Decide on a Date

When eloping in New York City, one of the most important decisions is choosing your date. The date will impact everything from the weather, crowds, and availability of your desired vendors.

The best times of year for pleasant weather in New York are spring and fall. Late March through May, and September through November are ideal for avoiding extreme cold, heat, rain or snow. Summer in NYC can be hot and humid, while winter often brings snow and frigid temperatures.

To avoid crowds, avoid major holidays and events like New Years, Thanksgiving Week, Christmas Week, Halloween, Pride Week and August when many Europeans vacation in the city. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends in popular spots like Central Park and major museums.

Be sure to check if you need any permits or reservations for your ceremony location. For example, weddings in Central Park require permits well in advance. You’ll also want to lock in your officiant, photographer, transportation, attire and other vendors as early as possible to ensure availability.

Scheduling your elopement for a less crowded, comfortable time and booking vendors early allows you to secure your top choices for a stress-free NYC elopement.

Pick a Location

When eloping in New York City, you have endless options for your ceremony location. Here’s an overview of some of the top spots couples choose and what to know if you want to get married there:

Central Park

Central Park is one of the most iconic and romantic locations to elope in NYC. You can get married on the Bow Bridge, at the Bethesda Fountain, Shakespeare Garden, or other scenic spots around the park. Just be aware that you’ll need to apply for a permit from the Central Park Conservancy to hold your ceremony at your desired location. Permits cost around $25.

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge provides a gorgeous backdrop for elopement photos. You don’t need a permit, but keep in mind the bridge can get crowded with tourists so pick an early time-slot. Some couples do their vows right on the pedestrian walkway while others just take photos on the bridge.

Restaurants and Rooftops

New York has stunning restaurants like The Plaza and elegant hotel rooftop venues perfect for an intimate elopement dinner or reception after the ceremony. Many restaurants will arrange a special buy-out just for you. This gives you beautiful views of the city along with top-notch cuisine and service.

Hotels

Luxury hotels like The Pierre or St. Regis in Manhattan have ornate spaces that lend an elegant feel to elopement ceremonies. The nice thing about hotels is they often have planners to handle all the details and permits for you. Just be prepared to pay a premium.

No matter which New York City location you choose, following permit requirements and rules will ensure your elopement goes smoothly. But the city offers so many incredible backdrops to celebrate your special day together!

Find an Officiant

If you’re eloping in New York City, you’ll need to find an officiant to legally marry you and your partner. You have several options to choose from:

Judge

You can get married by a judge at your local courthouse. This is a no-frills option, but it gets the job done legally. Call ahead for availability and paperwork requirements.

Minister

Many ministers are willing to perform elopements, especially if you ask around local churches. They’ll provide a more ceremonial feel. Make sure they’re officially registered with the city to perform legal marriages.

Friend

New York allows a close friend to get ordained online so they can officiate your wedding. This adds a personal touch. Just make sure to plan ahead so they can get ordained in time.

When choosing an officiant, make sure they are registered with the New York City Clerk’s Office. Ask about their experience performing elopements. Share details on the type of ceremony you want so they can personalize it.

New York does require a marriage license to make your elopement legal. You’ll need to apply for this in advance at your local City Clerk’s office. Bring required IDs and documents. The license is valid for 60 days, so don’t apply too early.

With the right officiant, your New York elopement will be made official in a meaningful way. Pick someone who shares your style and personality for the perfect intimate ceremony.

Book a Photographer

Photos are an essential part of any wedding, and your elopement is no exception. They will capture memories from your special day that you’ll cherish forever. When booking a photographer for your NYC elopement, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Importance of Photos

Great photos help tell the story of your elopement and allow you to vividly remember the emotions and intimate moments you experienced. An elopement may be smaller than a traditional wedding, but you still want beautiful images recording your vows, first kiss as a married couple, time spent together throughout the day, and other special details. Because it’s smaller, doesn’t mean it’s any less important to special of a day. In fact, some argue that because of the small or non-existent guest count, elopements deserve even more documentation. This helps couples share their day with friends and family.

Professional photographers know how to capture not just posed shots, but candid moments that reflect the joy and spirit of your elopement, so I always recommend hiring an experienced professional. (Hey girl, hey! You can contact me here!)

Photographer Options

There are many talented photographers in New York City to consider for your elopement. Research photographers with a style you love that specialize in elopements, small weddings, and intimate events. Experience photographing at your chosen location can be a plus, but I wouldn’t rule out those who haven’t shot at that location before as long as they do location research and arrive early to scope things out.

Ask about their packages – many have options tailored for elopements ranging from just a few hours of shooting to full day coverage. Some popular options are hiring a single photographer, a photographer with a second shooter or even a photo and video team. The more photographers, the more images and perspectives you’ll get.

Pricing

In New York City, elopement photography prices have a wide range, depending on the specifics of coverage and the experience and quality of the photographer.

Research rates and customize your ideal package in your budget. Quality photography is crucial for remembering your elopement, so budget accordingly for the importance photography holds to you.

Select Attire

Selecting the perfect attire is an important part of making your elopement day special. Since it’s just the two of you, you’ll want to choose outfits that fit the intimate vibe of your elopement.

For brides, sleek and elegant elopement dresses or unexpected white suits are ideal for NYC elopements. Look for styles like short party dresses or silky, form fitting dresses with draping that makes you feel glamorous. Many bridal salons now carry elopement dress collections. You can also find unique dresses at boutiques, Etsy designers, or department store formalwear sections. Renting a dress is another affordable option. Sites like Rent the Runway have lots of chic elopement dresses to choose from. Accessories like hairpieces, jewelry, and sparkly shoes glam up your look.

Grooms have lots of style options too. You could wear a well-fitting suit in a neutral color, paired with a fun accessory like a patterned tie or opt for a suit that brings a pop of color to your day, like lavender, green or pink. Or go more casual with chinos, a button down and a blazer. Renting suits through The Black Tux or Generation Tux are budget-friendly options.

The most important thing is to choose attire that reflects your personal style as a couple. Keep comfort in mind too – you’ll likely be on your feet celebrating a lot of the day!

Plan Your Vows

One of the most special parts of an elopement is getting to exchange heartfelt, customized vows with your partner. When planning your NYC elopement, make sure to discuss writing your own vows with your officiant and share them in advance.

Brainstorm meaningful promises you want to make to your partner and jot down memorable moments or quirks that capture your relationship. Focus on keeping your vows concise, sincere, and reflective of your love story. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel – modifying and personalizing traditional vows can be just as meaningful.

A few tips for crafting great customized vows:

• Pick a central theme or metaphor that symbolizes your relationship. This ties your vows together beautifully.
• Don’t worry about sounding poetic or funny – aim for authenticity above all else.
• If you’re struggling, look up wedding vow examples online for inspiration but make sure to put your own spin on any template.
• Time your vows to make sure they last 1-2 minutes when reading out loud.
• Practice reading your vows aloud multiple times before your elopement. Nerves can make you blank or rush through them on the big day.
• Consider writing your vows together. Joint collaboration can make the process more meaningful and enjoyable.
• Proofread carefully and provide your officiant with a printed copy of your vows before the elopement.

Exchanging thoughtfully crafted, personal vows will make your NYC elopement feel incredibly special. Your officiant can offer guidance to help craft and exchange vows that authentically capture your love.

Consider Witnesses

New York requires at least one witness for a legal marriage ceremony. While you can certainly invite a close friend or family member to serve as your witness, you may prefer to keep your elopement private. In that case, you can hire professional witnesses. Many officiants offer a witness as part of their services. Or you can find independent witnesses to hire as well. Professional witnesses understand their role is to legally observe the ceremony, not interfere or detract from your special moment as a couple.

However, my recommendation would be to ask if your photographer or videographer are able to act as a witness.

When arranging for a witness, be sure to confirm the following:

• They are over 18 years old
• They have valid photo ID with them for the ceremony
• They are available on your set date and time
• They are willing to travel to your ceremony location

The witness will sign your marriage certificate along with you, your partner, and the officiant. This legally completes your elopement ceremony.

Having a supportive witness present can enhance the meaningfulness of your elopement. But keeping your ceremony private also has its benefits. Discuss your options together and decide what feels right for your wedding vision.

Have a Marriage License

To get married in New York City, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license.

Here’s what you need to know:

In New York State, marriage licenses are issued by the City Clerk’s Office in the borough you are getting married in. So for a Manhattan wedding, visit the Manhattan Marriage Bureau.

• Both partners must be present to apply for the license. You’ll need to show ID and provide your birth certificates.
• The marriage license fee is $35. You can pay by check, money order, or credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted.
• There is a 24-hour waiting period to get your marriage license in NYC. You can’t get the license and get married on the same day. You must wait 24 hours before the ceremony can take place.
• Once issued, marriage licenses are valid for 60 days. The ceremony must take place within this 60 day window.
• You don’t have to be a resident of New York to apply for a New York marriage license. But you do have to get married within the state once the license is issued. So allow enough time when planning your NYC elopement to visit the City Clerk’s office and obtain your marriage license.

Again, you’ll need to factor in the 24-hour waiting period before the wedding can take place. Having the license in hand is a legal requirement for your New York City elopement to be valid.

Plan Transportation

Getting around New York City for your elopement can be a bit tricky, but transportation is an important part of the day. You’ll need to get to your ceremony location, travel to any photo locations you have in mind, and then celebrate at a restaurant or other venue.

Here are some of the best options for transportation during your NYC elopement:

Subway

The subway system in New York City is quite extensive and can get you many places efficiently and affordably. Plan your route ahead of time and purchase MetroCards for the day. The subway can get very crowded during rush hours, so try to avoid those times if possible. Just be aware that the subway can be hot and dirty, so it might not be the most comfortable option if you’re dressed up.

Taxi or Ride Share

Taxis are iconic in New York and can be a convenient way to get around. With ride share services like Uber or Lyft, you can easily call a car to your location. This is often more expensive than the subway, but provides door-to-door service and is comfortable. Just be prepared for potential traffic delays.

Walking

Depending on the distance, walking is a great way to get around NYC, especially if you want to take in the sights. Look at a map to determine feasible walking distances between locations. Wear comfortable shoes that work for both your ceremony and walking around the city.

Bicycle Rentals

For adventurous couples, renting Citi Bikes for the day can be a fun way to travel between elopement locations in New York City. Bike lanes make it fairly safe. Just plan your route ahead of time and be careful navigating busy streets.

Private Car

Hiring a private car and driver to escort you around for the day is the most luxurious option. The car can wait at each location or meet you as needed. This ensures comfortable travel between destinations without having to worry about transportation logistics on your special day. It’s more expensive but provides door-to-door service.

No matter what transportation you choose, plan routes ahead of time and allow enough time to navigate New York City. Getting around efficiently will make your elopement day magical.

Celebrate Your NYC Elopement

Now that you’ve officially tied the knot, it’s time to celebrate! New York City offers endless options for celebrating your elopement in style.

Enjoy a Romantic Meal

Treat yourselves to an intimate dinner at a cozy New York restaurant. Top-rated spots like The River Café or The Modern offer stunning city views and incredible cuisine for a memorable meal. Or opt for a more casual but still upscale dinner at Gramercy Tavern, Café Boulud, or Batard.

Pop Some Bubbly on a Rooftop Bar

What better way to toast your marriage than by sipping champagne high above the NYC skyline? Check out lively rooftop bars like 230 Fifth, The Heights, or Bar 54 at Hyatt Centric Times Square. Soak in the incredible views as you clink glasses with your new spouse.

Go for Sweet Treats

Satisfy your sweet tooth with decadent desserts from some of New York’s incredible bakeries and patisseries. Share a box of macarons from Ladurée, a sampling of elegant pastries from Payard, or a slice of cheesecake from Two Little Red Hens. You can’t go wrong!

Enjoy a Show or Comedy Club

Take in a Broadway show, Off-Broadway play, or comedy club routine to keep the celebration going. Consider seeing a long-running hit musical like The Lion King or Wicked for a quintessential NYC experience. Or check out an intimate theater performance or stand-up show for laughs.

Stroll Through Central Park

Take a leisurely evening stroll through Central Park together. Rent a rowboat and paddle around the lake, admire the Manhattan skyline from Bow Bridge, or simply wander the lantern-lit pathways hand-in-hand. End your elopement day with a romantic walk under the stars.

Conclusion

And there you have it! 🌆✨

We’ve reached the end of our epic NYC elopement guide, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have taken this journey with you. From the vibrant streets of the city to the stunning parks and iconic landmarks, New York City is truly a magical place to say “I do.”

But remember, this guide is just the beginning. It’s your canvas, waiting to be filled with your own unique love story. Whether you choose to exchange vows in Central Park, have a rooftop ceremony overlooking the city skyline, or find a hidden gem that speaks to your soul, I encourage you to let your imagination run wild and create a day that is authentically you.

As you plan your NYC elopement, remember to embrace the hustle and bustle of the city, but also take moments to slow down and savor the quiet, intimate moments with your partner. This day is about celebrating your love and committing to a lifetime of adventure together.

And when the big day arrives, don’t be afraid to let your emotions run wild. Laugh, cry, dance, and soak in every moment. This is your chance to create memories that will last a lifetime, in a city that never sleeps.

From my experience as a photographer and hopeless romantic, I can confidently say that choosing to elope in NYC will be one of the most incredible and unforgettable experiences of your life. It’s a city that will inspire you, challenge you and leave a lasting imprint on your hearts.

And if you’re looking for a photographer or a videographer, click here and let’s connect!