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A Guide to Unique Locations to Elope in NYC

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LGBT couple elopes in New York City. They are celebrating in their wedding gear in colorful Marie’s Crisis Café in the West Village. It’s a legendary piano bar (and queer-friendly hangout) where people sing Broadway show tunes at the top of their lungs. Couples sometimes pop in post-ceremony for celebratory drinks and singalongs. The couple gazes lovingly into each other's eyes as onlookers clap and cheer for them. A classic NYC elopement moment.

What are the best places to elope in NYC?

When you elope in NYC, the entire city becomes your wedding venue. You’re not just saying “I do”, you’re weaving your love story into the fabric of the greatest city in the world. I mean, where else can you exchange vows with the most iconic skyline as your backdrop?

New York City is a place for lovers, dreamers, and rule-breakers. It’s a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. Here, strangers will cheer for you when you kiss, hand you a pretzel from a food cart, or even offer you a joint from their back pocket (yes, true story).

In this guide, we’ll be sharing our favorite places to elope in NYC for a one-of-a-kind wedding.

Couple elopes in Bethesda Terrace and Arcade in Central Park, NYC. It’s one of the most popular and romantic elopement spots, with its arches, tiled ceiling, and views of Bethesda Fountain.

But first… Why eloping in NYC is ALWAYS a good idea:

  • The food (we have every cuisine you can imagine)
  • The shows (Broadway, off-Broadway, all the lights)
  • The museums (world-class and quirky alike)
  • The shops (from indie designers to iconic flagships)
  • The architecture (art deco, Gothic, modern glass — it’s all here)
  • The history (layers of stories everywhere you turn)
  • Because it’s New York City

There’s only one NYC. Whether this is your first trip or your hundredth, it’s the place people want to revisit in their memories for a lifetime.

Couple elopes with iconic DUMBO skyline in the background.

Elope in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Many Eloping Is Fun couples choose DUMBO for its mix of grit and glamour. The Brooklyn waterfront has it all: sweeping Manhattan skyline views, the Brooklyn Bridge, cobblestone streets, street art, and chic restaurants. Don’t miss the iconic Washington Street shot with the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framed between brick warehouses.

We also love to explore the offbeat neighboring ‘hood of Vinegar Hill for a more eclectic and quiet Brooklyn neighborhood feel. 

Couple elopes with iconic DUMBO skyline in the background.
LGBT couple elopes with iconic DUMBO skyline in the background.

Elope at The New York Public Library

This majestic structure is the landmark library in NYC and an apogee of Beaux-Arts design. It is constructed entirely of white marble to create giant columns, majestic staircases, and intricately carved domes. This million-dollar wedding ceremony backdrop is available for free, and one of the many reasons NYC is the best elopement city in the world. We will help you navigate the logistics of getting married at this iconic NYC landmark. 

Couple shares fun post-elopement dance under the marble dome of the New York Public Library (NYPL).
Couple walks up the steps of the New York Public Library (NYPL) after eloping.

Elope at the Secret Garden in the Lower East Side

A quiet oasis in the heart of NYC

Community gardens are an integral part of the life of a New Yorker. The Lower East Side is the epicenter of these bohemian oases of greenery. Access and entry to these gardens are usually firmly guarded, but we have developed a partnership with a beautiful community garden, which can be booked directly through Eloping Is Fun. If you want to know more about getting married at a community garden in NYC, we wrote an entire history and guide: Guide to Getting Married in a Community Garden in NYC.

Couple elopes in community garden in the Lower East Side surrounded by blooming flowers.
Eloping bride poses in community garden in the Lower East Side surrounded by bursts of gorgeous blooming flowers.
Couple elopes in community garden in the LES.

Elope on The Brooklyn Bridge

Yes, you can actually get married on the Brooklyn Bridge! It is one of the most joyous and authentic NYC elopement experiences you could possibly dream of: Say your vows underneath the soaring Gothic arches of the most bad-ass bridges in America. It is guaranteed to make tourists smile from ear to ear. A Brooklyn Bridge elopement is one of our signature experiences! It is joyful, authentic, and very New York.

Newlywed couple shares their first kiss after eloping on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Smiling groom opens bottle of champagne on the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate eloping with his wife in New York City. The bride laughs and celebrates with him.
Couple kisses on the Brooklyn Bridge after eloping.

Elope at Grand Central Terminal

With its soaring celestial ceiling and glamorous 1940’s Mad Men vibes, Grand Central is perfect for a cozy indoor NYC elopement — especially in winter or around the holidays. The surrounding areas of 5th Avenue and proximity to the New York Public Library make this an amazing spot for your wedding ceremony.

Couple elopes in Grand Central Terminal in NYC.
LGBT couple poses under the gorgeous chandeliers of the Grand Central Terminal. One groom rocks a kilt while the other groom shines in a sleek velvet jacket and white slacks.
Stunning bride smiles after eloping in Grand Central Terminal. She wears a beautiful emerald green dress, perfect for the iconic winter setting.

Elope at the Top of the Rock

Forget the Empire State Building! Hot take, we know. Just trust us on this one.

Top of The Rock is New Yorkers’ favorite observation deck. Rockefeller Center and the surrounding buildings are perfect examples of classic NYC art deco architecture, and multiple levels give your photographer vantage points that make it feel like you are flying above NYC.

*Eloping is Fun can book timed VIP tickets so you can skip the lines.

Couple gets married at Top of the Rock with the Empire State Building glowing in the setting sun behind them.
Couple shares a kiss after eloping at the Top of the Rock with the Empire State Building lit up behind them.

Elope in Central Park at Glen Span Arch

For a lush, quiet spot away from the crowds, head north to Glen Span Arch. Because this romantic stone bridge is surrounded by greenery and away from the tourist hullabaloo of the southern part of the park, it is one of my favorite locations for elopements in Central Park. There is even a waterfall! NYC is full of little surprises, and this one is a favorite for couples who want intimacy with a hint of fairytale.

Couple elopes at Glen Span Arch in Central Park.

Elope at the Eclectic Artist’s Loft

With an indoor life-size terrarium and multiple layered and highly photogenic backdrops throughout, this exclusive ceremony location is for those who appreciate Brooklyn’s creative history and want something indoors and private. See our collection of stunning photos and read more about the Artist’s Loft here.

*The Artist’s Loft is available only through Eloping Is Fun as an add-on to your elopement package.

Newlyweds pose in eclectic library during Artist's Loft elopement.
Newlyweds pose in front of art-filled wall at the Artist's Loft after their elopement.
Newlyweds share kiss in Artist's Loft Terrarium.

Elope with Bushwick Street Art

The hip neighborhood of Bushwick is a living, breathing, outdoor public art space. If you love color, grit, and bold backdrops, it’s perfect for post-wedding photos or a ceremony surrounded by world-class street murals.

LGBT couple elopes in Bushwick, New York City.
LGBT couple poses in front of Bushwick mural after eloping in NYC.
Laughing bride rides on the front of a bike while her husband pedals past iconic street art in Bushwick to celebrate their NYC elopement.

Elope at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Yes, that’s right. You can get married at The MET. I mean, seriously… Imagine announcing to your friends and family, “I eloped at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!” If you are interested in eloping here, please read our detailed guide on how to elope at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (and get away with it 😉).

LGBT couple elopes at The MET.
Couple elopes at The MET.
Couple elopes at The MET.
Couple shares vows during elopement at The MET.
Couple shares kiss during elopement at The MET.

Elope at the 60 LES Penthouse Suite

Perched above the Lower East Side, this rooftop suite is chic, stylish, and perfectly set up for an intimate ceremony followed by a night of celebration in one of NYC’s coolest neighborhoods.

Bonus: It’s right in the heart of the Lower East Side, one of our favorite NYC neighborhoods for street shots.

Couple elopes at the 60 LES Penthouse Suite with New York City skyline behind them.

Elope in Coney Island

If your love story is bold and playful, Coney Island is calling. Say your vows with the boardwalk, Cyclone roller coaster, and iconic Parachute Drop behind you. Celebrate with Nathan’s hot dogs, carnival rides, or a visit to the freak show. Nothing is more Brooklyn.

Couple elopes at Coney Island in NYC.
Couple shares vows while getting married at Coney Island in NYC.
Couple holds hands and walks down the pier after eloping at Coney Island in NYC.

Elope at the TWA Hotel

Is it possible to be modern and vintage at the same time? With Eloping Is Fun, anything is possible. At the TWA Hotel, you can exchange vows on their iconic, retro red carpets or snag some shots at the Connie (a restored Air Force One plane) over post-ceremony cocktails. Whether your love flourished over Mad Men binge-watching, or you just want a sophisticated venue with an eclectic vibe, the sky’s the limit with an elopement at The TWA Hotel.

Couple gets married at the TWA Hotel in NYC.
Couple elopes at the TWA Hotel in NYC.

Ready to Elope in NYC?

From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, New York City offers endless possibilities for couples who want something unique and memorable. Whether you dream of exchanging vows on the Brooklyn Bridge, in a secret garden, or on a rooftop with skyline views, Eloping Is Fun will handle the details so you can focus on being present and truly enjoying your day.

Take our quiz to find your perfect NYC elopement location or inquire now to start planning your day.

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