20 Personalized City Hall Wedding Ideas

Make your big-day picture-perfect with these tips.

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Traditional weddings aren't for everyone. Luckily, you don't need to stress over planning (or budgeting for!) a formal ceremony and reception to have a magical "I do" moment. A city hall celebration, for example, offers a lot of pros. The intimate setting allows you to personalize your nuptials in ways that a larger wedding wouldn't, resulting in a celebration that's a reflection of you and your fiancé. Isn't that what your wedding should really be about, anyway? Plus, city halls often make beautiful big-day backdrops. More often than not, these buildings feature historic architecture—which means beautiful wedding portraits, as well as a charming ceremony atmosphere, are virtually guaranteed.

If you associate city hall weddings only with elopements, think again. While plenty of couples do elope at city halls, these nuptials can be thoughtful and curated—like any wedding—and offer plenty of romance. There are many ways to make this ceremony type feel elevated, starting with your fashion choices. Take this couple, for example. The bride sported a traditional Jenny Yoo wedding dress for her big day, which she styled with Valentino heels and a colorful bouquet by Studio Choo. Having these classic elements made the couple's city hall celebration feel extra special—and helped the woman of the hour feel decidedly bridal in a less formal setting.

Beyond your attire, there are so many ways to put together a refined city hall wedding. Ahead you'll see how couples put their spin on their small-scale services with announcement stationery, signs, and even getaway cars. Each duo prioritized their love as they celebrated their elopements and intimate celebrations—and you can, too.

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Traditional Bouquet

Anna Jones Photography

20 Yellow Wedding Bouquets to Brighten Up Your Big Day

Incorporate an iconic big-day tradition into your city hall wedding by carrying a bouquet, like this rustic iteration by The Petaler.

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Marble Entryway

Anna Jones Photography

39 Elegant Marbled Wedding Ideas

Getting married at a city hall doesn't always mean exchanging vows in a cramped, utilitarian room—most locations offer scenic spots to tie the knot. This bride wore an elegant BHLDN dress while saying "I do" in this building's vast marble entryway.

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Getaway Car

Caroline Tran Photography

Wedding Getaway Car Ideas for Riding Away in Style

Many traditional big-day elements can still work at a city hall. A getaway car, like this one decorated by Written Word Calligraphy and Amy Burke Designs, is a classic way to elevate your just-married moment.

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Patterned Suit

Cheers Babe Photo

21 Grooms Who Wore Colorful Wedding Suits

An intimate, informal ceremony allows couples to have fun with their ensembles. This groom looked dapper in a patterned, brown suit, while his chic bride wore a Theia gown and accessorized with a Farmgirl Flowers bouquet.

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Creative Outlet

Christine Doneé

63 Chic Wedding Suits for Brides

The key to an elevated city hall wedding is to get creative when customizing your big day's elements, which includes attire. Can you believe this bride designed her own wedding suit? She styled her look with a Running Wild Florals arrangement, a vintage hat, and Alexander Wang heels.

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Captured Kiss

Elizabeth Messina Photography

32 Utterly Romantic Wedding-Day Kisses

Make like this couple and share a kiss in your getaway car outside of city hall—it'll make for a picture-perfect moment.

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Designer Dress

Elizabeth Messina Photography

What Fashion Designers Wore for Their Own Weddings

You don't have to give up your dream of wearing couture just because you're keeping your wedding low-key. This bride showed up to this city hall in a Monique Lhuillier dress and accessorized with a Kathleen Deery Design clutch.

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Styled Vows

Jérémy Froeliger

22 Wedding Vow Books You'll Cherish Forever

A simple, no-fuss elopement doesn't mean you should bypass the chance to speak from the heart. We suggest asking a calligrapher to print your pre-written vows on a pretty piece of paper—this vow sheet was styled by Ivy Cousin —for a thoughtful element you'll keep forever.

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Sleek Portrait

Taralynn Lawton

31 Colorful Wedding Bouquets

Typically, city halls are beautifully designed and offer plenty of history. You shouldn't have any issues staging the perfect portrait, as evidenced by this pair. The bride looked sleek in an Ellery dress while holding a homemade clutch.

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Swept Away

The Great Romance

How Real Brides Wore Short Wedding Dresses

Make your big-day exit grand, even if no one is watching. This groom swept his bride (who sported a short Amy Kuschel dress for the occasion) off of her feet as they left their city hall nuptials.

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Wedding Sign

Kelsey Regan Photography

29 Creative Wedding Signs You'll Love

You may not be able to hang wedding signs at a city hall, but having a display to hold for photos (this "We Eloped" iteration was created by Katie Leavens) is a must.

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Celebratory Shot

L&L Style Photo

28 Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Exit

Don't forget to ask your photographer—if you decide to have one!—to capture one of the most emotional moments of your wedding day: the exit. This pair couldn't contain their excitement as they ascended down this city hall's staircase.

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Casually Timeless

Melanie Duerkopp Photography

Going Clean for Your Wedding? Here Are the Best Natural Beauty Products for Brides

A casual wedding dress can still be charming and timeless, as exemplified by this bride. She sported a tea-length number with a white lace overlay, which she paired with cheerful blooms by Natalie Bowen and a natural beauty look by Jane Kim.

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Memorable Keepsake

Melissa Kruse Photography

This couple held onto their city hall ticket number as a memorable keepsake, proving intimate ceremonies are all about celebrating the little things.

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Grand Exit

Barb Simkova/Tara McMullen Photo

Outfit Inspiration from the Most Stylish Same-Sex Grooms

Looking to make a grand city hall exit that involves all your loved ones? Take a note from these grooms who had friends and family cheer them on as they left the building as husbands.

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Celebratory Refreshments

Kelsey Regan Photography

20 Celebratory Champagne-Themed Wedding Ideas

Bring festive treats, like cupcakes and a Champagne bottle, to city hall so you can celebrate post-ceremony.

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Romantic Architecture

Kat Braman

Make sure to plan your wedding photos beforehand by scouting out the best backdrops in your city hall venue. That's how this duo discovered this charming hallway with breathtaking views.

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Elopement Announcements

Kelsey Regan Photography

Even if you opt for a private elopement, you'll still want to share the happy news with friends and family. Your inner circle will love receiving announcements, like these by Katie Leavens, in the mail.

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Finishing Touches

Lacie Hansen Photography

21 Cool Accessories for Your Groom

Complete your big-day ensembles with the perfect accessories to upgrade your overall looks. This classic bride in elegant Margaret Elizabeth earrings, while her groom finished off his outfit with a boutonnière by Natalie Bowen Designs.

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20 Personalized City Hall Wedding Ideas

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Traditional Bouquet

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Marble Entryway

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Getaway Car

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Patterned Suit

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Creative Outlet

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Captured Kiss

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Designer Dress

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Styled Vows

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Sleek Portrait

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Swept Away

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Wedding Sign

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Celebratory Shot

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Casually Timeless

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Memorable Keepsake

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Grand Exit

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Celebratory Refreshments

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Romantic Architecture

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Elopement Announcements

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Finishing Touches

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