Planning an NYC Wedding with Multiple Locations: Costs, Tips, and Alternatives

New York City is one of the most thrilling places to get married — and the idea of celebrating across several iconic locations can feel like a dream. A ceremony in Central Park, cocktails on a rooftop, and dinner in a candlelit loft sounds magical. But what many couples don’t expect is just how quickly the costs stack up.

Here’s the truth: most NYC venues don’t offer “hourly” rates. Even if you only plan to use a location for a few hours, many places will still charge you for a full day. Booking three different venues? That’s three full-day fees. Add to that transportation, staffing, setup time, and permits — and your budget might double or triple before you even get to the fun part.

If you’re drawn to movement and variety, there are smart ways to experience multiple locations without draining your entire budget.

• Elopement-style shoots in public spots like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, or SoHo streets can be just as beautiful as formal venues. You’ll likely need a permit for photography, but you’ll avoid rental fees and formal contracts.
• Swap the sit-down dinner for a champagne toast with hot dogs from a local cart or a sunset picnic with your favorite people. It's casual, intimate, and so very NYC.
• Limit your paid venues. For example: ceremony in a rented garden, photos in the city, and dinner at a cozy restaurant (without the “wedding markup”).

If you do decide on multiple venues, maximize what each offers:

• Build in buffer time. Let guests enjoy the space instead of feeling rushed between locations.
• Layer the experience. Ceremony + champagne + portraits in one spot before heading to the next. This way, every transition feels intentional — not chaotic.
• Communicate the plan clearly. Having a timeline and clear logistics makes everything smoother for your guests (and your vendors).

Planning a wedding across multiple NYC locations can be unforgettable — but it takes strategy. Whether you go all out or keep it minimal, the key is staying aligned with what feels true to you. As NYC wedding photographers and videographers, we’ve helped couples pull off everything from ultra-stylish three-location weddings to tiny Central Park elopements. Whatever your vision, we’ll help you tell your story — beautifully.