How to book your Hartford City Hall Elopement

A bride and groom before their Hartford City Hall elopement by the iconic staircase with stunning afternoon light.
Hartford City Hall elopement by the iconic staircase with stunning afternoon light

Looking to elope in Hartford CT? Let’s Go!

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, no-fuss wedding in the heart of Hartford CT, eloping at Hartford City Hall might be exactly what you’re looking for. There’s something special about saying your vows in a place that blends history, architecture, and let’s be real- that absolutely MAGNIFICENT staircase! Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your closest people, an elopement here is about what truly matters—your love, your commitment, and the moments that make it real.

A couple poses on the iconic staircase before their Hartford City Hall elopement
A couple takes a breath before their Hartford City Hall elopement in a colorful red dress

As a Hartford native and professional elopement photographer, I know this city inside and out. I know the best times to catch that beautiful natural light streaming through the grand windows of City Hall. I know the quiet corners for a quick moment alone, just the two of you, before heading out to celebrate. I also know how to capture it all in a way that feels like you—true-to-color, natural, and full of joy!

A couple kisses on the steps before their Hartford City Hall elopement

A couple kisses in the gold revolving doors after their elopement at Hartford City Hall in Hartford CT

Why Choose Hartford City Hall for Your Elopement?

Your Hartford City Hall elopement, at Hartford City Hall is a hidden gem for couples who want a stress-free yet absolutely beautiful place to get married. The building itself is stunning, with its marble staircases, arched hallways, and classic architectural details that make for absolutely iconic photos. Whether you’re envisioning a simple civil ceremony or something with a bit more flair, Hartford City Hall gives you the perfect mix of elegance and intimacy.

A couple poses for photos before their Hartford City Hall elopement

Another perk? You’re steps away from some of Hartford’s best photo spots. Calder’s Stegosaurus sculpture, The Wadsworth Atheneum and even some of the city’s charming streets like Pratt Street can add variety to your gallery. And if you’re looking to celebrate after, there are fantastic restaurants and cozy spots for a toast just around the corner. I am super happy to recommend some spots based on what you like!

Two brides walk towards The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford before their Hartford City Hall elopement

Calder’s famous Stagosaurus sculpture is one of my favorite art pieces in Hartford!

Two brides do their first look under Calder's Stegosaurus sculpture before their Hartford City Hall elopement

Stop into the famous Hartford Prints! shop on the iconic Pratt Street, which is closed to traffic and a really great spot for photos!

A couple poses with an ornament of Calder's Stegosaurus sculpture in Hartford Prints! after their Hartford City Hall elopement.

Pratt Street at night is a wonderful spot for wedding photos!

A couple dips and dances in their wedding clothes  on Pratt Street in Hartford after their Hartford City Hall elopement

The iconic doors of the old Society for Savings Bank / The Society Room of Hartford are amazing for photos as well!

Pratt Street in Hartford is a great spot for wedding photos after your Hartford City Hall elopement

The True-to-Color Difference

If you’re someone who loves the way things really look—the deep greens of Bushnell Park, the soft gold of afternoon light bouncing off the Gold Building that’s right down the street, the vibrant colors of a bouquet—then true-to-color photography is probably what you’re after. I believe in capturing your elopement exactly as it is, with colors that feel natural and honest. No trendy filters, no washed-out tones—just you, your day, and the colors looking like the way you had planned them to be! Not sure what true to color editing looks like? Just take a peek at the photos here, all over my website and my socials. They are edited to represent the way YOU want your colors to look!

A couple kisses outside the iconic Hartford City Hall elopement with the beautiful checkered floor
A bride smiles for her photo at The Goodwin Hotel in Hartford CT before her Hartford City Hall elopement
A couple poses for a photo during their Hartford City Hall elopement with a true to color editing style that showcases the Calder Stagosaurus sculpture
A bride and groom exchange their vows at their elopement ceremony in Hartford City Hall in Hartford CT.
A bride shares a dance with her father after her elopement at Hartford City Hall in Hartford CT.

Let’s Make It Easy

Eloping should be simple and joyful, and I’m here to help make it that way. From knowing the best spots to take photos to offering guidance on timing and logistics, I bring not just my camera but also my experience as a Hartford local to help you plan your elopement.

If you’re planning a Hartford City Hall elopement and looking for a photographer who gets the city, values natural and joyful photography, and wants you to feel comfortable in front of the camera, let’s connect. Your elopement deserves to be documented in a way that feels true to you—real, vibrant, and full of life.

Next Steps:

Here is the link to book via Hartford City Hall: BOOK HARTFORD CITY HALL FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

Important info for you to know:

  • Wedding/Elopement applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event.
  • Photoshoot applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event.
  • Maximum capacity for ANY event is 200 people.

HOT TIP: If you are having a small elopement, you might not need to rent Hartford City Hall for more than an hour, and an application for photos only might be what you need! Not sure? Let’s talk! You can email me at carla@carlateneyck.com and we can talk more about how to move forward with your elopement.

SUPER HOT PLANNING TIP:

Planning your elopement in the late fall to early spring? (November – April) You can’t access Hartford City Hall until after 5:00 PM weekdays, so it will be DARK- NO NATURAL LIGHT AT ALL. If the photos you have been drooling over on Pinterest have been natural light, then this might not be ideal for you!

Here are some photos that would look aligned with an evening session at Hartford City Hall:

A bride and groom celebrates after their Hartford City Hall elopement with an editorial style photo
A bride and groom kiss by the gold elevators at their Hartford City Hall elopement, in Hartford CT

The solution?

Book a weekend, problem solved! Then you can get this absolutely GLORIOUS light!

A bride and groom snuggle on the front steps of the iconic Hartford City Hall after their elopement in Hartford CT.
Two grooms snuggle to keep warm outside Hartford City Hall after their elopement in Hartford CT.
A groom dips his bride in front of the iconic gold doors after their elopement at Hartford City Hall in Hartford CT.

Venue: Hartford City Hall, Hartford CT

Getting ready venue: The Goodwin Hotel, Hartford CT

To see more blog posts featuring micro weddings and elopements from Hartford CT wedding and elopement photographer Carla Ten Eyck click the links below:

Carla’s Hartford City Hall Gallery

M + J’s Hartford City Hall Elopement

T + B’s Downtown Hartford Engagement Session

Two Grooms Marry at Hartford City Hall

A + M’s Winter Downtown Hartford City Hall Elopement

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