The Best Time of Year to Elope in NYC | NY Local Post

A little about the the NY Local Series… 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 in NYC, what are the best neighborhoods for photos or what to do if it rains. After 7 years in the city, I’m using this series to share all my local NYC knowledge along with other helpful tips for clients getting married in New York.

(I also have updated an FAQ page, for any other questions you might have! In case you missed it, previous posts in this series can be found here.)

Fall Wedding Photos

The Best Time of Year to Elope in NYC

So my title may be a bit of a misnomer. Perhaps a better title, What to Expect in Each Season for your NYC Elopement. Since so many of my elopement clients are coming from out of town, and so many ask about what to expect with the weather, I thought this might be helpful.

I always say one of the reasons I don’t think I could ever live in a tropical climate is that I would miss the seasons too much. Growing up in Minnesota I loved how each time of year had something special that I looked forward to. I have different favorite times of year in New York, but I still love each change in season. Each season has something completely different to offer photographically, but each is awesome in its own way. If you’re trying to figure out the best time of year to get married in New York, or what to expect for the season you’ve chosen, hopefully this post helps!

Summer Elopement in NYC

Eloping in The Summer in NYC:

Early summer is probably the busiest time for elopement weddings. If you’re looking to book something for these months, let me know as soon as possible. This time of year is wonderful. The leaves in Central Park and around the city are green, the temperatures are usually not too hot, there are lots of flowers in the various gardens, and it’s very pleasant to be out and about.

Late summer in July and August can be VERY hot. For that reason I strongly advise, even more so then other times of year, that clients opt for sunrise or sunset timing as those are the coolest times of the day. Otherwise it’s quite possible that you’ll be a sweaty mess which is no fun for anyone.

Things to Consider for a Summer Wedding in NYC:

Late summer vs Early Summer. If you’re coming in July or August look into an early morning ceremony if at all possible. Also be sure to pack a water bottle, and perhaps a handkerchief in case things get warm. I’m always a fan of popsicles and ice cream and they make for cute photo opps!

NYC Elopement Photographer

A Fall Elopement in NYC:

As a Midwesterner, fall was always my favorite season. However, as a New Yorker, I think it actually takes second in my very subjective opinion. That said, fall is an amazing time to be in New York and still one of my very favorite times of year. The fall foliage makes for an incredible backdrop for your elopement photos, especially if you opt to get married in park spaces like Central Park, Prospect Park, or even Brooklyn Bridge Park has loads of fall color.

Fall Wedding in Central ParkFall Elopement in New York

What Time of Year to Elope in NYC

What to look forward to for a fall New York Elopement:

Beautiful leaves, crisp temperatures, and beautiful golden light. I LOVE the light in the fall season. Leaves tend to change later in the city then elsewhere in the state, so if you’re planning ahead, late October through early November is usually a good bet.

Fall Elopement in NYC

Things to Consider:

The NYC marathon is a huge event the first Sunday in November and hotel bookings might fill up well in advance. There are also some parts of Central Park that get blocked off for the marathon. If you’re planning to be in town around this weekend, keep this in mind. September and October in particular are usually very busy times of year for weddings, so planning in advance if you’re set on a certain date is helpful. Temperature wise, it can also get a little chilly or be unseasonably warm like this year, it’s hard to predict. Layers are key. Make sure you bring something to throw over your shoulders if you’re wearing a dress with bare arms just in case.

Same Sex Wedding in NYC

Winter Elopements in NYC:

While some people hate the cold, it’s actually a really wonderful time to elope in NYC. If you get lucky with a fresh snowfall, a winter elopement can be especially beautiful. The city is so fun around the holidays with all the lights and Christmas décor around town. Even afterwards in January-March it’s often much quieter and you can get lots of areas all to yourself.

Valentines Day Elopement in NYC

 Winter light can be really soft and lovely. It also means a late sunrise and a very early sunset, so be sure to keep that in mind when planning your ceremony timing. It does often mean that if you’re planning a City Hall wedding we can actually get the best light if you go in the morning or in the late afternoon, which never can really happen in the summer time.

Things to Consider for a Winter Elopement in New York:

The cold and the wet. Hot Hands can be a great thing to pack as they can warm up fingers and toes in a jiffy. A warm coat or shawl to put on in between shoots is also highly recommended if you’re opting to wear something with short sleeves and warm tights under your dress if you’re opting to wear one. Lastly, bring a change of shoes, or don’t be afraid to wear winter boots. The city can be a slushy mess if there’s been snow so be prepared with something non fancy to put on your feet!

The holidays can also mean that certain parts of town are ridiculously busy. If you want to go anywhere near 5th Avenue, Times Square or especially Rockefeller Center for photos, I strongly advise against it unless you plan on sunrise. Another holiday factor is Christmas markets, places like Bryant Park and Union Square are filled with them, so if you were hoping for those areas for photos, keep that in mind.

Winter Wonderland Wedding NYCWinter Wedding NYC

Spring Elopements in NYC:

While I grew up thinking of spring as a slushy mess, in New York spring has quickly become my favorite season! The snow has melted, the birds are chirping and best of all? So many blossoms! Spring cherry blossom season in NYC is magical. If you can manage to time it with the blooms it’s an incredible sight. Places like Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Central Park, Carl Schurz Park and Riverside Park are especially amazing for cherry blossom viewing. The walkway along the East River on Roosevelt Island is also transformed into a a huge tunnel of pink cotton candy blossoms during these few weeks of spring.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in NYC

Things to Consider for a Spring Elopement in New York:

The temperatures are usually fairly pleasant, but bringing a light layer to wear over bare shoulders if you have them is always wise. It’s a bit hard to time the blooms, but April is usually a good bet. I’ve seen blooms as early as mid March to as late as the second week in May. Brooklyn Botanic Garden also has a cherry blossom map that allows you to see how things are blooming.

Cherry Blossom Wedding Photos NYC

Whatever season you chose, NYC is always an awesome backdrop! Have more questions about when or how to elope in New York? Contact me via my contact page,  or check out my Guide to NYC Elopements. I’m always happy to help!

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De Nueva Photography specializes in NYC elopements and weddings. I'm also available for engagements, proposals, and family portraits.

 

Not having a local wedding or elopement? No worries. Travel is literally my favorite thing and my passport is always ready. I’m available for travel worldwide.

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Email: info@denuevaphoto.com

Phone: 347-560-1625

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