Deciding to have an elopement is an intimate choice that you make between you and your partner because at the end of the day that is what your special day is about: the partnership between two souls. Just because eloping is the right choice for you that doesn’t mean your friends and family won’t be sad and disappointed that there won’t be a big day. Here are some do’s and don’ts of elopement etiquette that will soften the blow for everyone.

Do: Tell your friends and family first that you decided to elope! You don’t want to have friends and family find out from Facebook or from pictures so meet with friends and family and explain why you made the choice. I’m sure everyone will be more supportive if you let them know before rather than later.

Don’t: Don’t post photos on Instagram or Facebook without letting your friends and family know that you are eloping. Your friends and family will be sad that you didn’t let them know you decided to elope. Do: You can send out save the dates that explain when you will be eloping. This will help your friends and family feel like they are involved in your big day even though they won’t actually be there in person.

Do: You can send out save the dates that explain when you will be eloping. This will help your friends and family feel like they are involved in your big day even though they won’t actually be there in person.

Do: You also have the option to send out a marriage announcement after you have eloped. You can include a picture from your special day, this will also help your friends and family to see the beauty of the new couple and see some elopement photos.

Do: You can also consider having a small intimate party with your family and friends after your elopement. I’m sure everyone will want to celebrate your new marriage and at the celebration you can tell everyone about your private intimate elopement. The small gathering does not in any way have to be fancy, it could be a casual outing or a sit down dinner at a nice restaurant. It’s completely up to you and your partner.

Do: You should definitely send out Thank You notes if any of your family or friends sent you gifts of any kind. Thank you notes really help make your friends and family happy and appreciated. The notes let them know how much you appreciate their gift and their loving support! Handwritten notes are often the most intimate choice.

Don’t: Do not ever feel guilty for eloping. I’m sure some people will have some comments about the decision but at the end of the day eloping is a romantic and intimate way to get married and it’s the decision that you and your partner made together and you should feel good and happy with your decision always!

Do: Splurge on the honeymoon! Since you aren’t having a big fancy wedding with a lot of people you should definitely splurge on a nice honeymoon for you and your partner. You deserve it!

Having an elopement is a beautiful way to start and celebrate your marriage. You will definitely want to Hire a elopement photographer and a New York elopement officiant. The photographer will capture all the special and intimate moments that you will want to show family and friends that weren’t in attendance and the officiant will make everything official! If you are feeling stressed with all the planning you can also have a New York elopement planner help you plan everything for your New York elopement! We hope you found this article helpful when you are planning a elopement in New York.

Hotels are a great choice for a winter elopement, they provide everything you need for a perfect New York elopement. You have a place to take pictures, a place to celebrate and a place for a small ceremony with great views! Hotels also offer a sense of intimacy as your ceremony could be really private and isn’t in the eyes of the public. Hotels are a great choice for a New York elopement! Here are 5 of the best hotels to elope in Manhattan along with some tips about how to pull off the perfect hotel elopement in New York!

Top-5  hotels for a winter elopement in New York

1) The Plaza Hotel. The Plaza is a 5 star hotel located in midtown Manhattan. This hotel is opposite Central Park and only about a mile from the Empire State Building. They offer penthouse suites which have beautiful views of the city and of Central Park where you can have the ceremony. The Plaza has a very high end restaurant to celebrate after your ceremony called “The Palm Court”. They also offer a holiday afternoon tea. The Plaza offers a royal wedding location for you and your new partner. After the celebration you can have a wedding photo session all around the stunning hotel with your New York elopement photographer.

2) The Times Square Edition. This 5 star hotel is located right in the heart of Times Square. You will be right in the middle of all the action that is New York City! They offer penthouse suites with stunning views of the Hudson River and Times Square where you can have your ceremony. This hotel also has a high end restaurant to celebrate after the ceremony called “The Terrace” where you can celebrate and see stunning views of the city. Your New York elopement photographer can get pictures of you and your new partner around the terrace, hotel and Times Square! This hotel offers a very high end elopement winter wedding.

3) The Ink 48 Hotel. This 4 star hotel is located in midtown. This trendy hotel is a great laid back New York elopement idea. They offer a penthouse suite with a huge rooftop terrace that has stunning views of the Hudson River and Manhattan where you can have your ceremony. They have an in-house restaurant called “PRINT” where you can go and celebrate after your ceremony. This hotel offers a sophisticated but laid back hotel elopement in New York.

4) The Mark Hotel. Located on the upper east side of Manhattan this 5 star hotel provides a vintage and charming New York City elopement. They have penthouse suites where you can have the ceremony that offers great views of Central Park and the city skyline. They have a Eclectic restaurant called “The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges” where you can celebrate, have a nice meal and take wedding photos with your New York elopement photographer.

5) The Marmara Park Avenue. This 5 star hotel located in midtown is such a charming New York elopement idea! They have penthouse suites that have stunning views of the Empire State Building where you can have the ceremony. You can celebrate after at “OneOneFour” which is an on site restaurant that also offers food and drinks in a fashionable casual lounge. This hotel offers a great easy going option for a hotel elopement in New York.

How to elope in the hotels in NYC?

You will need to book your favorite hotel at least a couple months in advance, even 6 just to be sure they have the biggest and best penthouse available for you. This way you will be able to get ready in one room and then elope on the beautiful terrace. You will need to get a marriage license beforehand as well. You can get your license at the City Clerk’s office in New York. The office is located in The Louis J. Lefkowitz State Office Building. You will not be able to just show up at the office so you will need to schedule an in-person appointment through Project Cupid which can be found at https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/. Once you schedule an appointment you will get a confirmation email.

Taking Pictures

Having a hotel elopement in New York makes taking wedding pictures very easy. These fancy hotels mentioned above have beautiful lobbies and terraces that make them perfect so your New York wedding photographer can take magical pictures of your and your partner on your special day. If your hotel is close to Central Park or Times Square like most of the ones I mentioned are, you will be able to walk to Times Square for photos or Central Park. Both locations are stunning for your elopement winter wedding!

How we can help you?

Be sure to have a New York elopement photographer to capture the special moments and a New York wedding officiant to perform the ceremony. You can have rose petals and candles scattered around your hotel room. We can also provide a hotel room makeover to dazzle your room even more! You can talk about these details with your New York wedding planner who will help you plan a lovely and stress-free New York elopement!

We hope you found this article helpful when you are planning a hotel elopement in New York.

Contact us now at info@daretodream.com

Central Park is a winter wonderland during wintertime. A Central Park wedding provides a stunning and well-known location for your New York wedding. Central Park is also really great for pictures as it has so many different photo opportunities. Your New York elopement photographer can capture all of the magical moments from your Central Park wedding! Central Park was featured in numerous romantic Hollywood movies like “When Harry met Sally” and “Serendipity”. I can’t think of a more intimate and romantic outdoor wedding venue in New York! Here are some insights to help you get started on your Central Park wedding.

How to Elope in Central Park: To begin you will need your marriage license. You can get your license at the City Clerk’s office in New York. The office is located in The Louis J. Lefkowitz State Office Building. You will not be able to just show up at the office so you will need to schedule an in-person appointment through Project Cupid which can be found at https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/. Once you schedule an appointment you will get a confirmation email. Next, you will need to get your Central Park wedding permit. You should apply for a Special Events permit if 20 or more people are planning to attend your small wedding in New York. It takes 30 days to process a permit so you will need to apply at least 30 days before the event. You will need to apply online at http://nyc.gov/parks. There is also a $25 application fee.

How to navigate around Central Park?

No vehicles or pedicab drop offs are permitted for your Central Park wedding. You can book a horse and carriage ride for your drop off or pick up to your New York elopement. You can book a special occasion horse and carriage ride at https://www.centralpark.com/tours/horse-carriage-rides. Be sure to book in advance as they do fill up during the winter months. Be sure to have a New York elopement photographer capture all these little details with pictures you will love forever!
Perfect time for ceremony: As the day goes on Central Park gets more and more crowded so it’s best to do the ceremony in the morning. The morning also provides warmer weather than the evening so you’re not freezing during your small wedding in New York.

Best Winter Wedding locations in Central Park

• Belvedere castle. This mini castle is stunning for all you “Downton Abbey” fans out there. This location is good for large groups as it’s a very open location. Located atop Vista Rock which is mid-park at 79th. The closest subway stop is at 81st Street: Museum of Natural History Station on the A, B, and C lines. Wagner cove: This secluded and intimate spot is perfect for a private spot to have a small Central Park wedding. This location is great for small groups of your closest family and friends. Located mid-park at 72nd St. Which is just west of Cherry Hill. The closest station to Wagner Cove is Central Pk W/W 72 St which is about a 5 minute walk to the cove.

• Bethesda terrace. This stunning well known two level plaza is perfect for your New York elopement. This spot provides a very open space so it is ideal for a larger crowd. The location also is well covered so it provides a perfect spot in case it’s raining or snowing! Located at Mid-Park at 72nd. The 72 St station is the nearest one to Bethesda Terrace. This location is classy, has a pretty fountain and has beautiful park views.

Where to celebrate

• Tavern on the Green: This historic Central Park restaurant is stunning and great for your small New York weddding. Tavern on the Green was also featured in some Hollywood movies like “Arthur” and “Alfie.” This restored icon is stunning and perfect for your Central Park wedding. This location also has a pretty courtyard and garden seating. You can have your New York wedding photographer capture all of the celebration. Located near the intersection of Central Park West and West 66th Street on the Upper West Side.

• The Loeb Boathouse: This beautiful boathouse is right on the lake. This restaurant provides great food and stunning views while you celebrate. You can have your New York wedding photographer capture all of the perfect little moments. Located right in the middle of Central Park. This spot also has a covered terrace which is perfect in either rain or shine!

How we can help you out

Be sure to have a New York elopement photographer to capture the special moments and a New York wedding officiant to perform the ceremony. You can have also have rose petals and candles scattered made into a pretty heart when you pick your perfect spot in Central Park. You can talk about all the little details with your New York wedding planner who will help you out with everything to put together a perfect Central Park wedding.

We hope you found this article useful and helpful when you are planning a New York elopement. We will be more than happy to help you out with all of your Central Park wedding needs!

If you were planning to get eloped in New York, but don’t know how to start the planning, contact us now at info@daretodream.com and our experienced team will help you to create the most unforgettable day in your life.

Modern elopements are not the same as they used to be back in the days when the couple was running away from the house and secretly got married.
Nowadays planning your elopement takes as much time and effort as planning your big fancy wedding. The only difference is the sizing of the event. It is a common misconception to think that if the couple is getting eloped they don’t need to follow the official ceremony rules.

But the beauty of the elopement is that you can mix and match all the things that you like and dislike about the wedding and create your own. So if you want to have the formal processional (when the bride walks down the aisle and the music is playing) you absolutely should do that.
That introduction music is the most crucial moment of the ceremony as it announces the bride’s appearance and gives everyone a couple of seconds to get ready. Usually, the father of the bride is the one who walks her down the aisle, so if you decide to do that, take your time, walk slowly and appreciate every step you are making with your dad or your friend.
Again, most couples who get eloped don’t do that, but it is a beautiful tradition and if you want to incorporate it into your elopement you should do it.

We absolutely love it when our couples decide to add music to their ceremony. It can be a violin or a string quartet, a harp, or a guitarist playing your favorite song. The most common music for the bride’s introduction is the wedding march, it is formal and safe. But again you do you and if you want some modern piece of music to be played at your wedding, just do it.
If you don’t know what song to play, choose the instrument first, and then ask the musician for suggestions. Wedding musicians usually have lists with all the wedding songs that they ever played, so most likely you will find something you like.
Another great idea is to include first dance into your elopement, especially if you already have a musician on site. It is a great way to take the stress off after the ceremony and just enjoy that couple of minutes as the newlyweds.

Top 5 most popular first dance songs:

1. Aerosmith ” I don’t want to miss a thing”
2. Ed Sheeran ” Thinking out loud”
3. Berlin ” Take my breath away”
4. Maroon 5 ” Sugar”
5. Eric Clapton ” Wonderful tonight

Music that you will play at your wedding will stay with you forever, it is a sweet memory that will always remind you of that special day in your life. So if you think that elopement is a simple and fast ceremony, you are right. But it can also be more formal and include such elements as a procession and the first dance. Even if you don’t have any guests and it is just the two of you, it is still a very important day in your life and you can celebrate it the way you want it.

If you were planning to get eloped in New York, but don’t know how to start the planning, contact us now at info@daretodream.com and our experienced team will help you to create the most unforgettable day in your life.

The weather in New York is absolutely unpredictable. And sometimes it rains on your wedding day. In some cultures, rain is a good symbol of prosperity and blessing for the couple. In others, it is a bad omen. And while the rainy day wedding was not in your plan, Mother Nature has its own plans and the best you can do is just to be ready for the day to hit differently. So how to prepare for a rainy day wedding?

How to elope on a rainy day?

1. Discuss plan “B” with your partner and planner.
   First of all, discuss with your partner if the rain would be a deal-breaker for you. Can you move the ceremony to another day? Another location? Or should you initially look for the covered location?
   If you are planning a small elopement ceremony in a park with immediate family members you can always move to another covered spot within the park. For example, in Central Park, The Ladies Pavilion, Wagner’s Cove, and the Bethesda Terrace would provide a cover in case of rain.
   If you know that a rainy day wedding is not what you had in mind, the best option would be to secure a venue that has both inside and outside options. Always ask your planner what is plan “B” in case the weather would be acting up. Include that information in your invitations, so that your guests know in advance where they need to go.
2. Embrace the rain
   If you know that it’s going to rain on your wedding day, the best thing you can do is to embrace the rain and come prepared. We always recommend getting those clear umbrellas as it’s perfect for the pictures and looks amazing in any setting. Get a white or clear raincoat and don’t forget the rain boots. From experience, the rainy day pictures actually look much better than the sunny ones, because there are no harsh lines. Overcast brings soft lighting and images look moody and more interesting. Plus the umbrellas make the images more interesting. So from the photographer’s point of view, rainy day ceremonies are more romantic.
3. Transportation
   Make sure you have a preassigned car that will bring you to the ceremony location and back. There is nothing worse than waiting for an uber for 20 minutes under the pouring rain. If you have a group of 10 people or more, it is better to get a limo, so that everyone can be transported at once. Please note that no cars are permitted in Central Park, so if you choose a location which is far from the entrance, you will have to walk there. In this case, always come in your rain boots and change to the shoes on the spot.

Overall, light rain is not a big deal and it won’t change your wedding plans. The more harsh rain might be a problem but again with the right attitude and preparation, it won’t be the end of the world. Just don’t stress out too much about it and be ready to change your plans. Once we had a couple who refused to get umbrellas and by the end of the ceremony, they took off their shoes and just danced in the puddles. It was such a pure intimate moment, we all cried and admired this couple’s attitude. So if you can’t change it, embrace it.

If you are planning to get married this summer/ fall season and don’t know where to start contact us now and our experienced team will help you create the wedding day of your dreams.

The best man is the groom’s right-hand man before and during the wedding. It is usually a best friend or a family member appointed by the groom. Planning a wedding can be very stressful, so the main best man’s duty is to assist the groom in every way. It absolutely depends on a couple of how much they want the best man to be involved and sometimes he can get involved in the planning process or his duties can start only from the wedding day.

Before the wedding, the best man is usually responsible for a couple of things:

1. Helping to choose formal wear. It is common for the best man to help the groom choosing the best outfit for the wedding. And picking the colors for the rest of the groomsmen.
2. Planning the bachelor party. This is the best man’s responsibility to find a place, invite people, plan transportation and accommodations for the party.
3. Organize the present from the groomsmen.
4. Assist the groom in planning and attend the rehearsal and be present at all events organized by the couple.

At the wedding, the best man is responsible:

1. Help the groom get dressed.
2. Take charge of the wedding rings.
3. Stand by the groom’s side during the ceremony.
4. Sign the marriage license as a witness
5. Drive the couple to the reception ( if there no driver)

At the reception:

1. Be the host and make sure everyone finds their seats
2. Give the toast
3. Assist the photographer to get everyone for the formal pictures
4. Dance with the bride and maid of honor
5. Help to deliver the presents to the couple’s apartment after the wedding

Can you have the best man when you are eloping? Yes, absolutely. The fact that you have an elopement instead of the traditional big wedding doesn’t mean that you can’t have all the elements of the conventional wedding. So feel free to merge all the elements that you want into your ceremony: Ring-bearer and the flower girl (what a great way to incorporate kids into the ceremony), best man, and the maid of honor (these are the people you trust the most, so make that day special for them as well), bridal bouquet toss (such a fun way to entertain your guests and kids can take part as well), first dance (perfect way to connect with your partner and just enjoy that special moment). Also, don’t be afraid to break the traditions, if your golden retriever is your best friend, make him a dog of honor and enjoy your time together. The beauty of the elopement is that there are no strict rules in there and you are free to create your own perfect day.

If you are planning to get married this year and don’t know where to start, contact us now at info@daretodream.nyc and our experienced team will help you to create the most unforgettable day of your life.

Top 5 Elopement venues for the Spring wedding in NYC.

Spring in New York is absolutely fabulous. It is a perfect time for outdoor events and celebrations, so if you were planning to elope during this tender season, here are our top 5 elopement venues for the spring wedding.

1. New york botanical garden.

   This venue is all you ever wish for, plus a little more. 250 acres of exotic plants and trees, greenhouses, and conservatory, this place is absolutely stunning at any season. During the spring, the Botanical Gardens are covered in blooming magnolia trees, which is the best time for an intimate elopement ceremony. Please note that you will need to apply for the ‘special occasion photography permit’ in order for your photographer to shoot there freely, but besides that, the gardens don’t have any strict regulations. Bronx Botanical Gardens is open daily from 10 am – 6pm.

2. Private rooftop garden

   If you always dreamed of a venue that is private and has magnificent views of Manhattan, this place is just right for you. The luxury rooftop garden is located in the heart of 5th avenue, overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral. It has a huge inside room and lavish outdoor garden. The terrace is available Monday – Friday only, from 9 am – 12 pm. It is also conveniently located near Central Park so that you can have your photo session there later.

3. Empire Stores rooftop in Dumbo

   This location is the real hidden gem of Brooklyn. Imagine eloping on a rooftop with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in the background. This location is ideal for sunset ceremonies as you can see the whole Manhattan skyline and the East River from there. This area is famous for its spectacular views and outstanding dining. This public rooftop is open daily from 8 am – 12 am and can accommodate up to 20 ppl standing.

4. Central Park

   The world-famous park is ideal for outside wedding ceremonies. If you are looking for a place that has outstanding greenery, private gazebos, and a city view, this park is right for you. For a small and intimate ceremony, go with the Wagner’s cove or the Ladies Pavilion, if you have more than 10 guests the Cop Cot or the Belvedere castle would be a great fit. There are two restaurants within the park, so you can have your dinner celebration walking distance away. Or host a picnic on the famous Great lawn.

5. Private sailing boat

   This option is perfect for early mornings or sunset ceremonies. Just imagine getting married on a deck with the first rays of the sun and the Statue of Liberty in your background. The sailing boat can accommodate up to 10 people and has an inside room where you can host your celebration. This option is perfect for non-traditional couples who want to add a little adventure into their life. Be aware that most of the rentals are from 2 to 4 hours and the weather can differ from the one onshore, so dress in layers. You are welcome to bring your food and beverages or can add the catering option with the rental.

How can we help:

We are always searching for the most unique and affordable venues in the city to offer to our clients and we truly believe that the perfect wedding should be stress-free, easy, and affordable.

All of our packages include a professional photographer, experienced officiant, and charming coordinator, together we are dedicated to making your special day unique and flawless. To start planning your elopement ceremony please contact us directly at info@daretodream.nyc or call directly at (917) 960-2050