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Getting Married in NYC: How to Plan a Wedding in The Big Apple

by Milica Zarin 16 Feb 2024 •5 min read

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If you're thinking about a wedding that combines elegance with the vibrant energy of The Big Apple, you've chosen the perfect setting for your special day.

Whether you prefer a small wedding or a big celebration with many members of family and friends, New York has something to offer. Its known landmarks that paint the city skyline and places that are true hidden gems ensure you’ll have a memorable experience there.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide on getting married in NYC, covering everything you need to know.

Wedding Planners

You’re probably aware that planning a wedding involves many decisions and details that need attention. This is why many couples choose to hire a wedding planner and avoid many stressful situations in organizing everything.

Here are some of our favorite wedding planners in NYC:

Pat Glenn Productions is a team that aims to make your wedding planning experience fun and seamless. They will collaborate and support you during every step of the process.
Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli specializes in NYC weddings that have a personal touch and reflect your own style.

Venues

New York is a place of countless beautiful venues, so whether you want to spend your big day on a rooftop, in an elegant ballroom, or in a colorful garden, you’ll find your dream place.

Here are our favorite venues:

SECOND Floor NYC is a minimalistic and warm setting with a tree-lined terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a full range of amenities.
New York Botanical Garden offers two event spaces, the Garden Terrace Room and the rustic Stone Mill.
The Liberty Warehouse is a unique place located on New York Harbor in the historic shipping yards of Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood. This place gives beautiful views of the harbor, Verrazano Bridge, One World Trade Center, and Statue of Liberty.

Marriage License in New York

We know you’re excited to say “I do”, but there’s a legal process of obtaining a marriage license before you do. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you with our four-step guide:

Prepare the valid identification documents (IDs, driver’s licenses, passports).
Pay for the fee, which is $40.
Go to the city clerk's office together to submit your application.
Get married in the next 60 days. After that, the license won’t be valid.

Bridal Salons

Bridal boutiques are more than just stores. They are spaces where dreams take shape and visions of timeless elegance come to life. If you’re getting married in NYC, you’re in luck, because the city offers a wide selection for every bride seeking that perfect dress.

Our recommendations include:

Lovely Bride New York has wedding dresses that can fit any budget. Whether you’re looking for a puffy princess dress or a classic silhouette, you will find your dream dress.
Carol Hannah’s team makes each gown by hand in their studio. If you visit it, you’ll be able to see every dress in their current and past collections, see where and how the gowns are made, and request any customization you want.
The Bridal Salon NYC offers all kinds of wedding dresses to suit every bride’s style. This includes sparkly, long dresses and romantic dresses with lace sleeves.

Bonus Tip

It’s not always easy to find the perfect wedding dress as the process doesn’t end with choosing the right bridal salon. You should go for the ones that offer expert alteration services to make sure your dress fits like a dream.

Also, schedule fittings well in advance so you can have enough time for any types of adjustments. You want this dress to feel like it was made just for you.

Florists

Flower arrangements and a bouquet may not seem like a big deal, but choosing the perfect types and colors will have a huge impact on your wedding. New York is home to many talented florists, so you’ll definitely find the one.

Take a look at our favorite florists:

NYC Flower Project specializes in luxury centerpieces and bridal bouquets. Their designers will take care of each detail of floral decorations.
Rachel Cho Floral Design is passionate about having your flower decorations tell a unique story. She will carefully listen and make your visions come to life.
Adam Leffel Productions is an event design company whose offerings include space transformation, custom-designed furniture, lighting, floral, and table designs.

Makeup and Hair Artists

Your wedding day deserves the touch of skilled makeup and hair artists who can elevate your glamour to new heights. NYC's pool of professional artists are visionaries who understand the nuances of bridal beauty. They will bring out your radiance with finesse and sophistication.

Our top picks include:

Zeta Korqa is a hairstylist who will style your hair any way you want it. Do you prefer loose curls, a sleek bun, or a half updo?
Brianna Ford will create your dream makeup look in no time, whether it’s an elegant red lip, a no-makeup makeup look, or a fun, colorful look.
Haney Evas MUA works in fashion, beauty, bridal, and commercial film. She is known for her natural style and loves to work with skin of all ages and textures.

Photographers

The art of photography will be your timeless storyteller. NYC provides the perfect canvas for preserving the magic of your special day. Choose the right photographer so you can freeze moments in time and enjoy them for many years to come.

These are some of the most popular photographers:

Everly Studios tells stories in documentary form. Whether it’s an intimate wedding or a big celebration, you will have photographs that capture feelings.
Christina Lilly is a photographer whose style is light and simple honesty. Her background in fashion and photojournalism has a strong impact on her unique imagery.
Elizabeth Lloyd has the ability to make you feel comfortable in front of her camera. That way, she can capture all the joyful and intimate moments.

Locations for Stunning Wedding Photos

Central Park: The timeless beauty of Central Park makes a wonderful background for your wedding photos. From Bow Bridge to Bethesda Terrace, each location within the park offers a beautiful setting.
DUMBO, Brooklyn: Capture the romance against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, or take a stroll along the scenic Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
The High Line: Elevate your wedding photos—literally—by exploring The High Line, an elevated park on a historic rail line.
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center: With panoramic views of the city, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, this location ensures glamorous wedding memories.

Average Costs

This is usually where things get serious. But, if you get insights into the average costs of getting married in NYC, you’ll be able to plan your wedding budget more efficiently. We’re breaking down the financial aspects of your celebration.

Venue: $10,000 - $25,000
Wedding planner: $4,000 - $25,000 (depending on the package)
Photographer: $3,500 - $7,500
Catering: $85 - $200
Wedding cake: $500 - $1,500
Flowers and decorations: $2,000 - $3,000
Hair and makeup: $150 - $600

Getting Married in NYC: Guest Guide

If you have any guests that don’t live in New York, it would be nice to provide them with information about how to get to the city and places they can stay at. Read our guest guide NYC style and plan everything in advance.

How to Get to NYC

Take a look at transportation options to the city and how to get around:

Air travel: New York City is served by several major airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Train: Amtrak and some regional train services provide efficient and scenic routes to NYC. Penn Station is a central hub for Amtrak, while other regional services offer connections from nearby states.
Subway: The subway system is a fast and cost-effective way to travel within the city.
Buses: The bus network provides additional transportation options, and it covers areas that may not be easily accessible by subway.

Places for Out-of-Town Guests to Stay

You can consider these recommendations to provide your loved ones with a memorable and comfortable experience:

The Plaza Hotel (Fifth Avenue, Manhattan): Situated at Fifth Avenue, it places your guests in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by world-class shopping and cultural landmarks.
The William Vale (Williamsburg, Brooklyn): This hotel offers panoramic views of the city skyline, trendy neighborhoods, and a rooftop with a pool.
The NoMad Hotel (Flatiron District, Manhattan): Located in the historic NoMad neighborhood, the hotel has designed rooms, a rooftop garden, and proximity to iconic attractions like Madison Square Park.
The Wythe Hotel (Williamsburg, Brooklyn): If your wedding festivities take you to Brooklyn, The Wythe Hotel offers a blend of industrial chic and modern comfort.

Start Planning Your Big Day with Loverly

Whether you choose to exchange vows against the iconic city skyline or in a luxury ballroom, may the city's energy fill your celebration with magic and romance. Getting married in NYC will certainly be the perfect step into this new chapter of your life.

And for those final touches and assistance in bringing your vision to life, go to Loverly, an invaluable resource for couples planning their dream weddings. With countless useful ideas, vendor recommendations, and wedding planning tools, Loverly is here to support you every step of the way.

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