NY Local Series is a new feature of the blog, with a new topic each week. As so many of my couples are eloping from out of town, I often find myself fielding all sorts of questions from how to elope, how to get to City Hall, where is the best place to elope in NYC, to questions about best restaurants or places to stay. So I’m hoping to answer some of these questions for you in this series. As I’m working towards seven years in the city, I’ve got some local New York knowledge I’d love to share!
(I also have updated an FAQ page, for any other questions you might have! In case you missed it, last week’s post was on How to Elope in New York.)
So you’ve decided to elope to New York? Fantastic. Now comes the big question… where exactly are you going to get married? There are so many options it can be overwhelming. While the big spots like Central Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park are popular, and with good reason, if you’re willing to be up for a bit of adventure, so many places are waiting be discovered and can allow for photos that are as unique as you are.
As a New York Elopement Photographer I’ve photographed couples all over NYC. I’m always on the look-out for new spots to bring folks, making an effort to get out and scout new locations as often as I can.
For this weeks edition of unique places to get married in NYC I went with an island theme! Because what could be more fun then hoping across the water for some romantic photos? Many of these places also have some killer views of the New York skyline.
Most people don’t even think of the islands surrounding the city when considering photo and/or ceremony spots. If you’re looking for somewhere unique for your elopement photos in New York, here are few spots I’d love to explore!
Governor’s Island. Governor’s Island is my favorite summer retreat in the city. Hop on a ferry at the tip of Manhattan and you’re in an oasis of calm in just 5 minutes. There are cool old houses, public art exhibits, a hammock grove (I mean what more do you need?!) and loads of open space with views of the downtown skyline. And, best of all? There are no cars, making it nice and peaceful. The island opens on May 23rd and would be amazing for a summer elopement! I photographed an engagement session their last summer and it was wonderful. Governor’s Island would be great for a ceremony, or we could pop down just for portraits.
Randall’s Island. If you’re looking for somewhere well off the beaten path, this is for you. As an Upper East Sider, as soon as I discovered this place I promptly fell in love. There is a cool foot bridge to walk across to get here, and then you’ve got sweeping views of the upper Manhattan skyline, the RFK Triborough Bridge and you’re right on the water. There are also loads of wild flowers and forested trails for lots of green space friendly photos. The i-phone snap from a recent walk on the island below hardly does the view justice.
Forgive the i-phone photo!
Roosevelt Island. I’ve photographed couples twice now on Roosevelt Island and taking the tram across is so much fun! You get beautiful views of Manhattan and if timed with the spring cherry blossom season, a virtual tunnel of cotton candy to walk through once you arrive on the island. There are several options for ceremony spots with the main parks being Four Freedoms Park and Southpoint Park and if you’re willing to trek, Lighthouse Park at the far end of the island. You COULD also be super adventurous and have your ceremony aboard the tram, but it’s only a 4 minute ride, so your vows would have to be quick. One of my favorite officiants, Judie Guild, has experience with this. She would certainly be the one to talk to if that’s something of interest to you.
Staten Island Ferry. So, not technically an island wedding… but you DO get to travel by boat to another island. So it counts! I photographed my first wedding aboard the ferry last October and it was a wonderful experience. We got great views and everyone cheered them on! This is not a great option if you have a large number of guests, but if it’s just the two of you, and you’d like to get married while feeling the sea breeze in your hair and scoping out views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this a great option for you. The ferry is free and leaves lower Manhattan every half hour, you can do the ceremony on the way out, and then celebrate on the next ferry back!
Ellis Island and Liberty Island. While I’m not 100% sure of the legality of a wedding here, this pair of islands could be a really fun spot for some unique engagement photos or post ceremony shots for couple perhaps not looking full on white gown bridal.
Coney Island. My last island option is perhaps the most fun, though not technically an island of its own. Coney is one of my all time favorite spots for photos! Think boardwalks, bright colors, ocean waves under the pier, and carnival rides. Rock around in the swinging cars of the wonder wheel, ride the rides, hit up the bumper cars, and then dance into the sunset down to the beach. If you’re up for a good time, Coney is your spot.
So where to? Whether it’s Central Park, City Hall, and island elopement or somewhere off the beaten path, you can’t go wrong! Send me an email and we can pick the best place for your New York Elopement!
