A wedding in New York City can be as grand or as intimate as you want it to be. For some couples, the perfect day isn’t a ballroom with hundreds of guests — it’s a meaningful ceremony with family and a beautiful dinner to follow.
Whether you’re saying your vows at City Hall, in a quiet chapel, or on a rooftop overlooking Manhattan, pairing your ceremony with a dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants creates an intimate wedding day that feels warm, timeless, and deeply personal.
City Hall Weddings
New York’s City Hall is one of the most iconic places to get married. With its historic architecture and central location, it’s a simple yet memorable way to exchange vows. Many couples choose to follow the ceremony with photos in nearby neighborhoods like Tribeca, Soho, or the Brooklyn Bridge.
Small Ceremonies in Unique Venues
Some couples prefer a private chapel, garden, or even a friend’s home for their ceremony. These spaces add personal meaning and allow you to share the moment with just a handful of people.
Restaurant Dinner Receptions
Instead of a large reception, couples often host a dinner in a private dining room at a favorite restaurant. The glow of candlelight, shared plates, and heartfelt toasts create the feeling of a family gathering rather than a staged event.
Photography That Captures the Heart of the Day
For small weddings, photography plays an even greater role. With fewer distractions, it’s possible to document every glance, every laugh, and every quiet in-between moment.
Some of the most memorable images come from:
- Portraits after a City Hall ceremony, walking hand in hand through the streets of Manhattan.
- A toast shared at a restaurant reception, surrounded by family.
- Candid moments between parents, siblings, or lifelong friends.
These photographs tell the true story of the day — not just how it looked, but how it felt.
Tips for Planning a Small Wedding in NYC
- Guest List: Keep it limited to immediate family and a few close friends.
- Ceremony Choice: Decide whether you’d like the simplicity of City Hall, the tradition of a chapel, or the intimacy of a private rooftop.
- Reception: Book a private dining room at a restaurant you love for an elegant dinner that doubles as your reception.
- Photography: Allow time for portraits in locations that matter to you — whether that’s Central Park, Gramercy Park, or the cobblestone streets of Tribeca.
A Timeless Way to Celebrate
An intimate wedding in New York proves that scale doesn’t determine beauty. Whether you marry at City Hall, in a small ceremony, or followed by a dinner with family at a favorite restaurant, the day can be deeply personal, elegant, and unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small NYC Weddings
Can you have a wedding reception at a restaurant in New York City?
Yes. Many restaurants have private dining rooms perfect for intimate receptions, combining fine dining with a warm, personal atmosphere.
What makes a City Hall wedding special?
City Hall weddings are simple, iconic, and flexible. They also allow time for creative portraits around New York’s most photogenic streets and landmarks.
How many guests are typical for a small wedding?
Most intimate weddings in NYC have between 10 and 50 guests, but some couples choose just a witness and photographer for an even simpler celebration.
Do small weddings still need professional photography?
Absolutely. The quieter, candid moments of an intimate wedding are often the ones couples treasure most. Professional photography ensures those memories are preserved beautifully.
