20 Personalized City Hall Wedding Ideas

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.