If you are dreaming of the most iconic NYC backgrounds to take wedding, elopement or engagement photos, then look no further. This is the list. Each listing includes pros and cons, notes, and travel info for my favorite locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
There are many locations in NYC, and if you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask!
Looking for more subtle NYC or alternative locations? Learn more here.
Brooklyn Locations
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Pro: Best location for skyline of lower Manhattan and catching the sunset in Brooklyn
Con: Sometimes crowded, can be really hot in peak Summer and very cold and windy in Winter
Notes: Check sunset times to plan to be there if you desire to view it. Lots of other great photo locations nearby.
Location: 2 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Closest Subway: High Street A/C/E or York Street F
Brooklyn Bridge
Pro:
Iconic experience and location accessible from Manhattan and Brooklyn
Con: Almost always crowded on the bridge, plan at least 30 mins for photos on the bridge
Notes: Bridge can also be photographed in the background on both sides on the DUMBO waterfront or from Manhattan
Location: enter near Cadman Plaza, at Washington and Prospect Streets
Closest Subway: High Street A/C/E or York Street F
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)
Pro:
Many locations nearby like Jane’s Carousel, BQE Murals, Manhattan Bridge, great restaurants for post session bites
Con: Can be crowded, lots of tourists
Notes: One of the best places in the city to get skyline views, waterfront parks, and more industrial architecture
Location: Brooklyn Waterfront between Brooklyn Heights and Vinegar Hill
Closest Subway: High Street A/C/E or York Street F
Brooklyn Heights
Pro:
Great location for skyline of lower Manhattan via promenade and sunsets, explore a real Brooklyn neighborhood
Con: Usually we need a cab from DUMBO to get here, but can walk from Brooklyn Bridge Park
Notes: Check sunset times to plan to be there if you desire to view it. Lots of other great photo locations nearby.
Location: Brooklyn, just north of Downtown area along the East River. 10 mins from Brooklyn Marriage Bureau
Closest Subway: High Street A/C/E, Court Street R, Borough Hall 2/3
Manhattan Locations
City Hall Park Area
Pro: Many beautiful buildings like the neoclassical Supreme Court, Manhattan Borough Hall, City Hall Subway Station and New York City Hall and Park all within 5 mins walk from Manhattan Marriage Bureau. Additionally, access the Manhattan
end of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Con: Not the most iconic of areas to tourists, but also offers views of the Brooklyn Bridge
Notes: An excellent option for a City Hall wedding if travel isn’t desired
Location: City Hall Park, New York, NY 10007
Closest Subway: Brooklyn Bridge City Hall 4/5/6 or J/Z, Chambers St A/C, Park Place 2/3
Highline Park and Meat Packing District
Pro: Unique above ground park with modern design offering views of New York neighborhoods along its route
Con: Can be crowded and some parts are narrow making photography difficult
Notes: Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
Location: Runs from W 12th Street to W 34th between 10th and 11th Avenues
Closest Subway: A/C/E, L at 14th Street and 8th Avenue
Central Park
Pro:
The quintessential New York backdrop for photos. Many different areas and iconic landmarks to include in photos
Con: Requires lots of walking, few options for shelter on rainy or cold days, can be very crowded
Notes: Permits for weddings at popular locations can be applied for at least 30 days in advance. Go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Location: South end borders 59th Street, North end at 110th Street, runs between 5th Ave and Central Park West
Closest Subway: Numerous, but my favorites are Columbus Circle, 1/2, A/B/C/D , 72nd Street & 81st Streets C/B, 5th Ave R/N/W
Times-Square & Theater District
Pro:
You can’t get more “New York” than this spot. Bonus if you like characters or the Naked Cowboy
Con: Everyone and their mother is there and the crowds can be intense
Notes: Embrace the crowds and general tourist vibe or don’t bother
Location: Between 42nd Street and 47th where 7th and Broadway intersect
Closest Subway: Times-Square 42nd Street 7,1/2/3, R/Q/R/W
West Village/Greenwich Village
Pro:
Classic New York low-rise neighborhoods. Sex and the City famous tree lined streets. Charming brownstones.
Con: I can’t think of any.
Notes: Great area for stopping for cupcakes and can be easily paired with the Highline area
Location: Roughly West of Broadway, south of 14th Street and North of Houston, bounded by the Hudson River to the East.
Closest Subway: A/C/E, L at 14th Street and 8th Avenue, Christopher Street 1 and PATH
Grand Central Terminal
Pro: Iconic train station with massive terminal ideal for photos
Con: Crowded, but not always a bad thing
Notes: An excellent last minute stop in case of bad weather. 4/5/6 subway trains go close to the Manhattan Marriage Bureau.
Location: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Closest Subway: Grand Central 42nd Street 4/5/6/7/S
Top of the Rock
Pro:
Amazing views of the city from above. Staff have always been nice to my couples there.
Con: Each person must have a ticket and it takes about 20 mins to reach to top even with a ticket. Gets really crowded around sunset.
Notes: Tickets are timed entry, there is a faster VIP option
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Closest Subway: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center B/D/F/M
Flatiron/Madison Square Park
Pro: An iconic building named for its clothes iron shape, easy stop when heading up or downtown
Con: Other than the small Madison Square Park, not much nearby in term of other photos
Notes: Near Eleven Madison Park, one of the top restaurants in the city
Location: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Closest Subway: 23rd Street R/W
