Getting married at Boston City Hall is one of the most no-fuss, genuinely memorable ways to tie the knot in this city. No venue deposits, no catering minimums, no 200-person guest list to manage. Just you, your person, a Justice of the Peace, and the raw concrete drama of one of America’s most iconic Brutalist buildings. As a Boston wedding photographer, I’ve watched so many couples leave City Hall completely glowing, and honestly, some of those ceremonies are my favorites to shoot. If you’re considering it, here’s everything you need to know.
Why Get Married at Boston City Hall?
There’s no single type of couple who chooses City Hall. But there are a few things that almost everyone who does it has in common: they want it simple, they want it real, and they don’t want to spend the next year planning it.
Here’s what makes it worth considering:
The cost is minimal. The ceremony fee is $75 cash. The marriage license is $50. Your entire legal wedding can happen for well under $200.
The guest list is yours to control. The ceremony room fits up to 20 people. If you want just the two of you, that works too.
It’s fast to plan. Appointments open 60 days out. You can go from “let’s do it” to legally married in a matter of weeks.
The neighborhood makes the day. Faneuil Hall, Beacon Hill, the Greenway, and the Harbor are all within walking distance. The ceremony is 15 minutes. The rest of the day is wide open.
Remote guests can watch live. The city will provide a video link so anyone who can’t be there in person can still be part of it.
No vendors required. No florist, no caterer, no DJ. Bring a photographer and call it done.
How Much Does a Boston City Hall Wedding Cost?
The total for a City Hall wedding is modest, with two separate fees to plan for.
Marriage license (Marriage Intention filing): $50, paid at Room 213 when you file in person
Ceremony fee: $75, cash only, paid on the day of the ceremony
Late arrival penalty: $25 extra if you arrive late to your ceremony
Marriage Without Delay waiver (to skip the 3-day waiting period): $195 through the court
Certified marriage certificate copy: $12 in person, $14 by mail
There are no venue rental fees, no catering minimums, no vendor packages. Your entire City Hall wedding can cost well under $200 if you skip the waiting period waiver.
Which Room Does the Ceremony Happen at Boston City Hall?
The City of Boston performs wedding ceremonies in two locations inside City Hall at 1 City Hall Square. Both are small, intimate spaces. The Registry Division ceremony takes place in Room 213 on the second floor, which seats 14 guests and can accommodate up to 20 people standing. The City Clerk’s Office performs ceremonies in Room 601 on the sixth floor.
The spaces themselves are working government offices, not decorated event rooms. The ceremony happens among desks and filing cabinets. Some couples love the unexpected, unconventional feel of it. Others choose to do the ceremony here and save the portraits and celebration for elsewhere. Either way, it makes for genuinely unforgettable photos.
Step-by-step guide to getting married at Boston City Hall
Phase One: Pre-Ceremony Legal Stuff
You don’t just “get married” at City Hall; you first have to file a Marriage Intention.
The Appointment: You cannot walk in. You must book an appointment online to file your intentions in Room 213 (The Registry) in-person. Bring valid government-issued photo IDs (driver’s license, passport, etc.).
The Cost: It is $50 for the filing (cash, credit, or debit accepted).
The Name Change Fact: This is the most critical point. In Massachusetts, you must choose your new surname at the time of filing the intention. Once that paper is signed and the wedding happens, that becomes your legal name. Changing it later because you “changed your mind” requires a full court petition.
The Three-Day Wait: There’s a 3-day waiting period before you can have your ceremony (excluding weekends and holidays). If you apply on a Tuesday, your license is physically ready on Friday.
- The “I Need it Now” Loophole: If you need to marry sooner, you must go to a Probate or District Court for a Marriage Without Delay Waiver. This costs roughly $195 and requires a judge’s signature.
The 60-Day Clock: You can apply up to 60 days before your wedding. Just make sure it’s at least 3 days before your ceremony date. Your license is a “use it or lose it” document. It expires exactly 60 days from the day you filed the intention.
More details here: Boston.gov marriage license info
Phase Two: Choose Your Ceremony Vibe
Boston City Hall offers two distinct locations for the ceremony. Each has its own personality, rules, and price tag.
Option A: The City Clerk’s Office (Room 601)
Cost: $100.
Officiant: Usually the City Clerk or Assistant City Clerk.
Guest Capacity: Extremely tight. You are generally restricted to 2–4 guests.
Schedule: Mon/Tue: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Thu/Fri: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Option B: The Registry Department (Room 213)
Cost: $50.
Officiant: Often Paul Chong, the legendary and beloved Registrar.
Guest Capacity: More generous. This room can accommodate roughly 8–10 guests comfortably (some seated, some standing).
Schedule: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.
Note: City Hall typically does not perform ceremonies on Wednesdays. They use that day for administrative processing.
Phase Three: The Day-Of Logistics
Arrival: Aim to arrive 20 minutes early. If you are more than 10 minutes late, they may cancel your slot and charge a $25 “late fee” to reschedule.
Security: Enter through the Congress Street entrance. You will go through a full TSA-style scan.
Check-In: Go to your respective room (213 or 601). You’ll hand over your license and IDs.
Payment: While some kiosks take cards, the Registry and Clerk’s offices often prefer cash or debit cards. Always have $150 in cash on hand just in case systems are down.
The Ceremony: It lasts about 10–15 minutes. It includes the exchange of vows and rings (optional). You can bring your own vows, but keep them brief.
Witnesses: You do not need witnesses in Massachusetts. Only the couple and the officiant sign the license.
Phase Three: After the “I Do”
The Marriage Certificate: You are not handed a marriage certificate immediately after the ceremony. The officiant mails the license back.
Ordering Copies: You’ll need “Certified Copies” for insurance, social security, and passports. These are $12 each in person or $14 by mail. Wait about 7-10 days after the ceremony before trying to order them as it takes time for the officiant to register the marriage.
How Far in Advance Can You Book?
Ceremony appointments are available up to 60 days in advance. Popular dates, especially around Valentine’s Day or holiday weekends, fill quickly. As soon as you have a target date in mind, check availability and book.
What Days and Times Are Ceremonies Available?
Ceremonies are held Monday through Friday. The Registry Division is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Specific time slots show up when you access the online booking calendar. If you don’t see availability, email marriage@boston.gov directly, as the city may be able to accommodate you.
What Is the Wedding Ceremony at City Hall Like?
Each ceremony is 15 minutes long and includes an exchange of vows, an optional ring exchange, and a pronouncement of marriage by a Justice of the Peace. The whole thing is brief but real, and the 15-minute slot doesn’t mean you have to rush through it emotionally.
Massachusetts law does not require witnesses at a civil ceremony, so you don’t need to bring anyone. But you’re absolutely welcome to bring family and friends up to the room’s capacity.
Can I Write My Own Vows for a Boston City Hall Ceremony?
The ceremony follows a standard format led by the officiant, but you can bring personalized vows to read alongside the traditional ones. Many couples do this and it adds a lot to the moment. Save that page afterward. It makes a beautiful keepsake.
Can Remote Guests Watch the Ceremony?
Yes. When you book your appointment, indicate that you’d like a virtual meeting link. The city will provide one so guests who can’t be there in person can still watch live.
Do You Need Your Own Officiant for Boston City Hall Wedding?
No. The city provides a Justice of the Peace as the officiant for all City Hall ceremonies. If you want to be married by your own officiant, that would require arranging a private ceremony at a separate location. For ideas on where you might do that, this guide to Boston elopement locations covers outdoor spots and permit info across the city.
Helpful Tips for the Big Day
Parking is a Nightmare: Do not try to park on the street. Use the Government Center Garage (it’s expensive but right there). Even better, take the T (Green/Blue line) to Government Center.
Accessibility: The building is ADA-compliant. Use the elevators; the “stairs” are a workout and can be confusing.
Restrooms: They are public government restrooms. If you need a “getting ready” space with a nice mirror, do it at a hotel (like The Whitney or The Ames) before arriving.
Flowers: Bring a small bouquet or boutonniere if you want a pop of color. There isn’t a florist in the city hall building. Haymarket is right next door on Fridays/Saturdays if you need a quick, cheap bouquet, or hit Quincy Market.
Best Photo Spots Near Boston City Hall
Just because it’s a courthouse wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have stunning portraits. Some of my favorite post-ceremony photo locations are steps away from City Hall:
City Hall steps & concrete backdrops – For a sleek, modern editorial look.
Government Center Plaza – Clean lines, modern architecture, and that just-married energy.
Beacon Hill – Historic charm, gas lamps, and cobblestone streets just a short walk away.
Boston Public Garden – Lush greenery and swan boats if you’re feeling romantic.
Old State House & Faneuil Hall – For a touch of Boston history in your portraits.
As your photographer, I can help plan a route that suits your vibe, low key, romantic, urban, or all of the above.
Sample Courthouse Wedding Timeline
Here’s an example of how your day could flow:
9:30 AM – Arrive at City Hall
10:00 AM – Ceremony
10:15–11:15 AM – Portraits around city hall
11:30 AM – Optional: celebrate with brunch at a local spot
Tips to Make Your City Hall Wedding Extra Special
Write each other personal vows to read before or after the ceremony.
Bring an extra set of outfits to change after your ceremony so you have variety in your photos.
Invite just your closest people and treat them to brunch or drinks after.
Hire a photographer you connect with.
Can You Bring a Photographer to a Boston City Hall Wedding?
Absolutely. The City of Boston explicitly welcomes photographers and videographers. There are no restrictions on shooting inside the ceremony room. After the 15-minute ceremony, you have as much time as you want to photograph inside and outside the building. This is where the day really opens up.
Alternatives to Boston City Hall Wedding?
If City Hall feels too “office-like” for you, there are two alternatives to consider:
Boston Public Library (Copley): They offer 1-hour “City Hall style” ceremonies on select Mondays for $200. Much more “fairytale” than the concrete hall. More details here.
One-Day Designation: Any friend or family member can get a “One-Day Designation” from the Governor’s office ($25) to marry you anywhere in the city. This allows for more flexibility at any of your favorite Boston location without the “office” feel. More details here.
Let’s Make It Official
Getting married at Boston City Hall is simple but meaningful. Whether you’re looking for a wedding or elopement photographer in Boston, your love story deserves to be captured beautifully. Reach out to check my availability or ask me any questions not covered by this guide.
