Elopement in New York

Eloping has historically meant that a couple has run away to get married in secret, often due to disapproving family members or other reasons. Nowadays, elopement doesn’t carry a negative meaning at all — often, a couple simply chooses to forego a large, expensive wedding and hold a small, intimate ceremony instead. The modern way of “eloping” can now mean including a couple of guests, or no guests at all. Eloping in New York City is a popular choice for couples from all over the world. The city offers many iconic and picturesque locations, from Central Park to the modern High Line. Couples can choose a private rooftop elopement with dramatic city skyline views or even say their vows in the middle of busy Grand Central Station with hundreds of commuters around them. All of these memorable locations make New York a great destination to elope!

NYC Elopement Packages

Dare to Dream offers all-inclusive elopement packages NYC in Central Park, Times Square, Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the High Line, Times Square and many other locations.

Our New York City elopement packages are the perfect choice for couples who don’t want to worry about the small details and simply want to concentrate on the ceremony itself. We take care of everything from park permits to legal procedures so you can simply come and enjoy your special moment. Elopement packages in New York are one-of-a-kind experiences, giving our couples the taste of a city luxury wedding on a smaller scale. You deserve to have the wedding of your dreams and we are here to make this dream a reality.

How to Elope in NYC

Once you’ve decided to elope in NYC, it’s important to know how. For your ceremony to be legal you will need to get a marriage license ($35) from any City Clerk Office. In Manhattan, the most popular and convenient place to get your marriage license is The Office of the New York City Clerk at 141 Worth Street. With this important document in hand, you can get married in 24 hours! Next, you’ll have your official marriage ceremony. You can choose to head back to City Hall or hire a private officiant perform the ceremony at a location of your choice. While City Hall is an easy, no-frills option, hiring your own officiant is the best way to craft a truly personalized wedding day. Customize your elopement ceremony however you want, with personal vows, readings, and other touches to make the wedding uniquely yours. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, an additional “Extended Certificate For Foreign Use” document is required, at an additional fee of $35. This is important to remember, as you’ll need to register the marriage in your home country. For the certificate to be valid outside the United States, it must be authenticated and an “apostille” attached by the New York Department of State.

Elopement Ideas in New York

Many couples find elopement appealing due to its casual, customizable nature. In New York City, especially, you have endless options for style and location. Choose to hire an officiant and do a ceremony in Central Park, where random tourists and fellow New Yorkers can be your witnesses. Or hop on a boat and say your vows with the picturesque Statue of Liberty in the background. Maybe there’s a location in the city that has special meaning for just the two of you? You’ll find there are all sorts of great ideas for elopement in New York, and the final ceremony is completely up to you! Once you have your guest list, it’s a good time to consult with a professional wedding planner on the finer details. Our team of small wedding specialists can provide you with creative suggestions and ideas to help you find your ideal venue, officiant, photographer, food, and music. Unlike with a big, traditional wedding, which can often take more than a year to plan, a small, pop-up wedding offers greater simplicity and flexibility. Just secure your marriage license and get ready to say, “I do.” We’ll take care of the details, so you can focus on celebrating the start of a new chapter with your partner!

Elopement Planner In New York

Still not sure where to start? You may want to hire an elopement planner in New York to handle the permits, secure your venue, find an officiant, and hire a photographer for you. That way, all you really need to do is show up! During an initial consultation, let the planner know what you are looking for and an idea of your style, and our expert team will take it from there! Your planner can also help you enjoy the rest of your time in NYC, offering recommendations for the best hotels, restaurants, and shows.

Where to Elope in New York

When it comes to where in New York to elope, your choices are endless! The best locations are some of the NYC’s most iconic and picturesque spots, like Central Park, the High Line, Top of the Rock, Grand Central Station, and Brooklyn Bridge. Each of these places just scream, “we got married in New York!” but you may find that you’ll love a hidden gem even more. Some of our favorite places to elope in New York are actually private rooftops. Picture yourself declaring your love with the whole city skyline as your backdrop! Alternatively, Wave Hill and The Cloisters are also unique places to elope in New York that are a bit farther off the well-beaten tourist path. Both parks offer stunning museums which will look absolutely beautiful in your wedding pictures. Venturing out to Governors Island or Roosevelt Island are also great ideas for a stylish and truly memorable elopement ceremony.