Instead of waiting months for their long anticipated wedding, Ben and Leslie (our favorite spontaneous duo) decided to have the wedding right then and there at a gala surround by everyone in Pawnee. As an obsessed Parks and Recreation fan I can’t help but swoon over Leslie’s gown (cobbled together last minute by Leslie’s best friend and beautiful tropical fish, Ann Perkins). The makeshift wedding dress was covered in memos, documents, and newspaper articles from Leslie’s career (I’m tearing up just thinking about it!) and it definitely stole the show!

Photo: AmyPop.tumblr.com

I won’t spoil ALL of the crazy antics that went down, but the couple ended up getting married at Leslie’s favorite place in the world, Pawnee City Hall. Trust us, that was an Emmy-worthy performance!

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Intimate elopement + the most romantic city in the world combines to create this lovely wedding video!

Video by Duncan Wolfe

> New wedding trend: Elope now, party later?

> Planning a wedding — fast? Make sure you don’t miss any to-dos with our planning checklist

Marry him before the end of time! Kidding of course. It may be a little late to get your marriage certificate today before the end of the Mayan calendar — but there’s nothing more romantic than a spontaneous city hall elopement. Here, a few of our favorites!

Top left and top right: Jennie & Enrique’s New York City elopement; Top middle, bottom right: Melanie & Kevin’s San Francisco elopement; Bottom left and bottom middle: Leslie & Gary’s San Francisco’s elopement

> 7 Wedding-Worthy Courthouses and City Halls!

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The New York Times recently published a piece about what may be a new trend in weddings: couples who elope, then celebrate with a reception-like party afterward.

The story unpacks the pros and cons of eloping — on the plus side, elopement are quick and easy, generally cost less than a traditional wedding, and suit couples looking for a more private way to say “I do.” But you’ll also have to deal with disappointed family members who might feel cheated out of a celebration.

This “elope now, party later” idea might be the perfect compromise. The couple gets the secluded ceremony they crave (or can afford), and they can host a more laid-back party or even let friends and family throw a get-together for them. Would you consider eloping, then celebrating after the fact? Do you have any friends who’ve gotten hitched this way? Let us know how it went in the comments!

> Are you eloping? Here’s how to word your party invitations

> Planning a wedding — fast? Make sure you don’t miss any to-dos with our planning checklist