Table of Contents:
- Why Elope in New York City?
- New York City Elopement FAQ’s
- Best Iconic Places to Elope in New York City
- Fun NYC Elopement Ideas + Activities
- NYC Elopement + Wedding Photographer
- Full NYC Elopement Gallery
Brb, still picking my jaw up off the floor from the INCREDIBLE shoots I had during my recent NYC trip (pictured throughout this guide). I literally live and breathe New York elopements; they’re so go with the flow, do whatever you want, walk for hours, f-around-and-find-out vibes and I am sooo here for it.
If that sounds like the type of city adventure you’re craving for your special day, then you’ve made it to the right place—welcome to my New York City elopement guide! The Big Apple is, well, BIG and full of so many incredible opportunities that it can honestly be hard to figure out whatcha wanna do, so in this guide I’ll be helping you pick out your NYC elopement location(s), get your marriage license, plan your timeline, and more. I’m ready when you are, let’s dive in!
Why Elope in New York City?
If you’re wondering why you’d want to elope in New York City, then you probably haven’t been there before 😉 Jk, I know there are a ton of incredible options out there to choose from, so let me tell you why NYC might be right for your one-of-a-kind celebration!
I absolutely love how casual and go-with-the-flow NYC elopements + weddings are—you could plan an intricate, very detailed day, OR you could just walk around, take pics, sign a license, have a small ceremony somewhere, hop in one of those iconic yellow taxis. . . really, the options are endless. And if you’re looking for something bigger where you can host more of your loved ones, the city is full of beautiful venues that you can get married at, too.
Since NYC truly has it all, it’s up to you to figure out what would be the most meaningful + memorable for the two of you—the world (the city, in this case) is your oyster!! There are NO limits when it comes to dreaming up your perfect NYC elopement, whether it looks like a quick pop inside the courthouse to make things official followed by a stop at an ice cream joint for celebratory cones, or a ceremony with a small group of loved ones after which you dine at a Michelin star restaurant in the city. I’m telling you, there’s a reason NYC is so famous for being the city of dreams, where people go to make their wildest dreams and wishes come true. Same goes for your elopement!!
Included in NYC’s neverending opportunities are some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, of course. These are must-do’s if it’s your first time visiting NYC! But besides all the well-known attractions, NYC is so big that there are also so many hidden gems and treasures ready to be discovered. Maybe your elopement timeline is packed with tours around famous museums, or maybe you block out time to just walk around the alleyways and stop in every little shop you see. . . there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just have fun and make it an adventure for yourselves.
New York City Elopement FAQ’s
I wanted to start off by answering a few FAQ’s that you might be wondering about! We’ll cover some of this practical stuff first, about how to elope in NYC, and then dive into the more fun part: choosing where to elope in NYC.
How do you get a marriage license in NYC?
This is a super important one whether you are doing a quick + easy courthouse elopement or planning a more intricate wedding at a venue. Either way, you’ll need a marriage license to make things official!
To get married in New York, you must be over the age of 18 and have a valid form of photo ID to bring to the City Clerk office with you, as well as any divorce/death decrees if applicable. Fees might vary depending on the county you apply through but generally, the license will cost $35.
There’s a 24-hour waiting period in New York, meaning that, once you get your marriage license, you’ll have to wait 24 hours before you can actually have your legal ceremony—so make sure to build that into your timeline! From there, you’ll need one witness present at your ceremony (I can be your witness if you don’t want to invite any guests!), and your license will be valid for 60 days anywhere in the state.
In case all that info was a little overwhelming, here’s a recap of the most important New York marriage laws you need to know:
- Minimum age: 18
- Witnesses required: 1
- Waiting period: 24 hours
- License valid for: 60 days
- License fee: $35
Now let’s talk about actually getting your NYC marriage license: you can either apply in-person OR get ahead of things by starting your application online.
If you want to apply in-person, here’s what you need to do:
- Visit this website and select the City Clerk office location you want to visit
- Select a date and time for your appointment
- Provide your contact information
Then you’ll be good to go—just be sure to show up on time for your appointment because they won’t take late arrivals.
If you want to start the process online, here’s what to do:
- Visit this website
- Fill out the provided application form
- Complete your application by scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment with a City Clerk office
Voilà, you’re all set!
How much does it cost to elope in NYC?
It’s hard to give an exact number because every couple is going to be SO different. One couple might put all their money into planning fun activities and experiences around NYC and spend less on their actual elopement, while another couple might spend more of their budget on wedding decor and a venue. . . there’s no estimate I could give you that would be accurate.
BUT what I can give you are my recommendations on what to budget for! These are some of the vendors/services I would suggest including in your NYC elopement budget in order to have a seamless, stress-free day that will live on in your memories forever. Not every couple will need every vendor, but this list is a good place to start figuring out where you want to put your money!
- Photographer—my own NYC wedding + elopement packages start at $3,700 for partial coverage, and $4,700 for a full day of coverage (all customizable to your day!)
- Videographer—a great addition to your photo coverage if it’s within your budget
- Officiant—you’ll need one of these no matter what, obvi!
- Florist—even if it’s just for a small bouquet to carry around the city
- Hair/makeup—so you don’t have to worry about doing your own
- Hotel/Airbnb—you’ll def want somewhere cozy to crash after the big day!
If you have extra room in the budget, here are a few more you could consider:
- Coordinator/planner—especially if you’re planning a bigger wedding or a more intricate, multi-day elopement
- Stylist—if you want to have an elevated dinner/tablescape setup back at your Airbnb
- Private chef—to cook you a luxurious meal at your Airbnb
When is the best time to elope in NYC?
Sunrise is by far the BEST time of day to elope in NYC, especially if you’re eloping at an iconic landmark or in a famous neighborhood. This is when you’ll experience the fewest crowds and tourists, plus the vibrant colors and the glow of sunrise over the city is just magical. Sunrise isn’t your only option though, it’ll depend on the day of the week, time of year, and the location you’re eloping at.
As far as what day of the week to elope in NYC, I’d go with a weekday if you can; again, this is when popular areas will be the least busy and you’ll be able to get more peace + quiet. But if you can only make a weekend date work, don’t worry—we’ll find locations that give you everything you’re dreaming of!
Now when it comes to what time of year is best for an NYC elopement, it’s really up to you and what you’re envisioning your elopement to look like! Every season in the city has its own unique charm, and each is different from the next—summer has the warmest temperatures and clearest days, but fall brings really beautiful colors in the leaves, crisp air, and fewer tourists. Winter is colddd but the snow makes for the most magical winter wonderland, and spring is still chilly but has gorgeous springtime colors!
I’d say the best way to pick the right season for your elopement is to really envision everything about your dream day. What are you wearing? What does the sky look like? What activities are you doing? Is there a breeze in the air? What color are the trees? How many tourists are there?
Doing this can help you figure out which season would best align with your dream day, and how you can make your picture-perfect elopement come to life.
Best Iconic Places to Elope in New York City
Okayyy are we ready to take a look at some of the top elopement locations in NYC? All of these spots are iconic and would be PERFECT for your elopement—and don’t worry, if you’re having a hard time choosing, I’ll help ya out once you inquire with me about your day.
Brooklyn Bridge
Duh! The Brooklyn Bridge is only one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, stretching across the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. The iron arches + Gothic-style towers are iconic beacons of NYC, and the views are to die for—you can see the New York Harbor, the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, and the Statue of Liberty out on Ellis Island. How could you not want to take elopement portraits along this stunning bridge with all the breathtaking scenery of NYC around you?!
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a gorgeous riverside beach within Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, where people often come to watch the sunset and enjoy scenic views of the Brooklyn Bridge + the Manhattan skyline in the background. This is a perfect spot to go if you kinda wanna escape the city a bit without going TOO far; you get some of those beautiful nature vibes with the rocky shoreline, the water, and the green trees that line the shore, while still being super close to all the NYC hot spots. 10/10 recommend adding in a sunset stroll along the Pebble Beach pathway to your elopement itinerary!
New York Public Library
No, I’m not just recommending the library because I’ve gotten back into reading lately! The main branch of the New York Public Library is not only a great place to go if you need a little quiet time around huge collections of books—it’s also a gorgeous building famed for its Beaux-Arts-style architecture and design. The carved marble, the towering Corinthian columns, the massive archways, and the iconic lion statues make for the freakin’ prettiest place to have a quick elopement ceremony, or to stop for portraits on your special day. How fun would it be to walk around the library with a book and a drink in hand, all dressed up in your elopement attire for some creative portraits of you two newlyweds!
New York City Hall
If you’re having a courthouse elopement, then New York City Hall will be the main stop on your itinerary. You can also choose from any of the other marriage bureaus in the city, each of which has their own marriage office—the two most popular are the Manhattan City Clerk’s office and the Brooklyn City Clerk’s office. But the main New York City Hall is my recommendation, because the building itself is super beautiful, built by multiple architects over the years with a focus on French Renaissance-inspired architecture. Both the exteriors and interiors of this building are elegant and perfect for pictures!
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village (aka “the Village”) is a super trendy area on the lower west side of NYC, known for its popularity with artists, writers, and musicians. If you and your partner are into quirky cafes, chic restaurants, hip coffee shops, and other vibrant cultural experiences, the Village is the place to be! In fact, I actually went to Greenwich Village for Lainey and Peyton’s engagement shoot and we had a blast exploring the charming streets + enjoying views of the city skyline. I could literally think of no better way to start a day in the city than waking up before the sun, grabbing a hot cup of coffee, and wandering the streets of Greenwich Village with a cute-ass couple in love!
Central Park
Finally, Central Park obviously HAS to be on this list and musttt be a part of your NYC elopement experience. I don’t make the rules! Literally one of the most iconic destinations in the country (in the world?), Central Park spans over 800 acres of beautifully-designed park area between the Upper East Side and Upper East Side of Manhattan. It’s most known for its incredible landscaping + architecture, peaceful walking paths, tranquil scenery, picturesque monuments and sculptures, and its 30+ bridges/arches. IMO Bethesda Terrace is one of the spots in the park that you simply have to visit; you’ve probably seen photos of this breathtaking plaza and the fountain that lies in its center. The dark shadows underneath the arches, with the light shining through from the back, makes for super dramatic and vibrant photos, and the views overlooking the rest of Central Park are to die for. This area is beautiful at any time of year, but the trees along the lake REALLY shine in the fall!
Fun NYC Elopement Ideas + Activities
Before you go, I wanted to give you a list of activities that I think would be SO fun to incorporate into your NYC elopement! There are endless amazing things to do in the city, so you might have to come back for an anniversary trip in the future (and I’ll tag along to that, too) 😉
- Grab a slice of New York-style pizza
- See the city lights in Times Square
- Take a romantic walk through Central Park
- Stroll through Greenwich Village
- Take an open-door helicopter ride over the city
- Ride the ferry to Ellis Island
- Get some yummy food in Chinatown
- Take the Staten Island Ferry
- Admire the artifacts, paintings, and books at the Morgan Library & Museum
- See a show on Broadway
- Explore the New York Botanical Garden
- Take a train from Grand Central Terminal
NYC Elopement + Wedding Photographer
Who’s ready to pack their bags and book a trip to the Big Apple? I know I am, and I’d love to come along for your unforgettable NYC elopement adventure! All of my NYC wedding packages include travel fees and are completely customized to your day, so we’ll be sure to make it everything you’re dreaming of. Head to my contact form to inquire and let’s make some magic, mon amour! ✨
Looking for a more outdoorsy, adventurous elopement location instead? Here are guides to a couple of my fave locations!
Eloping in Joshua Tree National Park: Top Tips + Tricks
Eloping in the Bonneville Salt Flats at Sunrise
Full New York Elopement Gallery
