Have you been thinking about eloping in NYC? Well, you’re in the right place. I will give you all the details on why New York City is the perfect spot for your special day, top elopement locations, tips for making it legal, and more. So, let’s start planning your New York City elopement!

Why Elope in NYC?

New York City is a dream destination for many couples. It’s the city that never sleeps! There’s a wide range of unique and iconic locations for your ceremony. From Central Park to the Rockefeller Center to the Brooklyn Bridge, the options are endless. New York City is filled with places to visit, restaurants to try out, and stunning photo spots. Plus, the city offers a wide range of services tailored specifically for couples like you, from photographers to officiants and more.

Top NYC Elopement Locations

Central Park

• Cop Cot: A beautiful gazebo-like structure located on a hill in the southern part of Central Park, just steps away from the iconic Plaza Hotel. This is a popular spot for small ceremonies and elopements, as it offers built-in seating and a secluded atmosphere.
  
• Shakespeare Garden: For a romantic and whimsical setting, Shakespeare Garden could be for you! This four-acre garden is filled with flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. The winding paths, all the flowers, and old-timey benches create a picturesque backdrop for your special day.
  
• Bethesda Terrace: This iconic Central Park landmark features a grand staircase, ornate carvings, and the famous Bethesda Fountain, creating a picturesque setting for an elopement. The terrace is located in the heart of the park, near the 72nd Street entrance.
  
• Bow Bridge: A classic Central Park location and one of the most photographed spots around, the Bow Bridge offers breathtaking views of the lake and Manhattan skyline. This historic cast-iron bridge is a popular spot for proposals and elopements.
  
• Wagner Cove: A secluded, peaceful spot in the North Woods area of Central Park, Wagner Cove features a small gazebo-like shelter right by the lake’s edge, providing a private and intimate setting for an elopement ceremony.

Beyond Central Park

• Brooklyn Bridge: For couples who want an iconic NYC backdrop, Brooklyn Bridge is a must. Imagine the dramatic Manhattan skyline, the East River glistening below, and the historic charm of the bridge itself. It’s a bold and breathtaking choice for an elopement.
  
• New York Public Library: If you’re book lovers or just love grand architecture, the New York Public Library is an incredible choice. Its majestic steps, stately columns, and intricate details provide a timeless and elegant setting. Plus, Bryant Park is right next door for more photo ops!
  
• Prospect Park: Over in Brooklyn, Prospect Park offers a variety of beautiful settings for your elopement. From the enchanting Ravine with its waterfalls and rustic bridges to the charming boathouse and scenic Long Meadow, there’s no shortage of stunning spots to choose from.
  
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: The lush gardens and seasonal blooms of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, such as the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, offer a beautiful, nature-inspired setting for an elopement.
  
• 620 Loft and Garden: For a blend of urban chic and garden vibes, 620 Loft and Garden is perfect. This rooftop venue offers stunning views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Rockefeller Center skyline, all while surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. It’s a luxurious and private spot that feels worlds away from the busy streets below.

How to Make Your New York City Elopement Legal

To get married in New York City, both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license at the Office of the City Clerk. You can start the application process online to expedite your visit. When applying, both parties need to present proper identification such as a valid driver’s license or passport. The fee for the marriage license is $35.

Once you obtain the marriage license, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before the ceremony can be performed. The ceremony itself must be conducted by a registered marriage officiant and you need to have at least one witness present. As your New York City elopement photographer, I’d be honored to be yours!

Permits

Couples may elope in Central Park without a permit as long as there are less than 20 guests, no chairs, no projected music. If couples choose to, they may reserve one of the pavilions such as Dene Summerhouse (Central Park East), Cop Cot (Central Park South – close to The Plaza Hotel), or The Ladies Pavilion (Central Park West) – reserving a location does require a permit. Apply for the permit through the NYC Parks website. The fee is $25.

Remember that Central Park is a public space, and there’s no exclusive use of any area, even with a permit. Couples must also apply for a permit if they wish to take any photos in the Conservatory Garden within Central Park.

For Prospect Park: A permit is required. You can apply through the Prospect Park Alliance website. The fee is $25.

For the New York Public Library: Permits are required, and they can be obtained through the New York Public Library’s event services. Fees vary depending on the specifics of your event.

For Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Permits are required and can be obtained through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s event services. Fees vary depending on the location within the garden and the size of your event.

Best Time to Elope in NYC

Spring is a beautiful time to elope in New York City. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit. Central Park and other green spaces come alive with blooming flowers and lush greenery, providing a stunning backdrop for your ceremony and photos. Late April through early May is especially picturesque, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Crowds are lower than summer, and you’ll avoid the intense heat and humidity that can hit later in the year.

Summer is the busiest and most popular time for NYC elopements. The city is filled with outdoor events and tourists. It can also be very hot and crowded, especially in July and August. If you do choose to elope in the summer, aim for an early morning ceremony to beat the heat and crowds. Central Park and other green spaces will be lush and green, with plenty of flowers in bloom. Be prepared for high temperatures, humidity, and crowds at popular tourist spots.

Fall is a magical time to elope in NYC. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Central Park and other tree-lined streets put on a stunning display of fall foliage, creating a beautiful backdrop for your photos. Late October through early November is peak foliage season. Crowds are lower than summer, and you’ll avoid the intense heat and humidity. Just be prepared for the possibility of rain and cooler temperatures, especially later in the season.

Winter may not be the most obvious choice, but it can be a magical time to elope in NYC. The city has holiday lights and decorations, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. You’ll find smaller crowds at popular tourist spots, and you’ll have your pick of dates and vendors. It can be cold and snowy! Many couples choose to have an indoor ceremony followed by outdoor photos in the winter.

Featured: Nicole & Brian’s New York City Elopement

Nicole and Brian’s New York City elopement was a beautiful, intimate celebration showcasing the charm and romance of the city they both love. The ceremony took place at the picturesque Dene Summerhouse in Central Park, with only immediate family members in attendance.

After the ceremony, we walked across Central Park from east to west. Our first photo stop was at the iconic Bethesda Fountain area for a few photos. This spot is very busy, as it is one of the most popular spots in Central Park, but we still managed to get beautiful photos, and the crowds didn’t take away from the couple.

Then we met with their vintage cab on the west side and drove down to Columbus Circle for some fun photos with the giant globe structure before heading to Sundry NYC. This is where the couple celebrated with a couple of well-deserved cocktails. With its quaint upstairs room, the Sundry proved to be an ideal spot for hosting an intimate wedding celebration.

The day concluded with a picturesque photo session at DUMBO. The iconic Manhattan Bridge backdrop and the Brooklyn waterfront’s timeless beauty offered Nicole and Brian’s special day a stunning finale.

Simply K Studios | NYC Elopement Photographer

If you’re still looking for your dream NYC elopement photographer who does a bit of documentary but mainly timeless imagery, I’d love to be considered. I want you to enjoy your elopement day and not feel like it was just an extended photo session! And if that’s your vibe, too, reach out to me here! You can also check out more of my portfolio here.

Featured NYC Elopement Vendors

Planning & Coordination – Simply Eloped

Elopement Photography – Me, Simply K Studios

Vintage Cab – The Checker Cab

Cocktail Bar – Sundry

Hairstylist – Jennifer Q