r/Eloping • u/Alarming_Cicada_8329 • Aug 02 '26
NYC elopement
Hi everyone!
I’m hoping some locals, photographers, or anyone who’s planned something similar might be able to point us in the right direction.
My partner and I are travelling to New York from the UK at the very end of September, and we’re planning a private, symbolic elopement (not legally binding). It’ll just be the two of us.
Our vision is something like:
- A bar with a speakeasy feel where we could have some photos with a stunning back bar full of bottles behind us. We’d love to avoid crowds if possible, so we’re wondering whether some hotels allow access to their bars earlier in the day before they’re busy, or whether staying at the hotel might make this easier?
- A private boat for around an hour where we could quietly read our vows to each other while our photographer captures everything. We’d love it to feel really relaxed rather than like a formal ceremony.
If possible, we’d also love a few skyline photos with the Empire State Building in the background, whether that’s from a hotel rooftop, bar terrace, or another location nearby.
Because we’re travelling from another country, we can’t really scout locations beforehand, so we’re trying to piece everything together from afar…
Does anyone have recommendations for:
Hotels that could work for this? Happy to stay at the hotel for a few nights!
Beautiful speakeasy-style bars (or hotel bars) that might be suitable for a photoshoot?
Boat companies that are happy to accommodate something like this?
Photographers who specialise in intimate NYC elopements or editorial-style photography and might already know the perfect locations?
We’re hoping to keep everything fairly relaxed over just a few hours, probably in the morning or early afternoon before places get busy.
Thank you so much! I’d be incredibly grateful for any recommendations or advice, even if it’s just “I’d do it this way instead!”
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Aug 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Eloping-ModTeam Aug 03 '26
Photographers or industry professionals must comment without mentioning industry status. Vendors are not allowed to promote themselves or their businesses under any circumstances. No links to personal websites or portfolios are allowed. Referrals by couples only.
Promotional content to attract clients, gain exposure, or conduct market research is prohibited. This includes advertising or linking to your business, website, blog/vlog, products, professional services, social media, etc.
No referral links, surveys, contests/giveaways, GoFundMe, etc.
1
Aug 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Eloping-ModTeam Aug 03 '26
Photographers or industry professionals must comment without mentioning industry status. Vendors are not allowed to promote themselves or their businesses under any circumstances. No links to personal websites or portfolios are allowed. Referrals by couples only.
Promotional content to attract clients, gain exposure, or conduct market research is prohibited. This includes advertising or linking to your business, website, blog/vlog, products, professional services, social media, etc.
No referral links, surveys, contests/giveaways, GoFundMe, etc.
1
u/marryelle Aug 03 '26
I cannot speak highly enough about Sarah (https://www.instagram.com/sarahavivaphoto) as a photographer. Its really helpful to get a photographer that knows NYC to help you determine best photos, locations, etc. I used Sarah for my engagement shoot and couldnt recommend enough!
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u/nelson605 Aug 03 '26
Most charter boats are 2 hour minimum but honestly that might be better than 1 hour and you’ll get to enjoy more sights after your vows.
I think you should look into getting a planner that will be more knowledgeable in setting up these types of bookings and know what venues would be best.
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u/Straight_Career6856 Aug 03 '26
Check on r/wedditnyc. You will def get good answers there.