With more couples opting for micro weddings and elopements, we love getting the chance to zero in on an iconic destination and give you all the scoop. Today we’re doing just that for one of our very fave elopement locations: New York City. Wedding photographer and NYC local Bethany Michaela is here sharing her best tips for a memorable, stylish, and photographic elopement in the Big Apple… Beginning with this darling couple and their adventures in Greenpoint:
Bethany and their couple worked with stylist Cha Cha Linda Vintage to curate a vintage elopement look inspired by a trip to Rome: Molly’s looks are a blend of 1960s Roman Holiday-meets-Sophia-Loren-meets-90’s Vogue Italia. Her first look is a 90’s Gemma Kahng two-piece lace pants set with a vibrant painted floral motif. Her earrings are 90’s gold and pearl daisies. Her belt is 80’s Escada. Molly’s second look is 90’s Vicky Tiel Couture, a silk Duchesse satin mini dress with a matching taffeta opera coat. Her purse is 60’s Koret.
Enter elopement location #1: Williamsburg + Greenpoint, Brooklyn NYC for a European inspired afternoon featuring gelato, flowers, cocktails, and a Vespa ride. Bethany’s reccs: Jack’s Wife Freda and Gentile Gelatieri in Williamsburg. A local flower bodega and Capri Social Club made the perfect backdrops for those cute Vespa moments!
#2 Bethesda Terrace, Central Park
Central Park is a must-visit for any trip to NYC, but as an elopement location, the gorgeous Bethesda Terrace overlooking the lake is particularly special. The 1860s terrace and fountain provide an architectural backdrop right in nature. Its archways will transport you to Europe without leaving the US.
#3 Take a ferry
Consider including a boat ride in your NYC elopement to take in the different views of the city. These two tied the knot in an intimate courthouse ceremony, then hopped on the Greenpoint ferry for portraits overlooking the East River.
Above, Cha Cha Linda styled their bride in a 1960’s ivory satin opera coat with bow details, a 90’s ball skirt and a custom bandeau. So dreamy!
#4 Brooklyn Heights
To achieve those classic New York City portraits, Brooklyn Heights may be the perfect elopement location for you. This iconic neighborhood is chock-full of beautiful backdrops such as tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
#5 After taking wedding photos in Brooklyn Heights, you’ll want to explore DUMBO (an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). It offers a European ambiance with its cobblestone streets, industrial-chic buildings, and stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Choose one of the cozy bistros, such as Almar or Celestine, for a riverside dinner reminiscent of a charming European waterfront setting.
#6 Another beautiful NYC elopement location in Central Park, Ladies Pavilion features a French-inspired cast iron shelter surrounded by lush gardens on the west side of the lake.
#7 NYPL – The New York Public Library is located within the Beaux-Arts style Schwarzman Building in Midtown Manhattan. This New York City landmark has been open to the public since 1911.
#8 If it’s vast city views you’re after, you’ll want to visit the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center. This spot features three levels of indoor and outdoor decks, with the top one offering unobstructed 360 views from atop 70 floors.
#9 Washington Square Park – Bethany says, Want to feel like you’re in Paris under the Arc de Triomphe? Visit Washington Square park and sit on the lawn and breathe in the romance. The energy of this timeless park is bustling with youth and vibrancy like you’d find in a 1960’s Jean-Luc Godard film.
#10 For one last Central Park elopement location, Belvedere Castle overlooks one of the highest natural points in the park. From there you can take in views of Turtle Pond and Great Lawn to the north, the Ramble to the south, and the surrounding cityscape.
Thank you to photographer Bethany Michaela for sharing today! Find more elopement inspiration here and see more New York weddings on 100LC here.
