6 Great Locations For An Intimate Wedding Ceremony / Micro Wedding / Elopement in New York City

I hope this list will be useful to all of you guys that were planning (or will plan) your NYC wedding and elopements! I know things are looking a little unpredictable these days due to the covid-19 pandemic, but throughout all of this, it does highlight the importance of people around you and to never take anything or anyone for granted.

I figured it wouldn’t hurt for some of you guys to use some of this downtime to plan ahead, get inspired, so that when we do move past this difficult time, you’ll be SO READY to put a ring on it and run and marry that special person in your life.

I am wishing everyone will stay safe and appreciate those hard at work on the front lines and the people around you <3

And now onto my list….

1. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn Bridge Park - It’s funny because most people want that iconic New York City skyline, but they don’t seem to remember that if you’re on Manhattan island… you’re not going to get those gorgeous building skyline view of NYC! So I always love to recommending to my couples to think about getting married at Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is a wonderful view of all the New York City lower Manhattan buildings, such as the Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center), Brooklyn Bridge itself, and many more!

2. The Brooklyn Promenade, Brooklyn, New York

The Brooklyn Promenade - The same idea as Brooklyn Bridge Park, but a little more tucked away from the crowds, private and intimate. The promenade is a little area that is just a short walk away from Brooklyn Bridge Park and also has a beautiful view of the New York City skyline!

3. Central Park - New York City

A popular and WORLD famous place to elope and have an intimate ceremony with close friends and family. There are so many different locations in Central Park that would work to have either a small elopement or a large group. (Any groups over 20 must register for a permit. The permit is $400 - check out Central Park’s Wedding Website for more information since policies are changing everyday!)

My top favorite spots in Central Park are The Ladies Pavilion, Bethesda Fountain / Bethesda Terrace and Cop Cot.

The Ladies Pavilion, Central Park, NYC

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, NYC

Cop Cot, Central Park, NYC

4. The High Line, Chelsea, New York City

The High Line encapsulates the more urban and modern feel of New York City. The High Line is an ever changing art piece that is unique and quirky! It can be lush and organic, mixed with urban and industrial vibes. There are also a lot of great food spots nearby that you can easily get to after the ceremony! (Like Chelsea Market and many other delicious restaurants!)

5. Gantry State Park, Long Island City, New York

Gantry State Park - Echoing what I spoke about for Brooklyn Bridge Park, Gantry State Park is located in Queens, just a short bridge away from Manhattan and also boasts an amazing view of the New York City skyline. From this park, you get the midtown nyc building views- so you’ll see the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. For those that are from queens (like me!!!) and for those that want to capture the gorgeous city that they live in- forever in their wedding photographs, this would be a great place to do it! You do need a permit to hold a ceremony there, and you can check out this link for more information.

6. New York City Hall ( City Clerk’s Office)

The Office of the City Clerk of New York - …And of course, my all time favorite, New York City Hall! A lot of couples have their ceremony here and then spend the rest of their time taking photos around NYC. Since it is an indoor space, it’s also can serve as a great backup location incase of any weird precipitation. New York City weather is always very unpredictable! So if you had an outdoor location in mind for your intimate wedding ceremony and there seems to be projected rain, maybe it would make sense to move to have the ceremony at New York City Hall; then get some photos at some of the previous locations I mentioned in this blog post! For more information about eloping at the NY City Hall, check out this blog post!

WHY ELOPEMENTS ARE THE WAY TO GET MARRIED IN NYC!!

WHY ELOPEMENTS / MICRO WEDDINGS ARE THE WAY TO GET MARRIED IN NYC!!

LESS IS MORE!

Having an elopement is a great idea! It’s so nice to host an intimate small elopement ceremony with close friends and family! Most of my couples elope first and even add on another bigger reception / party at another time! Whether you’re just sticking with the intimate elopement or planning a bigger NYC wedding later, here are a few reasons why I think you should have an elopement!

1. SAVE SOME MONEY….

You can also spend a little more on the parts for the elopement that will last and that matter most to YOU! For instance your WEDDING photos!! :D (But for real, wedding photos last forever… not anything else) But also if you want that beautiful BHLDN dress that you’ve been thinking about forever, those Cartier specialty rings, that DELICIOUS Taste Creme Cake, or that kick ass Fox Fodder Farm bouquet … GET IT… because you have the cash for it —instead of having it all tied up in a reception venue deposit! Best part is that you don’t even need to share the cake :)

But, if you choose to have an intimate elopement ceremony before the big reception party, you can also buy some time to….

2. SAVE UP FOR A BIGGER PARTY LATER!

You can save up for that amazing restaurant or dream venue (Hello, Blue Hill At Stone Barns), enjoy the food AND have that crazy dance party when the time is RIGHT! It’ll be even more fun because you don’t have to stress about the ceremony or any thing else! Just about enjoying yourself with your friends and family— eating, drinking and dancing away!

3. Less Headaches AND Deadlines

With a small intimate elopement ceremony, you don’t need to think about sending out save the dates, invitations, RSVPS, or venue deposits. Just call and text your closest people, tell them when and where to show up and you just show up too. :)

4.  More Time for Photography

This is honestly KEY. With a smaller and quieter ceremony, you’ll be able to have a much more of a laid back portrait session! Most large weddings have time constraints on photography since we’re always trying to rush back in time to the guests and the party schedule. But having a small elopement allows you to slow down and ease into more getting comfortable in front of the camera and allowing your photographer (hopefully me!) to get some amazing and intimate portraits of you two. You can even schedule to go to more locations around NYC since there are less people out and about.. and also less people to take care of and host during a big wedding day.

5. Less Traffic

This may seem like a silly thing to list… but in New York City, not having to sit in traffic is like a DREAM. Being able to get yourself and your close peoples to the right place at the right time will be much easier and also less headache. The less people you have to move around and plan for, the easier!

6. Zoom-Able to Meet in New York City

You can now just easily live-stream your wedding either via facebook, instagram, zoom, google meets- whatever!— so that those near and far can tune in on the festivities! Right in their pajamas! (You could also make them dress up- the fun is up to you!!) But it’s awesome because you can bring EVERYONE from all over the world to your intimate ceremony in New York City!

And last but not least…

7. Full Focus on Each Other

With all those 10,048,584,449 things out of the way when planning big weddings, you can truly SEE your significant other clearly and soak in every moment of your intimate ceremony. With less distractions, less things to stress over, less things to think about— you can truly remember WHY you’re marrying the person next to you and enjoy each other’s vows, I DO’s and first kiss! It really is an amazing way to start the next chapter in your life..

I hope you all enjoyed this post and are a little more open to the idea of elopements in new york city!! If you’re interested in learning more about NYC City Hall Elopements or just checking out some elopement inspiration, here are some great links:

Great Locations to have an Intimate Ceremony, Elopement or Micro Wedding in New York City

Finding a space in New York City to have an intimate ceremony, reception or elopement has it’s challenges. Finding a space that is cozy AND has delicious food is even more difficult! So I’ve compiled a list of some great spaces and locations in New York City that would be beautiful (and tasty) to host an intimate ceremony, reception or elopement! …or as we now call theem in the post-pandemic world, Micro Weddings

Freemans Resturant

Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002
https://www.freemansrestaurant.com
Great places to shoot nearby: Freeman Alley, Lower East Side Streets and Murals

Bobo NYC Restaurant

181 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
https://www.bobonyc.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: The West Village, Chelsea, The High Line

Chantelle Hotel Rooftop

92 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
https://www.hotelchantelle.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Lower East Side, Murals, Soho

Haven’s Kitchen

109 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
https://havenskitchen.com
Great places to shoot nearby: The West Village, Greenwich Village, Madison Square Park and The Flatiron District

Maison May (Brooklyn)

246 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn
https://maison-may.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Brooklyn

Casa Mono & Bar Jamon (Michelin Star Restaurant!)

52 Irving Pl, New York, NY 10003
https://www.casamononyc.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Union Square Park, Gramercy Park, Union Square District

Juliette (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

135 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
https://juliettewilliamsburg.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Williamsburg, East River State Park, Brooklyn

Upper Story

979 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022
https://www.upperstoryny.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Central Park, Lexington Ave

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

(A little bit outside of NYC but definitely a FAV)
630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY 10591
https://www.bluehillfarm.com/dine/stone-barns
Great places to shoot nearby: The ENTIRE FARM!

Acqua Santa (Brooklyn)

556 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
http://www.acquasanta.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: East River State Park, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, DUMBO

Park Avenue; Spring

PARK AVENUE SOUTH AT 26TH ST. | NEW YORK, NY 10010
https://www.parkavenyc.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Madison Square Park, Flatiron District

Kabisera

151 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
https://www.facebook.com/Kabiseranyc/
Great places to shoot nearby: Lower East Side, Chinatown, Downtown NYC

The Musket Room

265 ELIZABETH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10012
https://www.musketroom.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Lower East Side chic storefronts / Murals

Bottino

246 10th Ave, New York, NY 10001
https://www.bottinonyc.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: The High Line, Chelsea, The West Village

Amali

115 E. 60th ST., NY, NY 10022
https://www.amalinyc.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Central Park, 5th Ave

Gramercy Park Hotel Rooftop; Gramercy Terrace

2 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010
https://www.gramercyparkhotel.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Gramercy Park, Flatiron District and Madison Square Park

LAFAYETTE

380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
https://www.lafayetteny.com/
Great places to shoot nearby: Lower East Side, Soho, Chinatown and downtown Manhattan

The Boat House at Prospect Park

101 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11225
https://www.prospectpark.org
Great places to shoot nearby: Prospect Park 0:)

Your Own BACKYARD!

…or if you know someone that has a beach house- you can always rent a tent and have an amazing, cozy and simple party there with friends & family!

I hope you enjoyed this post and was able to gain some inspiration for planning your New York City elopement, intimate ceremony or reception! There are honestly so many wonderful restaurants, venues, outdoor parks, spaces all over New York City and I think that’s why I love living and working here- there is never a “cookie-cutter” style for a wedding! If you need any other inspiration for your wedding day or elopement, take a gander at my other blog posts: