Welcome to The Plaza Hotel Wedding Guide, where we dive into the details of this iconic wedding venue. In this guide, we’ll explore the distinct features of The Plaza Hotel, offering insights and practical tips to help you seamlessly plan your special occasion.
Whether you’re drawn to its celebrated history or the modern elegance it offers, this guide is your first step towards creating a day that reflects your unique vision at one of the most sought-after wedding destinations.
About the Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel in New York City is a landmark of luxury and history. Opened on October 1, 1907, it was constructed in the most fashionable residential section of New York at the time, at a cost of $12.5 million. The hotel was the brainchild of financier Bernhard Beinecke, hotelier Fred Sterry, and Harry S. Black, President of the Fuller Construction Company.
The Plaza was designed in the French Renaissance château style by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the Dakota, another iconic New York City building. The hotel’s original design was opulent and grand, featuring a decor that reflected the height of luxury.
In 1943, Conrad Hilton purchased The Plaza, and it was bought again in 1988 for $407.5 million, renovating it with the goal of making it the best hotel in the world. In 1995, the hotel changed hands again when it was bought by a partnership of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels.
The Plaza Hotel has been a designated New York City landmark since 1969, and its lavish interiors were designated as landmarks in 2005. The hotel has been a setting for many movies and has welcomed a long list of famous guests and residents. Its rich history, prime location on Fifth Avenue, and its continued commitment to luxury make The Plaza one of the most famous and enduring hotels in New York City.
Weddings at the Plaza Hotel
As a wedding photographer, few venues are as iconic and luxurious as The Plaza Hotel in New York. With its opulent ballrooms and stunning views of Central Park, The Plaza is the perfect wedding venue.
The venue layout is truly remarkable, featuring several incredibly elegant ballrooms that can accommodate weddings of various sizes. The Grand Ballroom is the largest and most extravagant, with its soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and intricate detailing. The Terrace Room is another beautiful option, with its stunning views of Central Park and elegant design.
The Plaza and surrounding areas have many beautiful wedding photography locations. Here are five of our favorites:
- The Grand Staircase: This dramatic staircase provides the perfect setting for stunning wedding party portraits and dramatic couple photos. The staircase spans four floors of the hotel, connecting the lobby to the mezzanine level and up to the second floor. The staircase itself is made of white marble and flanked by ornate brass railings, which add to the space’s grandeur. The steps are wide and shallow, providing ample space for photographs – it’s also a popular and classic first look location.
- The Terrace: The Terrace Room at The Plaza is located one level below the Grand Ballroom. It’s a gorgeous, intimate room and another fantastic location for photos. I especially love the chandeliers and the warmth of the space.
- The Fountain: The fountain outside The Plaza Hotel in NYC is an iconic landmark and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The fountain features a circular pool with several tiers of water spouts and is surrounded by lush greenery and benches. The fountain has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including Home Alone 2 and Sex and the City. It’s also a popular spot for proposals and engagement and wedding photos. I like taking group photos for weddings here as well!
- Central Park: If you enter Central Park from the southeast entrance, you will be at the corner of 59th Street and 5th Avenue. This entrance is also known as the Grand Army Plaza entrance. From here, you can see the famous Pulitzer Fountain. This features a bronze statue of a male figure riding a chariot pulled by four horses. As you walk deeper into the park, you will find the Pond, Gapstow Bridge, and more. I love the city views from this area of the park!
Overall, The Plaza Hotel is a photographer’s dream come true. With its classic New York City charm, opulent decor, and stunning locations for wedding photos, it’s no wonder that it has become one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the world!
