While New York City is renowned for its iconic wedding venues, many New Yorkers are choosing to celebrate their nuptials away from the city’s fast-paced environment. Whether you’re seeking the serenity of a beach, the charm of the countryside, or the allure of a glamorous European destination, there are countless breathtaking options just a short drive or flight away. Here are the top 12 destination wedding locations for New Yorkers who want to get married outside NYC, each offering unique settings and experiences that make them ideal for your special day.
1. The Hamptons, Long Island
The Hamptons are synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, making them a prime destination for New Yorkers looking to escape the city without going too far. Located just a few hours from Manhattan, the Hamptons offer stunning beaches, sophisticated venues, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The combination of natural beauty and upscale amenities makes the Hamptons an ideal setting for a wedding that feels both intimate and luxurious.
•Wölffer Estate Vineyard: This vineyard is a true Hamptons gem, offering a beautiful backdrop of rolling vines and rustic elegance. It’s perfect for couples who appreciate fine wine and want a wedding with a blend of countryside charm and sophisticated style.
•Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa: Set on a pristine stretch of beach, Gurney’s is a luxurious resort with breathtaking ocean views and top-notch amenities. The beach setting and the resort’s modern elegance create a perfect venue for a chic seaside wedding.
•Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club: For those seeking a more relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, this beachfront venue offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and a quintessential Hamptons vibe. It’s ideal for couples who want a laid-back, beachside wedding with all the luxury touches.
2. Hudson Valley, New York
Just a short drive from New York City, the Hudson Valley is a favorite destination for couples seeking a wedding that combines natural beauty with historic charm. The region is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and majestic views of the Hudson River. It’s an ideal destination wedding location for New Yorkers who want a peaceful retreat without straying too far from home. The area’s rich history and scenic landscapes provide a romantic and picturesque backdrop for any wedding.
•The Garrison: Perched high above the Hudson River, The Garrison offers sweeping views and a tranquil setting that feels worlds away from the city. Its beautifully manicured gardens and elegant indoor spaces make it perfect for a sophisticated wedding surrounded by nature.
•Blue Hill at Stone Barns: This venue is a dream for food lovers. It offers a farm-to-table experience set within a stunning agricultural landscape. Located on a working farm, it provides a unique and intimate setting for a rustic and refined wedding.
•Mohonk Mountain House: This historic resort, nestled in the Shawangunk Mountains, offers a fairytale-like setting with its Victorian architecture and expansive grounds. It’s ideal for couples who want a wedding that feels like a step back in time, surrounded by nature and history.
3. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a coastal gem that combines historic charm with breathtaking ocean views. Known for its Gilded Age mansions and maritime heritage, Newport offers a grandeur and elegance perfect for a luxury wedding. The town’s cobblestone streets, beautiful harbor, and stately mansions provide a picturesque setting that’s both romantic and timeless. For New Yorkers, Newport is an accessible yet extraordinary destination, offering the feel of a grand European wedding without leaving the U.S. No list of destination wedding locations for New Yorkers would be complete without it!
•The Breakers: One of Newport’s most famous mansions, The Breakers offers a truly opulent setting with its grand architecture and stunning ocean views. It’s perfect for couples who want a wedding steeped in history and elegance.
•Castle Hill Inn: Located on a private peninsula, Castle Hill Inn offers breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and a luxurious, intimate setting. The seaside beauty and historic charm make it ideal for a romantic, coastal wedding.
•Rosecliff Mansion: Modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, Rosecliff is a stunning mansion that offers a taste of European luxury in the heart of Newport. Its lavish ballroom and beautiful gardens make it a top choice for a grand and elegant wedding.
4. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires offer a perfect blend of culture, natural beauty, and historic charm, making it an ideal destination for a serene and sophisticated wedding. This region, located just a few hours from NYC, is known for its rolling hills, charming small towns, and vibrant arts scene. The Berkshires provide a peaceful retreat from the city, with venues ranging from stately mansions to picturesque barns. This makes it an attractive option for couples seeking a countryside wedding with a touch of elegance.
•Blantyre: A luxurious estate that exudes old-world charm, Blantyre offers a romantic setting with its grand mansion, manicured gardens, and elegant interiors. It’s perfect for a wedding that feels like a step back in time, with all the modern luxuries.
•The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home: This historic estate, once home to the famous author Edith Wharton, offers a stunning setting for a wedding. Its beautifully maintained gardens and classic architecture provide a literary and romantic backdrop for your big day.
•Tanglewood: Known as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Tanglewood offers a unique venue for a wedding that combines music, culture, and natural beauty. Its open-air spaces and scenic views make it ideal for a relaxed yet elegant celebration.
5. The Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies offer a majestic and natural setting for a luxury wedding, with towering mountains, lush forests, and pristine lakes providing a stunning backdrop. Whether you’re looking for a rustic-chic celebration or a grand affair in the heart of nature, the Rockies give a breathtaking and serene setting. For New Yorkers, the Colorado Rockies offer a refreshing escape to a destination that combines outdoor adventure with high-end luxury.
•The Little Nell, Aspen: This five-star hotel offers stunning mountain views, luxurious accommodations, and top-tier service, making it one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the Rockies. The hotel’s elegant design and prime location ensure a wedding that’s both stylish and naturally beautiful.
•Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash: Set on 6,000 acres of wilderness, this luxury resort offers a rustic yet elegant setting with panoramic mountain views, perfect for a nature-inspired wedding. The resort’s charming cabins and outdoor venues provide a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
•The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs: This historic luxury resort offers a grand and elegant setting with beautiful gardens, a stunning lake, and breathtaking views of the Rockies. It’s perfect for a classic and sophisticated wedding that combines the charm of the Old West with modern luxury.
6. Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach is synonymous with luxury, offering an upscale, sophisticated setting that attracts high society and those looking for a wealthy wedding experience. With its pristine beaches, historic estates, and world-class resorts, Palm Beach provides a picturesque and elegant backdrop for a wedding that combines tropical beauty with refined charm. For New Yorkers, Palm Beach offers an easy escape to a sunny paradise, where the elegance of a formal wedding can be beautifully paired with the relaxed atmosphere of a beachside celebration.
•The Breakers Palm Beach: This iconic resort is one of Florida’s most luxurious and historic venues. The Breakers offers grand ballrooms, oceanfront lawns, and stunning architecture that evoke the glamour of a bygone era. Its lush gardens, pristine beaches, and unparalleled service make it the perfect venue for a lavish, sophisticated wedding.
•Flagler Museum: Also known as Whitehall, this grand Gilded Age mansion provides a unique and historic setting for a wedding. With its opulent interiors, sweeping staircases, and beautiful gardens, the Flagler Museum offers a venue that combines history, elegance, and luxury. It’s ideal for couples who want a wedding steeped in tradition and grandeur.
•The Brazilian Court Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach, this boutique hotel offers a more intimate setting with its lush courtyards, sophisticated design, and exceptional service. The hotel’s beautiful spaces and classic Palm Beach style make it perfect for a chic, elegant wedding that feels exclusive and personal.
7. Miami, Florida
Miami is a vibrant, dynamic city known for its lively culture, stunning beaches, and Art Deco architecture. It’s a top destination for couples seeking a wedding that’s as energetic and colorful as the city itself. Miami offers a variety of luxurious venues, from sleek, modern hotels to historic estates, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s iconic skyline. For New Yorkers, Miami provides a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, offering a warm, tropical setting that’s easily accessible and full of life. As far as destination wedding locations for New Yorkers goes, it’s a major contender!
•Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: This historic estate, modeled after a European villa, is one of Miami’s most iconic wedding venues. With its formal gardens, waterfront views, and stunning architecture, Vizcaya offers a setting that’s both romantic and opulent. It’s perfect for a wedding that combines the grandeur of a European palace with the lush beauty of a tropical paradise.
•The Setai Miami Beach: Known for its sleek, modern design and luxurious amenities, The Setai offers a sophisticated beachfront setting for a wedding. The hotel’s Asian-inspired architecture, private courtyards, and stunning ocean views create a serene and elegant atmosphere, making it ideal for a contemporary, stylish wedding.
•The Biltmore Hotel Miami: Located in the Coral Gables area, this historic hotel offers a blend of Mediterranean elegance and Miami charm. With its grand ballrooms, lush gardens, and stunning pool area, the Biltmore provides a timeless, luxurious setting for a grand and intimate wedding. Its rich history and beautiful surroundings make it a top choice for couples seeking a classic, elegant wedding in Miami.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect destination for your wedding is a deeply personal decision, and these top 12 destination wedding locations for New Yorkers offer some of the world’s most beautiful and luxurious settings. Whether you’re drawn to the Hudson Valley’s romantic landscapes or the Colorado Rockies’ majestic beauty, each destination provides a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your special day. For New Yorkers, these locations offer the perfect combination of accessibility and adventure, allowing you to celebrate your love in a truly extraordinary place.
No matter where you say “I do,” each destination offers something special to make your wedding day an event to remember. From the stunning beaches of Miami to the vibrant backdrop of the Hamptons, these locations promise to provide the perfect setting for a wedding as unique and beautiful as your story.
