Central Park is a true gem in the heart of Manhattan. With its iconic scenery, Central Park is a stunning addition to any wedding, whether you choose to take some of your wedding portraits within the park or enjoy breathtaking views of the park from a wedding venue nearby. If you’ve been searching for one-of-a-kind wedding venues near Central Park, you’ve come to the perfect place for answers.
As a New York wedding photographer, capturing Central Park in your wedding photos doesn’t have to mean battling crowds or sacrificing intimacy. With thoughtful planning, the right locations, and a creative approach, you can have those unforgettable shots while keeping the focus on what matters most—your love story.
Read on to discover the most stunning wedding venues near Central Park.
Wedding Venues Near Central Park
Here’s a round-up of some of the best wedding venues near Central Park:
Mandarin Oriental
Located above Columbus Circle, The Mandarin Oriental offers sweeping views of Central Park, the city skyline, and the Hudson River. It boasts an opulent ballroom and stylish function rooms that cater to both intimate and grand weddings.
One of the best features of choosing the Mandarin Oriental is that you’ll have everything you need on site, from getting-ready rooms to on-site accommodations. Also, they have a stunning first-class spa that you can enjoy with a bird’s-eye view.
Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton provides a classic NYC experience with scenic Central Park views. The venue prides itself on personalizing each wedding and transforming its event spaces to fit your vision. This luxury hotel is located in Midtown and features experiences tailored to city living. It has a stylish design with a townhouse-inspired atmosphere, and your wedding ceremony will take place in a sophisticated setting.
For your ceremony, you can choose between two private floors or an inviting outdoor terrace. Furthermore, The Ritz Carlton will provide all food and beverages, tables, chairs, elegant white table linens, silverware, glassware, a dance floor, and staging for your celebration.
The Plaza
The Plaza is a beloved landmark of luxury and history. As a wedding photographer, few wedding 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 choice if you want a modern and timeless celebration.
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 soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and intricate detailing. The Terrace Room is another beautiful option, with its stunning views of Central Park and elegant design.
For more information on The Plaza, be sure to check out the in-depth guide I wrote about it here!
1 Hotel Central Park
For couples seeking a more eco-conscious venue, 1 Hotel Central Park is a standout with its focus on sustainability. The hotel’s eco-conscious design and nature-inspired elements are among my favorites in the city – I’d live in the 1 Hotel Central Park if I could!
The interior is beautifully designed with reclaimed woods and live green elements, offering a tranquil, nature-inspired escape in the heart of the city. At this venue, nature is deeply intertwined with everything the hotel does. Here, you’ll find an abundance of natural light, indoor spaces, plants, fresh, locally sourced food, and so much more.
The Greenhouse Suite and the Park Suite are the largest accommodations at 1 Hotel Central Park. They are ideally suited for getting ready for your wedding day. Both suites provide ample living space, including a master bedroom, a comfortable living room, and a dining area. The Greenhouse Suite, covering 1,985 square feet, also features a full kitchen and a private terrace with views of Manhattan’s skyline. The Park Suite, with its 1,200 square feet, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park. This is the venue for you if you want to say “I do” inside a dreamy green oasis!
Empire Rooftop at The Empire Hotel
If you are envisioning tying the knot on a romantic rooftop in an extraordinary setting, then the Empire Rooftop at The Empire Hotel is for you. This venue has a unique vibe, decadent interiors, and a rich history. Additionally, the Empire Rooftop has jaw-dropping skyline views and impeccable service. It also features a retractable roof, fireplace, and outdoor terraces. You’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable celebration.
Conservatory Garden in Central Park
Divided into three distinct sections, each inspired by traditional Italian, French, and English gardens, the Conservatory Garden is Central Park’s only formal garden. Its entrance is marked by the Vanderbilt Gate, crafted in Paris in 1894, leading to a world of meticulously curated landscapes and fountains. The garden’s architectural elements, from the wrought-iron gazebos to the central Untermyer Fountain, featuring a sculpture by Walter Schott, offer a multitude of picturesque scenes to serve as the backdrop for your celebration.
You have a variety of spots within the Central Park Conservatory Garden to choose from for your ceremony: the wisteria pergola, the walled garden, or the enchanting rose garden. All are beautiful options with unique features that make them truly special.
The Pierre
Situated in the vibrant core of New York City, with panoramic views of Central Park’s splendor and the dynamic elegance of Fifth Avenue, The Pierre Hotel emerges as a paragon of timeless luxury and refined hospitality. Additionally, this stunning hotel not only has scenic views of Central Park, but it is also only steps away from it.
Opting for The Pierre Hotel as the venue for your wedding is akin to choosing a masterpiece of elegance and meticulous attention to detail for your special day. This hotel presents an array of exquisite spaces, each designed to cater to various celebration scales and styles—from the grandeur of opulent receptions to the warmth of intimate, personal gatherings.
Furthermore, a highlight of weddings at The Pierre is the culinary experience. The hotel’s chefs are masters at crafting menus that are as exquisite as they are flavorful, ensuring that every dish contributes to the celebration’s overall elegance and sophistication. Learn more about The Pierre here!
Where You Can Get Married Within Central Park
There are various spots within Central Park where you can plan your celebration, but these locations do tend to have smaller guest capacities. Here are some options you can choose from:
- Wagner Cove
- Bethesda Fountain Terrace
- Cop Cot
- Shakespeare Garden
- Ladies Pavilion
- Gapstow Bridge
- Dene Summerhouse
- Bow Bridge
- Cherry Hill
- Belvedere Castle Terrace
- The Pool – North Lawn
- Summit Rock
For even more options and info on each location listed above, go here!
Ready to Choose Your Dream Wedding Venue Near Central Park?
I hope you found this guide helpful and that you have (possibly) even found your ideal wedding venue near Central Park. With so many incredible options to choose from, the most important thing to remember is to choose a wedding venue where every aspect of the venue aligns perfectly with your expectations.
And… I know that choosing the right wedding photographer can be overwhelming, especially in a city like New York. But if you’re looking for someone passionate about creating authentic, timeless images and who understands how to work with the city’s unique charm, then I’d love to chat with you.
Let’s make something unforgettable together — your wedding photos are just the story’s beginning. You can go here to learn more about my services or here to get in contact with me!
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Tips for Finding the Best Wedding Photographer in New York City
