New York City is the most exciting place to be in for Christmas! It’s full of different attractions, holiday treats, and fantastic Christmas decorations everywhere. So if you’re dreaming of a NYC Christmas elopement, you’re in for a treat as we give tips on how to have a romantic and memorable one.
Prepare Your Checklist
Clothing – Although it’s not as cold as January and February, temperatures during Christmas time in NYC can drop up to 20F (-8 C). So you better prepare your thermal wears, fur coats, and snow boots in advance. Also, consider using a clear umbrella to protect your dress and hair against the rain or snow. Just because you’re getting married in winter doesn’t mean you cannot be fashionable with your wedding dress. You can see many elegant and stylish winter wedding dresses in the market.
Marriage License – You need to have a marriage license at least 24 hours before you can marry. If you’ll have a NYC Christmas elopement and you’re coming from overseas, we suggest you apply online for a marriage license before flying to New York. You can also schedule the marriage ceremony online. Also, remember that they require you to have one witness in the ceremony. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, they only allow one witness and no other guests inside the ceremony room. You can ask your wedding photographer to be your witness if it’s just a two-person wedding. In that way, you can get professional photos of the actual ceremony.
Wedding Vendors – If you plan on booking wedding vendors such as a wedding photographer, stylist, and florist, you can scout ahead of time to ensure you’re booking the perfect vendor for your wedding day.
Places to Visit
After your wedding ceremony, you can visit many iconic NYC spots for photos. Head to Tribeca for cobblestone streets and old-school architecture, Chinatown for colorful shops and street art, and Brooklyn Bridge for a classic New York look. These places are just 10-15 minutes’ walk from the Manhattan Marriage Bureau. But if you want great Christmas background, check out these cool places:
The Rockefeller Center – It’s one of the most popular places in NYC during the Christmas holidays because of the giant Christmas tree. The size of the tree ranges from 69 to 100 feet tall!
Lotte New York Palace – This luxury hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a charming Christmas tree. If you want an intimate, quiet place, this is for you.
Saks 5th Avenue – The stores at Saks Fifth Avenue are popular for amazing, larger-than-life Christmas displays yearly.
Radio City Music Hall – The Christmas tree at Radio City Music Hall is also a must-see spot in NYC because it is so festive.
Sixth Avenue – The giant Christmas ornaments at 6th Avenue will create a romantic and joyous background for your NYC Christmas elopement.
Things to Do
You’re in NYC for your elopement and the holidays! So you better maximize your stay and experience the best winter activities NYC has to offer. Here are some of them:
Ice Skating – There’s an ice skating rink at The Rockefeller Center, underneath the giant Christmas tree, and at Bryant Park. You can ice skate for free at Bryant Park; just pay for the skate rental.
Watch a Christmas Show – Watch The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall or The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at the Lincoln Centre.
Shop at Christmas Markets – Feel the Christmas spirit by shopping for unique gifts at NYC’s Christmas markets. You can check out the ones at Bryant Park, Union Square, Grand Central Station, and Columbus Circle.
Food Hopping – You can check out yummy treats at the holiday markets while shopping. Find unique street food like emoji cookies, gruyere and paprika pretzel, Taiwanese street food, massive s’mores, and more! Of course, there will always be the classic hot chocolate and apple cider to keep you warm.
