ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PLANNING A
NYC WEDDING
NEW YORK CITY WEDDING GUIDE
My name is Lukas, I am an elopement and wedding photographer. Ever since I visited New York for the first time, I had a deep connection with the city. It has been an absolute blast to work with amazing wedding couples and capture their love stories in New York City.
I created this wedding guide for all of you to give you a jumpstart when planning your wedding there. As one of the most vibrant cities on earth, there are so many things you need to know of you have never been there before.
Scroll down and learn all you need to know about your future New York City wedding.
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO
GET MARRIED IN NEW YORK CITY ?
New York City is a romantic and energetic metropolis with countless wedding venues and high-rise views. If you are looking for one of the most vibrant places on earth, New York City is the perfect choice for your wedding or elopement.
Hosting a wedding in New York City also gives you access to everything the city has to offer, from top of the class dining experiences, trendy nightlife options, to easy public transportation or top wedding planners and florists.
You can find anything from sprawling industrial lofts, intimate restaurants with cozy backyards, to iconic public buildings and so much more.
THE BEST WEDDING VENUES IN NEW YORK CITY
GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Gramercy Oark offers wedding spaces for intimate and romantic weddings. Their 18th century Gramercy Terrace features interior salons with 20th century artwork and a rooftop with an exterior garden area.
It is a perfect indoor and outdoor location with fully weatherized retractable glass and views of Manhattan.
This stunning wedding venue can host weddings with up to 120 guests for a seated ceremony or 160 guests for a cocktail-styled ceremony.
The Gramercy opens again soon!
1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
This Brooklyn Bridge waterfront retreat offers you and your wedding guests expansive views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. No matter what size of wedding you are planning, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge probably has a perfect space for you.
The Meadow Rue is perfect for up to 300 guests and has a dance floor, the Blue Wood Aster features floor-to-ceiling windows that open towards the East River and accommodates up to 120 guests, and their Rooftop is perfect for outdoor weddings with a view of the Manhattan skyline.
They also offer catering and special packages, such as private yoga sessions for your bridal party, a special blessing ceremony, or a farewell breakfast
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN
GARDEN WEDDING VENUE
The New York Botanical Garden is located in the heart if the Bronx, New York. This National Historic Landmark provides a scenic backdrop for weddings all year round. The pristine gardens, and elegant event spaces are a perfect option for a tranquil atmosphere amid New York City’s hustle and bustle.
You can enjoy an open-ceremony in the garden or rent the Garden Terrace Room as an indoor option. Other venues at the Botanical garden are the Stone Mill, the Hudson Garden Grill or the Conservatory.
Whatever season you choose to exchange vows, the venues flowers will enchant you. You can host weddings with up to 300 guests there.
DOBBIN ST
WILLIAMSBURG WEDDING VENUE
The Gramercy Oark offers wedding spaces for intimate and romantic weddings. Their 18th century Gramercy Terrace features interior salons with 20th century artwork and a rooftop with an exterior garden area.
It is a perfect indoor and outdoor location with fully weatherized retractable glass and views of Manhattan.
This stunning wedding venue can host weddings with up to 120 guests for a seated ceremony or 160 guests for a cocktail-styled ceremony.
The Gramercy opens again soon!
HOUSTON HALL
BEER HALL
The Houston Hall is a hidden gem in New York City and perfect for wedding couples who don’t want the traditional hotel or ballroom venue.
This charming venue features high ceilings, exposed brick walls and skylights. You can get ready at the spacious, private dressing room that overlooks the hall.
The Houston Hall can accommodate up to 200 seated guests and its West village location is easy to reach for out-of town guests.
The natural lighting of the 5 skylights is perfect for stunning wedding photos.
TRIBECCA ROOFTOP
ROOFTOP WEDDING VENUE
Tribeca Rooftop is a premier event space that offers a unique blend of industrial chic and modern elegance, located in the trendy Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. Housed in a 1920s printing press building, this venue features cobblestone streets, a spacious interior, and an expansive glass atrium, making it an ideal choice for a memorable and personalized wedding atmosphere.
The venue boasts a 14,000 sq ft rooftop terrace for ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and pre-event photos, providing spectacular city views.
An additional 15,000 sq ft of interior event space can be customized to meet specific event needs, accommodating various wedding sizes and styles.
CAN YOU LEGALLY GET MARRIED IN NEW YORK CITY?
GETTING MARRIED IN New york city IS EASY for foreigners and non-US citizens.As a non-U.S. citizen, there are around 4 easy steps to follow for a smooth wedding in New York City.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GET MARRIED IN NEW YORK CITY?
THE MONTHS OF SPRING
THE BEAUTY OF THE CHERRY BLOSSOM TREES
If you want to avoid big crowds and love the feeling of spring, then late March is a good time for planning your big day.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Central Park are especially stunning with their blooming of cherry blossom trees during late March and April.
You can also enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade at Fifth Avenue around mid-March.
Make sure to book an indoor location for your wedding day in spring, because it usually rains for around 7 to 8 days a month.
THE MONTHS OF SUMMER
THE BEAUTY OF PLENTY OF SUNSHINE
If you love lots of sunshine and warm summer nights, you should definitely plan your New York City wedding in summer.
June, July and August are perfect months for a late-night outdoor dance party.
You can enjoy the annual Pride parade during late June and music festivals all summer long.
The weather is quite sunny, but it can rain up to 8 days a month, so make sure to have an indoor location as a backup on your wedding day.
THE MONTHS OF FALL
THE BEAUTY OF AUTUMNAL COLORS
Fall in New York City is a good season for a wedding as it offers mild, comfortable temperatures, little rain and autumnal colors.
September, October and November are also known to be less touristy than the summer months, which makes photographing at iconic locations way easier.
These months are popular for marathon events and the New York Fashion week.
THE MONTHS OF WINTER
THE BEAUTY OF CHRISTMAS MAGIC
The winter months are perfect if you want wedding photos in a blanket of snow. This season is also less crowded and you can enjoy the Christmas decor all over the city during December.
Make sure to plan your ceremony early in the evening, as the days are shorter in the winter. You can enjoy the Bryant Park Winter Village, the Rockefeller tree lighting, the New Year’s Eve ball drop, SantaCon and the New York Fashion Week during this time.
It can rain up to 8 days a month, and together with low temperatures, we recommend an indoor wedding venue.
HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING IN NEW YORK CITY COST?
A wedding in New York City can vary widely in cost depending on a number of factors like the venue, guest count, and the level of luxury you’re aiming for. On average, though, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000. High-end weddings at iconic venues like The Plaza or the Metropolitan Club can easily exceed $100,000, while more intimate celebrations or elopements can be done for much less. The city offers a range of options, so whether you’re looking for something grand or more understated, you can find something that fits your budget.
THE BEST WEDDING PLANNERS IN NEW YORK CITY
A TAYLORED AFFAIR
A Tailored Affair is an event planning company that is based in New York. Taylor, the founder of the company, has a unique knack for relating with her clients. She is always on the hunt for new hot spots and hidden gems. Taylor and her team can help you with absolutely everything from site selection and budgeting to menu planning.
EVENTS BY JESSE
Events by Jesse is an event company founded by Jesse Ring, that offers full and partial wedding planning. Whether you have already booked some vendors for your big day or you don’t know where to start yet, Jesse and her team love to bring your unique vision to live.
MIXED COMPANY NYC
Tara and her team love to do it all: from coordinating vendors and deadlines to graphic design and stationery. The Mixed Company will create an exceptional experience on your wedding day, no matter how small or big your wedding is. You want your big day to run seamlessly and carefree? Then you can count on Tara’s 15 years of experience in creative direction, branding and managing events.
THE PRIVILEGE IS MINE
The Privilege Is Mine is an alternative wedding planning collective of minds thinking out of the box. Their idea of your big day is that is does not need to be intimidating or traditional, but rather a celebration of the alternative and the unique ideas. They love to bring creativity and a touch of edge to your wedding day.
WHAT DOES A WEDDING PLANNER IN NYC DO?
A wedding planner in New York City is your ultimate guide to creating the wedding of your dreams, tailored to the city’s fast-paced and vibrant lifestyle. They handle everything from securing top-tier venues to coordinating with elite vendors, ensuring that every detail is executed flawlessly.
With their deep knowledge of the city’s wedding scene, they can navigate the complexities of New York logistics, like transportation and permits, making your planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re looking for a grand event or an intimate celebration, a skilled NYC wedding planner turns your vision into reality, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your big day without the usual stress.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY NYC
