8 Tips for your Philadelphia City Hall Wedding
Thinking about getting married at Philadelphia City Hall? Looking for an intimate, low-key, and budget-friendly ceremony right in the heart of Philadelphia? City Hall just might be what you are looking for.
While planning your special day, here are a few things to keep in mind for your courthouse wedding:
Logistics for Planning Your Philadelphia City Hall Wedding
Getting your Marriage license in Philadelphia
Before you can book your wedding ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall, you will need to get your marriage license, which you can pick up in person. Just a note that once you get your marriage license you will have to wait three days until it is valid and it expires after 60 days, so timing is important here. For all the specifics look here.
Securing your ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall
In order to secure your courtroom ceremony, you need to arrive in person on the specified day to book for the following month. It is best to call City Hall to find out which day the books open so you don’t miss it as it can change from month to month. There are only a few days each month for wedding ceremonies and they can book quickly oftentimes filling up out the same day the books open! Philadelphia City Hall weddings are held Tuesdays and Thursdays and there are limited slots on each of these days. Double-check with City Hall to be sure the day to sign up as it may shift due to holidays and scheduling. It is best to arrive early on the day the schedule opens, especially if you have a specific date in mind. You can find out all the details here.
Your wedding day guest-list for your courthouse wedding
At Philadelphia City Hall you are allowed 8 guests. You can invite your closest friends and relatives to be by your side.
The City Hall Building & Tour
The structure of City Hall itself is historic and impressive. Its majestic presence lends itself to gorgeous photos both inside and outside. If you want to tour the building before your wedding day, you may want to take a City Hall Tour to learn the history and take in the sites. I went on one of these tours recently and it was very informative and interesting. I just love all the history of Philadelphia!
Mayor’s Reception Room & Conversation Hall Wedding
Did you know that you can rent out rooms in Philadelphia City Hall for your ceremony & reception? There are two beautiful rooms that you can rent out at a very reasonable rate!
The Mayors Reception Room and Conversation Hall offer options if you are looking to go a little bigger and still want to be in City Hall. To rent one of these halls, contact The Mayor’s Office to get details and reserve your space.
Wedding Photos at Philadelphia City Hall
It is your wedding day! Truly a day to remember and having a professional photographer will give you beautiful images to remember your day forever. Defiantly worth the investment! City Hall is right in the heart of downtown Philadelphia at the intersection of Broad and Market. There are some classic locations for photos just steps from City Hall. As a wedding photographer, I have a soft spot for City Hall weddings and would love to photograph your day! You can contact me here to find out more about photography packages, availability, and pricing. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Dilworth Plaza
This lively plaza is always festive and vibrant. You never know what events or celebrations will be happening out there, often decorated for the season and bustling with people. In the summer there are bubbling fountains and in the winter there are festive decorations and event a mini ice skating rink!
Love Park
Robert Indiana’s famous Love sculpture is a popular stop for photos in Philadelphia – why not on your wedding day?
Broad Street Wedding Photo
The Broad Street photo is a classic wedding photo location in Philadelphia and it’s just steps from your City Hall wedding. We head right onto the median to create this image and City Hall is right featured so nicely!
The After Party
Your post-wedding celebration can be anything you like. Dinner just the two of you at one of the countless center city restaurants? Or maybe rent out a small restaurant and have more friends and family join you for a reception. Some couples choose to do a City Hall Ceremony and then plan for a party later on down the road. There is no set way to celebrate, you get to do what is best for you, most importantly have fun!
For more inspiration check out these Philadelphia City Hall Wedding posts:
Philadelphia City Hall
Considering Another Philadelphia Venue for Your Wedding?
check out these links below for ideas, guidance, and inspiration:
Unconventional Philadelphia Wedding Venues
Ultimate Guide for Small Philadelphia Wedding Venues
Affordable Philadelphia Wedding Venues To Add To Your List
These are great tips! I never would have thought about being able to take photos outside with the Christmas decorations, but that’s such a great idea to get beautiful photos!
Great wedding tips for a City Hall Wedding!
Great wedding tips. An interesting blog!
I love Philadelphia City Hall Weddings and I am glad the tips were helpful!