The Experience—
and how to make it yours
CHOOSING BETWEEN MANHATTAN OR BROOKLYN?
MANHATTAN: Much like the boroughs themselves, Manhattan is the more crowded location of the two. Though the energy inside is as intoxicating inside as it is outside, it can feel a little overwhelming at peak times. If you plan on bringing a large party with you, you may want to consider that the ceremony rooms are smaller in Manhattan than they are in Brooklyn. I love the green couches inside and find the quirky details of this older building very charming, and it definitely feels less like a government office and more like a destination than Brooklyn Borough Hall.
BROOKLYN: Brooklyn Borough Hall is quieter than Manhattan, and the room where your ceremony occurs is beautiful, holds 30 people, and features a stained glass backdrop. You can expect less overall crowding from Brooklyn Borough Hall, with equally beautiful scenery outside the building for portraits. There is often little to no wait at this location, so I typically spend more time taking portraits around the neighborhood than we do inside the building. Nearby to DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Promenade, which are popular destinations for portraits.
I love New York City Hall the way Leslie Knope loves the Pawnee Parks Department.
Meet Max, Your Photographer
A bit of a walking paradox, I feel just as comfortable shopping on 5th Ave as I do binging at a suburban Waffle House after midnight. Raised in Kansas, I traveled the world before "settling down" in NYC a short three years ago and starting Max McQueen Photo. The city has given me everything I was looking for - a chance to be free and creative and find others who think outside the box. I love it here.
Frequently asked questions
HOW LONG WILL THE PROCESS TAKE? On an average Friday, you can expect to spend anywhere from 1-2 hours inside the city clerk's office. If you go on a different weekday or very first thing in the morning, my record time in and out with a couple was 30 mins! Manhattan is almost always a longer wait than Brooklyn.
CAN I TAKE PORTRAITS IN ANOTHER LOCATION AFTER MY CEREMONY? Short answer: yes. Long answer, it depends on where that other location is! If you have a specific location in mind for your portraits, please let me know in your inquiry form and I'll let you know what we can do.
HOW FAST WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS? You will receive 15-25 sneak peek photos the same day as your wedding (share the news with friends and family!), and the rest will be delivered within 1 week. Yes, really! It's a fast paced city and I work fast.
WILL I RECEIVE ALL OF THE PHOTOS? All the good ones! I deliver a minimum of 60 edited photos per hour of shooting time in a personalized online gallery.
DO YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR FLORISTS AND RECEPTION SPACES IN THE AREA? Yes I do! Check out my "Recommended Vendors" and "Around the Neighborhood" pages.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING? As few as zero (I'll be your witness, free of charge), and as many as 25 is what I recommend. Past that, I recommend hosting a celebratory brunch or evening reception instead.
HOW EARLY SHOULD WE ARRIVE? Typically, you can beat the Friday rush at the marriage bureau by arriving early in the day. 8:45-9am is a good time to aim for.
WILL YOU SHOOT MY ELOPEMENT IF IT'S NOT AT CITY HALL? Absolutely! I shoot elopements all over New York City and the surrounding boroughs.
WHAT IF I HAVE TO RESCHEDULE? Sometimes it takes a few dates before one sticks. If your wedding is rescheduled due to COVID-19, your retainer is transferable to your new date (as long as I'm not previously booked). If you are concerned about this being a possibility, please include a date and a backup date in your inquiry form.
WHAT IF I'M SHY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA? So am I! You aren't the only one. I'll walk you through *everything* and I make it my goal to set everyone at ease from the very start.
WILL YOU TRAVEL FOR MY ELOPEMENT? Yes! I have travel packages available for elopements all over the country. I'd love to photograph one in San Francisco!
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Max McQueen Photo was built to bring a fresh, modern, and inclusive experience to the wedding industry and I like working with couples who share the same values. I believe that all love is equal and deserves to be celebrated. I'm a feminist, a proud ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and a white woman who wants to do better.
