How to Elope at Boston City Hall

Thinking about eloping in Boston? You’re in luck!

I’m here to help you through the whole process. 

This guide will cover how to apply for your marriage certificate, scheduling your elopement at Boston City Hall, hiring vendors, and what you can expect on and after your wedding day. Sit back, relax, and let’s get this party started!

Step 1: Apply for your marriage certificate in person at your local town or city hall. No documentation is needed, just the fee of $50 (cash only). Both you and your partner must be present.

Step 2: After 3 days, you can pick up your certificate. It’s valid for 60 days. Go grab a drink and celebrate!

Step 3: Schedule your elopement with Boston City Hall via phone. In the summertime, try to get the latest appointment available. This ensures you have the most flattering golden hour light for your portraits afterwards.

Step 4: Now that your wedding date is on the calendar, it’s time to hire your photographer! Hypothetically speaking, let’s say you’re interested in hiring – ME! 😉 First, fill out the contact form here to get in touch! We’ll get to know each other a bit, talk wedding day logistics, and determine the perfect package for you and your boo. I’ll send you a proposal online, and a signed online contract and 30% retainer reserves your date! Easy peasy.

Step 5: I’ll send you an online questionnaire to fill out! This is how I get to know you and your fiance, verify logistics (ceremony time, number of guests), and decide where you want your portraits afterwards. You can get married solo (I’m a great third wheel) or invite up to 10 guests to attend the ceremony at Boston City Hall.

Step 6: I’ll make an elopement day timeline for you with all the details and logistics of your day – when and where we’re meeting, our schedule for the day, and your family photo list if any guests are joining you!

Step 7: Start planning the rest of your elopement! Go wardrobe shopping, schedule hair and makeup, hire a florist, book a dinner reservation, and think about any other accessories you want to bring like a shawl, comfortable walking shoes, a bottle of champagne, etc. Don’t worry – I’ll send over my favorite vendor recommendations for Boston City Hall weddings. You’ll be all taken care of in no time!

Step 8: Almost time to elope! The remaining balance is due one week before the wedding. This is also when we tie up any loose ends and get a sense of the weather forecast. If we need to plan for a potentially rainy day, I bring clear umbrellas so everyone stays dry. 

Step 9: IT’S ELOPEMENT DAY!!! There are many ways to get to Boston City Hall – take the green or blue line to Government Center, Lyft / Uber, or park in one of the many lots in Downtown Crossing. If you’re planning on driving or parking, leave ample extra time for traffic and finding parking. Arrive at City Hall at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to check in at the City Clerk’s office. Here you’ll pay the fee (cash only) and wait to be invited inside. 

Step 10: It’s go time, baby! Recite your own vows, or repeat the pre-written ones provided by City Hall. You did it, it’s official!!! Time to party, take family photos, and adventure around the city for your epic portrait session as a newly married couple. 

Step 11: In 3-4 weeks, you’ll receive your full elopement gallery of 100-120 fully edited, gorgeous wedding photos. BUT – I totally understand that waiting stinks, so I’ll send a handful of sneak peeks a few days after the wedding to hold you over. 😉 You have full printing rights, so you and your family can print the photos, order products, and make albums!