Alternate NYC Portrait Locations

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

Governors Island

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


Tribeca & Soho

Greenpoint & Williamsburg

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

East Village/NOLITA

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


South Street Seaport 

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




Astoria Park