photographer, and reserved a room at the Bowery Hotel. The charm and undeniable, iconic nature of City Hall created the perfect opportunity for a high low moment. A lowkey marriage celebration that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet blissfully welcomes sophistication and style as told by each couple’s unique story, taste, and fashion.
Planning your fashion-forward wedding and trying to balance Vogue inspiration with authenticity and intentionality? Read my planning guide for fashion-forward weddings here.
NYC Elopement Story
Sarah and Ben woke up in their suite at the Bowery Hotel and spent a slow elopement morning together before getting ready.
The morning of their courthouse wedding, Sarah had drawn a heart to commemorate the date on the calendar in their suite at The Bowery Hotel.
Sarah wears her mother’s 1985 wedding dress, unseamed and redraped in pursuit of a fresh shape and vision. She created this courthouse look with Christine Carlson of Maybelle. She accessorizes the look with a bag by Jacquemus and Valentino slingbacks.
The dress found new life in a sophisticated pencil silhouette made perfect through design review, sketches, reconstruction, and fittings by Christine and Sarah.
Ben wears a custom Todd Snyder suit that expresses his unique sense of style, tasteful and well-tailored.
Sarah’s mother originally wore a hat with the gown, which the bride has traded in for a short veil.
Sarah and Ben left their hotel room to begin an exciting, bustling elopement day in New York City.
Manhattan, the Ceremony and the City
Stealing a quiet moment together before taking to the streets.
Taking a stroll through Manhattan together, enjoying little moments on elopement day.
A subway ride to elope at City Hall, in true New Yorker fashion.
The couple arriving to Manhattan City Hall, like a scene out of your favorite rom com.
Taking a seat on the iconic Manhattan Courthouse green couch, Sarah and Ben wait for their number to be called.
After they see their number flash up on the screen, paperwork is taken care of at the counter before the ceremony.
Swift and sweet, a very short ceremony at the clerk’s office. No fluff and almost comically succinct, all part of the charm of a courthouse wedding.
The newlyweds exiting the courthouse doors into Manhattan.
Stopping for a New York hotdog just across the street.
Walking through the streets of downtown Manhattan, it begins to sink in that Sarah and Ben have officially been wed!
As the fates would have it, we walked right past a bridal shop. I love this frame of the gown in the window with Sarah admiring as they stroll past.
The beautiful gift of wearing a wedding dress around the streets of New York is that you can essentially do anything that you want, and everyone cheers/honks/congratulates you everywhere you go. Here you see Sarah waving at New Yorkers, total strangers who have become guests and witnesses! Such warmth, charm, and love in an untraditional manner.
We ended their stroll at the Roxy Hotel – the perfect location for a drink and oysters to celebrate!
Sarah and Ben taking in the light, energy, and sounds of the city before stealing away inside.
There is a photobooth near the lobby that we instantly hop into. Sarah and Ben share a kiss, and I couldn’t stop smiling…or snapping away.
Looking over the photobooth portraits together. Such a memorable way to commemorate the special day!
Cheers! Ending the day with a drink and oysters at the bar.
Ready to Plan Your NYC Elopement Story?
If you’re drawn to Sarah and Ben’s intimate NYC elopement story, I’d love to help you capture it. Whether you’re planning an intimate NYC courthouse elopement or a fashion-forward wedding celebration, you can fashion yours to be sophisticated and still intimate. Inquire here to book your elopement photography with Blake.
