Ultimate Guide to Weddings + Engagements in NYC

This image is not for reproduction and was designed solely for use by Cora Jane Photography, LLC.

 

This image is not for reproduction and was designed solely for use by Cora Jane Photography, LLC.

Considering tying the knot or having your engagement session in the Big Apple? As a wedding photographer based in Connecticut, visiting New York City is one of my all-time favorite things to do with my couples—whether they’re planning a memorably chic engagement session in Brooklyn, or are designing the NYC wedding of their dreams at a high-end venue in SoHo. From breathtaking rooftop gardens, to luxury hotels, to iconic urban parks, NYC truly has it all when it comes to weddings and engagements; the city is your oyster, friend, and it’s your job to find your pearl!


I hope this NYC wedding + engagement guide that I’ve put together can be a resource you lean on as you plan your Big Apple adventure. As you scroll through, you’ll find lists of my favorite luxury NYC wedding venues, the best places for engagement photos in NYC, and even the top restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities around the city. Enjoy!

nyc rooftop wedding venue 620 loft and garden

TOP LUXURY WEDDING VENUES IN NYC

We’ll begin with a list of some of the most iconic, picturesque luxury NYC wedding venues for those of you who are planning a wedding in the city. If that doesn’t apply to you, feel free to skip to the next section, where I’m going through the best engagement session locations in NYC! Whether your dream venue looks like a rooftop with dramatic city views, a grand ballroom brimming with glitz & glamor, or a high-end hotel with versatile event spaces and modern amenities galore, NYC truly has options for every couple.






  1. 620 Loft & Garden
    Location: Midtown Manhattan

    Type of venue: Rooftop, garden, city views

    Maximum guest count: 75 seated outside / 120 seated inside / 165 reception

    It wouldn’t be right to start this list off with anything less than one of the most iconic wedding venues in NYC: 620 Loft & Garden. This historic rooftop wedding venue overlooks the picturesque Rockefeller Plaza and boasts one of the most unique, beautiful gardens in NYC, making it a gem for any couples who want to tie the knot in the big city, but also want to feel connected to nature when doing so! With over 3,000 square feet of space featuring a gorgeous loft, a reflecting pool, a tented area, and, of course, the rooftop garden, 620 Loft & Garden is ideal for ceremonies of 75-120 people, or receptions of around 160. You and your guests will be dazzled by the stunning views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Fifth Avenue as you say your vows amidst the lush, manicured greenery, making you feel like you’re in the quaint European countryside rather than the big city.

  2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
    Location: Central Brooklyn

    Type of venue: Garden, atrium, greenhouse

    Maximum guest count: 125-250; varies by venue

    Searching for a true escape into nature, and want to tie the knot surrounded by a massive collection of luscious plants, blossoms, and beautifully-designed landscape? Look no further than Brooklyn Botanic Garden, nestled on 52 breathtaking acres in central Brooklyn close to Prospect Park & the Brooklyn Museum. Stepping into these gardens feels like you’ve been transported out of one of the largest, busiest cities in the world and into an enchanting oasis brimming with vibrant foliage, colorful blossoms, and well-manicured lawns; in other words, the dream venue for couples looking to have a nature-inspired celebration. Exchange your vows in the spectacular glass-walled Palm House, where you’ll find a charming lily pool, an open outdoor terrace, and a luxurious ambiance, with space for up to 250 guests. Or maybe the Atrium is a better fit for your day; an ecologically sustainable event space hidden underneath a roof of native grasses, and built with marvelous floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You’ll have access to a beautiful outdoor terrace with views of the garden, and space hosts up to 125 of your favorite humans.

  3. The Plaza Hotel
    Location: Central Park South

    Type of venue: Luxury hotel, ballroom

    Maximum guest count: Varies by venue

    This timeless hotel boasts 5 stars for a reason—not only it is an iconic place to stay at the center of all of New York’s best events and destinations, it’s a historic wedding venue overflowing with class, prestige, and effortless elegance. The Plaza is a prime venue for couples envisioning a celebration full of glitz and glam, offering a wide variety of versatile event spaces to bring your dream NYC wedding to life. Are you picturing a refined celebration full of grandeur; an evening of opulence where you and your guests can dress in your finest attire, waltz around beneath a roof covered in historic artwork, and sip on only the finest glasses of champagne? You might find the Grand Ballroom or the Terrace Room your venue of choice! Maybe you’re looking to bring the outdoors in; consider celebration in the Palm Court, a.k.a. a warm, glamorous setting featuring soaring palm trees and other vibrant garden elements. With 6+ unique venue spaces to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your one-of-a-kind event!

  4. Rainbow Room
    Location: Rockefeller Center

    Type of venue: Rooftop, city views

    Maximum guest count: 250-350; varies by venue


    Trying to describe the Rainbow Room through words is like trying to explain an abstract piece of artwork; it’s impossible to do it justice. . . you just have to see it. The Rainbow Room is one of New York City’s most iconic event venues, with a long history of hosting celebrities, presidents, dignitaries, and more; clearly, it’s the place to be. Located on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, the Rainbow Room is most known for its art deco style, embodying the epitome of New York luxury and glamor with its exquisite setting, top-notch service, and unbeatable skyline views. The magic of this space is impossible to ignore, with stunning views of the city from 65 floors up, sparkling chandeliers and elegant furnishings, and a seemingly endless amount of space to customize + make your own on your special day. It’s the perfect venue to host an elevated celebration abounding in luxury, glamor, and prestige, whether you host a group of 30 or 300 of your friends and family members; no matter what your unique wedding looks like, trust me when I say that any type or size of event at the Rainbow Room is an experience your guests will never forget.

  5. Tribeca Rooftop
    Location: Tribeca

    Type of venue: Renovated industrial building, rooftop, atrium

    Maximum guest count: 300-700; varies by space


    Tribeca Rooftop is another one of the venues you’ll most likely encounter every single time you search for NYC wedding venues, and for good reason! This venue sits atop an old printing press building from the 1920s, giving it a charming and historic, yet trendy and chic, vibe that’s impossible not to fall in love with immediately. With 14,000 square feet of rooftop terrace ideal for ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and portraits, as well as a large interior space and an expansive glass atrium, Tribeca Rooftop has something to offer to every couple; whether your dream ceremony takes place on the rooftop with views of Manhattan and the Hudson River behind you, or inside of a dream-like atrium drenched in soft, natural light. In addition to the main event spaces, you’ll also have access to on-site getting ready rooms, a spacious dance floor, and a large collection of in-house lounge furniture, tables, Chiavari chairs, and linens to use for your event. Even your catering will be taken care of by the in-house team, so you can check that off your list, too!

  6. The Foundry
    Location: Long Island City

    Type of venue: Historic industrial building, courtyard, rooftop terrace, greenhouse, city views

    Maximum guest count: 180

    If I had to describe the Foundry in three words: raw, open, and versatile. This industrial-style venue dates bak to the 19th century, and has been made into the most uniquely beautiful venue for NYC weddings. The Foundry features an array of incredibly flexible spaces that can be customized to fit your one-of-a-kind event, including an outdoor courtyard, a cozy lounge space, an indoor greenhouse, and a rooftop terrace that looks out at the iconic Manhattan skyline. I’m in love with how open this venue is, with 3,000 square feet of space that can truly be designed + used however you want it to be, from rustic chic celebrations among the exposed brick to refined, elevated events atop the roof. What’s also fantastic is that you won’t have to leave the premises in order to get ready, as the Foundry has on-site getting ready rooms where you can relax, prepare, and enjoy a special morning with your closest loved ones!

  7. Ziegfeld Ballroom

    Location: Midtown Manhattan

    Type of venue: Ballroom, historic movie theater

    Maximum guest count: 1,300


    This movie-theater-turned-ballroom-event-space is one of the more unique ballroom wedding venues in NYC, trading the type of historic setting you might find at a venue like the Plaza Hotel for a more contemporary, 1920’s movie theater-inspired setting. Well, I shouldn’t even use the word “inspired;” Ziegfeld is actually an old movie theater (though from the 1970’s, not the 1920’s) that’s been turned into a sophisticated event space. Combining modern amenities and technology with the nostalgia of years past, Ziegfeld Ballroom is a premiere wedding venue that offers not only an iconic space for ceremonies and receptions, but also an expert event management team who will be on-site and ready to help you execute your picture-perfect celebration. A highlight of this venue is undoubtedly the marquee outside of the entrance, customized to your wedding to announce your event and make you feel like the stars of your own unforgettable show (and you are!). Ziegfeld even has a number of preferred hotels that they can help you coordinate your accommodations with; you can truly trust this team to take care of you, and to pour all their effort into making your dreams come true.

  8. The Carlyle

    Location: Upper East Side

    Type of venue: Luxury hotel, bar, cafe

    Maximum guest count: 

    Last but certainly not least is the Carlyle, a staple of New York City’s Upper East Side renowned for its sophistication, impeccable service, and lavish guest experience. Ever since its opening back in 1930, the Carlyle has been a stage for endless New York City celebrations, offering a wide variety of amenities and services to each and every couple. The hotel’s team of dedicated wedding specialists is available to help your day come to life as seamlessly as possible, and the expert catering staff will serve your guests with only the most exquisite dishes + drinks. No matter which of the many venues you end up selecting for your wedding at the Carlyle, this venue is sure to impress not only the two of you, but every guest who gets to experience the timeless sophistication of the property alongside you!






TOP NYC ENGAGEMENT PHOTO LOCATIONS

Next, I wanted to share a few of my favorite places to take engagement photos in NYC. If you are planning your NYC engagement session, this will be a collaborative effort; you’ll let me in on what you’re envisioning for your photos, and I’ll provide you with my guidance, advice, and expertise. Planning your engagement session is SUCH an exciting process, so allow yourselves to have fun scrolling through these locations and envisioning which one(s) may be the perfect fit for you!

  1. Brooklyn Bridge
    I’m sure you could have guessed that the Brooklyn Bridge would be featured on this list; after all, it’s only one of the most well-known landmarks in the country (and it’s incredibly picturesque) ;) The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn, and has been open since wayyy back in 1883. It quickly became one of the most recognizable destinations in the U.S., with stunning views of the New York City skyline in the distance + iconic neo-Gothic inspired stone towers. The unique architecture of the bridge itself just makes for SUCH gorgeous photos, especially with the soft light of sunrise! You’ll typically get the best shots of the famous arches by walking about 15 minutes down the bridge from either side.

    Speaking of either side, you have two different options when it comes to taking photos on the Brooklyn Bridge: you can start at the Manhattan side and then end your walk in DUMBO, or go the other way around. It really depends on what time of day we’re shooting and what the lighting is like; sometimes it’s best to start in DUMBO and end our shoot when the sun is setting over the bridge. I personally think one of the best parts about taking your engagement photos on the Brooklyn Bridge is that easy access you have to more amazing spots in the Brooklyn + DUMBO area—it allows you to get a great variety of locations in your gallery. I’ll be talking about DUMBO next!

    Now if you want some photos with Brooklyn Bridge in the background, rather than standing directly on it, you can head to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you’ll find sweeping views of the bridge, the skyline, and the waterfront. P.S. this park is free to visit!


    Want to see a full gallery of Brooklyn Bridge engagement session inspiration, check out these Brooklyn Bridge Sunrise Couple’s Photos—we lucked out with the most GORGEOUS morning light, and I could not have been happier with the way the photos turned out!

  2. DUMBO
    If you’ve never heard of DUMBO then you probably have no idea what I’m even talking about! DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”—super creative, I know. Despite its funny name, it’s actually one of my favorite areas to explore with couples for their NYC engagement sessions. For one, there’s the iconic view of the Brooklyn Bridge from Washington Street, where you’ll see a perfectly framed shot of the bridge between two red brick buildings. The cobblestone streets are so charming and fun to stroll around, offering a wide variety of dining opportunities, lots of dramatic architecture, and fantastic waterfront views. There are seriously photo ops galore!

  3. Jane’s Carousel
    If you took a peek at that sunrise engagement session I linked above, you may have noticed that part of the session took place at some sort of carousel—that was the famous Jane’s Carousel, located at Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO! I’m not only partial to this carousel because it shares my daughter’s name, but because it adds a classic and fun architecture element. Built back in 1922, this beautiful carousel is such a fun place to stop during your engagement session; the childlike joy and wonder that comes with even just being around a carousel and its vibrant colors, laughter, and lively music is wonderful for any couple that wants light-hearted, romantic engagement photos. My daughter Jane absolutely loves this carousel, for obvious reasons!

  4. Central Park
    You didn’t think I would get any further on this list without mentioning Central Park, now, did you? Central Park is an obvious choice for New York City engagement sessions; it’s a classic part of experiencing NYC, and is by far one of the most beautiful outdoor spots in the area! The park honestly looks beautiful at any time of year, though I’d recommend taking your Central Park engagement photos in the spring or fall—unless you’re down to deal with the summer crowds. A few of my favorite places to take photos in Central Park include the scenic Bow Bridge, the jaw-droppingly beautiful Bethesda Terrace, the foliage-lined Mall & Literary Walk, and the well-known Umpire Rock!

    Another wonderful benefit of selecting Central Park area for your engagement photos is how easy it is to access The Met along with adding a few city-vibe photos crossing a crosswalk together to achieve both an urban and rural feel in one gallery - and all in the heart of NYC!

  5. The New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
    This building gives me absolute chills every time I have the opportunity to visit. It’s the architecture, the incredible artifacts that are housed here and the obvious mission to protect literature - I’m on board with all of it. I’m a big fan of grand architecture, clean lines, and buildings that support grand relationship and romantic narratives. NYPL has it all and the options are limitless for photographing here.

    The way I see it, you have two incredible options here: Begin at sunrise for the least amount of crowds and spend time enjoying some sweet and quiet moments in the front of the building, walk through Bryant Park, enjoy a coffee at Maman (which is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city and so very on brand for me) and end with a walk around for a few more photos with the beautiful and very large windows and staircases inside the NY Public Library.

    or

    Sunset! Just know you’ll be embracing a lot more of the truly city vibes with more people out and about. The plan for a unset session by The New York Public Library is similar with an emphasis on architecture, a walk through Bryant Park, but sub out the coffee for a cute cocktail moment in the Flatiron District. Either way I don’t think you’ll have any regrets about a session in this stunning area!

  6. Grand Central Station
    If you’ve never been to Grand Central Station, then you might be wondering why a train station is included on this list of the best engagement session spots in NYC—so allow me to introduce you to one of the most stunning train stations you’ll ever see (maybe outside of Washington, D.C.’s Union Station which I’m pretty partial to at this point in my life). Grand Central is SO much more than just a place to hop on and off trains; it’s an architectural masterpiece, a home to multiple delicious restaurants & cafes, and even a shopping center. Not only will you find historic halls and breathtaking artwork, you’ll also find taco joints, clothing stores, and without a doubt a ton of other tourists taking photos around you. Simply walking through the terminal is an incredible experience, and the Beaux-Arts style architecture + design makes for the most fabulous backdrop for an engagement session! If you were ever going to feel like you stepped onto the most rom-com-like movie set it is here at Grand Central.

  7. Washington Square Park
    Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Washington Square Park is the heart of Greenwich Village (which I’ll be talking about more in just a minute). In this nearly 10-acre city park, you’ll find a variety of picturesque spots to take your engagement photos, including the large, central fountain, blooming flowers in the spring, and the recognizable marble Washington Arch. It’s a gorgeous park to visit on a sunny spring or summer day; just keep in mind that you we won’t be the only ones there, as it’s a very popular tourist destination in NYC!

  8. Greenwich Village

    Greenwich Village (pronounced grehn-itch, not green-witch) is a slightly quieter part of NYC in comparison to bustling spots like Fifth Avenue and Times Square, making it a great location for engagement sessions. In the village you’ll find chic hotels, charming brick streets, cafes, jazz clubs + a legendary music scene, and off-Broadway theaters; it’s a really fun place to take a romantic stroll with your love, or to go out for a date night! It would be such a blast to book a nice hotel and stay in the area for a few days, spending your time walking the streets of Greenwich and checking out all the local hotspots it has to offer.

  9. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

    Feeling a sense of déjà vu? You’re correct—you’ve already heard me talk about the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as a marvelous NYC wedding venue earlier in this guide. And it’s also an amazing destination for engagement photos! The endless blossoming flowers and manicured greenery are simply to die for, especially in the height of spring and beginning of fall. How fun would it be to have a romantic little picnic in the grass, surrounded by the beautiful garden atmosphere, during your session?

BEST BRIDAL BOUTIQUES IN NYC

Picking out your wedding dress should be an unforgettable experience completely catered to you, and fortunately, there are SO many phenomenal bridal boutiques in NYC that offer one-of-a-kind experiences to soon-to-be brides. Whether you’re tying the knot NYC itself or are traveling to the city from somewhere nearby just to find your perfect dress, you deserve to be welcomed into every bridal boutique you walk into with so much care, intention, and expertise. After all, you are the VIP of your day (along with your partner, of course!) ;)

Recently, I’ve had a lot of Connecticut brides take a day trip in to the city to find their dream dress, and I believe that is such a wonderful way to do it: you not only get to find your perfect gown (hopefully), you also get to have a once in a lifetime experience, and create meaningful memories with the people you love most. Invite a few of your closest friends and/or family members along for the adventure, and make the most out of this time; you’ll only have it once!

You could even extend your day trip into an overnight experience, finding a luxury hotel near the bridal shops you’ll be visiting, and maybe have a little spa day with your friends. Why not take advantage of being in one of the most incredible cities in the world and stop at some local cafes, shops, bars, etc?

Now onto what you actually came here for—I’ve narrowed down a list of a few of the top bridal boutiques in NYC that I believe would make your dress-picking experience absolutely fabulous. Happy shopping!

Kleinfeld Bridal

If you’ve ever watched Say Yes to the Dress, then you might recognize Kleinfeld as the boutique where the show takes place! Kleinfeld has served thousands of brides over the past 70 years, a majority of which travel into NYC solely to find their dress at the upscale boutique. Featuring a wide selection of gowns from world-class designers such as Vera Wang, Pnina Torai, and Lazaro, along with all the bridal accessories one could ever need, Kleinfeld provides its brides with a truly unique, luxurious, and personalized bridal experience. VIP appointments are available for brides who want to go all-in on their experience, with a variety of packages including things like extended appointment times, exclusive bridal & accessory stylists, champagne toasts, Kleinfeld robes, accessory discounts, and more. You can even book a private shopping experience with a Kleinfeld exclusive designer, who will personally customize your entire look—sounds like the dream to me!

Spina Bride

Located in Chelsea, right near the waterfront, Spina Bride offers a carefully curated selection of dresses from international designers including Liz Martinez, Lihi Hod, and Chana Marelus. This boutique is significantly smaller than larger shops like Kleinfeld, as they work with smaller exclusive designers from all over the world. Spina provides a unique experience for each and every bride that walks in through pre-scheduled appointments, and can accommodate groups with up to 3 guests; you’ll enjoy warm cups of tea as you try on gowns, and if you end up finding the perfect one, you’ll celebrate with glasses of champagne! 

L’Fay Bridal

L’Fay is a high-end bridal shop on the Upper East Side, featuring gorgeous collections of gowns by upscale designers including Berta, Rita Vinieris, Pronovia, and Viktor & Rolf. When you visit the shop for your appointment, you’ll be welcomed by a personalized consultant who will help you design your look, from picking the right fabric to finding accessories you adore! Whether you book a regular appointment or L’Fay’s 2-hour VIP experience for $250, you’ll be met with care every step of the way, and can trust that your consultant will help you make all your bridal gown dreams a reality.

 

TOP LUXURY HOTELS IN NYC

New York City is filled to the brim with luxurious, high-end hotels—you can truly never go wrong with any of them. Whether you’re envisioning a historic hotel with 1900’s-inspired architecture, a contemporary chic boutique hotel with an on-site spa, or somewhere in between, NYC won’t disappoint when it comes to prestige accommodations. Below are a few of the top-rated luxury hotels in the city that would be fabulous for your wedding or engagement stay in the city!

 
 
 

 

 

Best Things to Do In NYC

I truly don’t even know how to narrow down all the incredible things there are to do in NYC, and what you should add to your itinerary is so dependent on how you like to travel! When planning out what you’re going to fill your time in the city with, think through what types of activities and experiences are the most meaningful to you; what will help you create the most special memories? What haven’t you seen/you might not ever get the chance to see again? What’s your budget for restaurants and shopping? These are all great questions to help guide you through the process of planning out your trip to NYC—and as an NYC wedding photographer, I’m also more than happy to give you my own personal recommendations. To help you at least get the ball rolling, I’ve included a list below of some of the highest rated restaurants, bars, shopping destinations, and must-do activities in the city!

RESTAURANTS & BARS

For drinks:

couple in central park for engagement photos

HOW TO GET YOUR NYC MARRIAGE LICENSE

Before we wrap up, I figured it was important that I tell you how to actually go through the legal process of getting a marriage license in NYC, if you’re planning to get married here! 

In order to get legally married in NYC, you’ll need to get a New York State marriage license. Applications must happen in-person at any town or city clerk in New York, and you must both be present to sign your application in the presence of the clerk. New York marriage licenses typically cost $40 except for licenses issued in New York City, where the fees can vary. You can contact the NYC Marriage Bureau, or visit their website here, to find up-to-date info, and to schedule either an in-person or virtual appointment. At the time of writing this (March 2024), the fee for an NYC marriage license is $35!

Once your license is issued (yay!), there’s a mandatory 24-hour waiting period, which simply means you have to wait at least 24 hours to have your ceremony! It’ll be valid for 60 calendar days beginning the day after it’s issued, so make sure you have your ceremony before it expires. 

Here are a few other key New York State marriage laws you should be aware of:

You must be over the age of 18 in order to get a marriage license in NY

  • You must have at least one witness over the age of 18 present at your ceremony

  • You do not need to be residents of New York in order to get married here

  • Your ceremony can be performed by any licensed marriage officiant

  • You can still get married in New York City even if your license was issued outside of New York City

Learn more about the legalities of getting married in NYC at the NYC Marriage Bureau website here.

NYC Wedding Photographer

I’m Cora, a New York City wedding photographer serving NYC, Connecticut, New England, and beyond. It’s my mission as a wedding photographer to not only document your unique day in a way that tells your true, authentic story, but also to make sure you feel deeply connected and empowered by me. I thrive on building intentional, meaningful relationships with my couples in order to best tell their stories, and it’s the absolute joy of my life. 

NYC Wedding Packages & Pricing

If you’re ready to begin your journey of finding the right New York City wedding photographer for you, take a look at my collections and investment information, and then fill out my contact form—I can’t wait to get on a call with you and help you plan the Big Apple celebration of your dreams!

For more in-depth wedding resources, guides, and inspiration, browse the Blog, or see a few of my recent posts below.

Manhattan, New York City Proposal

All You Need to Know about Wedding Guest Welcome Gifts

Rhode Island French Chateau Styled Engagement Session

 
 

LOCAL VENUE OR VENDOR?

If you are a local venue or vendor and would like to reach out to connect about being added to this guide send a note and I’d be happy to connect!
info@corajanephoto.com

 
 
 

Cora is a Connecticut Wedding Photographer based near Mystic, Connecticut, photographing love stories throughout New England (and beyond). Cora is a wife, mom and photographer and finds joy in relationships - with her husband, her daughter & son, family, friends, and couples. Her photographic style emphasizes warmth and romance experienced by genuine people in classic New England places. When on the road or in the air you will likely find her exploring Boston, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; Block Island, Rhode Island; Newport, Rhode Island; Hudson Valley, New York; or New York City, New York. Learn More