Have you ever strolled past your nearby City Hall and seen a newlywed couple, all starry-eyed and laughing? It’s a thrill to encounter the happiness of unfamiliar faces. Last month, photographer Christine Han and I dropped in at Manhattan’s City Hall to speak with New York’s latest married pairs…
Eleni and Byron
How did you two come together?
Eleni: We’ve been partners for two and a half years but have been acquainted for 24 years.
Byron: We encountered each other as teenagers while crossing a street—just a random meeting on a summer day in Queens. This 15-year-old girl smiled and approached to say hello.
What unfolded afterward?
Eleni: We fell out of touch and later reconnected at college through mutual friends, then life took its course, and we didn’t see each other for a long while. We both went on to marry other people, and after those unions ended, we were blessed with a second chance at love.
Victoria and Alex
Why did you select City Hall for your nuptials?
Victoria: My parents were married here. Being both a New Yorker and Alex now too, it feels like a place with a special significance.
What do you cherish about being her partner?
Alex: Seeing her smile and making her laugh—nothing compares to that for me.
James and Chase
What did your first outing look like?
James: We connected at business school in Boston, and our first outing was at The Beehive. When we stood up to leave, the whole tablecloth came down with everything on it. We managed to handle it.
Chase: Then we ended up closing the bar down. It was ideal.
Francisco and Ashley
When did you first meet?
Francisco: We were in the same classroom in the first grade.
No way! How long have you been a couple?
Both: Fourteen years.
When was the marriage decision made?
Ashley: Ages ago, but life took its own course—we have two kids!
Daphne (left) and Jennifer
What do you treasure in each other?
Jennifer: Her patience, kindness, and care. I lose my head frequently—I’m the fiery one—and she brings peace to me.
Daphne: And I adore her vigor and zest. We’ve been together for nine years. She asked me in 2023, and I asked her in 2024.
Tell me about these stunning outfits.
Daphne: My suit is from Good American. My family is in the fashion industry, so they crafted the cape to enhance my look.
Jennifer: Bloomingdale’s!
Teri and Jacobus
How did you cross paths?
Teri: It was a Monday night in 2018. I don’t typically go out on Mondays, but my pal Jack was texting persistently for me to meet Jacobus.
Jacobus: We were all hanging out, munching on burgers, playing pool. Then eventually, the two of us walked over to Tompkins Square Park and sat talking for three hours.
Teri: I went home, rang my sister, and exclaimed, ‘The most amazing thing just happened!’ It was wonderful to meet someone I could converse with for hours.
Jacobus: Not much has changed since then. And here we are.
What makes your partnership work?
Teri: He views things very differently from me, which challenges my worldview in a scary-yet-wonderful way.
Jacobus: We do often view things differently, but honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. If we shared the same perspective, I’d miss out on so much.
Hillary and Ben
How did the proposal happen?
Ben: We were in Switzerland, on a trip to mark our tenth anniversary.
Hillary: I suspected it might happen during the trip since we’d been together for so long, but I was clueless about which day. So at the moment, I was genuinely surprised!
What do you admire in one another?
Hillary: He always backs me and loves me immensely.
Ben: She lets me find the positives—not just in her but in everything.
Congratulations! Thanks so much for sharing your delightful days with us. And just for fun, here’s a glimpse of our new mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rama Duwaji’s City Hall wedding!
P.S. More City Hall weddings:
* 4 City Hall weddings from 2023
* 7 City Hall weddings from 2019
* A San Francisco City Hall wedding (followed by a hike!)
* A sweet couple who got married with their toddler in tow
* And a friend who tied the knot in overalls
(Mamdani-Duwaji wedding photos by Kara McCurdy. All other photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo.)
**Seven Weddings at New York City Hall: A Tribute to Love and Diversity**
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, New York City Hall stands as an iconic venue for those looking to say “I do.” With its storied architecture amid a bustling backdrop, City Hall strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, drawing many to it for their nuptials. This piece delves into the stories of seven unique couples who chose to express their love at this celebrated place.
**1. The Classic Love Story: Emma and John**
Emma and John, high school sweethearts hailing from Brooklyn, aimed for a straightforward, yet profound wedding ceremony. City Hall’s ambiance allowed them to focus on their relationship without the complexities of a grand event. Their closest loved ones were present at the intimate setting within the historic Rotunda. The couple deeply appreciated the event’s simplicity and grace, aligning perfectly with their timeless love story.
**2. A Blend of Cultures: Priya and Amir**
Priya and Amir, both first-generation Americans, envisioned a wedding that paid homage to their rich cultural heritages. City Hall provided the perfect scene for such a celebration. By weaving Indian and Middle Eastern traditions into their ceremony and attire, they crafted a vibrant tapestry of cultural fusion. Their wedding stood as a tribute to diversity and the bonding power of love.
**3. The Modern Elopement: Sarah and Alex**
For adventurous souls Sarah and Alex, a traditional affair wasn’t on the cards. Instead, they took the spontaneous route with an elopement at City Hall. With only dear friends as witnesses, they exchanged vows in an intimate setting that highlighted their shared love for impromptu adventures. Their ceremony at City Hall reflected their modern, adventurous lifestyle perfectly.
**4. Love Rekindled: Linda and Robert**
Having previously been married, Linda and Robert discovered love anew later in their lives. Their City Hall wedding marked a new beginning, highlighting the enduring nature of love. Surrounded by a blending of families, they exchanged heartwarming vows, symbolizing a fresh start together. Their journey underlines that love is timeless and uniquely beautiful.
**5. A Stand for Equality: Jamie and Taylor**
City Hall, with its historic significance in the fight for marriage equality, was the chosen venue for Jamie and Taylor, a same-sex couple. Their celebration marked personal joy and the broader recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. Filled with happiness and pride, their wedding was more than a milestone; it represented hope and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
**6. The Artistic Union: Maya and Leo**
With creativity at heart, Maya and Leo sought a wedding venue that matched their artistic essence. The architectural beauty and historical richness of City Hall provided the ideal canvas for their unique expression. By infusing their art into the ceremony with tailored vows and attire, their wedding was a testament to creativity, individuality, and their joint artistic passion.
**7. Family and Togetherness: Maria and Carlos**
Maria and Carlos wanted a wedding that centered around family, being from large, close-knit kin groups. City Hall’s atmosphere enabled them to organize a ceremony that was heartfelt yet inclusive. Their wedding was a joyful moment that highlighted the centrality of family ties, with loved ones playing significant roles in the celebration from vows to festivities.
In summary, New York City Hall showcases itself as a versatile, significant venue for couples everywhere. Be it for an age-old romance, a blend of cultures, or a commitment to equality, City Hall is the perfect backdrop for diverse love stories. These seven weddings offer but a glimpse into the vibrant mosaic of love consistently unfolding at this landmark location.
