8 Fun Ideas For An NYC Elopement

Our list of the best places to elope in NYC, each with a fun twist

We’re not called Eloping is Fun for the hell of it – we’re here to prove that eloping in NYC can be the most fun, authentic, and unforgettable way to get married. Whether you’re sipping champagne on the cobblestone streets of DUMBO or rocking a couture gown on the steps of the New York Public Library, New York City is basically one giant wedding venue.

And the best part? This city loves love. Strangers will cheer you on, taxi drivers will honk in celebration, and you’ll feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourselves. If you’re dreaming of a unique NYC elopement location, here are eight of our all-time favorites – each with a playful twist to make your day even more magical.

DUMBO or Brooklyn Bridge Elopement

Locals and out-of-towners alike are obsessed with DUMBO, and for good reason. The base of the Brooklyn Bridgegives you those chef’s kiss NYC skyline views, plus the iconic Washington Street shot with the Manhattan Bridge in the background. If you live and breathe New York, or are a New Yorker at heart, we would love to plan your elopement right on the waterfront or on the bridge itself.

Sure, it’s a public place, but we can hook you up with a little spot where you won’t be disturbed (except perhaps by a jogger cruising past). DUMBO is also so good for photos. Our planning guru and photographers know all the best spots with the best angles, from converted brick warehouses to historic cobblestone streets. DUMBO just screams NYC!

Make it extra:

Party into the night at trendy 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s rooftop bar (hello, skyline cocktails). Or, if you’re feeling bold, you can rent out the entire rooftop for a private post-ceremony party above the city.

Central Park Elopement

If you’re a classic romantic at heart, you’ll want to visit Bethesda Terrace, an arched walkway that brings majestic European vibes. We also love the Glen Span Arch in the northern end of the park, complete with a waterfall that blows our minds every time. 

Central Park might be touristy, but because it’s so large, we know a few hidden spots that are perfect for ceremonies and photos. For a full breakdown of our favorite wedding ceremony spots in Central Park, check out our Guide to Eloping in Central Park. It’s packed to the brim with great info, photos, and resources.

Make it extra:

We can arrange for our onsite assistant to meet us at Central Park with a killer picnic basket for a post-wedding picnic celebration in the park.

New York Public Library Elopement

You cannot get more NYC than the New York Public Library, or the NYPL. You’ve seen it in Sex and the City, Ghostbusters, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With its sweeping marble steps and grand architecture, it’s a venue that radiates old-school glamour. Plus: the marble pops in all your wedding photos!

The best part? Your Eloping is Fun planning guru can handle all the logistics to help you pull off a wedding at this multi-million-dollar location (without spending a dime on the venue itself).

Make it extra:

Jazz up the grand ol’ library with a pop of color – we’ll bring eco-friendly confetti and the camera; you bring the smiles.

Rooftop Penthouse Elopement

Dreaming of a private rooftop elopement in NYC? If you’re down to splurge, we can secure a luxury penthouse terrace apartment at the SIXTY LES Hotel in Downtown Manhattan or another epic location of your choosing. Imagine exchanging vows above the city skyline, champagne in hand, without a single tourist in sight. That’s what we call an elopement with serious style.

Make it extra:

A marriage works up an appetite! After your vows, we’ll bring in a private chef for an intimate dinner under the stars, because nothing says “just married” like steak and martinis on your own rooftop.

Double Decker Bus Elopement

I know we promised fun… And one of our fave eloping in NYC ideas is a bit out there. But hear us out.

Let’s jump on a double-decker bus tour as it cruises around Times Square. If it’s just the two of you visiting from out of town, this is such a quintessential NYC experience and we guarantee you’ll get a raucous round of applause from everyone else on the bus after that first kiss.

Make it extra:

How do you make an elopement fun on a bus? Go all out and splurge on a private buyout, bringing along all your buds – a micro-wedding on a bus is exhilarating and extra fun for photos.

Top of the Rock Elopement

An elopement at Top of the Rock is pure New York romance. Perched on the top of Rockefeller Center, you’ll get unbeatable views of the Empire State Building and the glittering skyline. Whether you choose a sunrise ceremony with soft light or a sunset backdrop as the city lights come alive, this spot is always a win.

Make it extra:

After your vows in the sky, head down to one of our favorite speakeasies for a post-elopement martini.

Chinatown Elopement

We love spending time in Chinatown. Tons of awesome street art, pedestrian-only streets and secret alleyways to get lost in, and such vibrant energy – it’s ideal for couples who live and breathe the atmosphere of the city. We’ll capture you weaving through vibrant streets, grabbing dumplings, and maybe even stopping by the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory for a celebratory black sesame cone.

Make it extra:

Cap off the night with sparklers or mini fireworks!

The Met Elopement

Just one of the world’s biggest and best art museums, no biggie. We know how to elope at the Metropolitan Museum of Art… and get away with it!

Want to feel like royalty without flying to Europe? Enter: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. With its grand steps, epic columns, and palace-like interiors, a Met elopement brings a regal vibe right to Fifth Avenue.

By day, it’s all about timeless sophistication. At night, the museum glows like a castle lit from within – a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos.

Make it extra:

Jump in a short cab ride over to the Plaza for High Tea at the Palm Court. And yes, champagne counts as tea.

We’re very serious about making eloping fun for everyone.

Eloping in New York City means more than skipping the stress of a big wedding – it’s about creating a day that feels like you. Whether you’re a born-and-bred New Yorker or flying in from halfway across the world, our team at Eloping is Fun has your back. We’ll handle the logistics, scout the perfect elopement location, and make sure you actually get to enjoy the best city in the world on your wedding day.