Not interested in the most overt “New York” locations for your wedding, elopement or engagement photos? Consider these more subtle or alternative locations. By no means an exhaustive list! See here for my top iconic spots.
Within 15-20 mins of Manhattan City Hall: Tribeca, South Street Seaport, NOLITA/East Village Street Art
Governors Island
Pro: Amazing views of the city and Statue of Liberty, opportunities to bike ride, have a picnic, reserve ceremony site
Con: Must take ferry and only open part of the year
Notes: First ferry is free and so is the return
Location: New York Harbor just off lower Manhattan
Closest Subway: South Ferry 1
Tribeca
Pro: Industrial streetscapes like the Staple Street Skybridge, great restaurants and cafes
Con: Photo locations spread out
Notes: About a 10 min walk from the Manhattan Marriage Bureau
Location: West of Church Street, South of Canal and North of Barclay St, To the Hudson River
Closest Subway: Chambers Street 1/2/3, Franklin Street 1
Greenpoint/Williamsburg
Pro: Waterfront, Neighborhood areas with street art and great restaurants and cafes
Con: Distance from other areas, construction
Notes: Small parks dot the waterfront with Manhattan views, colorful murals and hip hotels
Location: North Brooklyn
Closest Subway: Bedford L, Greenpoint Avenue G
Street Art Lovers
East Village/NOLITA
Pro: Amazing street art backgrounds a short ride from most places in Manhattan
Con: The art can change, not inherently bad, but don’t be too set on a specific work
Notes: First Street Green Cultural Park and Buff Monster and more.
