Kristy May Photography
An approach shaped by years of documentary and street photography in NYC
NYC Elopement Photographer for City Hall, Central Park & Intimate Weddings
Photojournalistic NYC Elopement Photography Without the Rush
Coverage Built Around Your Day
Whether you’re planning a quick two-hour City Hall elopement or a full-day celebration across multiple neighborhoods, from DUMBO to Central Park, coverage is tailored to your wedding. We'll design the best timeline for your locations and the time of year at a pace to allow for serendipity..
Guidance From Someone Who Knows NYC
After nearly two decades photographing New York, I help couples navigate the realities of eloping here—from ceremony timing and neighborhood vibes to weather, crowds, and transportation. You’ll get recommendations that are grounded in how the city actually moves.
Support Beyond Photography
Every collection includes planning guidance, a custom timeline, and hands-on support throughout the day. Whether you need help coordinating locations, back-up flats in Central Park, or finding a quiet place for private vows, the experience is designed to feel calm and fully taken care of.
"She brought out the best in us even though we're not really the type of people that are comfortable in front of a camera."
- jenny & sparY
Read their Full Review
With 15 years photographing elopements in NYC, I’ve learned how to navigate the city with ease, handle the logistics so you don’t have to, and guide you to the best vantage points for iconic, meaningful images—allowing you to be fully present and enjoy every minute.
To help couples have the best day, I've created several guides. See my NYC City Hall wedding guide to help you navigate the bureaucracy. To plan a beautiful wedding in the park, check out my Central Park elopement guide.
Why Couples Choose Kristy as Their NYC Elopement Photographer
"She brought out the best in us even though we're not really the type of people that are comfortable in front of a camera."
"Kristy was absolutely amazing to work with from start to finish and we couldn’t be happier with our day and wedding pictures!"
"She not only captured stunning photos but also helped everything run seamlessly, allowing us to fully enjoy the moment."
“Kristy was everything we could’ve dreamed of for our elopement photographer. We gave her our vision and she brought it to life with ease. Our wedding day was a true dream and we had so much fun with no stress.”
She was super professional, fantastic photos, and a joy to spend time with on such a spectacular day - sweet, easygoing, and thoughtful. She made the day a smooth and super enjoyable ride that we will never forget!
"We had the best elopement ever thanks to Kristy May!"
Real NYC Elopements
From the Manhattan Marriage Bureau at City Hall and Central Park to DUMBO, brownstone Brooklyn, downtown hotels, and neighborhood streets in the West Village, I photograph elopements across New York in ways that feel personal to each couple. Whether you want iconic skyline views or quieter corners of the city, I help create timelines that balance great photographs with a day that actually feels relaxed and enjoyable.
Elopement Collections Starting at $2,400*
All collections include planning support, content creation, and officiant or witness services if needed. Custom collections are available for full-day celebrations and more personalized NYC elopement experiences. Designed for 2-25 guests. Full details are shared upon inquiry.
The Mini Collection — 2 Hours | $2,400
Perfect for simple NYC City Hall ceremonies or intimate Central Park elopements, this collection includes enough time for your ceremony, portraits, and a relaxed walk through one nearby neighborhood or the park highlights.
The Classic Collection — 3 Hours | $3,200
My most popular option for couples who want a fuller NYC experience, including multiple locations, documentary-style coverage, content video clips, and support from an assistant throughout the day.
1/2 and Full Documentary Day — Starting at $4,800
Designed for couples planning a more immersive New York elopement experience, with time for getting ready, multiple neighborhoods, ceremony coverage, portraits, and the candid in-between moments that make the day feel complete.
* Inquire for a summer 2026 City Hall special
FAQ
I always have a plan B if we need to make weather adjustments. Usually my couples can't reschedule so I will suggest alternate locations or timing. No matter what, we will still have fun and will embrace what mother nature gives us.
what if the weather is bad?
Almost every couple shares this worry! I’ve found that allowing enough time and offering tailored directions helps. I only work with real couples, so the photos on my site are couples just like you. Feeling confident in your attire, hair, and makeup can also make a big difference.
What if we aren't great in from of the camera?
Generally speaking, I deliver about 75-100 image per hour for elopements and intimate weddings.
how MANY PHOTOs DO YOU TYPICALLY DELIVER?
Can you be ouR witness?
Yes. I am also a registered NYC officiant so I can perform a brief ceremony or sign your license. My assistant can witness, if needed.
My assistant (included over 2 hours) and I will be there to guide and celebrate with you through out the day. I can also make adjustments on the day to our schedule, route or photo locations based on time or weather. We help our camera-shy couples with direction as needed.
Your experience is the most important thing to me and my team and we do what we can to ensure you have a fun and stress free day. We keep emergency supplies like super glue, pins, fashion tape and Rescue Flats on hand.
Your sneak peeks will be delivered within 24-48 hours so you can share.
The Big Day
STEP 3
Once we are officially working together, we will start detailing your wedding day timeline via questionnaire and a planning call or video chat. For portrait locations, we balance the iconic + niche NYC to your preferences. I will suggest vetted vendors (beauty, florals, officiants and more) or connect you with my partners to work on your travel plans or styling. I'll direct you to book permits for Central Park or plan a City Hall ceremony appointment booking plan. (some days/times are competitive!)
We will also discuss back-up and weather plans. One of the benefits I offer to couples is my long term (15 years!) experience photographing elopements in NYC. I keep an eye on the weather and will suggest alternate options if needed.
The Timeline
STEP 2
Fill out my inquiry form and I'll confirm availability. A detailed pricing guide will be sent with a link to book a complimentary NYC elopement consultation OR a questionnaire if you are too busy.
We set-up a phone call or video chat (no need to dress-up, bring your pets!) and you share your dreams and ideas for your elopement or intimate wedding. It is totally fine if you are just beginning the process.
If you don't see an elopement package that fits, we can build a custom one. In addition to still photography, we include video content creation for collections longer than 2 hours. Witnessing and city hall style officiating are always included at no additional fee.
The Consult
STEP 1
How I Help You Plan Your NYC Elopement
SAMPLES Timelines of FULL DAY ELOPEMENTS
I’ll send you my complete NYC elopement planning guide — including easy-to-follow timeline checklists (for 2 months or 6 months lead time) to keep everything on track plus vendor referrals and more!