Tiny and inexpensive wedding ideas for Christmas? (New York, Albany: city hall, rent)

[PeaG]

My boyfriend and I have decided to create a shotgun-style mini-wedding for ourselves this Christmas, now that we're expecting a baby. We're both originally from Upstate New York and all of our immediate family is there, so we figured we would do an immediate-family-only type deal (about 10-15 people). We want to spend minimal money. We will dress up, but probably not in wedding garb, just pretty clothes that we like.

Right now we're leaning toward a city hall ceremony, but could be convinced of a Justice of the Peace type deal in a cool setting if it didn't cost too much. We're thinking afterward we could all go to dinner someplace, followed, perhaps, by carriage rides in Washington Park to see the lights displays.

So, my questions:

Which city in the Albany area has the prettiest city hall? Bonus if it's well decorated for Christmas as that will make the pictures nicer.

Where would be a lovely place for dinner following the "ceremony?" Ideally it would have a small private dining room, or we could even rent out the whole thing...but taking reservations for a large party would be fine, too. A fireplace or other type of cozy winter feature would be a bonus.

Is the Lights in the Park display in Washington Park worth it?

Any other ideas?

Thanks so much!

-Soon to married AND a mama!

[averillparkre]

I will brain storm on this - but wanted to say Congrats! I got married last month by a friend who is also a minister and I am also expecting!

[PeaG]

Thanks! We've been together for 13 years, so the wedding is really just a formality/practicality at this point (I'm going to jump on his health insurance). It will be nice to grow up and stop saying "my boyfriend," though, especially now that he'll be my baby's father. And we're ecstatic about the baby. Our due date is June 1st.

[Ellwood]

Lake George Weddings

They handle small weddings in addition to large ones. Located in Lake George.

[piperspal]

PeaG, Congratulations!

There will be a lot of spots for the holidays that will be looking good. Just check with the city offices to confirm days & times - the economy has forced a lot of municipalities to scale back the # of hours they leave the lights going. The state capital in Albany is spitting distance from city hall & lots of people pose for pictures on the front steps - it makes for a striking photo.

Washington Park does look pretty...but the lights in the park are more child-like than they are what I would picture for the background of a wedding event. The Lake House in the park however, does end up looking very festive.

Both Saratoga Springs & Troy really do up their downtown streets for a Victorian Stroll. Lots of fun, free events up & down the streets, the windows look magical, it's like stepping back in time. Plus there are loads of restaurants to choose from.

I agree with the above poster about Lake George - if that's not too far for you to drive, there are some really nice inns where you could have everything under one roof. Also, south of Albany, lots of cool towns like Greenville & Rhinebeck, Millbrook, etc. have neat little Inn/Restaurant spots.

I would go to the IloveNY website - I think it's still around - & see what various venues are offering.

[Pat_Jennings]

So, is there a URL we can go and see the pictures. Which city hall did you end up getting married in.