Philadelphia City Hall Wedding: The pros and cons couples should know
Should I Have My Wedding At Philadelphia City Hall?
As a Philadelphia City Hall wedding photographer, first, I have to say that I’m a huge fan of City Hall weddings. The first wedding I photographed there was in 2013! City Hall Weddings are simple, classic, and get straight to the heart of it. That being said, they are not for everyone. If you’re trying to decide if a Philadelphia City Hall wedding is for you, this pros and cons list that I am about to share will help you decide. So let’s get right into it.
Pros
(Top reasons to get married at Philadelphia City Hall)
- It’s free! If you’re on a budget and looking to have a wedding ceremony without breaking the bank, Philadelphia City Hall is a very appealing option. You can’t get more affordable than free. Note: Keep in mind you do still have to pay for a marriage license. (For more info about getting a marriage license, click here: How To Get Your Marriage License at Philadelphia City Hall)
- The building is beautiful! The architecture and the grandeur of the building itself is truly breathtaking. You will have countless places for beautiful photos of the two of you before or after your ceremony. This Iconic landmark in Philadelphia could be the backdrop of your wedding photos. Note: I love photographing on the inside impressive staircase with the beautiful natural light! (Click here for the Best Photo Locations at Philadelphia City Hall)
- It’s intimate. Because you are only allowed six guests for the ceremony itself, your Philadelphia City Hall wedding will be small, and this might be exactly what you are looking for. Perfect for couples considering a Philadelphia elopement or micro wedding.
- It’s low-key and laid-back. Choosing a wedding ceremony at City Hall allows you to skip the intense planning and decision-making fatigue that can sometimes come with planning a full-fledged wedding. If you’re looking for an option that’s more casual, a City Hall wedding is definitely an option to consider.
- Location, location, location! City Hall is smack dab in the middle of Philadelphia. Located at the intersection of Broad Street and Market Street in Center City, it is in an ideal location. You will be surrounded by so many outstanding restaurants, close to parks(such as Love Park and Dilworth Plaza), and sweet spots to grab a glass of sparkling champagne to celebrate.
- Non-traditional: If a big Ballroom wedding has never appealed to you, this more relaxed option might be right up your alley. Your wedding day can be anything you choose and City Hall weddings are a popular choice for non-traditional couples.
Cons
(Top reasons Philadelphia City Hall might not be a fit for you)
- Planning and scheduling: Planning can be a little bit tricky for a Philadelphia City Hall wedding because the books open on one specific day the month before, so you won’t have much time to plan.
- The Ceremony Space: The room where you actually say your “I do’s” isn’t fancy. It’s plain and simple. If you are looking for a romantic, take-your-breath-away space for your ceremony, this may not be a match.
- Weekday Wedding: Weddings at Philadelphia City Hall are only held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This can make it a little challenging for out-of-town guests to attend.
- Short Ceremony: The ceremony itself is short and sweet, typically around 5 minutes. If you envision incorporating personal wedding vows, readings, songs etc., this option would not be a good fit.
- Limited Privacy: Philadelphia City Hall is an active working City building. When you enter, you will go through security, and you will be ushered into the waiting area where other couples will be waiting to get married too. If you’re looking for something private, this would not be the option for you.
- Not Customizable: For your city hall wedding ceremony itself, there are not many opportunities to make it personal. You won’t be able to add your own flair to it by adding decor, etc. (Of course, the rest of the day is yours to celebrate however you like!)
Planning Your Philadelphia Wedding Day
After reading through this list of pros and cons to see if Philadelphia City Hall might be a fit for your wedding ceremony, I hope you have a clearer sense of what you can expect. Interestingly, one person’s Pro might be another person’s con and vice versa. Choosing your wedding venue is very personal, and what appeals to one couple may not appeal to another. For example, having a limited guest list could be a con for one couple, whereas another couple might think,
Phew, this is exactly what I want!
My biggest advice here is to choose the wedding day that you dream of, whether you want to go all out, with a huge guest list and all the bells and whistles, or you want to pare it down to the very core of it; this is completely up to you. There is no right answer and no wrong answer. Take your time and consider what would make the two of you most happy and align with your vision for your wedding day. If you’re looking for a wedding day that’s intimate, inexpensive, in the heart of Philadelphia with a beautiful backdrop for photos and a laid-back appeal, definitely consider Philadelphia City Hall. Some couples also choose to do a City Hall Wedding to make it legal and then decide to do a bigger celebration at another time.
Philadelphia City Hall Wedding Photographer
I have photographed many weddings at Philadelphia City Hall, and this first-hand knowledge helps me understand the nuances of the flow of the day. If you’re considering having your ceremony there, I would love to chat! Feel free to complete the contact form for Heidi Roland Photography, and I will schedule a call with you to talk through packages and pricing and answer any questions you might have about having your wedding ceremony at Philadelphia City Hall!
Planning Your Philadelphia City Hall Wedding
For more tips, planning, real weddings, and inspiration for City Hall weddings in Philadelphia, I invite you to check out these blog posts:
City Hall Wedding In Philadelphia, PA
City Hall Micro Wedding Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Hall Wedding Day Portrait Session
Intimate Philadelphia City Hall Wedding
8 Tips For Your Philadelphia City Hall Wedding
Marriage License Department
at Philadelphia City Hall
For all the latest information, go directly to the Marriage License Department at Philadelphia City Hall. You can go in person to Philadelphia City Hall, 1400 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Room 415. They are open 8:00 am – 3:15 pm Monday through Friday. You can also reach them by phone at (215) 686-2233.
