I could not believe what I saw when I entered the building at 141 Worth street around the corner from the imposing Supreme Court stairs. The wedding bureau has moved from its earlier location at City Hall and has changed appearances. It is now much more appealing than before - and getting married here could very well be the next COOL wedding choice for the modern New Yorker. The surroundings really fit the new vintage wedding trend, and I decided on the spot there and then that I, or rather we, would have to retake our vows in order for me to look like a 40's diva like that in a place like this!
http://www.reseguiden.se/forum/bilder/271447
The waiting hall consists of a narrow strech of an art deco corridor complete with chandeliers and long leather sofas where the possible wedding posse can relax while they wait for their couples' turn. The powder room is a flutter of brides in various stages of fancy dress, some dressed to the nines and others in jeans and the old tee. There is also a shoppe in middle of the corridor where some last minute purchases can be made, like a wedding bouquet or the quintessential wedding band.
Before you arrive you have to apply for a licence 24 hours in advance, but that can be done online. Most couples just line up in front of the reception desk, papers in hand, to get a number and then hang around to wait for their turn. When you number is called you show up at the assigned desk to ID yourself and sign the documents. Then you wait for your number to be called again, but this time it is for one of the two wedding chapels complete with artwork and wedding official.
After the one minute plus ceremony, depending on how much you are prepared to promise you future spouse, you are free to line up for the last time. This time to have your pictures taken by friends and family in front of the photo mural depicting the very building you are in, although under perfect photo and weather conditions.
The great corridor was the best experience and it immediately made for some heavy speculation on possible reasons for marriage. There was the obvious knocked up bride, the not so amused hubby to be, the older, suave salsa couple with oh, so perfect gardenias, and the decidedly fat bride with pug face and an absolutely exhilarated new husband. So many couples, so many questions. Let me tell you, it was better than a lot movies I have been to recently. The experience definitely made me wonder about a lot of things, and it still does!
