New York City, famously known as “The Big Apple” is home to an abundance of picture-perfect locations for weddings. Popular for its iconic skylines, historic landmarks, romantic gardens, and alluring landscapes, the city that never sleeps plays host to hundreds of ceremonies every year.
What attracts couples are invariably the landmarks of the city including the concrete skylines that lend wedding pictures the quintessential NYC appeal, and the lush natural beauty of off-grid venues. An advantage seldom found with other regions in the USA is that New York offers a wealth of choices in urban and natural settings. Whether you are looking for a sleek boutique hotel venue with views of the Statue of Liberty in the distance, an urban oasis in the heart of the city, or a secluded romantic weekend resort to enjoy a peaceful union celebration, NYC has it all. It goes without saying, that you inevitably need an expert wedding photographer in New York to capture the best of the priceless moments from your wedding and the beauty of the city.
To help you with the overwhelming decision of choosing one among the plethora of locations in the city, here is a curated list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York.
The Pierre NY
The Pierre, a Taj Property, located ever-so-conveniently in the prestigious Fifth Avenue, is one of the most luxurious and impeccably constructed hotel venues in the city. Featuring baroque-style opulent interiors with intricate crystal chandeliers, Art-Nouveau-inspired staircases, and hand-painted murals, the venue is the epitome of vintage beauty and timeless sophistication. In addition to offering stunning aesthetics for palatial, beautiful wedding ceremonies, it also provides dedicated wedding specialists who assist with everything from curating bespoke menus created by elite chefs from across the world to seamless event execution, all while ensuring careful attention to detail. The venue houses several options for event spaces including an elegant ballroom and an al fresco option. Its sheer timeless beauty earns it the first spot on our list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York.
620 Loft and Garden
620 Loft and Garden is a premium wedding venue located above the bustling Fifth Avenue that screams industrial elegance. It is most popular for the stunning skyline views it offers from its rooftop, overlooking the grandiose St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue. The outstanding central location of the city and the well-manicured terrace make for a romantic ambiance that captures the essence of the “city that never sleeps”. A skilled wedding photographer will be able to create some spectacular wedding portraits that embody the spirit of the city while also highlighting the beauty of your romance.
Celebrate at Snug Harbor
Celebrate at Snug Harbor, located in Staten Island, NY, is a legendary wedding venue offering some of the most picturesque al fresco spaces. Featuring an expansive 83-acre property including the Chinese Scholar’s Garden designed in Ming Dynasty style, it boasts a number of photogenic elements such as tranquil walkways, courtyards, and pavilions. The Tuscan Garden, another one of its notable spaces offers interesting elements for an intimate wedding ceremony including landscaped terraces, topiaries, water bodies, and other beautiful details. The venue also offers a good choice of indoor venues, the most popular one being the Great Hall, which mesmerizes with a 40-foot-high ceiling and colossal Palladian windows. Couples who like to go off-beat for their wedding also book the tent, which overlooks the grounds. With such an ample variety of spaces, Celebrate at Snug Harbor finds the third spot on our list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York.
Freedom Run Winery
Freedom Run Winery, located in Lockport, NY, is a unique outdoor wedding venue exuding eco-rich serenity. Featuring bountiful vineyards, apple orchards, and sunflower fields, its al fresco spaces are a sight to behold. Couples love having delicately designed ceremonies overlooking the lush fruit trees of the property. In addition to its elegant outdoor gardens, it also features a timber-framed 1826 barn screaming rustic-chic, which blends historic charm with modern amenities. Other noteworthy spaces at the Freedom Run Winery include the contemporary-style Tasting Room and Barrel Room both of which perfectly complement the natural beauty of the venue. Its elegant mix of aesthetics and rustic grace, make it one of our top 10 wedding venues in New York.
The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel is New York City’s most iconic wedding venue. Having been featured in hit movies including Sleepless in Seattle and Bride Wars, it is also one of America’s most celebrated hotels. Constructed back in 1907, couples often consider it a coveted honor to get married at The Plaza. In terms of its amenities, it features several spaces perfect for big and small celebrations. The Grand Ballroom is its most popular choice which comes with an accommodative capacity of 500 guests for sit-down events, and 1000 standing. The Terrace Room is also a fine choice featuring Italian Renaissance-style paintings and sparkling chandeliers. As part of its rich services, the venue offers opulent wedding suites including a “day of” suite adjacent to the ballroom. Couples can also choose the privilege of having a wedding cake prepared by celebrity chef Ron Ben-Israel. Our list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York wouldn’t be complete without The Plaza.
The Eldred Preserve
The Eldred Preserve, located in Eldred, NY, is a stunning wedding venue that presents a unique confluence of three heritage properties. Featuring Homestead Restaurant, Eldred Preserve, and the historic Bradstan Country Hotel, the venue is known to be a former sportsman’s resort. The buildings are nestled beautifully in the most picturesque array of gardens and acres of forested surroundings filled with towering trees, manicured lawns, and serene water bodies. A ceremony conducted anywhere within the property will bring the magic of nature through, making your event look like a destination wedding. The property also provides rich amenities including high-ceiling rooms, floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, warm sconce lighting, luxurious linens, and monogrammed bathrobes. Partner with an experienced wedding photographer to capture the best of the venue.
The Maples Estate
The Maples Estate is a lovely riverside property located 3 hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city in Schoharie Valley. It features an elegant and expansive estate with a warm and cozy 1855 colonial farmhouse, offering comfortable lodgings for up to 17 guests. The venue with its vintage buildings, lush greenery, and serene ponds surrounded by blooming botanicals presents a dreamy setting, perfect for a weekend wedding celebration. In addition to the wonderful aesthetics, the place is also known for its high-level hospitality and service excellence. The owners of the venue offer hands-on assistance in wedding planning and organizing, ensuring that your wedding is as perfect as your love story. With its premium off-the-grid venue ambiance and good-quality services, The Maples Estate finds a spot on our list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York.
Tribeca Rooftop
Tribeca Rooftop is a classic industrial chic wedding venue that is known for the 360-degree sweeping views it offers of New York City and The Hudson River. Located at 2 Desbrosses Street in Lower Manhattan, the place is perfect for a contemporary-style elegant ceremony that highlights the magnificence of the concrete jungle. It features modern luxurious amenities including indoor, al fresco, and rooftop spaces ideal for celebrations of all sizes. Spanning 18,000 square feet worth of event spaces, it can house up to 400 guests, making it perfect for large ceremonies. Its indoor space features gorgeous 65-ft skylights, allowing ample natural light to fill wedding pictures. With an ample variety of spaces, the venue offers versatility and timeless contemporary beauty, which makes it one of our top 10 wedding venues in New York.
The Mansion of Saratoga
The Mansion of Saratoga, located in Rock City Falls, NY is a gorgeous historic venue offering the most tranquil romantic ambiance. Featuring a tasteful historic Victorian Mansion built in 1866, and an exclusive four-acre of a serene private retreat, the venue is ideal for a peaceful out-of-town weekend wedding. In addition to the grandiose mansion, it also features a lovely rustic barn adorned with elegant chandeliers, perfect for pre-wedding get-togethers. The property also boasts an English Rose Garden and a bucolic pond, making an excellent recipe for wedding photography. With ample on-site accommodations as well, in addition to the venue highlights, the Mansion of Saratoga finds a spot in our list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York.
New York Botanical Garden
New York Botanical Garden is an exquisite venue in the heart of the city offering an abundance of bio-diverse greenery. It is well-known for being a wedding venue with a view, in the city, as its Garden Terrace Room offers splendid views of the botanical gardens. Constructed in 1891, the venue also boasts an elegant historic charm that beautifully complements the diverse landscapes. Couples love having intimate and romantic wedding ceremonies on the garden terrace overlooking the beautiful green botanical views. It also facilitates outdoor weddings set amidst the lush lawns of the property. In addition to the aesthetic beauty, the place is also known to provide world-class dining experiences delivered by the Constellation Culinary Group.
Wrapping up
New York City, the place where dreams come true, is truly so when it comes to wedding experiences. From natural landscapes to industrial buildings and secluded romantic retreats, the place offers a plethora of options for wedding venues to fit the themes and tastes of all types of weddings. This specially curated list of the top 10 wedding venues in New York will help make the overwhelming decision of choosing one venue out of a hundred options easier. Keep the guide handy when scouting for locations and partner with an experienced wedding photographer to seek professional assistance not just in making memories but also in venue selection.
For expert-led location scouting and comprehensive wedding photography services across New York, contact Shan Photography!
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