So you’re eloping in NYC – how awesome! Maybe you’ve picked a wonderful, iconic New York location to tie the knot. If you haven’t, that’s cool. When it comes to NYC elopement photos, we’ve got tons of tips to make your experience the best it possibly can be. We love helping couples figure out the best spots for weddings.

As New York elopement photographers, capturing love stories of all kinds and sizes is the best part of our job. We decided to take that insider know-how and share it with you. Below are our top tips as wedding photographers on where to take your NYC elopement photos, so you can focus on the best part: getting married.

1. RaiNYC Wedding Photos are the Best – Don’t Stress Over the Weather

We know, we know. We all want blue skies for big days but take it from us: Rainy days are actually the best for weddings. Why? First, you get the whole city to yourself. Places that are typically crowded are nice and empty, perfect for some intimate New York wedding photos.

Rainy days also make for the best lighting. That might seem counterintuitive. Don’t we want the sun? But direct sunlight can blow out photos, while overcast skies help diffuse the light and make for some wonderfully soft, romantic pictures.

2. Plan for a Little Walking Around Brooklyn or Manhattan

New Yorkers will know: You’re going to get your steps in when taking photos around the city. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear a completely impractical pair of shoes. Just don’t wear them when we’re going from destination to destination. Instead, throw on a pair of comfortable walking shoes. You can always put on the less comfortable option when it’s time for photos.

3. Actually, Plan for Comfort in General for Your NYC Wedding Photos

Yes, we said it: You don’t have to be uncomfortable on your wedding day! Time and again, I’ve seen couples force themselves into outfits that they don’t actually like. Don’t do that to yourself particularly when we’re taking a turn around NYC.

Wear what makes you feel comfortable. We promise your photos will still turn out great. In fact, they’ll be even better because they’ll capture you looking blissed-out and happy, not squeezed in and sad.

4. Wake Up Early for Elopement Photos in New York

Tough but totally worth it. You’ll get prime real estate for your photos AND you won’t have to deal with crowds. That’s good for a lot of reasons, particularly these days. One unexpected upside, though? You and your partner can let loose a little. You can really get into it. Maybe even play a song or two to set the mood. Without a big crowd watching, you’ll get those fun, joyful, full-of-love NYC elopement photos we’re talking about!

5. Plan Your Photo Locations in the City Ahead of Time

Don’t belabor this but do plan out where you want to go before the actual day, especially if there are a few different landmarks or destinations that you have in mind. Not only in this part kinda fun but it gives you a good sense of where you’re going and when. Bonus points if you loop in your New York elopement photographers so they can plan accordingly.

6. Bringing Your Dog to Your Elopement? Bring a Friend, Too!

Many couples bring along their pup for their New York elopement photography and we’re here for it. Just one request? Please also bring along a friend to wrangle your fur baby. It’ll make the whole process a lot easier, for you, your photographer, and your pooch. Extra credit: Pack some treats to reward good behavior.

Couples often bring a friend or family member to help wrangle the pup. We love dogs, but you’ll be down a photographer if we’re holding the dog for some of the shots. Bring along a close friend or family member for a stress-free elopement in New York.

7. Don’t Forget Some Snacks for Your NYC Elopement

Really, we could say this for anything wedding-related but definitely pack a snack. Bring some water. We’re going to be moving and shaking, and hangry faces do not make happy faces when it comes to wedding photos.

8. An Elopement is NOT a Downgrade

Chalk it up to outdated societal norms but there’s a good chance that somebody along the line has told you, “Oh, you’re only eloping?” News flash: An elopement is not a downgrade. Are you still marrying the person you love? Are you still starting a marriage? Sure sounds like a wedding to me! 

As such, don’t feel like you can’t have certain elements of a wedding day if they’re elements that you and your partner want. Flowers? Get ‘em. Hair and makeup? Do it up. Consider what will make this day feel like your wedding and figure out a way to make it happen in a safe, responsible way.

Taking NYC elopement photos is an awesome way to spend time documenting your love story. Planning locations and looks with your photographer can make your intimate wedding feel like a grandeur occasion.

9. Befriend Your New York Elopement Photographers

You don’t have to bribe us or anything but please don’t be shy about getting to know who’s behind the lens. This can be as simple as a phone call before the wedding day or even a few well-crafted DMs over Instagram. You’ll appreciate the extra intel when photo time actually arrives. It’s much easier to relax when you feel comfortable with the person taking the picture!

10. Hire a Vendor Team You Love

Since it’s such an intimate occasion, it’s important to choose vendors that make your elopement day feel special. We have tons of vendor recommendations for professionals in NYC who will make your small wedding feel hugely amazing. We highly recommend reaching out ahead of time – there are tons of florists, officiants, makeup and hair stylists that we can recommend.

11. Get Your Marriage License Ahead of Time

Depending on when you’re getting married, you may have to go to the Marriage Bureau at the NYC City Hall, or use the online Project Cupid site. Whatever the case may be, you need to get your license at least 24 hours in advance of the marriage. Make sure to make it legal before you have your official ceremony.

Planning an Elopement in New York City?

We’ve done wedding photography in New York for a while now, and have loved capturing intimate occasions. As NYC elopement photographers, there is so much beauty in the love shared just between two people. From City Hall weddings to Prospect Park elopements, we’re there to capture your day.

Let’s chat about your New York elopement. Whether you’re having an adventure wedding in the city, or a simple romantic elopement in Central Park, we’d love to help. New York City elopements are one of our favorite things to photograph.