Places to Get Married in New York City
One of the most important things to consider when planning an elopement is: which place to choose for your ceremony venue?
Do you want a high end venue space or a budget friendly one? Do you want your ceremony in an indoor or outdoor location? And, do you need a large space to accommodate a long guest list or will your affair be a smaller, more private one?
Given the endless options for event spaces in New York City, choosing the right one might at first seem like a daunting task—how do you know if the space will be right for you?
But no worries! If you book a package with us—we’re happy to assist you in choosing the location that will fit you best!
Getting married in New York City sounds like a dream. And we are proud to say, this city is definitely unique and majestic. New York is a mysterious land that everyone wants to visit. Magnificent skyscrapers and modern shopping plazas abound as do old European style structures and cobblestone paved streets. This city has so many different neighborhoods, all with unique character, and boroughs that make each section of the city you enter special.
Here you can meet people from all over the world and feel the spirit of New York, which is a feeling you will never forget once you’ve experienced it. New York is a city that lives its own life and that has been made memorable in so many ways through well-known shows and films.
Most importantly, however, New York is a place that welcomes anyone who has ever landed here. More than anything, New York is a city of superlatives, the place where the brightest and the most hard-working come to flourish. It is also perhaps the one city that in reality looks better than on postcards. And, this is why we believe this city is one of the best places in the world for getting married. From charming Old World spots in Central Park to futuristic looking rooftops in Midtown Manhattan, nowhere else offers such a diversity of places for formal events.
Let’s now see what the best places to get married in New York City are.
CENTRAL PARK
This park, which is roughly the size of Monaco, spans from 59th St at Central Park South all the way to 110th Street at Central Park North and from Central Park West on one side to Fifth Avenue on the other. It is also a top choice for many people to get married at. From the simple elopement to the massive ceremony, this park can accommodate any style of wedding you choose. For generations, this park has also been a place where countless souls have come to be united at.
Notable iconic spots in the Park that we love include the classically designed Bethesda Plaza and the beautiful Bow Bridge near 74th Street. Beautiful gardens, wooden gazebos, romantic bridges, tranquil lakes and grassy lawns also fill the park, which makes it no wonder that this park is one of the most popular places to get married in New York City at. And, the park is not only a popular choice for ceremonies but many people also choose this place for proposals and dating.
Different seasons also make the park feel special at different times. While late summer and early fall are some of the more popular times to visit here, we think that one of the most exciting times to visit the park is the blooming season. In the springtime, for example, from April to May, the Sakura or Japanese cherry blossom tree attracts nature lovers from all over the world - and, it's easy to see why, as the splendor of their blooms is as stunning as it is explosive. Symbolic of the fleeting nature of life, the sakura tree season is a short-lived one - and, usually these trees leave a blanket of pink and white petals at their bases within days of their blooming. But the sakura tree is not the only special kind of tree in Central Park. For many New Yorkers, it is only officially springtime when the magnolia trees start to change here. The aromatic flowers of these trees vary in color based on their species but they are generally pink, magenta, or white and, as they are spread throughout the park, you will not miss them when spring begins.
Additionally, there are so many other types of beautiful flowers in the park; and, if you ever imagined yourself getting married in a romantic garden setting, then please think about doing your special event in either the Shakespeare Garden or the Conservatory Garden. These places are both filled with an abundance of colorful flora during the spring and summer seasons. They are also both exceptionally well maintained, given the care the Central Park Conservatory team puts into their upkeep. Additionally, there is an old castle located right up a pathway from the Shakespeare Garden that we believe is always a great place to visit.
Given that Central Park changes so much by season, we know that at different times of year a different part of the park might appeal more to you for your special day - and, we at Perfect Wedding NYC, are always here to help you to find that perfect place for your event. What is more is that we are not just a seasonal company but we work year round and would be happy to schedule your special ceremony there any time of year.
Cop Cot
Cop Cot, which is located on the crest of a hill, consists of a large gazebo that offers a relatively generous seating capacity for guests (up to 50). This shelter was designed as a reproduction of similar structures that were once common in the park a century ago; and, because it is made of a natural wood, this structure provides not only an open and airy feeling for events, but also light protection from the elements. Given its location near Central Park South, Cop Cot is also a good location to book if you are planning on bringing extra props to your event - or, if you may have guests coming who would have trouble accessing some of the park’s more hidden locations.
Location: near the park entrance at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue
Guest Capacity: 60
Dene Summerhouse
The Dene Summerhouse makes a great location for anyone looking for a cozy rustic atmosphere. This location is a top choice for anyone looking to have a medium sized wedding in a picturesque place, not far from the park’s entrance and with possibility to seat some of your guests. The gazebo will also provide light protection from the elements if needed—and, its location on the East Side makes it a perfect one to choose for any guests who are planning to hold private receptions at East Side venues after or take some iconic streets shots with Madison Avenue’s perspective and brownstones.
While this location will be a beautiful one in the spring, summer or fall months, it can also be an equally scenic one to visit or hold events at in the winter when the trees become bare (because the whole cityscape is clearly seen through from the hill).
(Special note: this is where Perfect Wedding NYC company founders, Marta and Vlad, chose to hold their own rustic-chic wedding at!)
Location: close to the park entrance at 69th Street & Fifth Ave
Guest Capacity: 25
Ladies Pavilion
The Ladies Pavilion is an elegant Victorian structure located on the top of a promontory near the lake in the middle of the park. This historic structure, which was moved from another park location to its current one more than a century ago, can give you privacy for any intimate wedding event you may want to have. The pavilion also provides protection from any inclement weather that might occur, however, it can’t fit many people under the roof - usually, only the couple and officiant stay inside for the ceremony, while the guests (if any) are watching from the outside.
Location is easy to found within the park, though it may get quite crowded especially in the afternoon on weekends, so if privacy is your first priority, we recommend to choose a different time of the week or a different location.
Location: near the park’s entrance at W 77 Street & Central Park West
Guest Capacity: 25 (outside, in front of the pavilion)
Wagner Cove
Wagner Cove, one of Central Park’s little treasures, is a quaint little gazebo located on the Lake. It provides a private, intimate area for wedding with little to no guests. The cove here is tucked away close to the edge of The Lake by The Ramble at W 72nd Street, and features a small rustic gazebo-like shelter with two small benches. This picturesque place makes a perfect venue for intimate elopements where privacy is the main priority and even provides a light shelter from the elements.
Keep in mind, that in order to get to the gazebo, 7 min walk inside of the park and passing fairly steep staircase is required.
Location: close to the park entrance at 72nd Street & Central Park West
Guest Capacity: 15
Belvedere Castle Terrace
Located on the top of Vista Rock, this structure offers visitors panoramic views of the Great Lawn of the Park.
Weddings are not permitted in the castle itself but they can take place on the terrace here, where wooden roof provides protection from the elements.
The venue does not provide seating arrangements or privacy (as park visitors are always attracted by the castle and will be excited to witness your event on top of their visit).
It is also important to mention that in order to get to the Castle/Terrace, steep walk up the hill/walk up the staircase is required.
Location: close to the park entrance at 81st Street & Central Park West
Guest Capacity: 25
Bethesda Fountain Terrace
The Bethesda Fountain Terrace is a formidable landmark located right in the heart of the park. Under the terrace, you can also reach the arcade, a space that is decorated in elaborate mosaic tiles. If you decide to do your ceremony here, you can get married either by the fountain or under the terrace passageway (recommended to avoid harsh lighting and strangers on the background on your photos) - just as Blair and Chuck did in Gossip Girl!
Just beware: even though this location can make a beautiful one for wedding ceremonies, it is also a popular one for tourists, visitors and park performers, so in case privacy is important to you, this wedding venue would work only very early in the morning.
Bethesda Terrace is the ultimate “backup plan” in case of rain - this is where dozens of our couples found relief on their wedding day when it was raining - they could enjoy all the professional services in the best possible way.
Location: mid-park close to the 72nd Street entrances
Western Shore Boat Landing
Picturesque and intimate spot with a great view of the iconic Bow bridge, this location is standing on the lake, offering not only coverage from rain, but also 2 benches, where you can place some props, a cake or a ring box.
This wedding ceremony venue looks especially beautiful during foliage season, when the colors of the park reflect in the lake’s surface like in the mirror.
Guests Capacity: 20
Location: equally close to the park’s entrances at W 77 street and W 72 street
Shakespeare Garden
The Shakespeare Garden in Central Park is where you will find winding pathways, decorative benches, and ornate bushes - that in the right seasons will even sprout some of the same flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s texts! The atmosphere here is evocative of the English countryside and can make an idyllic place for you and your partner to give your vows at!
Downsides: not the most private and spacious ceremony spot.
Location: close to the park entrance at 81st street & Central Park West
Guest Capacity: 25
Umpire rock
This spot features unique skyline view of Midtown Manhattan and Central Park South’s skyscrapers - including Essex House.
As long as reaching this spot requires a bit of climbing, this would perfectly work for more casual setting without high heels and many guests.
Location: close to the park’s entrance at Central Park South & Fifth Ave
Gapstow Bridge / The Pond
This special location, situated in the southeast corner of the park near The Woolman Rink, features the iconic Gapstow Bridge and The Pond. You could set your ceremony up at any of various spots by the bridge or on one of the grassy lawns nearby. Then your wedding photographer could take beautiful scene shots of you and your partner by the bridge with various iconic buildings, like the famous Plaza Hotel, in the background.
Location: close to the park entrance at Central Park South and Fifth Avenue
Guest Capacity: 20
Bow Bridge
Bow Bridge has appeared in over one hundred movies to date and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park - as it is one of the first cast iron bridges designed in the US. The best place here for having your wedding at is actually not the bridge itself, which is often crowded with tourists, but the little landing by the bridge - from which your wedding photographer can take awesome pictures of you with the bridge structure and the lake it passes over.
Location: close to the W. 72nd Street park entrance
Guest Capacity: 15 (on the walkway)
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a favorite spot for many couples given that here you can not only see amazing skyscrapers in front of you but you can also hear the crackling sound of the ocean’s waves breaking at your side when you visit. The place can also fit as many people as you can bring and the amazing beach here offers opportunities for creating the kinds of photo or video shoots you only see in magazines. There are no gazebos and high rocks here, like in Central Park, but for those who have ever dreamed of getting married on a beach with views of Manhattan in sight, then this place is for you. There are also tons of fun things to do right around this park, such as taking a visit to the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory nearby or trying one of the fine dining restaurants right on the seafront.
In order to have a ceremony with over 20 guests here (or in case you choose a package with full videography setup or/and decorations), getting a special permit ($426 extra fee, not included in any of our packages) is required.
For best photography results and more privacy, we recommend scheduling your ceremony to early morning hours, as the area is deeply loved by both tourists and locals.
One place we may recommend for weddings is Brooklyn Bridge Park. This location offers some amazing spots to choose from for your ceremony. From the waterfront park here, you have the best of both worlds: as you will be surrounded by crashing waves at the shoreline yet will also be in viewing distance of many of New York’s great skyscrapers. This location is also an awesome one for photo shoots and your Perfect Wedding NYC photographer will know all the best angles for capturing your best wedding moments here.
ROOFTOPS
Manhattan’s rooftops have always been popular choices for weddings. At such locations, you can get amazing views of the city; and, depending on your wishes and what type of location best appeals to you, different choices might be right. Not all rooftops, however, will offer spaces that you can easily gain access to as some might be hotel ones, for instance, that may require you to be a guest or to book a full day event package, that might require you to use their catering services or spend a minimum at the bar - things that may not necessarily be in your budget plan. Some places, too, may require you to have liability insurance, which can be an added expense you don’t want to deal with.
But, on our list of preferred places to get married in New York City, we have included many rooftops that are actually pretty hassle free to us. So, let’s go through the list of some of our preferred rooftop locations to use for small weddings:
The Lofts at Prince
Here is another space that not everyone might think to consider. But, if you are a downtown person or love the Soho area, you might want to think about using the The Lofts at Prince to create a unique elopement event at. At this place, there is a very nice and cozy rooftop that can be customized for any kind of small event you may envision. This venue is atmospheric one located in the heart of downtown New York’s Soho district. This location has a distinct, artsy vibe and features a beautiful penthouse deck lounge that offers views of the Freedom Tower and the Empire State Building.
Guest Capacity: 35 (Rooftop), 50 (Indoor)
3 WEST CLUB
Ceremony on a balcony of 3 West Club
This club offers an amazing spacious area with a balcony and a view of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Here you can have privacy and a romantic atmosphere and, as an added plus, the acoustics here for musicians are awesome. And, if you want to have a large wedding crowd for your event, that’s great—the capacity limit for this place will likely be able to accommodate your full list. This place is also centrally located and we can work alongside with photographers to gain access to any cool spots nearby for your post-ceremony love story photo shoot after.
Guest Capacity: 80
New York Wedding Loft
New York Wedding Loft is 5000 sq ft loft space at Bryant Park opened by Perfect Wedding NYC in the summer of 2023.
The space offers beautifully decorated ceremony area and comfortable lounge area, Bridal Suite with New York Public Library view, 6 cocktail tables and 8 feet seated dinner tables, smart home audio & lighting system, 2 bathrooms with 2 stalls in each, 4 direct elevators (2 passenger and 2 freight), kitchenette and view of Empire State Building.
Located in the very heart of Manhattan, the Loft gives your couple the opportunity to get photos and videos with the most iconic backdrops - New York Public Library (5 min walk), Grand Central (8 min walk) and Times Square (10 min).
Here you can host not only wedding ceremonies, but cocktail hours and seated dinners for up to 100 guests!
It’s a perfect one stop space for modern aesthetics wedding celebration.
620 LOFT AND GARDEN
If the couples aren’t inquiring about Central Park or Brooklyn Bridge park, they are usually saying they would like to do the ceremony at 620 Loft & Garden…
Then, after they hear it’s almost $4k per strict 60 min of rental… 99% of the clients lose their interest in the venue (the price is just the rental fee + taking care of contract with the venue + liability insurance certificate that is required for the vendors).
The fee doesn’t include any chairs, tables or any private getting-ready suites (the venue has “clean space rental” policy) and of course, this doesn’t include ANY of OUR SERVICES - these should be booked for their own price.
Well, 620 Loft & Garden is a fancy private rooftop, part of Rockefeller Center itself, spacious outdoor oasis in the heart of Midtown, so it definitely shouldn’t cost pennies.
For those who are interested in doing a wedding ceremony there and expect a decent amount of guests + want to have some decorations and especially chairs/tables delivered, extra hour of booking (another $2500) is highly recommended/required (as all the setup and breakdown must be performed within the paid hours of rental, there’s no possibility to do it in advance/after the guests completely leave)
Available for ceremony bookings through us: Monday – Friday only from 9am to 12pm.
TOP OF THE ROCK
As many New York visitors know, the observation deck at Top of the Rock is one of the best places in town to view the city at. Here one can easily take in the sweeping views of Empire State Building, Central Park, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan. With 360 degrees of skyline views surrounding you, when you visit here or plan an elopement event here, you will definitely feel like you are on top of the world.
You can’t request a private ceremony here, but having such views for a little charge of an admission fee is definitely worth it!
Perfect setting for elopements with no decor, live music and extensive videography setup,
Midtown Loft & Terrace
This venue is located on Fifth Avenue and features the most iconic building of New York - Empire State Building just a few blocks away.
Hourly rentals are available on weekdays for truly intimate pop-up ceremonies (up to 10 people, including staff).
The space can not be reserved earlier than 2 weeks prior to the wedding date.
The
TIMES SQUARE
Some people would say that Times Square is “the center of the universe” or “the place that never sleeps.” Perhaps there is no need to even introduce Times Square as it is at the center of the city and has long been one of the most popular places to use for film and photo shoots in Manhattan. While this place can be a great spot for those who want to soak in the spirit of the city, it can also be a great spot for weddings or love story photo/video shoots. Times square has a lot to offer but, if you are going to plan a wedding here, the best time to do so would be in the morning before the area gets crowded with visitors. But, even with the crowds that come here, we still feel that the atmosphere of the main square offers so much that we are always happy to recommend this location as a great place to get married at.
CONEY ISLAND
BEST MANHATTAN WEDDING VENUE
From the more conservative parts of downtown, such as Wall Street, all the way up to the tip of Manhattan proper, where the Cloisters are, there are a lot of things the city has to offer. Whether it’s going to Central Park, which we really think is a prime choice for elopements, or to a well-known rooftop venue, you will never go wrong choosing a location in this city. Among all the possible choices for places to get married in New York City, we know that it will probably feel hard to decide on the right one. This is why, at Perfect Wedding NYC, we do our best when meeting with our customers to talk with them and to help them when choosing a space for their elopement event.
Now, what do you, personally, think might be one of the best places to get married in New York City at? Is there somewhere we may have missed? If there is, please reach out and tell us!
Here at Coney Island a vintage type atmosphere abounds as this location tells the story of a New York that in many other places no longer exists. The amusement park and beach here are two of the most historic and popular tourist locations in all of Brooklyn. The beach here is a fun one, especially given its proximity to Coney Island Amusement Park, and this location is always on high demand during the summertime. See, no reason to travel to Miami for a destination beach wedding—we have you covered for that style of venue right here in New York.
Marina del rey
First Look of the couple at Marina del Rey venue
Prospect Park Wedding Venue
Additionally, for those who might prefer a romantic home atmosphere for their event and may want to have all of their relatives and friends from all over the world join in virtually, an online elopement option is now available. Recently Project Cupid was released and it has helped us to create virtual weddings for couples who may not feel like the present time is the right one for holding large events at. This option only became popular in the spring of 2020, as a result of the pandemic, and is available for all our customers here in NYC. Usually, we use the Zoom platform for our virtual weddings and can give secure access to all your invited guests.
AT THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME
So many people these days prefer to have wedding ceremonies at home - and, it’s not surprising. Where else can you feel so much comfort as you do at home? At home, you can have all your guests around you and there will never be a need to have to acquire a special permit. With money that you may save from booking a venue, you may then have funds for other things like a special caterer or live musicians. Many couples choose a home wedding option because it is an easy and inexpensive way to host an event. A home event can also be easily customized so that you can make whatever you want out of your ceremony and have the event be highly personalized.
This is why we always say that home weddings should never be dismissed as possible options to think about when considering a list of potential great places to get married in New York City at.