The Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York | Best NYC Elopement Spots

So many couples always ask us: “Team Reinking, what are the most popular places for wedding photos in New York?” And we usually reply: “It really depends on what you would like to see in your photos and how much time we have together.” So we thought it might be helpful for future couples if we put together a blog post of the best NYC elopement photo spots.

And to make it effortless for you to compare and consider the different photo locations, we provided our expert opinions on the following categories: Location, how to get there, if it is a decent ‘bad weather’ location and extra tips to consider from our experienced vantage point. In addition, we added a customized map with all of below locations, clearly marked to make it even easier for you. This list might change or evolve over time but for now, enjoy the most popular places for wedding photos in New York.

Before you read on, you might also be interested in our other location blog posts:
‘The Best Places to Get Married in Central Park’
‘Our Top Ceremony Locations in New York City’
‘Unique New York Elopement Venues to Rent’

So without further ado, here are the most popular places for wedding photos in New York, listed in ALPHABETICAL ORDER.

1. 620 LOFT & GARDEN

Location: 620 5th Avenue. The entrance is on 50th Street between 5th & 6th Avenue.
How to get there: 620 Loft & Garden – also known as 620 Fifth Avenue – is located in midtown and close to lots of subways. The B, D, F, M and E are just around the corner.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, it is out in the open. They do have a tent at the entry to the roof deck but this location really shines when you use their outdoor space.

Tips: This might be the best ceremony & photo location in all of New York City. It has amazing views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral while you are high above the streets of New York. As you can imagine, this luxury comes with a price but there is nothing wrong with contacting them for rates. They offer different prices for different seasons, days and times of day. And they allow you to rent the space for just an hour which is plenty of time for wedding photos up there.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

2. BOTANICAL GARDEN

Location: 990 Washington Avenue in Brooklyn.
How to get there: The closest subways to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are the 2, 3, 4, 5 and S lines. But the B and Q are also within walking distance.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, it’s mostly out in the open. There are a few structures that can shelter from light rain and also give shade from the sun.

Tips: The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is gorgeous in all seasons. But it truly shines when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom. That is when the park becomes magical. If you would like to take photos here you need to apply for a photo permit which you can do right HERE.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

3. BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Location: The Brooklyn Bridge, probably the most famous bridge in the world, connects lower Manhattan with Brooklyn.
How to get there: You can enter the Brooklyn Bridge from either the Manhattan side or the Brooklyn side. The closest subways on the Manhattan side are the A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4 and 5 train. On the Brooklyn side you will find the F, A, C, 2 and 3 trains.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, it is all out in the open.

Tips: The Brooklyn Bride is one of the most famous bridges in the world. Chances are that the bridge will be packed with tourists. You can get lucky with some smaller crowds when you go during bad weather or very early in the morning. It’s an amazing photo spot for those who understand and aren’t bothered by the vast amount of people.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

4. BROWNSTONE STOOPS

Location: You can find Brownstone Stoops all over New York City. Our favorite stoops are on the Upper West Side and in Brooklyn.
How to get there: Anyway you like.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, they are all out in the open.

Tips: Brownstone stoops are all over this beautiful city. Our favorite stoops are on the Upper West Side and in Brooklyn. They are a classic New York moment.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

5. CENTRAL PARK

Location: Central Park is located in the center of Manhattan and spans 51 blocks from 59th Street on the south end to 110th Street on the north end. And from 5th Avenue on the east side to ‘Central Park West’ on the west side.
How to get there: Almost any subway line stops somewhere on the outer edges of Central Park. N, R, W, Q, F, B, D, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, A and C. Please note that NO cars of any kind are allowed inside Central Park.
‘Bad Weather’ location: KINDA, most is out in the open but there are definitely places that are covered and work nicely for photos.

Tips: Central Park has an area that is bigger than Monaco and is still the #1 wedding location for couples looking to tie the knot in New York City. It has a bit of everything: Romance, skyline view, privacy, different looks in different season. It’s a gorgeous park with so many wonderful photo locations.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

6. DUMBO & BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

Location: Right on the waterfront in Brooklyn, between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge lays Dumbo. And adjacent, just to the south of the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bride Park is located.
How to get there: The closest subways are the F, A, C, 2 and 3 trains and the East River Ferry stops right in front of Pier 1. You also can stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge as both parks are located right when you walk off the bridge. Now, if you are arriving in a wedding dress and heels you might prefer a car service, cab, Uber or Lyft.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, it’s all out in the open.

Tips: Dumbo & Brooklyn Bridge Park are great for couples who want the New York skyline as the backdrop in their photos. It’s one of the most popular locations. Fun fact: DUMBO stands for DownUnderManhattanBridgeOverpass.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

7. GANTRY PLAZA STATE PARK & HUNTERS POINT SOUTH PARK

Location: The Gantry Plaza State Park and the Hunters Point South Park are located along the waterfront of Long Island City in Queens. 
How to get there: The closest subway to the parks is the 7 train. It is just one stop out of the city. The G train is also within walking distance and the East River Ferry stops right inside both parks. Now, if you are arriving in a wedding dress and heels you might prefer a car service, cab, Uber or Lyft.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, it’s all out in the open.

Tips: As mentioned above, Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park are still somewhat of a hidden gem. Tourists stick to Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge Park and mostly don’t know about these two Queens parks which makes it a great location for wedding photos. There are also fantastic restaurants and bars in the neighborhood as well as brand new hotels. Definitely worth a visit. Just don’t tell anyone else about it!!

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

8. GRAFFITI WALLS

Location: You can find graffiti walls all over New York City.
How to get there: Anyway you like.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, they are all out in the open.

Tips: Graffiti walls are all over this beautiful city. Our favorite graffitis can be found in the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn. So many talented artists in this city.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

9. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

Location: Grand Central Terminal is located on 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. 
How to get there: The S, 4, 5, 6, and 7 subway lines stop inside Grand Central Terminal.
‘Bad Weather’ location: YES, as it is inside.

Tips: Grand Central Terminal is a popular rain locations for obvious reasons. It is a fabulous area for photos. There are lots of great opportunities on a fairly small footprint inside the terminal but also right outside with the New York street life.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

10. HIGH LINE PARK

Location: The High Line Park is located on the west side of Manhattan and stretches from Gansevoort Street all the way up to 34th Street. 
How to get there: The 7 train stops right at the north end of the High Line Park. Other trains that are close are the A, C, E and L lines.
‘Bad Weather’ location: It depends on the exact locations but there are areas that are covered to shelter from the rain.

Tips: The High Line Park can get very crowded as it was built on a very narrow platform.. But it is still well worth a visit.

Map of the “Most Popular Places for Wedding Photos in New York”

11. PUBLIC LIBRARY

Location: The New York Public Library is located on 5th Avenue and 41st Street in Midtown Manhattan.
How to get there: The closest subway lines are the 7, B, D, F and M.
‘Bad Weather’ location: YES, part of the entry area is covered.

Tips: The public library is a great location for photos. It is close to Grand Central Terminal and also to Times Square. So it is easy to connect those 3 locations during a photoshoot. Please note, though, that photos inside the library are strictly prohibited.

Map of the “Most Popular Spots for Wedding Photos in New York”

12. STREETS OF NEW YORK

Location: Absolutely everywhere.
How to get there: Subway, ferry, car service, Uber, Lyft or on foot.
‘Bad Weather’ location: There is always a place to find shelter in case of rain.

Tips: The streets of New York are definitely our favorite place for wedding photos. Every neighborhood is different and every street is unique. The best moments can be created by just walking from one spot to the next. It doesn’t get any more authentic then walking through the streets of New York and having some fun while doing it.

Map of the “Most Popular Spots for Wedding Photos in New York”

13. SUBWAY

Location: Subways are all over this beautiful city.
How to get there: With the subway!!
‘Bad Weather’ location: YES, it is all underground.

Tips: Another fantastic way to capture unique and authentic New York photos. And there is no time lost while traveling from one location to the next. We make the commute another photo opportunity.

Map of the “Most Popular Spots for Wedding Photos in New York”

14. TIMES SQUARE

Location: From 42nd to 52nd Street along Broadway.
How to get there: You can find almost every subway line in Times Square. The N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3 and 7 stop right in the heart of Times Square and the A, C, E, B, D, F and M are in short walking distance.
‘Bad Weather’ location: No, it is all out in the open.

Tips:Times Square is the heart of New York City. It is always crowded which can make taking photos a bit ticket sometimes. Times Square is impressive any time of the day but for obvious reasons Times Square ist most impressive by night. The when this place comes really alive.

Map of the “Most Popular Spots for Wedding Photos in New York”

15. TOP OF THE ROCK

Location: The Top of the Rock is a viewing platform on top of the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan. 
How to get there: The B, D, F and M lines are stopping underneath Rockefeller Center. The E and 6 trains are within walking distance as well.
‘Bad Weather’ location: NO, it is out in the open. There are indoor areas where you could have photos taken but frankly that is not why you come to the Top of the Rock.

Tips: One of the most popular photo locations. You will have one of the best views of the city from up there. You have to purchase tickets for us if you want photos here and the best option is to get the VIP tickets as we can skip any line and save about an hour of waiting around.

Map of the “Most Popular Spots for Wedding Photos in New York”

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