As an elopement photographer, nothing lifts my spirit more than capturing a wedding day focused on what truly matters: marrying your person. When Viv and Greg invited me to document their winter elopement at City Hall in NYC, the countdown began! Especially with all the winter flurries we have been getting here in New Jersey lately, it seemed like the perfect time to share their winter elopement on the blog.
I was watching the weather like a hawk for the weeks leading up to their day. Unfortunately, it did end up raining. With that said, I was prepared to make the most of it. Keep reading to hear how I always prepare for a rainy wedding day. If you think elopements are as romantic as I do, you are going to want to keep scrolling (or contact me here and let’s chat about your elopement plans in 2023!).
NYC City Hall Winter Elopement
Viv and Greg got married at City Hall in Manhattan, and could only bring one witness inside city hall for their actual ceremony. If you are considering a wedding at the city hall in NYC, just know that as of December 2022, you could only have one witness with you (the website is not always clear). The rest of the family (and me!) waited outside in eager anticipation of the newlyweds! From the moment they exited city hall, marriage certificate proudly in hand, we were all ready to celebrate.
New York Elopement Photos
After their city hall ceremony, we started capturing their “just married” wedding portraits. Like most elopements, Viv and Greg were more focused on their connection and finally being married than the millions of tiny details that can often come with planning a wedding. Photography was the one investment that felt like a splurge on their wedding day because they wanted to remember their day with wedding photos that felt special.
Rainy Wedding Photo Locations in NYC
As I mentioned earlier, I am always as prepared as possible for rain on a wedding day (regardless of whether it’s a 500-person outdoor wedding or an intimate elopement for two). For Viv and Greg, I told them about a few backup locations where we could capture portraits if it did rain on their wedding day. I also told them I would come prepared with two clear umbrellas (which are truly a must for rainy wedding day photos in my opinion). After a few outdoor wedding photos, we headed to one of my favorite places on the list: 1803.
An Evening Elopement Reception in Queens
After we spent an hour or so capturing a mix of outdoor wedding portraits in Manhattan and indoor photos of the newlyweds grabbing a cocktail at 1803, it was time to head to Queens for dinner. We met Viv and Greg’s family and friends for a restaurant reception at Trattoria L’incontro. While I wasn’t originally going to capture their reception, I couldn’t resist when Viv and Greg invited me to join. I was beyond honored. It was the perfect end to an intimate and heartfelt day.
Film Wedding Photography for This Sweet NYC Elopement
The fact that Viv and Greg chose to invest in elopement photos to document their sweet NYC elopement means the world to me. If you are planning to elope in NYC or are considering getting married in city hall in Jersey City or New York, I would love to hear from you. For more elopement ideas, make sure to find me on Instagram! Sharing love stories will always be one of my favorite parts of the job. After connecting with my couples, of course.
NJ + NYC Elopements
Are you currently planning to elope or searching for more elopement photography or inspiration? Here are some of the top elopements I’ve shot over the last few years. From City Hall weddings to waterfront elopements with no officiant, I’ve captured it all.
Mile Square Moments is a New Jersey elopement photographer. We love telling our couples love stories through their photos. And we love getting to know each couple personally before we ever start taking photos. Getting to know our couples before the camera comes out allows us to better capture the chemistry that already exists between each couple. Do you love a night in binge-watching Netflix and aren’t afraid of a little PDA? Planning a wedding in Hoboken, NJ or beyond? Get in touch to inquire about our photography services. Or follow along for some fun love stories on Instagram.
