The Plaza Hotel opened in 1907 at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. It has been a New York City landmark since 1969. I’ve photographed weddings here and it is exactly what it looks like from the outside: grand, historic, and genuinely extraordinary. More at theplazany.com.
About The Plaza
Designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in the French Renaissance chateau style, The Plaza was built for $12.5 million in 1907 and has hosted presidents, royalty, and some of the most significant social events in New York City history. Conrad Hilton purchased it in 1943. Its lavish interiors were designated New York City landmarks in 2005. It has appeared in more films and television shows than almost any other hotel in the world. A wedding at The Plaza is not just a venue choice — it’s a decision to get married inside one of the most iconic buildings in American history.
The Event Spaces
The Grand Ballroom
The centerpiece of The Plaza. Soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, intricate gold detailing, and the scale of a room that has hosted some of the most significant celebrations in New York City for over a century. One of the most magnificent ballrooms in the world. Accommodates large weddings with a grandeur that very few spaces can match.
The Terrace Room
One level below the Grand Ballroom — intimate, warm, and beautiful. Stunning chandeliers, elegant design, and a quality of light that photographs exceptionally well. I especially love shooting here. A beautiful option for smaller weddings and rehearsal dinners that want Plaza grandeur without the full scale of the ballroom.
The Photo Locations
The Grand Staircase
Wide, shallow steps and ornate brass railings on white marble. Room for the full wedding party and room for just the two of you. Dramatic and timeless.
The Terrace Room
Chandeliers, warm light, intimate scale. One of my favorite interior portrait spaces in the hotel.
The Pulitzer Fountain
The fountain directly outside The Plaza on Grand Army Plaza — circular pool, tiered water spouts, lush greenery. A classic New York portrait location that has appeared in countless films. Good for group shots and couple portraits with the Plaza facade behind you.
Central Park — Southeast Entrance
Enter from the Grand Army Plaza corner at 59th and Fifth and you’re immediately at Gapstow Bridge over the Pond, with city views in the background. A short walk gets you to Bethesda Terrace. The southeast corner of Central Park is one of the most portrait-rich areas of the park and it’s steps from The Plaza. My Bethesda Terrace guide covers that area in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Plaza Hotel Weddings
Where is The Plaza Hotel located?
768 Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Central Park is directly across the street. More at theplazany.com.
What is The Plaza Hotel?
A New York City landmark hotel opened in 1907, designed in the French Renaissance chateau style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. One of the most famous hotels in the world, The Plaza has hosted presidents, royalty, and some of the most significant social events in New York City history. Its interiors are designated New York City landmarks. Getting married here means getting married inside over a century of history.
What is the Grand Ballroom like?
Soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, intricate gold detailing, and a scale that accommodates large celebrations with genuine grandeur. One of the most magnificent ballrooms in New York City and one that has hosted some of the most significant gatherings in the city’s history for over a hundred years.
What is the Terrace Room?
A more intimate space one level below the Grand Ballroom. Stunning chandeliers, warm light, and elegant design. Beautiful for smaller weddings, rehearsal dinners, and events where you want the Plaza character without the Grand Ballroom’s scale. One of my favorite spaces to photograph in the entire hotel.
What are the best photo locations at The Plaza?
The grand staircase for portraits at every scale. The Terrace Room for warm, intimate interior images. The Pulitzer Fountain outside for classic New York portraits with the Plaza facade. The southeast corner of Central Park directly across the street — Gapstow Bridge, the Pond, and Bethesda Terrace all within easy walking distance.
What is the light like at The Plaza for photography?
The Terrace Room has a warm, chandelier-lit quality that photographs beautifully throughout the day. The Grand Ballroom at full reception lighting is dramatic and grand. The grand staircase has good ambient light from the hotel’s historic fixtures. Outside, the Pulitzer Fountain catches good afternoon light and Central Park across the street offers every quality of natural light depending on time of day and season.
Does The Plaza have on-site accommodations?
Yes — luxury guest rooms and suites, many with Central Park views. The Plaza is one of the great New York City hotels and having the wedding party stay on property is one of the genuine advantages of choosing it as a venue.
Do you photograph weddings at The Plaza Hotel?
Yes. If your wedding is at The Plaza, I’d love to hear about it. And for more on my Manhattan work, my New York City wedding photographer post covers the full picture.
The Plaza Hotel is one of the great New York wedding venues. If yours is here, I’d love to be there for it.
