The Boston City Hall Civil Ceremony Experience



Boston City Hall offers intimate civil wedding ceremonies for couples looking to get married in the heart of downtown Boston. Ceremonies typically take place on the second or sixth floor and are relatively quick, often lasting around 7–15 minutes.


As a Boston wedding photographer who's photographed ceremonies in both spaces, I'm sharing what the experience actually looks like, from arriving at City Hall to exchanging your vows, along with my favorite tips for making the most of your day.

Newlywed couple embracing and holding a bouquet in front of a chalkboard wall reading Married in Boston with floral laurel drawings.

What to Expect from Your Day



As a gal with a healthy (lol) dose of anxiety, I do not love going into new experiences without knowing what to expect. And if you're anything like me, you might be feeling just a little nervous about what the heck actually happens when you get married at Boston City Hall.


Where do you go? Who do you talk to? How long does the ceremony last? And what happens afterward?


Well, I've photographed quite a few City Hall ceremonies at this point, and I'm here to walk you through the whole experience!


From the moment you arrive to the moment we walk out of those doors as newlyweds, here's exactly what you can expect from your Boston City Hall wedding. :)

Planning your own ceremony? You can explore my Boston City Hall wedding photography packages here!

Before Your Day



Before we get into what actually happens on your wedding day, there are a few things you'll want to take care of first!


First things first, you'll need to apply for your marriage license! In Massachusetts, there's a mandatory three-day waiting period between applying for your license and when you can actually get married, so this isn't something you'll want to leave until the last minute.


You'll also need to schedule your ceremony with Boston City Hall ahead of time. Unfortunately, you can't just show up and get married on a whim (as romantic as that sounds, lol).


And one last thing! Make sure you have your marriage license ready to bring with you on the day. It's probably the single most important thing you need to remember!


Once you've got those details sorted, you're pretty much ready to go! Now for the fun part: actually getting married. :)

Bride in a white dress holding a bouquet stands beside a groom in a dark suit on granite steps at Boston City Hall.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom smiling at each other in front of the brutalist concrete Boston City Hall building.
Bride in a white gown and veil embraces a groom in a navy suit on a brick plaza with downtown skyscrapers and a clock tower behind them.
Bride in a white dress holding a bouquet walks beside a groom in a navy suit across a brick plaza with brutalist architecture and skyscraper
Black and white photo of a woman in a long white dress walking toward a group of formally dressed people in a modern concrete hall.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands as they walk toward concrete steps at a modern brutalist building.

Entering the Building



First things first, let's actually get you inside City Hall!


Boston City Hall has three public entrances, so it can be a little confusing figuring out where you're supposed to go, especially if you've never been before!


I typically meet my couples outside the building, near the entrance facing Government Center Plaza. That way, we can say our hellos, get a few photos outside if we have time, and head into the building together! One less thing for you to worry about. :)


Once we're inside, we'll need to go through security. It's pretty similar to what you'd expect at a courthouse or other government building. You'll pass through a security screening, and any bags you bring may need to be checked.


I'd recommend arriving about 10–15 minutes before your scheduled ceremony, just so we have a little breathing room. Between finding the right entrance, getting through security, and making our way upstairs, it's always nice not to feel rushed!


Once we're through security, we'll head toward the City Clerk's office, where the actual ceremony takes place!

Wedding guests stand and watch from behind a wooden counter in a modern brick atrium while a bride in a white dress looks on.
Black and white photo of a couple holding hands as they enter a City Clerk office, the bride in a white backless dress.
Bride in a flowing white dress and white heels stands beside a groom in a navy suit at a wooden counter, holding a bouquet.
Smiling woman in a white halter gown with a long braided ponytail stands at a wooden service counter beside a man in a navy suit.
Bride in a white gown and veil stands with her groom at a marriage license window decorated with hearts and hanging stuffed animals.
Bride in a white gown and veil holds hands with her groom in a dark suit as they walk away along a brick-walled corridor.
Bride in a white gown and veil stands beside a groom in a dark suit at service window number 24 decorated with red paper hearts.
Bride in a long veil and groom in a dark suit stand side by side, seen from behind, in a modern building with decorative hanging art.
Smiling bride in a white gown holding a pink floral bouquet talks with a groom in a dark suit inside a modern building with escalators.
Bride in white veil and groom in dark suit stand at a marriage license counter decorated with red heart ornaments.
Bride in a white wedding gown hugs a groom in a concrete hall while a smiling guest in a suit applauds and holds a phone.
Bride in a strapless white gown and groom in a navy suit stand together in a bright, tiled lobby with heart decorations and passersby.
Black and white photo of a bride in a gown and groom waiting near the marriage license registry under floor 2 signs in a municipal building.
Bride in a white gown and groom in a navy suit stand at a marriage license counter window while visitors wait behind stanchions nearby.
Woman with a black handbag stands in a tiled hall as colorful paper pinwheels hang from the ceiling above visitors and directional signs.
Two men in suits stand at the counters of a ticket hall beneath ceiling-hung colorful paper decorations and heart signs.

Going to the desk



Once we're through security, we'll make our way to the City Clerk's area, which may be on the 6th or 2nd floor depending where you're having your ceremony.


When we arrive, you'll typically see a small line of people waiting to be helped at the front desk. Don't worry, this part is pretty straightforward! In my experience, the wait is usually around 5–10 minutes, depending on how busy things are that day.


When it's your turn, you'll head up to the desk, let them know you're there for your marriage ceremony, and hand over your marriage license and any other required paperwork. This is also where you'll pay your ceremony fee, so make sure you've checked the current payment requirements ahead of time!


Once everything is sorted, you'll be directed to the waiting area nearby. There are seats where you and your loved ones can hang out while you wait for your ceremony.


Depending on how busy City Hall is, you might be waiting alongside a few other couples getting married that day, which I always think is kind of sweet! Everyone's there for the same exciting reason. :)


And don't worry, I'll be right there with you through this whole process, capturing some of those little in-between moments before the ceremony begins!

Black and white photo of a bride in a strapless tea-length gown and a groom in a suit standing close together on a wet city sidewalk.
Bride in a white gown and veil holds hands with a groom in a dark suit as they walk through a brick and concrete gallery hallway.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom facing a crowd of wedding guests in a brick hallway during the ceremony.
Bride in a white gown sits on a wooden bench beside a groom in a dark suit as wedding guests gather in a brick-walled hallway.
Bride in a white gown and veil holding a bouquet sits on a wooden bench smiling at a groom in a dark suit, with a heart wreath on the wall.
Black and white photo of a couple walking down a modern concrete hallway, she wears a backless white gown, he wears a dark suit.
Smiling couple in wedding attire sit on wooden chairs in a bright concrete-walled room, the bride in a white dress holding flowers.
Black and white photo of a man in a dark suit and a woman in a white dress sitting in chairs along a concrete wall in a hallway.
Smiling couple holding hands and crossing a city crosswalk, the groom in a green suit and the bride in a white dress holding a bouquet.
Bride in a white gown holding a pink bouquet sits on a wooden bench beside her groom in a navy suit, beneath a red heart wreath.

Where next?



Once you've checked in and everything is sorted, we'll make our way over to the ceremony space!


This is actually one of my favorite in between moments to photograph. We'll walk through a short hallway together, and I'll usually hang back a little to capture you two holding hands, chatting with your loved ones, and all those sweet little in-between moments.


When we reach the ceremony room, we'll wait just outside until it's our turn to head in!


In my experience, the wait can be as quick as 5 minutes or take up to 30 minutes, depending on how busy City Hall is that day. So don't worry if things aren't moving quite as quickly as you expected!


This is also a lovely opportunity to capture a few more candid moments before the ceremony begins. And then, before you know it, it'll be your turn to get married! :)

The Ceremony


One thing to be prepared for is just how quickly your ceremony can fly by! Typically, we'll spend around 7–15 minutes in the ceremony room, so it's a pretty short and sweet experience!


Of course, every ceremony is a little different! If you're planning to exchange personal vows or incorporate a special tradition, your ceremony may last a little longer.


My biggest piece of advice? Take a moment to slow down, soak it all in, and enjoy the experience. It might be brief, but it's such a special moment, and there's no need to rush through it!



Smiling bride in a white dress and groom in a blue suit hold hands before the City Registrar door at Boston City Hall.

What Are The Rooms Like for Civil Ceremonies in Boston City Hall?


When booking your Boston City Hall ceremony, you'll typically have the option to choose between the 2nd and 6th floors of the building. Both offer a slightly different experience, so here's what you can expect!


The 2nd Floor


The 2nd floor has a dedicated space for wedding ceremonies and other services. The room has a more traditional ceremony setup, with a few seats available for guests to sit and watch you exchange your vows.


The 6th Floor


The 6th floor is a little different! Rather than having one dedicated ceremony space, weddings take place in one of the Registry Department's offices. I've photographed ceremonies in at least two different rooms on this floor, so the exact space may vary depending on the day!


These rooms have a more casual, intimate feel. Unlike the 2nd floor, there isn't dedicated seating for guests, so if you're bringing family or friends along, they'll typically gather around you as you exchange your vows.


Both spaces have their own charm, and regardless of which floor you choose, you'll still get to experience that special moment of officially getting married!

Smiling man in a light blue suit with a boutonniere holds hands with a man in a cream jacket during a ceremony in a room with law books.
Four smiling people sit in chairs in a brick-walled room with bookshelves, one woman holding a bouquet of flowers.
Two grooms in light suits with boutonnieres hold hands and exchange rings during a wedding ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts.
Joyful wedding party with a bride in a white gown and groom in a blue suit celebrating with raised arms alongside family on a blue rug.
Wedding guests embrace a smiling bride holding a pastel bouquet in a brick-walled room with an American flag nearby.
Two men in light suits with boutonnieres stand smiling before a wooden door with a city seal, flanked by American and blue flags.
A smiling bride in a white lace dress shakes hands with a groom in a blue suit outside Boston City Hall beside American and city flags.
Bride in a white dress and veil touches a smiling groom's face during a courthouse wedding ceremony beside an American flag.
Two grooms in light suits with boutonnieres join hands during a wedding ceremony in front of a Boston, Mass. city seal.
Bride in a white dress and groom in a dark suit hold hands during a civil wedding ceremony beside an American flag in Boston City Hall.
Three seated adults smile and applaud in a brick-walled room with bookshelves, enjoying a community event or presentation.
A bride in a white dress and veil kisses a groom in a dark suit while holding a bouquet in front of a wooden door at a courthouse.
Group of people laughing and smiling in a records office with shelves of Death and Marriage Certificates in the background.

2nd Floor Boston City Hall Ceremony

A couple holds hands as they exchange vows during their intimate wedding ceremony on the sixth floor of Boston City Hall.
A smiling couple gets married inside a sixth-floor office at Boston City Hall, surrounded by the excitement of their special day.
Two newlyweds share a joyful moment during their intimate civil wedding ceremony at Boston City Hall.
A couple dressed in elegant black wedding attire holds hands during their Boston City Hall elopement ceremony.
An intimate wedding ceremony takes place on the sixth floor of Boston City Hall as a couple stands together holding hands.
A couple exchanges vows with their dog by their side during an intimate wedding ceremony on the sixth floor of Boston City Hall.
Bride in a white backless dress and groom in a navy suit hold hands during an intimate civil wedding ceremony led by an officiant.
A couple gets married at Boston City Hall with their beloved dog joining them for their intimate civil ceremony.
A smiling couple sits on a brown sofa in a bright office while an older man in a white shirt reads a document aloud during a small ceremony.
A couple holds hands during their Boston City Hall wedding ceremony while their dog accompanies them in the sixth-floor office.

Sixth Floor Boston City Hall Ceremony

My Biggest Tips

 

Be Present



It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of your City Hall wedding, but I really encourage you to slow down and take it all in. The ceremony itself is short, but that doesn't mean you have to rush through the experience!


Hold hands every chance you get. Take a deep breath together. Share a few quiet words while you're waiting. Your wedding day is about the two of you, so give yourselves the space to really enjoy it.

Look at Each Other


This is probably one of my biggest tips! During your ceremony, it's so tempting to focus on the officiant as they're speaking, but don't forget to look at each other!


Hold hands, exchange a few smiles, and really take in the fact that you're getting married! Some of my favorite ceremony photos come from those little glances and reactions between couples.

Exchange the Personal Vows


I absolutely love when couples choose to exchange personal vows! It's such a beautiful opportunity to share what you love about each other and make your ceremony feel even more meaningful.


And you don't necessarily have to exchange them during your City Hall ceremony! You could share private vows at home before heading out, or find a quiet spot in the Public Garden to read them to each other afterward.


I especially love the idea of incorporating private vows into your portraits. It creates such a sweet, intimate moment, and the photos are always incredibly special.


Either way, I'm always going to vote yes to personal vows!

FAQ

How long does a Boston City Hall wedding ceremony take?

Boston City Hall wedding ceremonies are pretty quick! In my experience photographing them, couples typically spend around 7–15 minutes in the ceremony room. This can vary a little depending on whether you're exchanging personal vows or incorporating any special traditions.

How early should I arrive for my Boston City Hall wedding?

I'd recommend arriving about 10–15 minutes before your scheduled ceremony! You'll need to go through security, find your way to the City Clerk's office, and check in before your ceremony begins.


I always prefer giving ourselves a little extra breathing room so you can enjoy the experience without feeling rushed!



Can you bring guests to a Boston City Hall wedding?

Yes! You can absolutely make your City Hall wedding a celebration with some of your favorite people.


One thing to keep in mind is that the ceremony spaces are relatively small. The second floor has some seating available, while the sixth-floor ceremonies typically take place in an office where guests gather around the couple.


I'd recommend confirming the current guest limit with City Hall before inviting everyone along!

Can you bring your dog to a Boston City Hall wedding?

I've actually photographed Boston City Hall ceremonies where couples have brought their dogs along, and it's always such a sweet addition to the day!


That said, I'd recommend checking directly with the City Clerk's office before making plans to bring your pup, since building and ceremony policies can change.

Can you exchange personal vows at Boston City Hall?

Yes, couples may be able to incorporate personal vows into their ceremony! I'd recommend confirming this with the officiant beforehand, especially if you're planning something a little longer.


Another option I absolutely love is exchanging private vows before or after your ceremony. You could find a quiet spot in the Public Garden or even share them at home before heading to City Hall.

Where should we take wedding photos after our Boston City Hall ceremony?

One of my favorite things about getting married at Boston City Hall is how many beautiful photo locations are nearby!


Beacon Hill, the Boston Public Garden, and the charming streets around downtown Boston are all wonderful options for portraits.


I love treating the time after your ceremony almost like a little date together. We can wander through your favorite neighborhoods, stop for coffee, and capture some beautiful, natural moments as you celebrate being newlyweds!

Black and white photo of a bride in a white gown holding a bouquet and a groom in a suit sharing a kiss on wide concrete steps.

 

I'd love to capture your day!

 

Planning your own Boston City Hall wedding? I'd absolutely love to be part of it! Whether you're keeping things simple with just the two of you or celebrating with a few of your favorite people, my goal is to capture all the little moments that make your day special.


From the excitement before your ceremony to exploring Boston together as newlyweds, I'm here to help make the experience feel relaxed, fun, and true to you!



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