If you are wondering how to have a Boston City Hall Wedding, this guide is the perfect place to begin. Whether you are planning a simple legal ceremony or an intentionally small celebration, Boston City Hall offers a meaningful setting in the heart of the city.
As a Boston wedding photography and videography team that has been a part of countless wedding celebrations, we have seen that smaller ceremonies often carry the most meaningful moments. No matter what kind of celebration you are planning, this guide walks you through it all, from securing your marriage license to planning your ceremony and creating photos that feel timeless.
How to Get Married in Boston City Hall?
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when planning the logistics of a Boston City Hall wedding. The good news is that the process is far simpler than it may seem.
If you want to dive straight into the nitty-gritty details, check out this guide on how to get married in Boston. Otherwise, just keep in mind that there are two main steps to focus on: obtaining your marriage license and scheduling your ceremony.
Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage License
To begin the process for your Boston City Hall wedding ceremony, both partners will need to apply in person for a marriage license at a Massachusetts city or town clerk’s office. Be sure to bring both a check and cash. In some instances, ATMs have been down, and cards are not always accepted.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Both partners must appear together in person
- Bring a valid government-issued identification
- Provide Social Security numbers (if applicable)
- Pay the marriage license fee (typically $50, but we recommend checking beforehand)
- You can be out of state residents to apply for a marriage license
After applying, there is a required three-day waiting period before your marriage license is issued. Once you receive it, you have 60 days to complete your ceremony.
Step 2: Schedule Your Boston City Hall Wedding Ceremony
After your marriage license is issued, you can schedule your ceremony with the City of Boston. Ceremonies at Boston City Hall are typically performed by a Justice of the Peace on select weekdays. If you would prefer a more personal touch, Massachusetts allows a one-day officiant designation, meaning a friend or family member can apply for temporary authorization to legally perform your ceremony.
To do this, your chosen person must complete a simple online application through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and receive approval before the wedding date. They must apply at least 1 week before the wedding, but may apply up to 6 months in advance. Approval takes approximately 5 days, and once approved, they are legally permitted to officiate your Boston City Hall wedding ceremony for that specific day.
How to Book Your City Hall Wedding in Boston
When planning your Boston City Hall wedding ceremony, you will choose between two ceremony spaces: Room 213 or Room 601. Both rooms can be reserved online through the City of Boston’s appointment calendar.
- Room 213: Appointments are booked online through the City’s calendar. This space typically accommodates a small group of 10 to 12 guests, depending on current policies and room setup.
- Room 601:Appointments are also booked online. This space is generally reserved for more intimate ceremonies, usually the couple plus one or two guests.
Capacity guidelines and procedures can change, especially during busy seasons. We recommend confirming details directly with the City when scheduling your ceremony.
Boston City Hall currently offers wedding ceremonies on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. After your ceremony, certified copies of your marriage certificate are available for $12 in person or $14 by mail.
What Is a Boston City Hall Wedding Ceremony Like?
Plan to arrive early for your ceremony and bring your newly issued marriage license and $75 in cash. We always tell our couples to arrive at least 15 minutes early, but don’t be surprised if your ceremony starts after your scheduled time.
Boston City Hall wedding ceremonies are intimate and efficient, typically lasting around 10 to 15 minutes and centered on the legal exchange of vows. While the ceremony itself is simple, there are meaningful ways to personalize the moment. We often encourage couples to write private vows to read to one another, even if the formal ceremony is brief. Bringing a small vow book allows you to hold onto those words long after the day has passed, creating a keepsake you can revisit for years to come.
For some, a Boston City Hall wedding ceremony is the first step before hosting a larger celebration. For others, it is exactly the kind of smaller wedding celebration they want.
Is Photography and Videography Allowed?
Yes, both are generally allowed and common during ceremonies at Boston City Hall. We highly encourage couples to hire a photographer or videographer (better yet, both) for their ceremony. Due to the ceremony times, we recommend doing family portraits after the ceremony. Keep in mind that the ceremonies are intimate and the room is small, so it is recommended to keep guest counts to 2–4. Many couples choose to take portraits immediately after their ceremony at nearby Boston landmarks.
Even though a City Hall wedding may be small, the significance of the moment is just as meaningful as any large celebration. Hiring a Boston City Hall wedding photographer and videographer team ensures your day is documented with care and intention, so you and your family look back on the memories for years to come.
A professional photographer and videographer team can:
- Capture Boston City Hall wedding photos that feel timeless
- Photograph portraits inside and outside of City Hall
- Guide you to nearby locations for additional portraits
- Capture your entire day from start to finish
Planning a Boston City Hall Wedding
If you are planning a Boston City Hall wedding, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your day.
- Weekdays are required with specific timeslots
- Guest counts may be limited
- Security procedures will require early arrival
- Parking in downtown Boston can be limited, so give yourself plenty of time
- Ceremonies may start later than expected, but still arrive at least 15 minutes early
Wondering what comes next after your ceremony? Many couples choose to take portraits around the city before heading to a lunch or dinner reservation to celebrate with close family and friends.
Best Locations for Boston City Hall Wedding Photos
Of course, we would never leave you wondering where to take portraits after your ceremony. One of the greatest advantages of a Boston City Hall wedding is its central location. Within just a few minutes, you can step into some of the city’s most iconic spots, making it easy to elevate your celebration with beautiful, timeless portraits.
Popular spots for portraits include:
- Faneuil Hall
- Quincy Market
- The waterfront
- Beacon Hill
- Boston Public Garden
- The North End
Boston Hall City Ceremony vs. Traditional Ceremony
Choosing between a City Hall ceremony and a traditional venue ceremony is not about scale. It is about what feels right for you. Boston City Hall weddings are ideal for a smaller guest list. With fewer moving parts and less pressure, many couples find the moment feels more intentional and centered on the commitment itself.
Couples often choose a Boston City Hall ceremony option because:
- It requires less planning
- It allows for a smaller guest list
- Lower investment than a traditional venue
- It keeps the focus on the marriage itself
Example Boston City Hall Wedding Day Itinerary
9:00 a.m. – Getting Ready
10:30 a.m. – First Look & Private Vows
11:00 a.m. – Portraits Around the City
2:00 p.m. – City Hall Ceremony
2:30 p.m. – Family Photos
4:00 p.m. – Relax & Reset
6:00 p.m. – Intimate Dinner Celebration
Ready to Capture Your Boston City Hall Wedding?
We hope you found this guide filled with all the information you need, whether you are planning a private City Hall Boston wedding or a legal ceremony before a larger event.
If you are searching for a Boston wedding photographer and videographer team to capture every meaningful moment, we would be honored to connect and learn more about your plans. Thoughtfully documented Boston City Hall wedding photos and video allow you to revisit the day you said “yes” to a lifetime together for years to come. Click to contact us here.
