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Where to Get Married in New York City

You've decided to take the plunge and get married. Congratulations! You're in love and committed—that was the easy part. The more difficult choices will be deciding when, where, and what to pay for a wedding. We've updated our list for 2023 of some of the best places in New York City to get married, with something for varying sizes, tastes, and budgets.


City Clerk’s Office

Also known as "The Marriage Bureau," thousands of couples go to the City Clerk’s Office downtown at Foley Square (141 Worth Street) each year to get their license or get married. As a starting point, a New York State marriage license fee is $35; wedding ceremony fee is $25. In person marriage license /ceremony appointments can be made at nyc.gov/cupid. Virtual appointments also available.  Please note: NO WALK INS allowed. Across the street from the office is the “Wedding Garden” where newlyweds can pose for photos.

For information on applying online for wedding licenses, fees for wedding ceremonies, outer borough offices: cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/marriage_bureau.shtml.


American Museum of Natural History


©AMNH

Perhaps you’d love to make your own mark on history by marrying in one of the world’s greatest museums. Established in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is also home to the Rose Center for Earth and Space (formerly The Hayden Planetarium), established in 1935.

All wedding ceremonies take place in The Powerhouse. The Powerhouse is a loft space that used to hold the museum’s massive coal generators that now opens out to breathtaking views of The Rose Center and the expansive, al fresco section of The Ross Terrace.

* Capacity in The Powerhouse: up to 600 (seated dinner, 315)
* Receptions can take place in The Powerhouse or numerous other halls within AMNH.
* Prices custom to couple’s needs.
For more information: 212-769-5350, or visit amnh.org.

Picnic House in Prospect Park 

With scenic views of the 90-acre Long Meadow, the Picnic House in Prospect Park offers a space that's both flexible for your wedding plan ideas and budget. The Picnic House comfortably seats 175 guests for dinner and dancing or 240 for a cocktail-style event. Micro-weddings are also available for up to 50 guests. Proceeds benefit Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that sustains Prospect Park. In fact, they will be hosting a 2023 Open House event on April 27, 2023, you can RSVP here.


New York Botanical Garden

The breathtaking atmosphere of New York Botanical Garden is ideal for a summer or fall wedding. There are two wedding venues on site to choose from: The Garden Terrace Room is a classic ballroom with hand painted murals and Palladium windows overlooking the Ross Arboretum. The stunning Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill, nestled in Thain Family Forest by the majestic Bronx River offers a unique intimate space. Catering partner Stephen STARR Events, brings the exceptional dining experience of renowned Starr Restaurants Buddakan, Morimoto and Caffe Storico.

*Capacity in The Garden Terrace Room: 300

*Capacity in Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill:115

*Prices custom to couple's needs.

For more information/reservations: 646-741-1400, nybgevents.com.


New York Public Library 

NYPL Photo by Brian Dorsey Studios

Brian Dorsey Studios

One could really make a statement exchanging vows at the iconic New York Public Library, in its Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Within it, there are six options--The Bartos Forum can accommodate 500 guests (425 seated); Astor Hall, 750 guests (250 seated); Salomon Room, 325 guests (300 seated); McGraw Rotunda, 300 guests, (150 seated); the Trustees Room, 125 guests, (100 seated); and the Celeste Auditorium, that accommodates 177 guests. For more information, visit nypl.org.

NoMo Soho 

NoMo Soho, long regarded as a top destination for New York City events, recently introduced in 2023 two additional event spaces; The Penthouse and Nina's. 

The Penthouse, on the top floor of the tallest building in SoHo, is a 1,170-square-foot venue featuring floor-to-ceiling windows showing off unparalleled panoramic views of the New York City skyline. On either side of the Penthouse is an outdoor terrace providing 1,100 additional square feet of event space. Ideal for dinner parties, micro-weddings and cocktail hours, the space fits up to 120 guests.

On the ground floor of the hotel is Nina’s, a 1,300-square-foot lounge area outfitted with a bar, VIP room and intimate seating areas. The room is conducive for cocktail parties, birthday parties or company events, with space for up to 150 attendees to enjoy the intimate, speakeasy-like space. For more information, visit nomosoho.com


Top of the Rock


Experience stunning city skyline views from the Top of the Rock.

Created and bankrolled by industrialist John D. Rockefeller during The Great Depression, the art-deco inspired Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s iconic destinations.

Top of the Rock offers a variety of wedding ceremony packages.

The choices for a wedding reception venue: 620 Loft & Garden, and the Rainbow Room.

620 Loft & Garden, photo by Roey Yohai.

* 620 Loft & Garden offers stunning views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue
* Can accommodate up to 165 guests/120 seated meal
* Fees: based on couples’ needs

Rainbow Room 

Rainbow Room

Famous for its stunning views and legendary status as the quintessential New York venue, the Rainbow Room has been refreshed and reimagined, offering guests an incomparable experience. The extraordinary space and commanding views create an environment that merges longstanding prestige with today’s standards of excellence.

For more information, call 212-632-5000, or visit rainbowroom.com.


One World Observatory

private events one world observatory

"One size fits one" is the philosophy behind the event space at One World Observatory. Bespoke special occasions are hosted here, from weddings to business meetings, in one of the world's unique places. Flexible spaces, all kinds of onsite amenities, great cooking, and room for up to 300 guests make this an excellent choice. And that's even before taking in the views from the 102nd floor! 285 Fulton St., 844-696-1776, oneworldobservatory.com


Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

BBG Palm House

A wedding at Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Palm House.

Just next door to the Brooklyn Museum, the sprawling Brooklyn Botanic Garden annually hosts the popular Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival, usually in late April. They also are great choice for city couples looking to tie the knot, without having to go far away. The views are breathtaking. There are two options of venues here-The Palm House and The Atrium . The Palm House has a seating capacity for 275, and The Atrium, 130 guests. Both come with access to the Garden. For more information, visit bbg.org.


Brooklyn Bridge Park


Granite Prospect. Photo: Julienne Schaer

A ceremony at Brooklyn Bridge Park offers an incredible view. Wedding ceremonies can be held at the Pier 1 Waterfront Promenade/Granite Prospect, Empire Fulton Ferry boardwalk and Main Street Pebble Beach (only).

* Weddings are limited to an hour and a half (no holidays or holiday weekends), max 100 guests.
* Fee $400, in addition to $26 standard Park wedding permit fee. There’s a limit of two weddings at a location during the day; one between 8am-2pm; the other between 2pm-8pm. No receptions in the park.
For more information and to apply for a permit, visit brooklynbridgepark.org


Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden, photo by Melvin Gilbert Photography.

With 18 acres of formal garden areas, the Queens Botanical Garden has been a great location to host elegant, affordable weddings for more than 30 years. Sites within the Garden include the Rose Garden, Wedding Garden, Floral Border, Annual Beds, Four Seasons Garden, Woodland Garden, Ornamental Grass Garden, and Fragrance Walk.

For more information, call 718-886-3800, ext. 201, or visit queensbotanical.org.


Chelsea Piers

Chelsea Piers is well-known for its popular sports complex (it’s also home to the original Law & Order set), but did you know its Sunset Terrace is a great location for weddings? Located at the western tip of Pier 61 off the West Ice Arena on the second floor of Sky Rink, Sunset Terrace has the feel of a downtown loft space, with ceiling to floor windows, where guests can view breathtaking sunsets on the Hudson River.
* Accommodates: 75 - 150 guests.
* Packages start at $145 per person.

In addition, Chelsea Piers works with its partner Pier 60/ The Lighthouse/Current; they can accommodate parties from 75 to up to 850 guests.
For more information, call 212-336-6777, or visit chelseapiers.com

City Cruises

 

Host your dream wedding on the water. City Cruises offers chef-prepared menu options, full bar service, and all-inclusive packages that can be customized to fit your budget, style, and party size. From ceremonies to receptions, rehearsal dinners, or any wedding-related event,  guests will benefit from distinctive hospitality, climate-controlled interiors, open-air outdoor decks, and breathtaking views. For more information, visit citycruises.com


New York Trolley Company

new york trolley company

Photo credit: Jimmy Chu.

If you're looking for a fun and original way to get around on your wedding day, look into The New York Trolley Company. Safe, clean means of transportation, these trolleys can fit your entire bridal party and get you from the hotel to the ceremony to photo locations and finally to the wedding venue. (This is also a great option for shuttling guests to a venue in a memorable way.) Customizations like drinks, food, and decorations are all welcome—not to mention as a locale for a post-ceremony champagne toast. Instagram-ready!

Central Park /Conservatory Garden

(Note: No weddings in 2023, due to restoration) At a sprawling 843 acres, Central Park offers countless picturesque spots for a couple to get married. There are many choices: The Boat House (a private space), as well as The Pond, Cherry Hill, Bow Bridge, Shakespeare Garden, East Green, Cedar Hill, the Mall, Hernshead, 100th Street Pool and Harlem Meer. The most popular site is the Conservatory Garden. It’s divided into three smaller gardens, each with a distinct style: Italian, French, and English. The Garden's main entrance is through the Vanderbilt Gate, on Fifth Avenue between 104th and 105th Streets. The iron gate, made in Paris in 1894, originally stood before the Vanderbilt mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street.

* Fees: Permit $400 ($100 extra fee for permission to take photos), plus $26 standard Park wedding permit fee . Cancellation fee, $200; if rescheduled within the year, the fee will go towards the new date.
* Click here for more information, and click here to apply for a Central Park permit. 

For information on arranging for a wedding in other NYC parks: nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/weddings


Flowers for New York Weddings

For thirty years, Élan Flowers has been inspiring New York from its floral studio in SoHo. Bespoke services target the taste and vision of each individual client. The freshest flowers speak to the season, employing a classic aesthetic with a contemporary twist. Élan Flowers's SoHo floral studio also serves as a curated retail boutique, allowing for first-hand experience of displays that will make your wedding unforgettable.

About the Author

Linda Sheridan is the Managing Editor for City Guide. She is a lifelong New Yorker, has written for the New York Daily News, and loves travel, writing, music, and space.

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