Boston City Hall Elopement | Boston Film Elopement Photographer

Boston’s City Hall can become the perfect elopement location when coupled with film photography. A City Hall elopement strips away much of the pressure and performance of a traditional wedding, highlighting what matters most: you, your partner, and the story you are weaving together.

As a Boston film elopement photographer, I have had the privilege of documenting elopements here, including Jamie and Wei Wei’s. Their day was intimate and surrounded by their closest loved ones. What made the celebration memorable was how every choice reflected who they are as a couple. By embracing spontaneity and a playful energy, their story demonstrates how City Hall elopements can be deeply individual and how film photography can preserve those nuances with authenticity.

When Jamie and Wei Wei first reached out they emphasized they didn’t want their elopement to be a grand production, just a genuine celebration of becoming newlyweds. What mattered most to them was having meaningful family portraits while also capturing the in-between moments. The desire to have journalistic-style photography on their elopement day is what ultimately led them to inquire. 

The ceremony took place on the sixth floor of Boston City Hall in the City Clerk’s office,  attended by their closest family. Couples can schedule in advance and choose between two spaces: the more intimate 6th-floor office or the larger Registry Department room, depending on how private or inclusive they’d like the experience to feel.

The Appeal of Film for Small Intimate Weddings | Film Elopement Photographer

Film photography has a way of slowing time. Its grain and tonal depth lend themselves to the understated charm of a City Hall elopement. Capturing reality in all its imperfections while softening even the harshest light or fluorescent glow. City Hall elopements are inherently intimate, often just the couple and a few witnesses, and film complements that as much in aesthetic as in practice.

Before the ceremony, we did family portraits against the textured, grey backdrop of Boston’s famously Brutalist City Hall. Its bold, blocky concrete might not scream ‘romance’ at first glance, but on film it transforms, softening a bureaucratic building into something unexpectedly tender.

Planning Your Boston City Hall Elopement

Starting your ceremony earlier in the day comes with several benefits. The soft morning light casts a warm glow over City Hall, illuminating its concrete textures in a way that feels almost magical. Beyond visuals, an early start allows you and your partner to move through the city at a relaxed pace and capture the rest of your day in all of your favorite places.

It’s equally important to consider your vendors for your elopement. Small, thoughtful details can elevate a City Hall ceremony. Whether it’s a bouquet or boutonnière adding a pop of color, or attire that photographs beautifully against the rigid lines of City Hall’s architecture. As of summer 2025, I’ve partnered with Roxy at Rumphius Farms to provide handcrafted bouquets for my couples. Her work is rooted in seasonal blooms and thoughtful design, which not only creates something unique for every couple but also takes the stress out of planning florals. While they’re not required, personal flowers are included with each City Hall elopement session at no additional cost.

Around here, we like to do things a little differently. Your story doesn’t stop at City Hall. In fact, it’s not just encouraged but practically required to head out and celebrate afterward. Some couples plan a walk through Boston’s streets, while others opt for lunch at their favorite restaurant. These details don’t have to be elaborate, but they create a sense of occasion and add richness to the photographs we make together.

A Spontaneous Stroll | Boston Documentary Elopement Photography

After the ceremony, (and a brief, torrential downpour), we made our way towards the The Boston Public Garden. But first, a spontaneous stop in Beacon Hill was irresistible: the streets glimmered from the rain, and the light made every brick and corner feel cinematic. The historic cobblestone and charming façades became the perfect backdrop for a few sweet, lively moments between Jamie and Wei Wei. 

Once we found parking in the Commons, we made our way towards the Public Garden. Jamie outfit drew smiles and compliments, but it was the spark between her and Wei Wei that made the photos come alive. Beneath the weeping willows, each frame captured how they interacted, moved together, and celebrated being in the moment.

The florals told their own sweet story: Roxy’s beautiful arrangements sat alongside engagement flowers gifted from Wei Wei’s mom. The result? Two bouquets! So, both Wei Wei and Jamie carried their own. Because love doesn’t need to follow traditional rules, and neither should elopement photography.

Our initial plan was to take some photographs at the nearby Park Street T-stop, but we moved away from that idea and decided instead to enjoy more time among the ducks in the Boston Public Garden before heading back to the sweet air-conditioned comfort of their South End home.

Kind Words from Jamie & Wei Wei

“Dominique and Javi were extremely pleasant to work with and really captured some amazing pictures in different media. They did a great job guiding us on our poses and capturing the in between moments. What made the process really smooth was the great planning and coordination they brought to the actual wedding day, making sure to incorporate our favorite spots.”

Puppy Love in Boston’s South End

As we entered the second act of the elopement, we met their dachshund, Frankie.  Frankie was quite perplexed by the whirring and winding of our film cameras, but full of spirited energy and curiosity. She proved to be the perfect addition to the day’s photographs. To say Jamie and Wei Wei are Frankie fanatics would be an understatement, their home is full of Dachshund and Frankie-specific memorabilia. In their South End condo, from the living room out onto the patio, film captured the quiet, everyday moments that show who they are as a couple. These weren’t just elopement photos, but portraits of a life being built together.

In the end, we accompanied Jamie and Wei Wei to one of Jamie’s favorite places, Long Bar & Terrace at Raffles Boston, to share their first official drink as a married couple.

Final Thoughts

We believe that a City Hall elopement is just as “large” and important of a celebration as any other wedding Stepping into this next chapter of life is a celebration just as big and meaningful as any other wedding, and your elopement should reflect who you are in every sense. We pride ourselves on understanding your vision and style. When you work with us, you’re working with people who know how to bring that vision to life while making you feel like your very best selves.

Whether Boston is home or simply the destination for your vows, we’d be honored to document this chapter of your lives. Please reach out and inquire here, we’d love to hear from you.

VENDORS

Photography: Castillo Holliday Photo + Film | @castillohollidayphotoandfilm

Florist: Rumphius Farms | @rumphiusfarms

LOCATIONS

Ceremony: Boston City Hall

Bar: Long Bar & Terrace |

RESOURCES:

City of Boston: How to get married at City Hall