2. Guastavino’s

Location: Midtown East, Manhattan
Vibe: Architectural elegance with historic charm

Pros:

• High vaulted ceilings and dramatic architecture
• Central location with easy access to hotels and transportation
• Capacity for guest counts up to 400 

Cons:

• Can be acoustically challenging for some live entertainment setups
• Requires booking an additional vendor for lighting and sound

If you’re searching for a venue that blends historic grandeur with timeless elegance, Guastavino’s might just be your dream spot. Tucked beneath the Queensboro Bridge in Midtown Manhattan, this hidden gem feels like a time capsule of old New York – just with all the perks of modern-day glamour and amenities. The space is defined by its soaring Catalonian vaults with domed ceilings, dramatic arches, and rich architectural history that instantly sets the tone for a memorable celebration.

Originally designed as a covered marketplace by Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino, the venue has since been transformed into a luxury event space that encapsulates the charm and grandeur of the original landmark. With room for 400 guests and full-service offerings like on-site planning and in-house catering, Guastavino’s makes it easy to host a high-end wedding without stressing over the little things. One of my favorite things about shooting here is the way light moves across the tiled ceilings, adding depth and drama to every shot. It’s the kind of venue where the architecture becomes part of the storytelling.

Guastavino’s only hosts one event at a time, so your celebration gets the full attention it deserves. From the curved staircase to the dramatic entrance, every inch of the venue offers something special. It’s perfect for couples seeking an upscale indoor space that still feels unique and dramatic.

To see what a wedding at Guastavino’s can look like, here’s Kristen + Michael’s elegant wedding. 

3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Location: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn
Vibe: Romantic, elegant, garden party

Pros:

• Stunning natural backdrops in every season
• Multiple venue options within the garden
• Ideal for spring, summer, and fall weddings

Cons:

• Strict time limits for setup and breakdown
• Peak bloom season books far in advance

Looking to leave the busy city behind for the day? The Brooklyn Botanic Garden could be just the escape you’ve been looking for. I’ve shot both weddings and engagement sessions in here and each one is more magical than the last. It’s peaceful, romantic, and bursting with seasonal beauty year-round. Whether you’re saying “I do” surrounded by cherry blossoms in the spring or celebrating among vibrant fall leaves, this elegant oasis offers a dreamy backdrop for any garden wedding.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a variety of spaces for couples to choose from for their big day, including a variety of garden spaces or one of two indoor venues. The Atrium is the smaller of the indoor venues with a capacity for 125 guests with plenty of windows for natural light and a picture-perfect living roof of native fauna. Meanwhile, for larger guest counts, the Palm House is an elegant greenhouse-like structure and outdoor terrace right beside the Garden’s beautiful Lily Pool. 

Possibly the most wonderful part of hosting your wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is that it feels like a destination wedding without ever leaving NYC. From the garden paths to the vibrant blooms to even the smaller conservatories perfect for cocktail hours you have endless options for beautiful, timeless portraits. It’s truly a venue that truly lets nature do the decorating.

Want an inside look at a wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens? Take a look at Melissa + Josh’s lovely autumn wedding.

4. Central Park Boathouse

Location: Central Park, Manhattan
Vibe: Iconic, classic New York charm

Pros:

• Waterfront location in Central Park
• Central location, easy for guests to get to
• Feels both elegant and relaxed

Cons:

• Popular with tourists – expect some crowds outside
• Limited availability due to high demand

For a truly iconic and move-worthy New York City wedding, a venue in the middle of Central Park is a must! Right in the heart of Manhattan, the historic Central Park Boathouse offers everything NYC offers from the beauty of nature to the vibrant energy of the city. 

From the moment you step onto the terrace, surrounded by trees and water, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Guests can sip cocktails with views of the lake while rowboats drift past in the background. You can even rent a gondola to make an unforgettable entrance to your ceremony or reception. But it’s the team of event professionals who really make this venue shine. From event planners guiding you every step of the way to décor rentals and in-house catering services, the team at the Central Park Boathouse is ready to make your wedding dreams a reality. 

One of the best perks of holding your wedding at the Central Park Boathouse is the endless collection of amazing photography locations. The lake room and garden are perfect for charming ceremony and reception backdrops with views of the NYC skyline peeking through in the distance. But beyond that, the whole of Central Park is at your fingertips. From lakeside portraits by the water to enchanting forest photography in the heart of the park, every photo taken here will be pure magic. 

Check out Michelle + Michael’s wedding at the Central Park Boathouse for more inspiration!

Photos are 610 and 620 Loft & Garden marketing imagery and are not the work of OkCrowe Photography.

5. 610 and 620 Loft & Garden

Location: Midtown Manhattan, Fifth Avenue
Vibe: Luxury, chic, and quintessential NYC

Pros:

• Iconic NYC views and photo opportunities
• Indoor/outdoor flexibility
• Intimate yet upscale vibe

Cons:

• Space works best for smaller guest counts
• Food and beverage arranged through preferred vendors only

If an upscale rooftop garden party is on your wedding wish list, the 610 and 620 Loft and Garden in Rockefeller Center can’t be beat. These rooftop venues sit perched high above Fifth Avenue on the 7^th floor, offering stunning bird’s eye views in the heart of NYC along with peaceful garden charm. 

The 610 Loft & Garden is the smaller of the two rooftop venues with a maximum capacity of 150 guests if standing. It makes for a lovely intimate wedding either in the bright penthouse loft or in the garden overlooking Rockefeller Plaza. The 620 Loft & Garden can hold a slightly larger guest list up to 165 guests when standing. This venue features a newly renovated loft and a garden complete with reflective pools and tented areas all overlooking the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Whether you’re exchanging vows surrounded by skyline views or hosting an enchanting candlelit reception inside, these venues deliver a setting that’s as romantic as it is lavish.

While I haven’t photographed a wedding here yet, I’ve attended an event at 620 Loft & Garden and it left a lasting impression. If you’re planning your celebration here, let me know! I’d love to be there. In fact, I’m currently offering a special photography package for couples getting married at either location. 

Still searching for your perfect New York City wedding venue? Reach out for even more suggestions! And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer to document your day, I’d be honored to be of service!

Hi there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography, a wedding photographer based right here in New York City. With so many wonderful venues in NYC, it was hard to narrow it down to just five. However, these five are sure to make your day as incredible as you’ve always imagined.  If you’re planning a wedding in NYC (or anywhere else! I’ll travel to you!), I’d love to be there every step of the way! Just head to my contact form and let’s chat!