How to Plan Your NYC Elopement: Photographer Tips and Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in The Big Apple

January 12, 2022

You’re planning to tie the knot by eloping in New York City.

Maybe you love the juxtaposition of a small and intimate ceremony in the bustling Big Apple or, perhaps it’s simply home.

Whether you live in NYC or you’re planning to travel there for the occasion, you want a photographer to capture your union, but you’re not sure where to begin.

You’ve come to the right place.

We’ll walk you through planning your perfect NYC elopement.

Read on for tips on getting excellent photographs of your big day and to get answers to questions you might have about eloping in New York City.

6 Tips for Getting Amazing NYC Elopement Photographs

Just because you’re not having a big, traditional wedding ceremony doesn’t mean you don’t want amazing photos to commemorate your union and have as memories for years to come.

After all, getting married (no matter how or where you tie the knot) is a big deal!

Here are six tips to ensure you get the best NYC elopement photography possible:

Plan your timeline around the best lighting
Embrace the elements
Keep it fun
Get creative
Choose the right clothing
Ask your New York elopement photographer for ideas

1. Plan Your Timeline Around the Best Lighting

Good lighting is essential for great photos.

That’s why it’s vital to plan your timeline around the best lighting.

In general, midday lighting isn’t ideal for photography.

The best lighting (in most cases) occurs around sunrise and sunset, so planning your elopement and photos during those time frames will provide the best results.

2. Embrace the Elements

When it comes to the weather in New York City, you never know what you’re going to get.

When it comes to what nature throws at you on the day of your elopement, it’s best to embrace the elements––lean in.

Let’s say it rains on your elopement day (some say that’s good luck!), think about grabbing colorful umbrellas, creating a beautiful contrast against a grey and rainy city backdrop.

3. Keep it Fun

Weddings are stressful; that may be why you opted to elope. Still, elopement can come with its own set of challenges.

Let go of any stressors, enjoy your elopement and the photos that come during and after it. You want these photos to reflect your relationship and the commitment you’ve just made.

Keep it lighthearted, fun, and full of love.

4. Get Creative

Be willing to think outside the box!

Some of the best photos come from couples willing to have fun and live in the moment.

Want to opt for non-traditional wedding attire? Fantastic. These elopement photos are meant to represent you.

Did you meet in line at a hot dog stand? It’s a part of your story. Consider a couple of shots at that spot, hot dogs in hand!

You never know what can happen in New York City. After all, Tom Hanks has been known to photobomb wedding photos in Central Park!

5. Choose the Right Clothing

If you’re planning to be photographed at several spots around the city, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing clothing that allows you to get around easily. You may be getting in and out of the car frequently, climbing up and down stairs, and more to get to your chosen destinations.

You may want to consider sensible shoes to change in and out of while moving from location to location.

Additionally, while beautiful, NYC isn’t known for being the cleanest city in the world.

Be prepared for the dirt and soot of the city streets to soil your apparel. Or, if Central Park is your chosen spot for your elopement or elopement photos, know that it’s possible you’ll end up dealing with grass stains, mud, etc.

6. Ask Your New York Elopement Photographer for Ideas

Professional photographers spend more time in Central Park, on the Brooklyn Bridge, and out and about in New York City than the average New Yorker. For photographers, the city is our workplace.

If you’re unsure of where you want your elopement to take place or where you want to have photos taken after the fact, consult your photographer.

With years of experience as an NYC wedding photographer, elopement packages are also something Julian Ribinik Photography offers.

Julian provides couples with sound guidance on the ideal spots for beautiful and memorable photos, as well as advice on the best times of day to book your session if there are specific shots you’re hoping to capture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in NYC

Thinking about eloping in the Big Apple? You might have some questions.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. More than 14,000 couples got hitched in New York, NY in 2020, so this city is no stranger to playing host to wedding ceremonies and elopements.

Here are a few FAQs about taking the plunge in New York City.

Why Elope in NYC?

New York City is a magical place. Why wouldn’t you want to elope here?!

Maybe NYC holds a special place in your heart. Perhaps it’s where you and your partner met. Maybe it’s where you got engaged. Or, maybe NYC is home.

Whatever the case, New York City is an amazing backdrop for an elopement. There’s no shortage of special and stunning photoshoot locations.

Is It Legal for Us to Elope in NYC If We Don’t Live in New York?

Absolutely.

You don’t need to live in New York City or even the state of New York to get hitched in the Big Apple.

You do, however, need to have a Marriage License to make your nuptials legal. This license will set you back $35.

You can start the process by filling out the Marriage License Application online. To complete your application, you and your partner must schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Office of the City Clerk. It’s important to note you must both be present at that appointment.

*International couples may have additional paperwork to complete to ensure the union is recognized in their home country.

How Much Does a NYC Elopement Photographer Cost?

The price for a photographer to capture your NYC elopement will vary based on factors including the:

Experience level of the photographer
Location or locations of the elopement and elopement photoshoot
Number of hours being booked

When it comes to elopement packages, NYC photographer Julian Ribinik recognizes no two elopements are alike––every couple has different needs and requests.

Because of this, Julian Ribinik provides custom quotes for elopement photography. This way, we can make sure to account for only the services you want, and at a price point that reflects that.

Contact us today to discuss your specific elopement photography needs and receive a price quote!

How Do I Choose a NYC Elopement Photographer?

You’re looking for an NYC elopement photographer.

But New York is the biggest city in America and home to thousands of photographers––how do you choose?!

When it comes to NYC elopement wedding photography, first and foremost, you want to choose someone who excels in the style of photography you’re looking for.

Maybe you had a friend who had a great experience with their photographer, however, the photos from their big day are soft and rustic. Great, if that’s your style. But what if you’re looking for someone to capture photos that are dramatic and moody. In that case, your friend’s recommendation may not be your best bet.

Additionally, when choosing someone to capture your special day, you’ll want to consider your:

Budget
Location
Special requests or concerns

And consider a photographer’s:

Experience
Reviews
Availability
And more

If you’re looking for experience, creativity, professionalism, and a deep knowledge of the city that never sleeps, Julian Ribinik has been photographing weddings and elopements in NYC for years and has experience in every corner of the city.

Not only does he live and work in New York, but Julian and his wife Evgenia were married in the heart of New York City! They’ve got firsthand experience.

What Are the Best Elopement Locations in New York City?

There’s no shortage of fantastic elopement locations in New York City.

From gorgeous parks to the dazzling bright lights of Times Square to remarkable skylines and bridges, this city offers a backdrop for every couple.

If you need some inspiration, here are a few ideas:

Central Park
Times Square
The New York Public Library
The Brooklyn Bridge
Grand Central Terminal
Madison Square Park
Prospect Park
Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Red Hook, Brooklyn
Top of the Rock
The streets of NYC

We Already Have a NYC Elopement Location Picked Out. Is That Okay?

This day is about you! If you’ve got a special place in mind––fantastic!

Maybe you’re looking to elope at the restaurant where you got engaged. Or maybe there’s another part of the city that holds special meaning for you and your partner.

If you have an NYC elopement location picked out, be sure to consult with your photographer. They’ll help you navigate any potential logistical details that may come into play with the spot you’ve chosen.

Julian Ribinik: A NYC Elopement Photographer Who Captures the Magic of Your Elopement Story

An elopement is special and should be treated as such.

Don’t settle by just having your Judge, wedding officiant, or witness snap a quick photo on your smartphone once you’ve said “I do.”

Instead, give this life moment the attention it deserves.

If you’re eloping in NYC, we are happy to capture that special moment for you––whether you want creative, elegant, or classic elopement photos, Julian Ribinik is the photographer for you.

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