2 May, 2014

By A Central Park Wedding

If you're planning a wedding in New York City, there's no shortage of iconic photo opportunities. We've put together some of our favorite NYC wedding photography locations. Most of these venues are free and some have a small fee that is well worth the price of admission!

1. Central Park

With over 800 acres of lush green, it can be difficult to choose just one favorite park location for your wedding portraits. You could spend a few hours wandering around Central Park and posing for portraits. If you're pressed for time, we recommend visiting the park at 72nd Street. This section of Central Park is home to two of the most famous areas of the park, Bethesda Fountain Terrace and Bow Bridge.

From the dramatic stone archways to the mosaic tiled ceiling, there's no shortage of beautiful architecture at this venue. The Angel of the Waters fountain in the middle of the terrace is one of the city's most recognizable icons.

Bow Bridge

Featured in countless films, Bow Bridge gracefully arches over the Pond and is a popular destination for wedding photos. Portraits from the bridge feature The Lake and the city skyline as a backdrop. The bridge is located next to Bethesda Fountain Terrace, only about a two-minute walk.

Located at the southeast corner of the park is The Pond. Its proximity to The Plaza Hotel and 5th Avenue makes it a popular stop for tourists and park-goers alike. The Pond is also home to Gapstow Bridge, which is especially picturesque when covered with ivy during the Spring through Fall months.

Tip: Schedule your Central Park wedding photos during a weekday if possible since the crowds will be smaller.

2. Times Square

Home to Broadway theatres and illuminated by neon signs and billboards, Times Square is the perfect area for one-of-a kind NYC wedding photos. Be sure to take a hotdog or pretzel break at one of the many street vendor carts!

Tip: We recommend skipping Times Square during rush hour when the traffic can be bumper-to-bumper.

3. Top of the Rock

For sweeping views of Manhattan, head to Rockefeller Center and the Top of the Rock Observation Deck. This location boasts one-of-a-kind views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. Top of the Rock requires an admission fee of $29.00 per person. If your schedule permits, purchase a timed ticket to avoid the lines.

Tip: Visit earlier in the morning or later at night if possible to avoid the crowds.

4. Grand Central Terminal

Located in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal is one of the city's most famous landmarks. It is home to some of the most beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture in NYC. Rain or shine, head inside the station to the Main Concourse of Grand Central. The hand-painted zodiac ceiling is the perfect canvas for your wedding portraits.

Tip: Avoid weekday morning and evening rush hours. During the day or on the weekends is the best time to take photos at the terminal.

5. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Venture out of Manhattan and head over to Brooklyn to visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park. This park is situated near the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and gives you fantastic views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. The Fulton Ferry landing is situated between both bridges and is highly recommended for its picturesque setting.

Tip: Allow extra time for travel between the boroughs. A Central Park Wedding specializes in planning and coordinating beautiful wedding ceremonies in Central Park. They offer full-service ceremony packages and take care of everything from permits to photography to floral arrangements and more. A Central Park Wedding also offers picnic wedding receptions in the park, which are a fun and unique way to celebrate your marriage. For more images, advice on additional Central Park wedding locations, or to view their Real Weddings gallery, visit; http://acentralparkwedding.com/

Bethesda Fountain Terrace - Photography: Jessica Schmitt Photography / Bow Bridge - Le Image Inc. & Jumped the Broom / The Pond & Gapstow Bridge - Joseph Pessar Photographers / Times Square - Andrea Fischman Photography / Top of the Rock - Fotovolida / Grand Central Terminal - Jessica Schmitt Photography / Brooklyn Bridge Park - Fotovolida