Intimate Albany Elopement at City Hall | Shannon & Josh

Courtney Stannard Photography Portfolio

A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.

The First Look at Albany City Hall

On August 14, 2024, I photographed Shannon and Josh’s intimate Albany elopement in the heart of Upstate New York. Their day centered around a first look at Albany City Hall, a small ceremony with family and friends, and relaxed portraits throughout downtown Albany—proof that elopements can be both meaningful and beautifully simple.

Their elopement wasn’t about spectacle. It was about presence. About slowing down, choosing meaning, and celebrating their relationship in a way that felt true to them.

Shannon and Josh chose Albany City Hall for their first look, and it couldn’t have been more fitting. There’s something grounding about that space—historic, understated, quietly powerful—that mirrored the tone of their day perfectly.

The moment they saw each other was soft and emotional in the best way. Josh’s face lit up instantly, the kind of reaction you can’t plan or stage. There were smiles, happy tears, and that unmistakable feeling of this is it. I focused on letting the moment unfold naturally, capturing the subtle expressions and in-between glances that tell the real story.

A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.

An Intimate Ceremony in the Park

After their first look, Shannon and Josh were joined by their closest friends and family for a small ceremony in the park just across from City Hall—Washington Park.

The ceremony was simple, heartfelt, and full of meaning. Surrounded by the people who matter most to them, Shannon and Josh exchanged vows and officially began their marriage. It felt relaxed and grounded, the kind of ceremony where everyone present is truly there—no distractions, just connection.

Choosing a public park for their ceremony allowed Shannon and Josh to keep the day relaxed and accessible while still feeling intentional. For couples planning an elopement in Albany, this kind of setting offers flexibility, natural beauty, and a sense of calm right in the city.

Making It Official (From the Hallway)

Following the ceremony, we returned to City Hall so Shannon and Josh could sign their marriage documents. While I wasn’t permitted inside the room, I couldn’t bring myself to miss the moment entirely. Through the window in the door, I captured a few quiet frames—shared smiles, exchanged words, and that calm exhale that comes with we’re married.

Those images ended up being some of my favorites from the day. Proof that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen quietly, just out of view.

A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.

One of the highlights of the day was wandering through the streets of downtown Albany for portraits. The city’s historic architecture and understated charm made for a beautiful, timeless backdrop

Shannon and Josh were completely at ease—laughing, holding hands, moving through the city like the rest of the world had briefly paused just for them. Their connection felt effortless, and it showed in every frame. These are the moments I love most: unhurried, honest, and full of warmth.

A Cozy Celebration at Rosanna’s on Dove Street

To close out their day, Shannon and Josh gathered with friends and family for dinner at Rosanna’s on Dove Street. The restaurant’s cozy, eclectic atmosphere was the perfect match for their intimate celebration.

Good food, easy conversation, laughter filling the room—it was exactly how their day deserved to end. A relaxed, joyful evening surrounded by the people they love most.

A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.

Shannon and Josh’s Albany elopement was a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t need to be big to be meaningful. With intentional choices, a few deeply loved people, and space to truly experience the day, their celebration felt timeless and genuine—start to finish.

A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.
A heartfelt Albany City Hall elopement with a summer first look, park ceremony, downtown Albany portraits, and an intimate dinner celebration.

If you’re planning an intimate wedding or elopement in Albany or anywhere in Upstate New York and want your day documented in a way that feels honest, relaxed, and artful, I’d love to connect. Elopements don’t have to be rushed or impersonal—they can be deeply meaningful, slow, and centered on what matters most to you.

Planning an Elopement in Albany, New York

Is Albany City Hall a good place for an elopement?
Yes—Albany City Hall is ideal for couples who want a simple, meaningful setting with historic architecture and easy access to downtown portrait locations.

Can you have an outdoor ceremony near Albany City Hall?
Many couples choose nearby parks for a small ceremony, making it easy to combine multiple locations without stress.

Upstate New York Photographer | Courtney Stannard Photography

I document life, love, and the quiet in-between moments with intention, honesty, and heart. Based in Upstate New York, my work blends moody, vibrant storytelling with a deeply personal approach—creating space for you to be fully yourself in front of the camera. My goal is simple: to make images that feel true to who you are, not who you think you’re supposed to be. Let’s make something meaningful together.
Inquire about your date here.

Vendors: 

Ceremony: Albany City Hall | Dinner: Rosanna’s | Hair: Anna Largeteau | Makeup: Elizabeth Sommers | Dress: Anthropologie | Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

creative sessions

weddings & elopements

couples

browse by gallery types

lifestyle

I'd be honored to tell your authentic beautiful story

let's Tell the damn story

what's the difference between hiring me and another photographer?

I actually give a shit!!

I care about you, I care about your life and who you are. I don't want to make false photos about what you, your life and your love look like. I want to emphasize the RAW, the REAL, and the AUTHENTIC. And I promise to give you that side of me as well.

Services & Pricing info

are you searching for a photographer? look no further!