A Guest’s Guide to NYC City Hall Weddings: What You Need to Know
City Hall weddings in New York are intimate, quick, and heartfelt but they also come with specific rules that guests should know ahead of time. If you’re joining friends or family at the Manhattan or Brooklyn Clerk’s Office, here’s everything you need to expect so you can be present, helpful, and part of the celebration without adding stress.
How Many Guests Can Attend a City Hall Wedding?
NYC City Hall allows up to four guests inside for the ceremony. This number does not include the couple getting married but does include their photographer.
If you’d like more friends or family to be part of the day, they’ll need to greet you outside the exit doors (use the maps at the bottom for details). Many couples love this option. It creates a celebratory moment after the ceremony, with hugs, cheers, and photos right on the steps of City Hall.
The Role of Your Witness
When you submit your paperwork for your license, the clerk office will ask for two witnesses, but only one person needs to sign the marriage certificate on the wedding day.
Your witness must be at least 18 years old.
They’ll need a valid photo ID.
They only need to attend the ceremony appointment—not the license appointment. See breakdown here.
Many couples choose a best friend, sibling, or parent as their witness, but anyone close to you can step into the role. If you need me to step up. I will! At no extra charge.
Point Person: Helping the Couple Stay Present
On your wedding day, your only job should be to get married, not manage logistics. This is where your witness or a trusted guest comes in. Ask them to act as your point person so you can stay focused on the moment.
For example:
If you have friends or family waiting outside, your point of contact can text updates about timing.
They can also help coordinate where everyone should gather for your exit. See map below for my recommendations.
This small shift makes a big difference, trust me. It allows you to stay grounded in the joy of your ceremony without juggling communication.
The Exit: Rice, Flowers, or Confetti
One of the most iconic City Hall wedding photos is the couple’s exit. Guests can cheer, clap, and throw rice, flower petals, or biodegradable confetti.
A quick note: guests are responsible for cleaning up afterwards—so plan ahead with easy-to-sweep options or a few hands ready to tidy up!
In Manhattan, couples will exit through one of three main doors (see map below). Brooklyn only has one entrance/exit, and the staff is a little stricter, so many couples choose to head across the street to the municipal building for group photos.
Manhattan Exit Map
Your witness should meet you at the “Wedding Garden” or the “Entrance”. If you have more than 4 guests that are greeting you afterwards, they should wait outside of “Exit”. Your POC or photographer can direct them before you exit.
Brooklyn Exit Map
There is only one way you enter and exit from this building. My recommendation is your guests can meet you with “flowers or confetti” in the circle area near Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Quick Tips for Being a Great City Hall Guest
Arrive on time. Guests aren’t allowed inside without the couple, so don’t risk making them late for their appointment.
Be present during the ceremony. It’s short and meaningful—phones should be on silent so the focus stays on the couple. You’re welcome to record or take videos once the couple is inside the ceremony room.
Celebrate big at the exit. Once the couple walks out, that’s your moment for hugs, cheers, and photos.
And if the couple has hired me to photograph their day: know that you’re part of the story too. My camera will often turn toward you—whether in candid hugs, joyful reactions, or even as silhouettes framing the couple. You don’t need to worry about where to stand. When needed, I will guide you.
City Hall weddings are small by design, but that intimacy makes every guest’s presence feel even more meaningful. Whether you’re signing as a witness, cheering on the steps, or sharing a toast after, your role is part of the couple’s story and one they’ll remember for years to come.
Planning your own NYC City Hall wedding? Check out my City Hall Elopement Guide for timelines, tips, and insider advice.
