I have been a wedding photographer in New York for the last 6 years. This means I’ve been lucky enough to photograph weddings in some of the most gorgeous venues across the city. That being said, there are still so many places in Manhattan I would love to add to my portfolio! I decided it was time to compile my “Top 5 Venues to Shoot in 2020” list! I wanted to include the Crème de la Crème that NYC has to offer. This is by no means all of them!
Top 5: The Met Club
The historic Metropolitan Club is located steps away from Central Park, right on Fifth Avenue. It combines the glamour of Old New York with contemporary cuisine and specialized services. The majestic architecture provides a backdrop for a glamorous wedding in any season. In the warmer summer months, photographs can be taken in the park. In the Club’s gated courtyard in Fall & Winter, enjoy the warmth of plush interiors and roaring fires.
I love that the Club has a policy of only hosting one wedding or event at a time. Their well-versed events team and Maitre d’ are devoted to executing each wedding to perfection!
With white-glove service and exquisite attention to detail, this Manhattan wedding venue is the perfect place to live out your picture-perfect New York wedding dreams.
Top 5: The Cipriani
The Cipriani 42nd Street is magnificent venue. It is fabulous for those seeking an ornate wedding celebration! Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, the Cipriani has marble columns, inlaid floors, and elegant chandeliers. All combined will create a magical wedding environment!
You and your guests will feel like royalty as you dine under the luxuriously high ceilings and dramatic arched windows. Every couple looks gorgeous in front of this stunning arcitechure!
Top 5: The Plaza Hotel
To me, the Plaza Hotel is a quintessential link to the history and elegance of old New York City. The Grand Ballroom, The Terrace Room, and The Oak Room are premiere New York City event venues. All of these spaces are located under just one roof! Located at the famous intersection of Central Park and Fifth Avenue, The Plaza Hotel is an iconic part of the cities history.
The Grand Ballroom transfixes all who see it. The Terrace Room is a striking yet elegant space within The Plaza decked out in crystal chandeliers that replicate those within the Palace of Versailles. Finally, one of my favorite spaces within The Plaza, The Oak Room. This room features a grape-laden chandelier topped by a barmaid hoisting stein hanging from the twenty-foot high ceiling. This room is unlike anything else available in Manhattan.
These three spaces only represent the 9 of the unique and very iconic New York Wedding venues available inside The Plaza Hotel.
Top 5: Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
This antique Soho bookshop is a unique and memorable wedding venue nestled in Manhattan’s vibrant center. Radiating in romance, The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe offers a versatile space for weddings of up to 150 guests for a seated buffet.
To me, this bookshop resembles a luxurious Ivy League library. With its elaborate spiral staircases and colorful rows of antique books, it’s as if you’re back in time. Bibliophile or lover of the old these book-lined walls need minimal embellishments to set the mood. And for those like me who love a little whimsy, this is your fantasy world dream.
Not only is the venue beautiful, but the cost of your wedding goes giving back to the community. 100% of the venue’s proceeds go toward helping the homeless living with HIV and AIDS. In other words, your big day can be a big day of helping as well.
Top 5: The Beekman Hotel
If you are looking for a wedding venue that channels the charm of Old New York, The Beekman Hotel should be top of your list. This is a must on my Top 5 Venues in New York City.
Located in my favorite area within the center of Lower Manhattan’s thriving New Downtown, The Beekman is surrounded by some of Manhattan’s most cherished attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall. Its founding predates the United States by 15 years. Therefore, The Beekman has seem some things.
An architectural marvel idolized for its iconic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight; The Beekman brings together some of the world’s most exceptional talents in design and the culinary arts.
If any of these top 5 iconic Manhattan wedding venues are the backdrop to your dream wedding, contact me to create the utterly seductive editorial photographs to memorialize your big day!
xx JF
