While the city is vast, with endless photography possibilities, here are the top three locations that our clients request for their elopement or wedding day portraits. These locations are perfect for engagement sessions too!
- Top of the Rock! It’s truly a one of a kind view with rich history to boot. Tips to make the most out of this location: Get there when they open. I always aim for 10am, and always avoid the sunset time slots as that is when it will be most busy. Pre-purchase your tickets and choose VIP. You’ll get to skip the line and get straight to the elevators. The elevator ride up is exhilarating and sets the tone for your epic portraits that await you on the top. Have your photographer shoot from both levels to get a great variety of angles. Even if you are height-adverse, this is definitely a bucket list location and well worth the investment.
![Black groom portrait at top of the rock in new york city](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0013-683x1024.jpg)
![View of the empire state building from top of the rock in new york city](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0038-683x1024.jpg)
![Black couple wedding portrait on top of the rock in new york city](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0070-683x1024.jpg)
![blonde bridal portrait on top of the rock](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.12_0057-683x1024.jpg)
![gay wedding portrait on top of the rock in new york city](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.12_0010-683x1024.jpg)
2. Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. An iconic location for a New York vibe, with a touch a romance. The fountain can tend to be busy, so plan to get there early. Anytime before 10am is great, but I’ve also had fabulous luck a few hours before sunset for a rich, glowy scene. There will naturally be tourists and performers, so plan to claim your spot with confidence or photoshop unwanted subjects in the background. I do both! Be sure to use the area to its max. There is the fountain, grand staircases, and the terrace that provide a great variety of landscapes all within a small space.
![gay wedding portrait in central park new york](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.12_0169-683x1024.jpg)
![bridal bouquet in central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0142-683x1024.jpg)
![groom sitting on stairs at bethesda fountain in central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0166-683x1024.jpg)
![sun flare through the green trees at central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0216-683x1024.jpg)
![gay wedding portraits at bethesda terrace in central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.12_0223-683x1024.jpg)
![bridal portrait at bethesda fountain in central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0148-683x1024.jpg)
![gay wedding portrait of two men running across the street at central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.12_0242-683x1024.jpg)
![gay wedding portrait at bethesda fountain in central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.12_0199-683x1024.jpg)
![wedding portrait on bethesda terrace in central park](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_NYC10.11_0208-683x1024.jpg)
3. Street scenes. Oftentimes we have clients request that we photograph them at their favorite coffee shop or on their favorite neighborhood street. This helps make the session personal while showcasing the vibrancy and hustle of the city. There is no doubt that the energy of New York oozes out of these types of images.
![wedding portraits running across fifth avenue in new york city](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_10.26_Molly0042-683x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom kiss in the middle of the street in new york city](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_10.26_Molly0046-683x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom portraits at new york public library](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MAKEPRETTY_NYC0003-683x1024.jpg)
![bride and groom run across fifth avenue in new york](https://mollymccauley.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MP_10.26_Molly0041-1024x683.jpg)