Planning a Destination Wedding in NYC

Planning a destination wedding in NYC is an amazing idea for out-of-town (or out-of-country) visitors to make their trip unforgettable. In the past year, I’ve seen a growing number of couples, in particular from the UK and Australia, who come to New York City to elope. And this city makes it surprisingly easy to plan a destination wedding. Below I’ve outlined a few tips to plan your elopement, from the legalities involved, marriage license application process, a few of my favorite elopement spots, and of course, the importance of choosing an officiant who will work with you to create a custom ceremony for your elopement.

The Legalities of Choosing New York for your Destination Wedding

The state of New York and the city make it quite easy for non-residents to get married here. You do not have to be a resident of the city, state, or country to get a marriage license. Elopements can happen anywhere in the city as long as you have a registered officiant and have already acquired your marriage license- so expand your mind beyond City Hall! This is not the case for most other countries and towns where I’ve married couples that often require you to go through a lengthy approval process or to be in the country ~30 days before the wedding takes place, or even need to provide a state-certified blood test before applying. The process is easy in NYC and our city naturally provides an iconic backdrop for your elopement.

Getting a Marriage License in NYC for Non-Residents

Once you have your wedding date set and travel planned, schedule an appointment with the City Clerk. Start by making an account here and seeing available appointment times. You will appear in person at the courthouse. Or, if both partners are in the state at the time, you can select an online appointment. Note that you can get a license at any of the five boroughs, no matter where the wedding takes place.

If there aren’t any available appointments during the dates needed, check the clerk’s office at some nearby towns in the state. Often same-day appointments are available, and a marriage license issued in the state of New York is valid for a wedding anywhere in the state of New York. Try Nassau County, less than an hour outside of the city on Long Island, the town of Ramapo (they often have same-day appointments!) or in the City of Yonkers, just north of the Bronx.

Elopement Spots in NYC for Destination Weddings

NYC naturally provides an iconic backdrop for your wedding, and you can get married anywhere in the city,(almost always) without a permit or any other red tape.

Central Park Elopements

I’ve created this custom Google map of all of my favorite Central Park Elopement Spots. Note that for some of the very popular places (The Ladies Pavilion, Cop Cot), a permit is suggested to make sure that other photo shoots, events, or weddings aren’t reserved for that day and time, but I’d be happy to  advise based on the time of year and day of the week you want to get married.

Where to Elope in Brooklyn

Explore this custom map of my favorite Brooklyn Elopement Spots, then read the highlights below!

The beauty of getting married in Brooklyn is that you get to overlook the skyline, and there are so many parks along the East River that photograph perfectly. A few of my favorites are Domino Park and Marsha P. Johnson in Williamsburg, the pier at Transmitter Park in Greenpoint, the sprawling, magestic Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, and Louis Valentino Park and Pier in Red Hook.

I also have a secret little spot on a rooftop in DUMBO that allows you the perfect view of both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, completely free of charge. Inquire with me directly 🙂

Prospect Park won’t give you a skyline view, but this natural oasis was designed to make you feel like you escaped the city completely. An elopement by the lake will give you the same view as booking a full wedding at Purslane Boathouse (which I also highly recommend!) or sharing “I do’s” under the Cleft Span bridge (which has a fascinating backstory) are all-time favorites of mine.

If you’re looking to ensure that weather isn’t a factor and don’t mind paying a bit to reserve an intimate venue, the Penthouse Loft at Wythe Hotel, an elopement and reception at Brindamour Studios, or event-friendly restaurants Le Fanfare , Bacchus, and Aurora are amazing options.

Or, boldly embrace the true Brooklyn vibe and choose to sign the license at a “dive bar”, like Dolly’s in Williamsburg.

Destination Weddings in NYC officiated by Have Lover, Will Travel

With a professional officiant and 13-year Brooklyn resident as your partner, I’ll help scout an amazing elopement location and write a stunning ceremony to make your New York destination wedding iconic, memorable, and uniquely reflective your love story.