Six Hidden Gem Wedding Photo Locations in Manhattan

Manhattan is the heart of the wedding industry in New York and the entire Tri-State area. New venues are opening every year and there is a variety of styles represented throughout the different neighborhoods. Since Manhattan is such a huge wedding destination there are many locations to capture your wedding day photos and your engagement photos. Many of the most popular locations can be very crowded with tourists and other people doing photoshoots making it difficult for you to capture the perfect shot. We have gathered a list of our favorite hidden gem photo locations in Manhattan which will still give you the incredible scenery you are looking for without the large crowds of popular tourist destinations.

1. Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters Museum

Located in the Hudson Heights and Inwood neighborhoods of Manhattan, Fort Tryon Park offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River as well as historical structures to offer a one-stop photo location. This park is also the location of the city’s largest garden with unrestricted public access, The Heather Garden. Fort Tryon Park has many photo locations similar to those offered by Central Park, but with fewer tourists wandering into the background of your photos.

Fort Tryon Park is also the location of The Cloisters, a museum owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Cloisters specializes in medieval architecture which creates a dramatic and romantic backdrop for your photos.

You can read more information about Fort Tryon Park here and The Cloisters here

2. The West Village

The West Village captures the magic of old New York in a truly unique way. From the streets lined with brownstones to the must-see sites such as The Stonewall Inn and the “Friends” apartment building, the West Village is full of rich history. There are so many photo locations in the West Village and it is the perfect place to walk around with your photographer to find many hidden gem spots without a ton of hustle and bustle.

You can read more information about the West Village here

3. Carl Schurz Park

Carl Schurz Park is a beautiful park located in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan. This park is less than 10 blocks away from Central Park and has beautiful views of the East River, making it a perfect photo location for couples wanting to avoid large crowds but keep the charm of Manhattan Parks. For fans of Disney, there is a Peter Pan statue in the park which makes for a magical photo opportunity. Carl Schurz Park is also the site of Gracie Mansion, which is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City.

You can read more information about Carl Schurz Park here .

4. Brookfield Place

A shopping center may not be the first place you think of for your wedding photos, but Brookfield Place can change your mind. Also known as the World Financial Center, Brookfield Place is located in Battery Park City and has a variety of photo opportunities. This is an indoor location with stunning modern architecture. While there is a lot of foot traffic in Brookfield Place, there are still plenty of photo opportunities and all of your photos will be truly unique.

You can read more information about Brookfield Place here.

5. SoHo

SoHo is a neighborhood located in lower Manhattan which is known as a top shopping destination. SoHo combines old New York elegance with the upbeat energy of modern day Manhattan which provides a variety of photo locations. You can wander down a cobble stone street to get some quiet and more romantic shots, or venture into the main shopping areas to let loose and have some fun. SoHo is sure to inspire you and our photographer to capture some wonderful portraits.

You can read more information about SoHo here.

6. South Cove Park

South Cove Park is the perfect example of a hidden gem photo location. The park is located in Battery Park City and sits right on the Hudson River. At only 3.5 acres, South Cove Park does not seem to be anything to write home about, but after looking at pictures you will see why this is a wonderful location for wedding and engagement photos. This park combines views of the industrial buildings of the city with the calming waterfront views, which provides a lot of variety in a pretty small space. South Cove Park proves that big things can come in small packages.

You can read more information about South Cove Park here.