50 Best Wedding Locations In NYC To Get Married

Deciding on a location for your wedding venue and photos is one of the most important steps in wedding planning. If you’re getting married in New York City, the options are endless—but so is the pressure to choose the perfect place. Do you want an outdoor ceremony with a city skyline view? A ballroom with old-world charm? A modern loft space?

Our New York location recommendations range from exceptional rooftops to unique, modern warehouses and ballrooms. With a wide variety of venues and a fast and personal approach, we’re here to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable experience!

Weddings are one of the most important days of your life. So when searching for your perfect venue, find an expert who knows how to help! Discover the best of New York City’s wedding locations with a trusted local native expert who can guide you through all the processes and details. Let’s look at how to choose the perfect place for your NYC wedding & photography.

How To Choose the Best Wedding Photo and Venue Locations in NYC

When planning your wedding, choosing a location that fits your style as a couple is important. If you’re looking for a more traditional wedding, you might consider getting married in one of NYC’s historic buildings or churches. 

For a unique setting, there are plenty of loft spaces, art galleries, and even rooftops that would make for a beautiful backdrop to your big day. And, of course, if you want breathtaking views of the city skyline, then you can’t go wrong with a waterfront venue

To choose the best location for your wedding photos, as yourself (and your NYC wedding photographer):

Should I Have Cityscape Views or a More Nature-Inspired NYC Wedding?

Photos with a cityscape or skyline can be taken from anywhere in NYC, but some of the best locations include Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Central Park. 

If you’re looking for more nature-inspired backdrops, consider getting married at Central Park or one of NYC’s botanical gardens like The New York Botanical Garden or Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Choosing a venue close to your photo locations will make transportation logistics much easier for you, your guests, and your photographer and will create the stunning photos you’re after.

Should I Have an Indoor or Outdoor NYC Wedding?

Choosing between an indoor or outdoor wedding will largely depend on the time of year you’re getting married. An outdoor ceremony and reception will be ideal if you get married in the summer. If you’re hoping for an outdoor ceremony or reception, you’ll want to pick a location with a beautiful garden or patio area in the summer. 

The 620 Loft and Garden, Tribeca Rooftop, and Brooklyn Bridge Park are all great choices for an outdoor wedding. If you prefer the indoors, then St Patrick’s Cathedral, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Brooklyn Museum are just a few jaw-dropping indoor settings NYC offers.

Do I Want a More Intimate or Grand New York City Wedding?

Guest count and wedding budget will play a large role in deciding if you want a more intimate or grand setting. Deciding between a more intimate or grand wedding will also lend itself to specific photography styles. 

If you’re planning on having a more intimate NYC wedding, you might consider getting married in a private home or garden. For a grander setting, look for venues that accommodate larger groups, like The Plaza Hotel.

Where Were Your NYC Engagement Photos Taken?

Your NYC engagement photos are the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera and start planning your wedding photo shoot.

If your NYC engagement photos were taken in Central Park, you might also want to consider switching it up to another location.

Remember to trust your photographer’s experience and expertise! Your photographer should have a good understanding of the different types and styles of locations available in NYC, and they can help you narrow down your options to find the perfect place for your wedding photos. 

They’ll also be able to guide you on the best time of day to take your photos based on the lighting conditions at different locations. Your New York City wedding photographer will have plenty of great suggestions for you, but ultimately it’s up to you to choose the location that fits your vision for your wedding photos. 

The Top 50 New York City Wedding Venue Locations

Now that you’ve considered all of these factors, here are our top 50 NYC wedding photo locations:

1.620 Loft and Garden

620 Loft and Garden is one of my favorite wedding locations in the city. This garden getaway is a dream spot located on top of Rockefeller Center. You have a gorgeous rooftop garden that can be used for the ceremony or reception and exceptional New York City views. 

Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center are lit at night to give you the perfect city lighting. This venue holds a special place in my heart since it is also where I had my wedding! Check out all our 620 Loft and Garden Weddings here.

2. Rainbow Room

Another favorite wedding photo location of ours is the Rainbow Room. This is also located in Rockefeller Center and radiates glamour and elegance. Some of the biggest names in history have been celebrated here, and you can be too! The window-filled space shows off New York skyline views from every angle.

3. Top of the Rock

If you are hosting your wedding anywhere near midtown NYC, getting photos at the top of the Rock is a must. Top of the Rock boasts 360-degree views of all of New York City. Some of my favorite wedding portraits were ever taken here! You feel like you are on top of the world, and the photos are just one of a kind.

4. Central Park

Central Park is a New York City dream. There are so many incredible photo locations throughout the park for you! There are so many photo opportunities from Belvedere Castle to the Bow Bridge, or more secluded areas found walking around the expansive park. 

Central Park is a welcome escape in the concrete jungle and perfect for romantic wedding photos. Even if your wedding isn’t close to Central Park, I highly recommend popping by for a few photos.

5. Tavern on The Green

While at Central Park, Tavern on the Green is a great wedding photo spot to stop at. Tavern on the Green is right off of Sheep’s Meadow at Central Park and has great photo opportunities. 

It’s especially magical during Christmas when they light up the outside with twinkle lights and nutcrackers. So romantic and beautiful! The food is also incredible, which is so important for a wedding.

6. The Loeb Boathouse

Another amazing spot in Central Park for a wedding is the Loeb Boathouse. It’s located in the heart of Central Park, right by the lake. The Boathouse is a romantic wedding venue and lends itself to many beautiful photos. It’s also conveniently located right by Bethesda Fountain, one of the most classic New York wedding photo locations.

7. The Edge – Hudson Yards

For a more modern wedding photo spot, look at The Edge at Hudson Yards. The New York skyline views are unmatched and make for some incredible wedding photos. The observation deck is mostly glass, so the skyline takes center stage.

8. The Foundry in Long Island City

Looking for a more urban, industrial backdrop for your New York City wedding photos? Look no further than the Foundry in Long Island City. The Foundry has tons of exposed brick, a skylight ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling ivy-covered walls. 

It’s the perfect mix of romantic and edgy. This wedding venue is one of my favorites for couples who want something more raw and industrial than the typical NYC offerings.

9. The Current at Chelsea Piers

The Current at Chelsea Piers is a beautiful wedding venue for a waterfront option in New York City. The inside reception space is beautiful and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. 

Just a few steps outside, and you have beautiful views of the skyline and boats, perfect for wedding photos. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a few boats sailing by in your photo!

10. TWA HOTEL

The TWA Hotel is a unique favorite location of mine! The TWA airport is a time capsule hotel located on JFK Airport grounds that encapsulates the perfect retro vibes. There’s a rooftop pool, a cocktail lounge inside a vintage plane, and even an outdoor roller rink! This hotel is perfect if you want one-of-a-kind, retro wedding photos.

11. Empire State Building

There’s nothing more in New York than the Empire State Building. I recommend going early in the morning to get the best light and the least amount of tourists in your wedding photos. 

One hundred and two stories up give you the city’s most iconic views and make you feel like you are walking in the clouds. This classic New York City location is perfect for beautiful wedding photos.

12. Dumbo

DUMBO is one of the most iconic wedding photo locations in Brooklyn. For the best photos, head to the corner of Washington Street and Water Street. You’ll get the historic brick road, brownstone buildings, and an unbeatable view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

13. Brooklyn Bridge

While in Brooklyn, you have to stop at the Brooklyn Bridge. Like other popular wedding photo locations, the best photos will be taken in the morning, before the rush. 

The dreamy morning light is incredible for wedding photos and makes you and your spouse shine. The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic New York City spot; the photos speak for themselves.

14. One World Observatory

Another great skyline spot for wedding photos is the One World Observatory. This location is the highest point in NYC, so the views are extra special. Sunset wedding photos here are truly jaw-dropping. The One World Observatory is so romantic and beautiful!

15. Metropolitan Museum of Art

It would be best if you stopped by the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side of NYC for an extra glamorous backdrop. There are so many great photo spots here. The iconic MET steps in the front of the museum, the Roman Sculptures hall, or even the rooftop garden, which has unmatched views of Central Park and the city.

I can’t think of a more picturesque spot to take your wedding photos. If you are a member of the MET, you can even rent out the rooftop for wedding receptions.

16. The Highline

Another beautiful spot to take wedding photos in New York is the High Line! The High Line is in Chelsea, an elevated park stretching about 1.5 miles long. It is a great spot for wedding photos as it captures beautiful green gardens and city views. 

It was once a freight line but now features stunning plants, art, flowers, and gorgeous views of Chelsea. This location is great for wedding photos, especially around sunrise!

17. Carl Schultz Park

Looking for a beautiful park location for your wedding photos with fewer tourists? Carl Schulz Park may be perfect for you. This stunning park is a beautiful spot off the East River with tons of stunning scenery. 

You can catch gorgeous cherry blossoms during the spring and tons of colorful leaves in the fall. With the water behind it, there are a lot of beautiful wedding photo opportunities to choose from.

18. Gramercy Park

One of our favorite areas to take wedding photos in is Gramercy Park. This location has a bit of everything. Brownstones, a beautiful park, New York City streets, and lots of flowers- it’s just stunning. 

Gramercy Park used to be limited to those who lived in the area, but if you stay at the Gramercy Park Hotel, you can get access to the park during your stay. It’s exclusive, but if you can manage a stay, the scenery is well worth it for your wedding photos.

19. Long Island City

Long Island City is what I consider to be a bit of a hidden gem here in New York. Nestled between Brooklyn and Queens, Long Island City offers the same beautiful skyline views of Manhattan without the tourists. 

This area has many great restaurants and scenery, making it a great spot to take wedding photos. Some of my favorite wedding venues, including The Foundry, are also here!

20. Brooklyn Museum

For the art and culture buffs, I highly recommend the Brooklyn Museum. This is a great alternative to the MET museum if your wedding is in Brooklyn but you still want some portraits with stunning architecture. The museum’s facade is spectacular and feels very regal for your wedding photos. It’s also right by the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, another amazing spot!

21. City Museum of New York

The City Museum of New York is a great option for those looking to incorporate a hint of academia into their wedding photos. 

This location is steps away from Central Park’s Conservatory Gardens (more on that right below), so you can get romantic photos between the two. It’s also right on 5th ave if you hope to get some iconic New York street-style photography.

22. Conservatory Gardens

The Conservatory Gardens are such a hidden gem in New York. They are located right off 5th Ave on the Upper East Side of New York in Central Park. This spot feels like you are being transported to a scene from Bridgerton and is so romantic and beautiful. 

This is a great spot to get wedding photography done since it has less traffic than other parts of Central Park, but it is so stunning. You also can rent out the gardens for wedding ceremonies of up to 100 guests.

23. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

One of the most beautiful gardens in the whole city is the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. This wedding venue is stunning and has a few options for wedding ceremonies and receptions. 

Whether you choose the sun-drenched Palm House or the elegant Atrium, you will find the romantic wedding backdrop of your dreams. Both rentals come with access to the gardens for some romantic wedding photography.

24. New York Botanical Gardens

Up in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Gardens are an escape from the city’s hustle. This beautiful garden has several areas to host your wedding ceremony and reception and is home to hundreds of plants and flowers. 

Whether you choose the Garden Terrace Room for a more traditional feel or venture to the Conservatory for a true greenhouse vibe, you can’t go wrong. You’re guaranteed some stunning wedding photos no matter which location you choose.

25. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is one of the most iconic spots in New York City for photos. There are many great wedding photography opportunities, whether you want to get photos by the fountain, the arch, or just cuddled up on a bench enjoying the scenery. 

As with other tourist-filled areas on this list, you’re more likely to get some privacy if we head over early in the morning or on a weekday.

26. Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is a wonderful spot for wedding photos if you want a more modern art feel. The exterior architecture and the inside galleries are super modern and unique, giving a more editorial look for wedding photography. The Guggenheim is steps away from Central Park, making it a great location if you want a bit of both!

27. Times Square

Nothing screams New York City photos more than Times Square! For some iconic NYC wedding portraits, head to Times Square late at night (and make sure your photographer has good flash equipment!). You can get amazing photos with all the lights and city skyscrapers as your backdrop. Late at night or early morning will be your best bet to get the least amount of tourists.

28. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Next up is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This spot is right in Downtown Brooklyn’s heart, right by the Brooklyn Bridge. This is a great location for wedding photos if you marry in Brooklyn. 

You get views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the East River. I love this spot in Brooklyn, especially in the fall, since you get some beautiful foliage.

29. American Museum of Natural History

Another great museum spot in the city is the American Museum of Natural History. This museum is located on the west side of Central Park and has a beautiful facade for wedding photos. 

For a truly unique wedding reception, you can even rent out different wings of the museum. You can celebrate your wedding surrounded by the oceans, dinosaurs, the stars, or even mammals! A one-of-a-kind experience for your wedding day.

30. Union Square

Union Square is an amazing spot to take photos for your wedding in Manhattan. This New York location always has something exciting going on and houses tons of great food and shopping. 

It’s a smaller park, so that you can get romantic park photography and iconic city scenery. During the fall, the leaves turn the most beautiful shades of orange and copper, which also make for a romantic wedding photo.

31. Flatiron

The Flatiron district in New York City is a fun spot to take wedding photos. In the heart of the Flatiron district is the Flatiron building, which is a triangular-shaped architectural wonder. It’s an iconic area of New York and is just steps away from a beautiful park. This area is beautiful and has a bit of everything for the perfect NYC wedding photo.

32. Madison Square Park

You’ll find the beautiful Madison Square Park just moments away from the Flatiron building. Unlike some prominent parks in NYC, Madison Square Park is smaller but has stunning tulips and other flowers blooming throughout the year. 

This romantic spot is a great wedding photo location, and if you need to grab a quick bite on the way to the chapel, you can stop by the very first Shake Shack location for a burger. The perfect wedding day treat!

33. Lincoln Center

Looking to quench the arts and culture itch in your wedding photos? Look no further than Lincoln Center. This cultural hotspot has hosted some of the biggest names in the theater and arts community. 

The plaza out front is breathtaking any time of year, but it has been transformed into a green lawn paradise. Lincoln Center is a must-go for any culture buff’s wedding photos.

34. South Street Seaport

Are you dying for a little New England in your wedding photos? Look no further than South Street Seaport. You’ll feel transported to the New England coast rather than the concrete jungle. 

You can get charming wedding photos on the docks by the water or in front of the brick-covered storefronts. Either way, this location is a beautiful area for wedding photography!

35. St Patrick’s Cathedral

St Patrick’s Cathedral is one of our favorites if you’re looking for the perfect traditional church for your ceremony. It’s located just steps away from Rockefeller Center on 5th Ave, so there are plenty of opportunities for beautiful wedding photos. Inside the cathedral are towering columns and gorgeous stained glass. 

You can book St Patrick’s Cathedral for your wedding ceremony and then head to one of the many venues around midtown to spend the rest of the party!

36. Chinatown

Chinatown is another great area for wedding photos! I personally love Chinatown not only for the rich culture but also for the vibrant streets. Many beautiful colors line the streets, and wedding photography here is just so special and unique. There are many great food options in this area for a quick post-wedding bite.

37. Bryant Park

Bryant Park is one of my favorite areas to get wedding photos done. From the fountain in front to the tree-lined benches and tables, there are so many pretty spots to take photos. 

My favorite time of year at Bryant Park is Christmas, as they have a holiday market with lots of local shops. Walking around the holiday market with all the lights with your future spouse is just so romantic!

38. Museum of the Moving Image

Are you a cinephile? The Museum of the Moving Image is the perfect wedding photo spot for you! Located in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image is a modern media museum with history and relics from all of history’s best movies. 

It’s a stunning museum with plenty of photo opportunities for your wedding day. You can rent the museum for a modern, unique wedding reception.

39. Tribeca Rooftop

In our humble opinion, Tribeca Rooftop is one of the best wedding venues in the city. The rooftop is perfect for a skyline wedding ceremony. At the same time, the modern industrial interior is spacious enough for a hype wedding reception with up to 325 of your closest friends and family. 

The building used to be a printing press in the 1920s and is transformed to be a modern getaway while retaining its rich history.

40. William Vale

The William Vale hotel is a dreamy wedding venue in Williamsburg with tons to offer. This hotel has the longest rooftop pool (a hot commodity in the warm summer) and a gorgeous rooftop terrace for wedding ceremonies and receptions. You can’t beat a sunset wedding ceremony overlooking the beautiful Manhattan skyline. The wedding photos here are truly unbeatable!

41. 74 Wythe

74 Wythe is a brand-new wedding venue located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It used to be a nightclub, but the team at 74 Wythe has completely transformed this space into an art deco heaven. 

The rooftop terrace is just stunning for wedding ceremonies and has a retractable awning in bad weather. You can have your wedding reception outside on the roof or inside in their spacious main room. However, the real hidden gem of this space is its cocktail bar- J Bird Cocktails. 

This bar area is an extravagant and luxurious escape for wedding guests to enjoy cocktails and mingle under a breathtaking chandelier.

42. The Weylin

Another fabulous wedding space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is the Weylin. This location was home to the Williamsburgh Savings Bank but is now an elegantly restored wedding venue. The interior perfectly preserved the incredible architectural details of this former bank and is a one-of-a-kind space to host your wedding.

43. Pier 17

Pier 17 is another amazing waterfront location to take your NYC wedding photos. During the winter, this spot has little greenhouses you can rent out while it’s cold. But, during the summer, the rooftop transforms, and the greenhouses are replaced with mini lawns! Whatever time of year you decide to have your wedding, a pit stop at Pier 17 is always a good idea.

44. Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers

Earlier, we talked a bit about the Current at Chelsea Piers. They have another wedding venue right next door called the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, and it is a gorgeous space for a wedding! 

You can host your wedding right off the Hudson River and have full views of the water and the gorgeous sunsets. There are floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take in the view and fit up to 540 guests for a wedding reception.

45. Little Island

New York City’s newest floating park just opened in the Hudson River, and it’s called Little Island. This floating park feels like a whole other planet and is home to some beautiful plants, scenery, and good food too! This area can get a little crowded, so if you decide to stop by for your wedding photos, make sure to come early in the morning for the best photos.

46. Christopher Street Pier

Christopher Street Pier is a great waterfront area for wedding photos! Conveniently located off of Greenwich Village and overlooking the Hudson River, this group of piers is perfect for getting some portraits of the newlyweds. Sunrise and sunset wedding photos over the water are truly stunning!

47. The Pierre Hotel

If you picture old Hollywood glamour for your wedding, look no further than the Pierre Hotel. The Pierre Hotel is located right off of 5th Ave, right by Central Park, and is the pinnacle of elegance and luxury. 

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood have graced these halls, including Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor. Weddings at The Pierre are the epitome of sophistication and always have a special allure.

48. Transmitter Park Greenpoint

Transmitter Park is a beautiful park in Brooklyn well known for the incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. I always like to take my couples hosting their wedding in Brooklyn over to this spot to catch the water and the views. The light is gorgeous, and you can even head out on the bridge a bit for some waterfront wedding photos.

49. New York Public Library

Right behind Bryant Park is the New York Public Library. This location has incredible architecture and scenery, making it the perfect backdrop for elegant NYC wedding photos. It’s just stepping away from Bryant Park, so you can easily capture romantic park wedding photos and upscale portraits in front of the facade.

50. Marriage Bureau at City Hall

Last but certainly not least is the Marriage Bureau at City Hall. More than ever, micro weddings and elopements are gaining more and more popularity. 

Thankfully, New York City Hall has gorgeous architecture and scenery, making it the perfect backdrop for wedding photography. You can also walk just a few blocks to one of three parks surrounding the area for more romantic wedding photos outdoors.

Conclusion

Whether you’re getting married in New York City or eloping from out of town, choosing the best wedding photo locations can be tough. With so many amazing places to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! 

Now that you’ve learned about all the best NYC wedding photo locations, I am happy to share with you what it’s like to work with my team for your engagement and wedding photography needs. As a trusted NYC-based professional photographer, I will work with you to make your vision a reality. Contact me today to book your stunning NYC photography session. 

Sources

• Susan Shek: 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
• Susan Shek: 101 NYC Engagement Photo Locations
• New York Botanical Gardens: Home
• Brooklyn Botanical Gardens: Home
• Susan Shek: Inquire
• Susan Shek: 10 Luxurious Venues NYC Has to Offer