Not interested in the most overt “New York” locations for your wedding, elopement or engagement photos? Consider these more subtle or alternative locations. By no means an exhaustive list! See here for my top iconic spots.
Within 15-20 mins of Manhattan City Hall: Tribeca, South Street Seaport, NOLITA/East Village Street Art
Pro: Amazing views of the city and Statue of Liberty, opportunities to bike ride, have a picnic, reserve ceremony site. Starting fall 2021, open year round.
Con: Must take ferry
Notes: First ferry is free and so is the return
Location: New York Harbor just off lower Manhattan
Closest Subway: South Ferry 1
Pro: Industrial streetscapes like the Staple Street Skybridge, great restaurants and cafes
Con: Photo locations spread out
Notes: About a 10 min walk from the Manhattan Marriage Bureau
Location: West of Church Street, South of Canal and North of Barclay St, To the Hudson River
Closest Subway: Chambers Street 1/2/3, Franklin Street 1
Pro: Waterfront, Neighborhood areas with street art and great restaurants and cafes
Con: Distance from other areas, construction
Notes: Small parks dot the waterfront with Manhattan views, colorful murals and hip hotels
Location: North Brooklyn
Closest Subway: Bedford L, Greenpoint Avenue G
Pro: Amazing street art backgrounds a short ride from most places in Manhattan
Con: The art can change, not inherently bad, but don’t be too set on a specific work
Notes: First Street Green Cultural Park and Buff Monster and more.
Location: Short cab from Marriage Bureau
Closest Subway: 2nd Avenue F, Spring 6
Pro: Historical area 15 mins from Marriage Bureau, views of Brooklyn and harbor
Con: Construction
Notes: Near City Hall Park area and Beekman Hotel
Location: South of the Brooklyn Bridge where Fulton Street meets the East River, and adjacent to the Financial District.
Closest Subway: Fulton St 2/3
Pro: Large parking lot under the RFK Bridge. Views of Manhattan, park setting, Cherry Blossoms in the Spring, Hells Gate Bridge
Con: In Queens (if you are planning to visit other areas), better views elseware
Location: 19 19th St, Astoria, NY 11105
Closest Subway: N/W Astoria Blvd, 12 min walk to park
