A Wedding Guide to Planning Your Dream New York Wedding
After falling in love with New York, Kristina Berggren and her now husband decided to plan a dream New York Wedding. Living in Sweden, over 3500 miles from the Big Apple, the couple embarked on planning an incredible destination wedding for themselves and 14 of their closest friends and family. Exclusively for Travelista, Kristina shares her wedding guide and everything she learned from planning a magical NYC wedding.
Marrying the love of your life is a big deal, and there are probably as many different wedding styles as there are couples getting married. For my husband and me, there was really only one place that mattered: New York. It’s the energetic city that makes you feel alive and inspired, and where anything seems possible.
Getting married in New York is incredibly popular and you can do it as low key or as grand as you wish. We chose a small, intimate wedding followed by a dinner with just our closest friends and family. There’s quite a bit to think about practically, so I’ve written the guide I wish I could have found whilst doing my own planning. In this article I have poured all my own learnings, tips, recommendations and knowledge to help you plan your own perfect New York wedding. First, we’ll cover the legal and practical know-how (the boring part) and then comes the fun part: exploring possible suppliers, locations, hotels and restaurants for both the ceremony and the wedding dinner. If you’re anything like me, obsessed with browsing for the best restaurants in the trendiest neighbourhoods with the prettiest decor, you know this will take some time. Hopefully this guide can act as a bit of a research fast track.
Jump Menu
- 6 Top Tips for Planning a New York Wedding
- 20 Most Popular Wedding Venues and Locations in New York
- Best Restaurants to Include in your New York Wedding Plans
- Best Hotels for a New York Wedding
About the Bride & Groom
Before we dive in, let me share a bit about myself and my now-husband. We met at work but didn’t truly fall in love until one of us left for another career. We both have a huge passion for horses and live on a small farm a couple of hours south of Stockholm. Living on a farm is great but also a lot of work—maybe that’s one reason we both love to travel so much; it gives us a well-deserved break.
We fell in love with New York the first time we visited. I had been to the city a couple of times before we met, and it was one of the very first trips we took together. It was my husband who pitched the idea (sadly, we didn’t get engaged there, which would have made this story even better), and I loved it. So, deciding on the destination was the easy part. After that, the real work began. Let’s get into it.
6 Tips for Planning a New York Wedding
1. The Legal and Practical Stuff
When you get married in the Big Apple, you do so under NYC state law, which aligns with most European countries. However, make sure to check with your consulate regarding an apostille. For UK residents, you can find more information here. You can apply for a Marriage License online at the City Clerk’s website.
This can be done as early as 21 days before your wedding day and no later than 24 hours before the ceremony. In NYC, you’ll need to bring your application number and passport to the City Clerk’s office, located in the Financial District of Manhattan. My advice is to arrive about ten minutes before they open to avoid long waits. Be prepared for it to take some time but use that to check out the cool venue and observe all the other couples there for the same reason. Once there, you’ll receive a “Marriage License” to take to your officiant for signature.
2. Finding an Officiant for a New York Wedding
A good officiant is crucial, and we had one of the best! Eva Engman, a Swedish woman who has lived in NYC since the ’90s, was amazing and helped us with all the practicalities for a total cost of around $700. You can find her on Instagram under @evaengman.officiant.
3. The Best Locations for a New York Wedding
You can get married almost anywhere in the city, so perhaps you already have a favourite spot? We had a few options: The High Line (the old, elevated railway running through Manhattan), Dumbo (a neighbourhood in Brooklyn right by the Brooklyn Bridge), or Central Park. In the end, we chose Central Park, both for the space and the stunning combination of park and skyscraper views. If you want to secure a location, you can rent one. We opted to rent a spot called Cop Cot near the entrance at 57th Street. It’s beautiful, and renting it costs only about $25 for two hours. Just Google “Central Park wedding” to find all the info.
4. New York City Wedding Photographer
Photographer Karen Obrist captured our day in a completely magical way. She was fantastic to work with and the loveliest person. She has done many wedding shoots and knows all the best spots in the city. Her prices are also quite reasonable, which is appreciated for a worn-out wedding budget. Her Instagram: @karenobrist.
5. Hair & Makeup
Here, I recommend Talia from @simpleandsultry. She’s incredibly talented, comes to your hotel, and can share the best stories about bridezillas from Jersey and Long Island (she might even have some tales about crazy Swedes!).
Another piece of advice is to check out weddingwire.com – a great site where you can find all the help you need to create your dream wedding!
6. Finding the perfect Wedding Dinner in New York
Are you one of those people who scout the internet for the best restaurants, hotels, bars, etc before heading on vacation? I absolutely am, and this trip was no exception. I love places with beautiful interiors, great vibes, and, of course, amazing food! For our wedding, I really wanted a venue with a strong New York vibe, preferably with a view of the skyscrapers without being too touristy. Just a long list of wishes!
I want to emphasise the importance of getting quotes and proposals from the spots you’re interested in. Much of the availability depends on the size of your party as well. We were 14 people, so I looked for a large table, not a private space. Some restaurants operate on a minimum spend for a reservation, while others require a specific amount for your booking.
It’s also crucial to factor in tips when comparing prices! Some include this in their quotes, while others do not. Since this probably won’t be the cheapest dinner you’ve had, restaurants typically expect a minimum of 20% for tips, which can add up. Also, check if there are any additional fees or taxes; that can be a bit of a jungle. I’ve listed our choices for restaurants and hotels for the big day (or week) below.
If you’re going to New York, it won’t just be an evening celebration—let’s spread the joy over the whole week, shall we? Here are some amazing restaurants to incorporate into your New York wedding itinerary.
20 Most Popular Wedding Venues and Locations in New York
As already mentioned, you can get married almost anywhere in New York City, but there are some very special spots and venues that are popular for very good reason. Here are just some of the most famous and popular places to get married in New York city, including my own wedding location of Central Park.
- Tribeca Rooftop
- The Foundry
- Brooklyn Grange
- 620 Loft and Garden
- One if by Land, Two if by Sea
- The View at Battery Park
- City Winery
- The Box House Hotel, Brooklyn
- JW Marriott Essex House New York
- The Plaza Hotel
- Central Park (various locations within)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Great Hall)
- Cipriani 42nd Street
- New York Public Library
- St. Regis New York
- The Waldorf Astoria New York
- The Rooftop at Pier 17
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- The Dyker Beach Golf Course
- The Battery Gardens
Best Restaurants to Include in your New York Wedding Plans
Boucherie West Village
Boucherie has several locations in Manhattan, but the one in West Village is my favourite. It has so much New York charm—lively and great for larger groups. The food is absolutely fantastic! Their specialty is meat, but there are plenty of other options too.
Le Gratin at The Beekman
After you get your marriage license, make sure to stop by the stunning Le Gratin at The Beekman and celebrate with an early lunch. It’s just by Wall Street, so you can pretend you’re in the next Wolf of Wall Street blockbuster. The vibes sure match!
Palma
Palma is a beautiful little restaurant in Greenwich Village. They also host weddings with a romantic Italian-American vibe. You really can’t miss out on this place. And promise me you’ll order the lobster pasta—it’s to die for!
Serra by Bierreria Eataly Flatiron
Eataly’s Bierreria is a rooftop venue open year-round. They change the decor and setup according to the season, and it’s an absolutely amazing place to be. They also have a small brewery on the roof, so if you’re a fan of unique craft beers, this is your spot. It’s also great for cocktails, wine, and the food is good as well.
Best Hotels for a New York Wedding
Whether you’re looking for a hotel to double up as your wedding venue, or simply need an incredible base for your wedding week in New York City these hotels score incredibly highly not only for service and location but also for aesthetics for wedding photography.
Author’s Choice: The William Vale Hotel, Brooklyn – 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Price Range: $$$$
Style/Ambience: Modern, Stylish, Chic
“Magical is the one word sums up everything about The William Vale Hotel and it’s rooftop where we had our wedding dinner. The hotel is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and offers the most stunning view of Manhattan. We also stayed at the hotel. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the hotel is wonderful, as is their restaurants. All rooms have their own balcony with views of either Manhattan or Brooklyn. The service is exceptional, and I can confirm they can handle any bridezilla.
Kristina Berggren
We were there in September, and the weather gods heard our plea, gifting us 25 degrees and sunshine all day. The dinner was served as small plates, with plenty of vegetarian options, and everything was incredibly delicious. I almost tear up writing this, not just because it’s emotional, but also because I miss the hotel, the view, and the food.”
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: The William Vale offers a sleek and modern venue with panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Located in the trendy Williamsburg neighbourhood, the hotel features an incredible rooftop space that is perfect for a glamorous wedding. Its minimalist and chic style, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious event areas, creates a contemporary and luxurious setting. Ideal for couples looking for a fashionable venue with a vibrant atmosphere.
Best Hotels for a New York Wedding
2. The Highline Hotel – 180 10th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Price Range: $$$
Style/Ambience: Historic, Chic, Rustic
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: The Highline Hotel offers a unique combination of rustic charm and urban sophistication. Set in a historic building with a stunning outdoor courtyard, it provides a beautiful backdrop for an intimate wedding. Its proximity to the High Line park offers scenic views, and the venue’s event spaces exude a romantic, industrial charm. Perfect for couples seeking a mix of elegance and charm.
3. The Bowery Hotel – 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Price Range: $$$$
Style/Ambience: Glamorous, Vintage, Sophisticated
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: The Bowery Hotel exudes old-world glamour with its vintage-inspired interiors, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. With its intimate spaces and top-notch service, it’s a fantastic choice for a chic city wedding. Its mix of elegance and contemporary luxury offers a picture-perfect setting for both ceremonies and receptions.
4. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Price Range: $$$$
Style/Ambience: Modern, Eco-friendly, Contemporary
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge blends luxurious comfort with sustainability. Located right by the Brooklyn Bridge Park, it offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. The spacious indoor-outdoor spaces and eco-conscious design make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a modern, stylish wedding with a green touch. The rooftop is particularly popular for receptions and photos.
Book The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
5. The Ludlow – 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Price Range: $$$
Style/Ambience: Trendy, Hip, Industrial
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: For couples looking for a stylish and trendy venue, The Ludlow offers a chic setting in the heart of the Lower East Side. With a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, it is ideal for couples who want a more casual yet upscale wedding. Its stunning rooftop bar and event spaces, combined with a laid-back vibe, provide a memorable experience for guests.
6. The Beekman – 5 Beekman St, New York, NY 10038
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Price Range: $$$$
Style/Ambience: Historic, Elegant, Opulent
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: The Beekman offers opulence and grandeur, with its historic architecture and rich interiors. The hotel’s stunning atrium, with its soaring glass ceilings and intricate detailing, creates a breathtaking setting for both ceremonies and receptions. If you’re envisioning a wedding with elegance and a touch of old New York glamour, The Beekman is an exceptional choice.
7. The Standard, High Line – 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Price Range: $$$$
Style/Ambience: Modern, Trendy, Urban
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, The Standard, High Line, boasts some of the best views in the city, overlooking the High Line park and the Hudson River. Its sleek, contemporary style makes it a fantastic venue for modern couples seeking a stylish and edgy atmosphere for their big day. The rooftop bar is perfect for an evening reception with a view.
8. The Lowell Hotel – 28 East 63rd St, New York, NY 10065
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Price Range: $$$$$
Style/Ambience: Classic, Elegant, Intimate
Why It’s Great for a Wedding: The Lowell Hotel exudes timeless luxury and elegance. With intimate spaces, impeccable service, and its Upper East Side location, this hotel offers a refined atmosphere for a sophisticated wedding. Its elegant ballrooms, beautiful terraces, and high-end catering make it an ideal choice for couples looking for an intimate, high-class wedding in one of NYC’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Browse all hotels in New York City according to your dates and budget.
These hotels provide a variety of styles, from modern and trendy to historic and elegant, ensuring that couples can find the perfect setting for their New York wedding. Each venue offers stunning views, top-tier amenities, and unique features that will make your big day unforgettable!
Kristina’s Final Word on Planning Your Dream New York Wedding
Planning a wedding in New York City can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right guidance and a bit of creativity, you can create a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony in Central Park or a grand celebration with stunning skyline views, New York City offers endless possibilities. Embrace the journey, enjoy the little moments, and remember that your wedding day is about celebrating love with those who matter most. Cheers to a beautiful beginning in the heart of the Big Apple!
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