Weddings at Philadelphia City Hall aren’t easy to navigate. There are rules and regulations that you’ll only discover after you’ve gone through the process since they’re not posted online or in an easy phone call. Ah, bureaucracy…
Now let’s talk about Philadelphia City Hall weddings on Valentine’s Day, an entirely separate beast!
Emily and Dan contacted me last fall about the prospect of getting married on Valentine’s Day at City Hall. This involved a lot of waiting and a few calls for the list to open up for their chosen day. Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular day to tie the knot. So popular that the process is even more intense than usual – allowing 50 couples get married on that single day vs the standard 8 to 10.
On Valentine’s Day, the couples and their guests (up to 6) sit in a large, beautiful courtroom. Couples + guests are called to their own station with a judge to preside over their nuptials, several of these small ceremonies going on at once.
Hi, Leslie!
Emily and Dan were in the first round of ceremonies and Judge Dugan graciously allowed me “back stage” to get a view on the “I do”s, ring exchange, and kiss. The courtroom was abuzz with noise, random groups of applause, and lots of happiness.
The hour+ of waiting leading up to the ceremony had Emily understandably anxious. They both knew that they always wanted a small ceremony though the crowds and anticipation were brutal!
Once the ceremony was over, their families gathered together for some group pictures before I got to take them around gorgeous, historic City Hall for some more pictures.
The stairwells there are incredible.
It was chilly and a bit blustery outside but Emily was well prepared in her Uggs and R2D2 something blue socks!
It was fun being a part of the hustle and bustle of Valentine’s Day at Philadelphia City Hall. Thank you, Emily and Dan, for bringing me along for the ride!
“There’s a big difference between falling in love with someone and falling in love with someone and getting married. Usually, after you get married, you fall in love with the person even more.”
~ Dave Grohl
Hey, hey, we were also featured on the news! https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/video/3810852-couples-tie-the-knot-at-17th-annual-valentines-day-wedding-extravaganza/
