If you’re dreaming of a city-meets-chic elopement, New York is likely already on your radar, and for good reason. Whether it’s a private exchange of vows in Central Park at sunrise, or an effortlessly cool courthouse ceremony followed by rooftop cocktails downtown, the big apple offers endless possibilities for your wedding day. The best part? Your New York elopement can double as an ultra-romantic mini-moon, complete with world-class dining, art, and culture at your doorstep.
Planning a wedding in the city that never sleeps means sourcing a team that knows it best. Local New York photographers, officiants, florists, and makeup artists are key to pulling off a day that feels elevated yet effortless. Wedy Pros know how to navigate street closures, find the best golden hour light, and create unforgettable moments amidst the chaos of taxis and timeless architecture – we’ve got you covered
Our curated guide to eloping in New York covers everything you need to know—from the best time of year to get married (yes, fall in Central Park is as good as they say) to thoughtful local touches that make your celebration feel personal and memorable.
Table of Contents
- Where Are the Best Places to Elope in New York?
- Average Cost of a New York Elopement
- New York Minute Elopement Package
- How Much Does it Cost to Elope in New York?
- How Much Does an Elopement Picnic Cost in New York?
- Things to Keep in Mind When Hosting a Picnic in New York
- Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in New York
- How Much Does a Wedding Officiant Cost in New York?
- How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in New York?
- How Much Does a Wedding Permit Cost in New York?
- New York Elopement Experiences
- Terms to Know
Where Are the Best Places to Elope in New York?
The best places to elope in New York are Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO, The High Line, Top of the eRock, Grand Central Terminal, Bethesda Terrace, Prospect Park, The Met Cloisters, The Conservatory Garden, City Hall, and Governors Island. Here are 12 iconic locations where you can elope in New York:
The Best Locations to Elope in NYC
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- DUMBO
- The High Line
- Top of the Rock
- Grand Central Terminal
- Bethesda Terrace
- Prospect Park
- The Met Cloisters
- The Conservatory Garden
- City Hall
- Governors Island
Average Cost of a New York Elopement
The cost to elope in New York ranges from $2,500–$7,000, depending on the services and location you choose.
The total cost of a New York elopement can vary based on a few key factors—guest count, whether you hire a planner, your venue of choice, and any post-ceremony celebrations you plan to host. Wedy makes it easy to tailor your celebration to match your style, budget, and guest list—whether it’s an intimate moment for two or a full-on family affair.
New York Minute Elopement Package
Wedy’s New York Minute Elopement Experience, features an all-inclusive package for $3,850 and includes 2 hours of wedding photography, an experienced officiant, a custom bouquet and boutonnière, and full-service wedding planning courtesy of Wedy!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in New York?
Here’s a cost breakdown from a real NYC elopement with 15 guests, held at Central Park!
- Special Use Permit: $25
- Marriage License: $100
- Photographer: $1,800 for 3 hours
- Wedding Planning: $1,500
- Officiant: $550 (travel fee may apply)
- Bridal Hair and Makeup: $500 (travel fee may apply)
- Bouquet and Boutonniere: $450 (delivery fee not included)
- Chairs for 15 Guests: $425
TOTAL COST: $5,350
Wedy offers a variety of fully customizable packages to create a personalized and unforgettable Central Park elopement. Not just any elopement, but a celebration with bespoke add-ons such as:
- Classic NYC Food Truck Experience to offer gourmet bites like tacos, pizza, or lobster rolls
- Live Jazz Band for an elegant, soulful vibe while you say “I do”
- 35mm Film Photography for timeless, vintage-inspired memories
- Lambeth Cakes + Espresso Carts for a chic, unforgettable dessert moment
How Much Does an Elopement Picnic Cost in New York?
A romantic wedding picnic for two in New York city typically ranges from $800–$1,650, depending on the location, decor, florals, and catering.
Elopement picnics are a chic and relaxed way to celebrate your love in the heart of the city. Whether it’s just the two of you or a few close friends, you’ll toast to forever with skyline views and a setup that feels effortlessly you.
Things to Keep in Mind When Hosting a Picnic in New York
While NYC is known for its parks and public spaces, there are a few things to keep in mind when hosting an intimate wedding picnic:
- Permit Requirements: Certain areas, like Central Park and Prospect Park, require a permit for any organized event, including weddings and picnics. Be sure to apply for one well in advance as permits book up quickly, especially for popular dates.
- Public vs. Private Spaces: While public parks and gardens are popular, consider booking a private venue for a more intimate experience, such as a rooftop terrace or a secluded spot at Governors Island. This will allow for a longer window of time for your picnic and a more secluded experience.
- Weather: New York weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. It’s a good idea to have a backup plan or an indoor location in mind in case of rain, such as a local hotel.
- Permitted Add-Ons: Some parks allow vendors for food, decor, and music, but be sure to check what’s allowed for each location. It’s best to work with Wedy for your elopement picnic experience, as Wedy Planners can handle all of the details for you – from gourmet food, to securing your permit, and adding-on floral arrangements for your picnic decor.
- Privacy: New York is bustling, so to ensure a more secluded, serene experience, private gardens or quiet corners in lesser-known parks can be the perfect setting.
Whether you choose a public space or a private venue, New York offers plenty of options for a stylish, memorable elopement picnic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in New York
The best time to elope in New York is spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). The weather is mild, and the city’s parks, such as Central Park, look stunning with blooming flowers in the spring and vibrant fall foliage. Keep in mind that winter (December-February) can be magical but also cold, with fewer crowds, which is great if you’d like a quieter elopement experience.
The cost of a New York elopement typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, depending on the number of guests, ceremony location, and vendor services you choose. A typical elopement experience with Wedy includes a park permit (or) venue, two hours of photography, an experienced officiant, hair and makeup, and a bouquet and boutonniere.
To elope in New York, you’ll need the following:
• Marriage License: You can apply at any New York City Clerk’s office. The cost is $35, and you need to show identification and proof of age.
• Special Use Permit: Required if you’re eloping in a public park like Central Park (for a ceremony with 20 or more people). This costs around $25.
• Officiant: A licensed officiant or judge to conduct the ceremony.
• Witnesses: In some cases, a witness is required, but it’s not necessary if you’re eloping with just the two of you.
Additional items like flowers, photography, and hair & makeup are optional but recommended and can be organized by your Wedy Planner.
For your New York elopement, there are several exceptional hotel options. Here are some of our favorites:
• The NoMad Hotel
• The Greenwich Hotel
• The Langham
• The Chatwal
• Conrad New York Downtown
For more local recommendations, chat with a Wedy Planner, and we’ll assist with accommodations and itinerary planning!
For dining after your elopement, New York offers a range of cuisines and experiences. Le Bernardin, a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, is perfect for a post-ceremony celebration. For elegant American fare in a warm, cozy atmosphere, Gramercy Tavern is an excellent choice. The River Café, set on the Brooklyn waterfront, provides stunning views of Manhattan, making it a memorable and picturesque venue. If you’re in the mood for dessert, Pasticceria Rocco offers traditional Italian sweets in the heart of the city.
If you want to explore the city, the subway is a fast and affordable way to get around. You can purchase a MetroCard at any subway station. Just be sure to plan your route ahead of time with apps like Google Maps or the MTA app to navigate the lines!
How Much Does a Wedding Officiant Cost in New York?
The average cost of a New York wedding officiant ranges between $300-$500. Your experienced officiant will not only officiate your ceremony but also assist with preparations for your special day. This includes helping you craft your marriage vows, creating a personalized script for your ceremony, and guiding you through the process of obtaining your New York marriage license.
When you book an officiant with Wedy, your New York wedding officiant will assist you with all of the following:
- Preparation of a ceremony written specifically for you
- Customization of your ceremony: unlimited calls and emails to create your custom script and a one-hour video consultation
- Assistance with obtaining marriage license and submission of marriage license for processing
- Guidance with venue options
Your Wedy Planner will connect you with a local officiant for your intimate elopement.
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in New York?
The average cost of a New York wedding photographer is between $2,000-$8,000, depending on your exact ceremony location, guest count, and hours of coverage. Typically, couples plan to spend 12% of their total wedding budget on photography. Newlyweds everywhere agree that wedding photography is a MUST to splurge on. The cost of your photography package will vary, but this is a good estimate to use when searching for your wedding photographer.
When you book a photographer with Wedy, your New York wedding photography package will include the following:
- 4 hours of wedding day photography
- Digital High-Resolution Images with reprinting rights
- Professional Editing
- Online Gallery with Printing Rights
To find New York wedding photographers, you can download the Wedy App for a full directory of amazing local Maui wedding vendors!
How Much Does a Wedding Permit Cost in New York?
The cost of a wedding permit in New York varies depending on the location and specific requirements of your ceremony.
In Central Park, a Special Events permit is required for ceremonies with 20 or more attendees, with a non-refundable application fee of $25.
For Brooklyn Bridge Park, there is a $25 application fee plus a $400 site fee, totalling $426, also non-refundable.
In Long Beach, a beach wedding permit requires a $50 non-refundable application fee plus a $50 deposit, with applications due 30 days before the event. It’s important to contact the specific venue or park you plan to elope at, as fees and requirements can vary widely across New York State.
New York Elopement Experiences
With the Wedy App, we curate a one-of-a-kind elopement experience tailored just for you. From helicopter rides over Manhattan and boat cruises along the Hudson to intimate picnics and MET gala-worthy photoshoots, Wedy connects couples to the best local New York creatives – photographers, private chefs, floral designers, venues, and more!
Terms to Know
If you’re planning a wedding for the first time, we’ve compiled a helpful list of definitions below. This glossary will guide you through common wedding terms and make the planning process easier.
Elopement
A small, often spontaneous wedding – just the couple or a few guests, typically in a nontraditional setting.
Mini-Moon
A short romantic trip or local getaway right after your elopement.
New York Minute Package
Wedy’s all-inclusive NYC elopement package with planning, photography, officiant, florals, and more!
Elopement Picnic
A styled, catered outdoor celebration for two or a small group after the ceremony.
Special Use Permit
Permission required for organized events in public parks like Central Park or Prospect Park.
Wedy Pros
Local, bespoke wedding vendors like photographers, floral designers, and caterers who specialize in elopements.
Officiant
A legally authorized individual who leads and validates the marriage ceremony by signing the marriage license.
Hair & Makeup Artist
Beauty professional hired to style the couple on their wedding day.
35mm Film Photography
Vintage-style photography using traditional film for a nostalgic, timeless aesthetic.
Lambeth Cakes
Decorative, vintage-style cakes known for ornate piping and whimsical flair.
Espresso Cart
Mobile coffee station, often added to elopements for a fun, upscale café experience.
Food Truck Experience
Gourmet street food service like tacos or lobster rolls as part of the post-ceremony celebration.
Live Jazz Band
Musical entertainment offering an elegant, soulful soundtrack for your ceremony or picnic.
Central Park
Iconic NYC park with scenic spots for elopements like Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and The Conservatory Garden.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront park with skyline views and photo ops near the Brooklyn Bridge.
DUMBO
Trendy Brooklyn neighborhood with cobblestone streets and iconic views of Manhattan Bridge.
The High Line
Elevated urban park offering modern, industrial vibes and unique photo backdrops.
Top of the Rock
Observation deck atop Rockefeller Center with panoramic views—ideal for post-elopement portraits.
Grand Central Terminal
Historic train station with stunning architecture and cinematic charm for intimate ceremonies.
Bethesda Terrace
Romantic, arched terrace in Central Park, often used for wedding ceremonies and photos.
Prospect Park
Lush Brooklyn park with a quieter, more local vibe—perfect for low-key celebrations.
The Met Cloisters
Medieval-style museum in Upper Manhattan with gardens and stonework ideal for romantic ceremonies.
The Conservatory Garden
Formal Central Park garden known for seasonal blooms and a peaceful, elegant ambiance.
City Hall
Popular courthouse option in Lower Manhattan for a classic New York civil ceremony.
Governors Island
Scenic island escape with historic buildings and open lawns, accessible by ferry.
