Films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany's,” “An Affair to Remember,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Maid in Manhattan” have cemented New York City's reputation for romance. So it's no wonder that couples across America want to follow in the footsteps of their favorite big-screen couples and tie the knot in the Big Apple. When you're ready to say “I do,” these top New York locations can bring all the magic of the movies to your special day.
The Plaza
The Plaza is the venue of choice for so many of New York's A-list celebs. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kelsey Grammer, and Eddie Murphy have all said “I do” at this ultra-luxurious hotel. You don't need to have their profile to get the VIP treatment here, though. The Plaza includes a complimentary stay in the bridal suite and access to preparation suites before you both walk down the aisle. The reception fee also includes a custom cake from celebrity patissiers Sylvia Weinstock or Ron Ben-Israel.
There's space here for your wedding and the reception afterward, but be prepared to spend more if you want both services. It's worth the splurge, though. Your guests will rave about the opulent surroundings, delicious food, and views of nearby Central Park long after your big day. You'll need at least 200 guests to reserve this venue, but there's space for 1,000 standing guests if you really want to go large.
The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons is another hotel option that screams glamour. It combines the elegance you associate with the Four Seasons name with an enviable Park Avenue location. Reality TV fans might remember the Four Seasons as the place Bethenny Frankel got hitched on the hit Bravo show "Bethenny Getting Married." This program revealed the hotel's opulent event spaces and mouth-watering meals.
Enjoy table service or a more relaxed event with a generous all-you-can-eat buffet. If you're feeling flush, indulge in the top package, which includes a beautiful cake from Weinstock or Ben-Israel and a complimentary stay in the Four Seasons' opulent bridal suite.
New York Public Library
Carrie Bradshaw's wedding to Big at the New York Public Library didn't quite pan out, but don't let that put you off this popular Midtown venue. Happily married celebrity interior designer Nate Berkus and former NFL player Devon Still both tied the knot in this Big Apple icon.
The perfect choice for bibliophiles, the New York Public Library's dramatic high ceilings, grand staircases, and marble columns provide the ideal backdrop for your wedding photos. You can tie the knot here and enjoy a reception in one of the library's multiple event spaces.
Each has its own atmosphere and space for your party, whether you want a small gathering or a more lavish celebration. The Astor Hall is the largest, providing space for 750 standing guests or 250 seated. For a more intimate affair, book the Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Trustee Room, which has space for 125 standing guests or 110 seated ones.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is another tourist attraction that also doubles as one of the city's unique and most impressive wedding venues. With space for 3,000 people, it's ideal for couples with large families and plenty of friends.
The staff at the American Museum of Natural History — a wedding and reception venue in one — will ensure your big day is memorable.
Your guests can sip cocktails while admiring the dinosaur skeletons in the grand lobby. Or perhaps you'd prefer booking the Irma and Paul Milstein Hall of Ocean Life for dinner and dancing under the majestic 94-foot blue whale. Whichever you choose, the American Museum of Natural History's one-of-a-kind event spaces are ideal for couples who love doing things differently.
The Foundry
Long Island's The Foundry is the area's last steel foundry left standing and could be the perfect place to start your new married life together. Pop culture lovers might remember it from the Kiss on the Lips party in "Gossip Girl." The 19th-century building has been lovingly restored, ensuring it feels fresh while maintaining its historic charm. Its open brick walls and sky roof lighting have a cool, hipster vibe many young couples adore.
They also love the freedom a Foundry wedding provides. Rental includes access to the ground floor and mezzanine and the courtyard, so guests are free to explore and socialize where they want. Couples can also choose their own catering and entertainment, ensuring the event suits their own tastes. With space for 165 people seated or 200 standing guests, the Foundry is ideal for intimate New York nuptials. If you need more space, you could also hire out the rooftop terrace, which boasts enviable views of the Manhattan skyline, or one of the other on-site event spaces.
New York City Hall
Any place can be romantic if you're with the one you love. Even A-Listers sometimes prefer to save on the wedding so they've got more left over for a glamorous honeymoon or a sizable rock. Whatever your priorities, if you want a great wedding for less, New York City Hall is an excellent option. Just ask model Emily Ratajkowski, "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo, or action hero Matt Damon. They all skipped the showiness in favor of this New York City institution.
There's no need to reserve your spot, so a City Hall wedding can be a great option for couples who love spontaneity. What could be more romantic than starting your married life together ASAP rather than waiting years for a booking at one of the city's more fancy, and more expensive, venues? Just remember that you must get your marriage license at least 24 hours before the ceremony and bring at least one witness.
Whether you're ready to pop the question or you want a special gift for your loved one when you tie the knot, choose Martin Busch Jewelers. With more than 60 years of experience as the oldest continually open jewelry store in the neighborhood, we're the New York jewelers you can trust. Visit us in-store on John Street or enjoy the convenience of shopping with us online.