Start with the ceremony type.
A brief civil ceremony includes check-in, a short wait, vows, family photographs, and time in the building. A one-hour private reservation creates more control and guest scale. The reservation—not the architecture—sets the first coverage requirement.
Ninety minutes works for a focused City Hall story.
For a small civil ceremony, 90 minutes can include arrival, vows, family groups, and portraits on several floors when mobility and crowds cooperate. It is not enough for multiple neighborhoods, long transportation, or a relaxed meal.
Three hours creates a coherent second chapter.
A nearby restaurant, Chinatown walk, hotel toast, or one meaningful neighborhood can extend the day without making it feel like a full wedding production. Keep the route simple and let travel become part of the story.
Use half-day coverage when guests and a celebration matter.
Getting ready, more family, an outfit change, reception, speeches, or dinner need room. A small guest count does not make those relationships less important. Choose coverage by narrative chapters, not by whether the ceremony is called an elopement.
