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London couple Fiona Evans and Josh Chan knew pretty early in their wedding planning that the typical big English celebration wasn’t for them. “We started looking at venues, and in the UK, they’re very expensive, and they have a long waiting time – 18 months to two years,” says Fiona, who works in tech. “We didn’t really fancy that.”
The more they researched, the more “detached” they felt about the idea: “We came to the conclusion that getting married was just for the two of us, and that was the most important thing,” says Josh, an engineer in the railway industry.
The couple opted for City Hall for their wedding, followed by post-nuptial photos in Chinatown and Brooklyn. They got engaged in November 2022 and planned a short trip to New York City for Josh’s birthday on April 30. As the dates approached, the concept started to crystallise: they could just get married in the Big Apple in what would be a destination elopement. “In the back of our minds, we thought it would be a great opportunity to just do it,” says Josh.
America’s biggest city didn’t hold special meaning for their relationship: they’d just been a few times and loved the place. “It’s lots of fun,” says Josh. “We just really enjoy it.”
The pair tied the knot at City Hall in May 2023, followed by several stops across Manhattan and Brooklyn. The experience was so intimate that they didn’t even tell their family or friends until they got home, invited loved ones over, and shared their American marriage certificate (which is recognised in the UK, making them married in both countries). Ahead, the newlyweds explain how they planned their nuptials, sharing their best advice for other couples considering something similar in the city that never sleeps.
Define “Your” New York City – and Avoid Clichés
Many NYC visitors are excited to snap pics at iconic locations like the Empire State Building or under the starry ceiling of Grand Central Terminal. However, Fiona and Josh wanted to ensure their wedding album reflected their unique experience rather than a series of postcards. “I had absolutely no desire to have a picture in Times Square or anything like that,” says Josh.
Instead, the couple stayed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and spent their wedding day hopping back and forth to the borough: they wed at City Hall in Manhattan, grabbed lunch in Chinatown, exchanged vows at St. Ann’s Warehouse near Brooklyn Bridge Park, enjoyed cocktails back in Williamsburg at Bar Blondeau, then headed into Manhattan for dinner.
Find a Photographer Who Specialises in Urban Settings
Once they had their plan, Fiona and Josh prioritized great photos for the day. Their research led them to Jocelyn Voo, a photographer who specializes in New York elopements. “Because she’d done hundreds, if not thousands, of weddings, Jocelyn was helpful with logistics,” says Josh. Her expertise on NYC streets allowed them to capture special spots and angles, including the skyline picture Josh wanted.
Don’t Expect Much Romance at City Hall
While they chose City Hall for its simplicity, the couple were surprised by how bureaucratic the experience felt. “It’s so unromantic that it’s funny,” says Josh. They were also amused to see couples dressed in casual attire. “If you want the romantic thing, get an officiant and do it somewhere else,” he notes.
On the bright side, New York state’s Project Cupid portal made the process straightforward; additionally, the UK recognizes marriages registered in the US, so no extra paperwork was needed when they got home.
Make Space for Touches of Home
Among all this attitude, the couple found ways to celebrate their Englishness. Fiona asked a local florist to make a bouquet with English flowers, while Josh donned an outfit by English designer Paul Smith. “In a nod to Nottingham, which was my home for several years, I went out and treated myself to a nice Paul Smith suit and trousers,” he shares.
Eat Your Way Around
Another way they acknowledged their cultures was during lunch. With Josh’s father’s family being Chinese, they walked to Chinatown after the ceremony for pork buns and photos. “Make sure you plan for snacks and food!” says Fiona, noting how hungry they found themselves throughout the day.
Leave Time to Enjoy the City Together
The newlyweds embraced the city: they visited craft breweries around Brooklyn and enjoyed a New York Mets game, contrasting it with English soccer games. “The best times were when it was just Fi and I,” Josh says. “Especially when you’re eloping, and the whole idea is that it’s a day for the two of you.”
