The Journey Begins

I didn’t view my City Hall wedding as an elopement but rather a precursor to our formal celebration. My desire was to provide my European husband security amidst visa uncertainties, leading us swiftly to Manhattan’s City Hall just months after our engagement. This blog post is less about the ceremony itself and more about unpacking the financial details of this intimate affair.

Weddings in a Digital World

In today’s era, engagements are publicized widely across social media platforms. Despite this transparency, the actual costs associated with weddings remain shrouded in mystery. Without detailed budget breakdowns from couples themselves, guests and onlookers are often left guessing about the true financial commitments involved.

The Rising Costs

Weddings have become more expensive over time. Registry site Zola notes a significant increase of 13.79% in costs from 2023 to 2024, with weddings now averaging $33,000 compared to the previous year’s $29,000. This phenomenon includes an unspoken “wedding tax”—the additional cost for matrimonial services and goods.

A City Hall Wedding Budget

My City Hall wedding totaled approximately $19,075—an amount I hadn’t anticipated. Without typical expenses such as venue or decor, we focused on essentials: attire, a photographer, and dinner with close family.

The Fashion

• Vintage midi dress (found) – $600
• Tailoring – $200
• Manolo Blahnik mules – $895
• Borrowed jewelry – $0
• Vintage veil on Etsy – $100
• Vintage Judith Leiber bag (The RealReal) – $315

For my husband:

• Savile Row suit – $3,000
• Hermès tie – $260
• Tod’s shoes – $1,145

The Glamour

Preparing separately, my sister and I enjoyed a hotel suite for $1,150. Hair and makeup services cost us $500 each, with an additional $500 as a thank-you to my maid of honor.

The Ceremony

• Photography – $4,000
• Marriage license fee – $35
• Ceremony charge – $25
• Lily of the valley bouquet and boutonnière – part of the flower purchase
• Rose petals for petal toss – $450
• Ubers for transportation – $300

The Reception

To accommodate our small group within City Hall, we hosted a semi-private dinner at a favorite New York midtown restaurant. Our choice to keep things simple meant no need for additional decor beyond elegant place cards and the venue’s existing ambiance.

• Dinner/Drinks – $6,300 (including tip)
• Calligraphy for place cards – $100

The Conclusion: A Surprising Total

Reflecting on the expenses, I underestimated the cost at first glance. Although some may view our elopement as extravagant, it felt standard to us—highlighting how weddings can exceed expectations in price despite their perceived simplicity.

Final Thoughts

This experience emphasizes that even seemingly straightforward wedding plans involve unexpected financial considerations. It’s crucial for future brides and grooms to account for these nuances when budgeting, ensuring a celebration that balances both love and logistics.