Top 10 Most Expensive Wedding Venues in NYC

Luxury NYC Weddings

New York City doesn’t really do “subtle” when it comes to weddings and that’s exactly why couples flock here. From iconic hotels on Fifth Avenue to libraries, museums, and rooftops with skyline views, NYC is stacked with venues where the starting price would cover an entire wedding elsewhere.

If you want your wedding photos to look like a love letter to the city, this list of the most expensive wedding venues in NYC is a good place to start. As a NYC wedding photographer, I find inspiration in the architecture and history of these venues.

Quick note on pricing: Every venue prices differently, but once you’re in this tier, you’re typically looking at higher guest minimums and per-person rates that often cross the $250+ mark in peak season, with all–in budgets easily landing in the multiple six figures at the very top end.

GUASTAVINO’S – MIDTOWN EAST

Built into the stone arches of the Queensboro Bridge, this venue is pure New York drama: vaulted ceilings, granite arches, and a hidden-garden vibe. It’s a true luxury space, with per-guest pricing and minimums to match.

GOTHAM HALL – MIDTOWN

Formerly a bank, now a cathedral-like ballroom with a 70-foot ceiling and stained-glass dome. Weddings here are in the $375–$450 per guest range before tax and service.

LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE – MIDTOWN

If “fairytale Fifth Avenue hotel” is your dream, this is it. The historic Villard Mansion, interior courtyard, and grand ballrooms make it one of the most sought-after (and expensive) wedding venues in the city.

CIPRIANI WALL STREET – FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Greek Revival architecture, towering columns, and a 70-foot Wedgwood dome that feels larger than life. Starting packages for smaller guest counts already land in the high five-figure range, with full guest lists pushing total budgets deep into six figures.

THE PLAZA HOTEL – MIDTOWN

The most classic of classic NYC wedding venues. Off season estimates for 200 guests put total wedding costs comfortably into the six figures, with per-person pricing around $500+ before service and gratuity.

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY – BRYANT PARK

Marble staircases, soaring halls, and one of the most recognizable facades in the city. Renting the library is a serious investment, but your wedding looks like it belongs on the cover of a coffee-table book.

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY – UPPER WEST SIDE

Want to sip cocktails under a giant blue whale or greet your guests beside a dinosaur? This museum offers some of the most unique and expensive event spaces in NYC, with in house catering and production that match the scale.

620 LOFT & GARDEN – ROCKEFELLER CENTER

A rooftop garden overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Fifth Avenue. The space is more intimate than a giant ballroom, but the views and exclusivity keep this firmly in the luxury price bracket.

CAPITALE – BOWERY

A former bank with Corinthian columns, an art-glass skylight, and a grand ballroom that feels straight out of a period film. It’s a favorite for couples who want opulence with a little edge.

THE WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK – MIDTOWN

The definition of legendary New York luxury. Fresh off an eight-year, multi-billion-dollar restoration, the Waldorf has returned with redesigned guest rooms and 43,000 square feet of event space, including its iconic Grand Ballroom, Astor Salon, and a collection of historic salons that look like they were made for black-tie weddings.

Tips for NYC luxury weddings & photography

Shooting in the city means building a timeline around light (time-of-day), traffic, and the rhythm of New York itself. If your heart is set on one of these spots, we’ll create a plan that weaves together your venue, your favorite corners of the city, and the in between moments that make it feel like your New York City wedding. There are many venues that can give you that luxury New York City wedding feel but note that your timeline and planning will heavily impact how we capture it. It’s important to hire an experienced NYC wedding photographer for your event.

What’s the most expensive wedding venue in NYC??

The Plaza Hotel is frequently cited as one of the most expensive wedding venues in New York. Its grand ballroom, Palm Court, and iconic status mean full-scale weddings here regularly sit in the six-figure range and can go significantly higher for large guest counts and custom production. Other premium contenders include Gotham Hall, the New York Public Library, and Cipriani properties, each with substantial per-person pricing and venue fees. https://www.theplazany.com/

Are luxury NYC weddings worth it?

For some couples, absolutely. If your heart beats a little faster when you picture:

• Saying “I do” under marble arches or a stained-glass dome
• Dancing in a ballroom that’s appeared in movies
• Looking out at the New York City skyline from a rooftop or terrace

…then a luxury NYC venue is for you. You’re paying for iconic architecture, a world class city experience, and images that feel instantly cinematic every time you look at them.

Can you have a luxury NYC wedding on a smaller budget?

“Smaller budget” is relative in New York City, but you can definitely scale smart:

• Consider weekday or Sunday weddings instead of Saturday nights
• Choose intimate venues (like rooftop gardens or small lofts) that still feel high-end
• Limit your guest count so you can invest more per person
• Focus on a few key spaces (ceremony + reception in the same venue) to reduce transport and logistics costs

You may not snag The Plaza ballroom with a smaller budget, but you can create an elevated, stylish NYC wedding that feels luxurious without hitting the very top tier.

Do these NYC wedding venues allow outside vendors?

Most luxury NYC venues have exclusive or preferred caterers. They’ll often partner with specific rental, lighting, and production teams. Typically, they’ll allow couples to bring in their own photographers and videographers, as long as they meet insurance and professional requirements

At the very top tier (like NYPL or certain museums), vendor policies can be particularly specific, but couples almost always have flexibility with their photo/video team so you’re usually free to choose someone whose style you love (like mine).

If you’re in love with a particular photographer (hi, it’s me), you can usually still bring them in. You’ll just want to confirm policies with the venue early on. If you’ve enjoyed this list of the top 10 most expensive wedding venues in NYC and are looking for a NYC photographer or videographer then feel free to browse my site for even more inspiration.

Explore more luxury venues in the tri-state area in my guide to the most expensive wedding venues in New Jersey.