A GUIDE ON PLANNING A CITY HALL WEDDING

With all that’s happening you and your partner might ask the question why not just say “I Do” to a City Hall Wedding. And we’re here to say GET MARRIED! Make the most of your special day and elope instead of postponing your wedding plans. For the couple that dreads the stress of wedding planning and prefers a lowkey intimate ceremony, this is a great alternative to your big day.

Say goodbye to having to worry about every last detail and stressing about breaking the bank. You won’t need to agonize about vendors or availability of decorations and you’ll be saving so much money. You can also still rock the details you’ve always dreamed of, such as flowers, shoes and the dress of your dreams. Whether you say your vows somewhere intimate or extravagant, the vintage setting city hall has to offer will have you in awe. The iconic and charm from these historical architectures will make your bridal portraits unforgettable.

Before jumping in though, it’s important to note the guidelines and requirements for a city hall wedding. If you plan on getting married at one of these romantic venues, here’s what to do! Go to your local city hall or county clerk’s office to apply for your marriage license. This license is typically less than $100 and will be valid within a couple of days. Next, schedule an appointment with a judge for the wedding ceremony. Check if you’ll need a witness present and what types of IDs you may need to have with you. Learn more tips on planning a city hall wedding to make sure you and your partner have a stress free day!

Now, time to get to the fun stuff! Read along as we’ve created a guide on everything you’ll want to know about eloping at city hall! From how to capture the best wedding photos, to finding the perfect dress and how to accessorize your wedding day look, we’ve got you covered! Now let’s get to planning!

City Hall Wedding Locations

First things first, finding where you’ll tie the knot is an important key. Just because you choose a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy extravagant or traditional wedding details, especially when it comes to your wedding photos. This big day will always hold a special place in your heart so having it be captured in photos is a must! That’s why the glamorous setting at city hall is the perfect backdrop for your bridal portraits. The historical architecture has a vintage charm and modern chic feel to it, making it timeless as can be.

So what type of city hall locations do we love most? Here are some of our favorite locations for a city hall wedding!

Cleveland City Hall in Cleveland, Ohio

Extravagant with a touch of old-world romance meets city charm, this grand city hall is placed in the heart of the city and includes world class columns and high arched ceilings that will make you feel like a princess when walking down the halls. The highlight of this venue though is the gorgeous spiral staircase- perfect for a bride that wants to show off her train as she walks hand in hand with her partner.

San Diego City Hall in San Diego, California

For the dreamy lovers that want a carefree vibe to their elopement, the San Diego City Hall is the perfect match for their intimate day. This historic building is painted with blush tinted walls accented with a teal trim to compliment one another. Luscious tropical trees are decorated around the building to emphasize the coastal city, creating a colorful setting for you and your partner. Learn more about this laid-back city hall location for your intimate ceremony and why it’s worth wild.

Philadelphia City Hall in Philadelphia

In the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, city lovers will love how the city hall building is highlighted in a classic, vintage charming way. The infamous Broad street just in front of city hall is known for their picture perfect spot for newly weds to be captured at. This distinguished spot will be an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding photos and is great for the pair seeking an old romantic wedding venue for their big day. This location also offers different areas around and inside city hall that will make your wedding majestic as ever!

With so many different types of city hall buildings, the scenery of each venue is different in itself. From extravagant to simple, the possibilities for each bride and groom are endless!

What To Wear To A City Hall Wedding

After viewing those gorgeous City Hall locations now it’s time to find the perfect gown! For the cool metropolitan bride that loves the chic and historical architecture behind a city hall elopement, finding a casual and sleek wedding dress is a must. Dressing for this venue is all about the sleek and timeless details that give the perfect blend of vintage meets chic. When choosing a city elopement dress, pick one that makes you feel bold and romantic all day long!

Style J6791 from Moonlight collection takes high-fashion glam and elegance to the next level. This sexy and chic mermaid wedding dress features a slim curve enhancing silhouette and short train, making it easy to walk around city hall in and will show off your hourglass shape in the most flattering way. The soft crepe back satin material will make you stand out against the cityscape and courthouse backdrop while also being comfortable to sit in. Wear your hair up to show off the cowl back details and stunning chapel train along the long staircases inside city hall!

For a bride looking for something a little more flirty and sexy, but still has that elegant touch meet style T952. Just because you don’t have a traditional wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t dress the part. This simple off the shoulder crepe wedding dress is perfect for a modern city hall venue with its soft crepe back satin material and romantic off the shoulder sleeves. Stylish with its smooth and flattering fabric this dress is not only comfortable but will give you a striking bridal look with its sexy mermaid silhouette. In addition, the keyhole back and sweep train finish set the stage for a chic sophisticated finish making you look unforgettably high-fashion.

And if you’re looking for something a little more practical but still has that bridal feel to it, style T913 has been one of our favs! With secret side pockets and a romantic A-line silhouette, this square neck city hall wedding dress was meant to be worn for a bride that loves comfort and accessibility to whatever she may need. The full skirt lets you twirl all day long, but is also easy to walk in. This gown’s square neckline is the latest trend that is flattering on all brides while giving you a delicate and added flair to your overall look. If you’re eloping, carrying around a purse is not ideal so having the hidden side pockets will let you keep your cell phone, lipstick, and ID all together without the stress of carrying something extra. All you have to worry about is saying “I do!”

And for the laid back bride, style T953 is right up your alley! Covered in soft chiffon fabric, this casual chiffon wedding dress was made for a laid back wedding. The sweetheart neckline is met with an illusion inset while embroidered lace appliques with sequins trace along the bodice. For comfort, illusion lace straps hold this dress in place giving you a piece of mind of having your dress stay in place throughout the day. From the natural waist, the chiffon skirt unfolds into a dreamy A-line silhouette that gives all types of brides a great shape. The strappy beaded back adds a simple and beachy feel combination for a boho bride planning on eloping.

How to Accessorize Your City Hall Wedding Dress

Saying yes to the dress is important but accessorizing for your city hall wedding look will make your wedding day look complete! And we don’t just mean jewelry but the bouquet, hairpieces and shoes! Though your wedding differs from the traditional wedding, it doesn’t mean that you still can’t play around with your bridal look details. If anything, this is the time for you to express yourself in the way you would feel and look your best!

Top off your bridal look, and include a veil on your big day! Wearing a veil is the perfect way to add some bridal accessories into your wedding day.. Short or long, a wedding veil has always been a tradition for brides and is a simple accessory to add. But if you want something a little more whimsical, channel your inner Kate Middleton and wear a chic wedding headpiece or sculptural fascinator that is worn at all royal weddings. Pair this with your gown and you’ll be ready for your intimate ceremony.

Flowers are also a great addition to your dress! Having a dreamy bouquet alongside you while you get married is a small but beautiful detail. This is especially great for brides that have always envisioned themselves walking down the aisle holding this traditional wedding piece. It will add just the right pop of color and will pair great with your gown.

And last but not least, shoes will be a big factor for your elopement! Pick a pair of low strappy heels for comfort or even rock a fun pair of wedding sneakers to add your own personal touch!

We know that with recent events, your wedding could have been impacted in some way, and that’s why we’re here to say that we’re here to help! Instead of waiting months on end to tie the knot, make the most of your special day and elope instead of postponing your wedding plans! Having a city hall wedding will be just as romantic and intimate, even with just you and your partner! You can always wait to celebrate with a big bash, but your love should always be celebrated! So find your local Moonlight retailer to find your perfect wedding dress and get ready to say “I do!”