There’s nowhere more romantic than New York City. I just love the energy and beauty of our urban paradise and am always so honored to photograph your modern-day love story in the Big Apple. From historic spaces like the Plaza Hotel to small, secret gardens, NYC has a bit of everything when it comes to wedding and event spaces.
If you’re planning a wedding in the city, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed – there are just so many gorgeous options! However, I can recommend a few places that are just perfect. Here are 10 of NYC’s most beautiful wedding venues for couples searching for somewhere iconic, authentic, and unique.
1. New York Public Library
One of the most quintessential wedding venues in NYC has to be the New York Public Library. They’ve proudly provided books to the public for over 100 years, but the grand, historic architecture of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is also available for weddings.
And yes, you can even rent the library’s iconic front steps for your wedding photography! It’s truly one of the most spectacular wedding venues in Manhattan and so perfect for couples with an interest in history, literature, or architecture.
2. Metropolitan Building
The Metropolitan Building, which dates back to 1909, was originally built as an electrical parts factory and later transformed into an antique furniture business and artist’s studio, before finally becoming a completely unique rental space.
The fourth floor offers a huge, industrial-chic open space, while the second brings French chateau-inspired luxury. Both spaces are so special and can be customized to your preferences – they’re ideal for editorial-style wedding photography.
3. 501 Union
In Brooklyn, you’ll find one of the coolest secret wedding venues in New York City. I just love the style and aesthetic of 501 Union, a heritage building and former classic car restoration studio.
Today, wedding couples love the venue’s exposed white brick walls, elegant lounges, and sleek furnishings. They can cater for up to 160 seated guests or 250 cocktail-style, but you can rent the cocktail lounge on its own for smaller wedding functions.
4. The Foundry
Dreaming of gorgeous garden wedding venues in New York City? If so, take a look at the Foundry, a 19th-century building in Long Island City with so many versatile rooms to rent.
For an outdoor or garden function, check out the Courtyard, an ivy-covered space; the Greenhouse, with skylights streaming in plenty of natural light; or the Terrace, the perfect space for smaller weddings.
It’s hip, modern, and chic, yet still elegant and stylish – definitely worth a look if you’re searching for outdoor wedding venues in NYC.
5. The Wythe Hotel
The Wythe Hotel just oozes New York charm! I love this Williamsburg venue for its exposed brick, black-and-white tiles, and beautifully restored spaces. With an in-house French restaurant and patisserie, the catering is going to be great too.
For couples searching for small wedding venues in NYC, the Wythe is a good option as they offer some fantastic wedding packages for 10–50 guests, with a wedding planning team to assist.
6. Glenmere Mansion
For something just outside of the city, consider the Hudson Valley’s Glenmere Mansion. Set across 150 acres, this spectacular country home can cater to weddings of up to 350 guests.
The formal gardens are just wonderful in Spring and the Tuscan-style architecture of the property looks so elegant in wedding photos. If you’re imagining a destination wedding, there’s accommodation on-site, along with a spa, restaurants, and plenty of local shopping, wineries, and activities for you and your guests to enjoy.
7. Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Westchester County’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns offers understated country luxury, complete with incredible farm-to-table dining. The tranquility and beauty of Blue Hill are reminiscent of the English countryside, including gorgeous stonework and a wonderful herb garden used by the on-site restaurants.
Intimate wedding parties can enjoy private dining spaces for up to 14 guests, while larger weddings are held in the architecturally stunning HayLoft space, seating 40–160 guests.
8. The Rainbow Room
There are few places more decadent and romantic than the Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room. This glamorous space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, extravagant chandeliers, and rotating timber dance floor, is 65 stories above Rockefeller Center and offers some of the best views of the NYC skyline.
This amazing space is sure to impress even the toughest New Yorker, so plan a visit if you’re searching for an iconic wedding venue that’s both traditional and modern.
9. The Plaza Hotel
Every local and tourist knows the famous Plaza Hotel! Set at the intersection of Central Park and Fifth Avenue, this hotel is an iconic NYC landmark.
It offers grand, luxurious wedding packages with a wide number of spaces to choose from – including the Gilded-Age glamor of the huge Grand Ballroom and Terrace Room, each with artwork, sparkling chandeliers, and curved archways and columns.
Your smaller wedding party might enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea at the Palm Court, a wonderful atrium space with vaulted ceilings and, of course, a few palm trees.
10. Tribeca Rooftop
The Tribeca Rooftop is sleek, minimalist, and stylish – just made for couples looking for something unique. You can hire out the entire 14,000 sq ft, with space for both ceremonies and receptions.
You’ll have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a great area for sunset cocktails as you and your guests overlook the majestic NYC skyline. The building itself is set on a historic cobblestone street in a former 1920s printing press, so a visit to the Tribeca Rooftop incorporates both historic and modern elements of NYC architecture.
From a photography perspective, I love that these venues all offer natural light, unique backdrops, and open spaces, giving us plenty of opportunities to take candid, natural images of your wedding day that will look genuine rather than posed – an accurate reflection of your love and celebrations!
I’d be thrilled to hear from you if you have any questions about NYC wedding venues and how they might work for your wedding photography. I know the city well and love recommending venues and shoot locations that will suit your style and preferences as a couple.