In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in New York.
Weddings in New York: What You Need To Know
New York is a popular destination for weddings, thanks to its stunning scenery and endless photo opportunities.
From the moment you arrive in New York, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty, from the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley to the soaring peaks of the Adirondacks.
New York is home to a variety of scenic locations that are perfect for a truly unforgettable wedding.
And of course, there’s New York City itself, with its iconic skyline and world-famous landmarks.
In addition, New York is home to some of the world’s best-known wedding planners and photographers, so couples can rest assured that their special day will be flawlessly executed.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic barn setting or a chic penthouse suite, a destination wedding in New York is sure to create lasting memories.
But first: you need to know where in the world New York is…
Where is New York?
New York is a state located in the north-east of the United States. It borders Canada in the north, and the U.S. states of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
The Atlantic Ocean is to the southeast, and Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are to the west.
New York is one of the 13 original colonies.
Area: 54,555 sq mi (141,297 sq km), Population: (2020) 20,201,249, Capital: Albany.
New York Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Official Tourism Website:https://visitnewyork.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting New York for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in New York
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in New York:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in New York or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a New York wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in New York:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in New York
New York Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in New York:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in New York?
- What are the marriage requirements for New York?
- What is the weather like in New York?
- What should you pack for a trip to New York?
- What things are there to do in New York?
- What are the best New York wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in New York Cost?
Marriage license fee in New York state is $35.
Both parties must come in person and present proof of identity – a picture ID with date of birth like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in New York
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- At least one witness is needed at the ceremony, who must be at least 18 years old.
- The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, and for active military personnel it is valid for 180 days. However, there is a 24 hour waiting period.
- A marriage license cannot be obtained without the presence of both parties.
- When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide a photo identification that proves your identity and age.
- Proof of divorce may be needed, but it varies by county so make sure to contact the appropriate county probate judge beforehand.
- Blood tests are not required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in New York, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
- Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
- What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
The time it takes to get your marriage certificate by mail might range from 1 – 6 weeks. If you want to expedite the procedure, one of you may visit the clerk’s office again (it doesn’t have to be both of you this time), and they will immediately and at no extra cost give you your Certificate of Marriage.
What Is The Weather Like in New York?
If you want to visit New York but don’t want to deal with the cold of winter or the heat of summer, the ideal seasons to go are the spring and fall, namely the month of May and the period between mid-September and mid-October.
June is usually a pleasant month, although it may become rather warm at times.
Even if it’s not as hot as it is in the middle of summer, the weather around the beginning of September may be very sticky.
The first part of April is typically pleasant, but there is a chance that it will be brisk at times and that the weather will be unpredictable.
The city parks are a great place to take in the changing hues of autumn (often in late October) (the phenomenon called fall foliage).
What should you pack for your trip?
The best would be to bring a mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts in the summer and also spring, and fall.
When visiting New York in the fall, it’s important to remember to bring a hat since the wind chill may be severe. Be sure to bring a sweater or cardigan to wear in case you become chilly while you’re inside. Also, a hat, a light scarf, and gloves depending on how chilly it will be.
In the winter pack warm and cozy sweaters, a winter coat possibly with a hood, long pants, water resistant boots, beanie, gloves and scarf.
New York Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit New York:
Average Temperatures in New York
The table below shows the average temperatures in New York each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | -2.7 | 4.3 | 0.8 | 27 | 40 | 33.4 |
| February | -2 | 5.7 | 1.8 | 28 | 42 | 35.3 |
| March | 1.6 | 9.8 | 5.7 | 35 | 50 | 42.3 |
| April | 7.1 | 16.2 | 11.6 | 45 | 61 | 53 |
| May | 12.4 | 21.7 | 17 | 54 | 71 | 62.7 |
| June | 17.8 | 26.5 | 22.2 | 64 | 80 | 71.9 |
| July | 21.1 | 29.5 | 25.3 | 70 | 85 | 77.5 |
| August | 20.6 | 28.5 | 24.6 | 69 | 83 | 76.2 |
| September | 16.8 | 24.5 | 20.6 | 62 | 76 | 69.2 |
| October | 10.7 | 18.2 | 14.4 | 51 | 65 | 58 |
| November | 5.3 | 12.3 | 8.8 | 42 | 54 | 47.8 |
| December | 0.7 | 7 | 3.8 | 33 | 45 | 38.9 |
| Year | 9.2 | 17.1 | 13.1 | 48.5 | 62.7 | 55.5 |
Average Rainfall in New York
The table below shows the average rainfall in New York each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 90 | 3.5 | 11 |
| February | 80 | 3.1 | 10 |
| March | 110 | 4.3 | 11 |
| April | 105 | 4.1 | 11 |
| May | 100 | 3.9 | 12 |
| June | 115 | 4.5 | 11 |
| July | 115 | 4.5 | 10 |
| August | 115 | 4.5 | 10 |
| September | 110 | 4.3 | 9 |
| October | 110 | 4.3 | 10 |
| November | 90 | 3.5 | 9 |
| December | 110 | 4.3 | 11 |
| Year | 1260 | 49.6 | 125 |
Sunshine Hours in New York
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in New York each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 5 | 165 |
| February | 6 | 165 |
| March | 7 | 210 |
| April | 7.5 | 225 |
| May | 8.5 | 255 |
| June | 8.5 | 255 |
| July | 8.5 | 270 |
| August | 8.5 | 270 |
| September | 7.5 | 220 |
| October | 7 | 210 |
| November | 5 | 150 |
| December | 4.5 | 140 |
| Year | 6.9 | 2535 |
Sea Temperatures in New York
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in New York each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 5.5 | 42 |
| February | 3.5 | 39 |
| March | 4 | 39 |
| April | 6.5 | 44 |
| May | 11 | 52 |
| June | 17 | 62 |
| July | 22 | 71 |
| August | 23 | 74 |
| September | 21 | 70 |
| October | 17 | 62 |
| November | 12.5 | 54 |
| December | 8.5 | 47 |
| Year | 12.7 | 54.8 |
What To Wear in New York? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in New York so that you can make the most of your time there.
- The state has a wide range of weather conditions, from hot and humid summers to cold winters. Therefore, it is essential to pack clothing that can be layered.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. Pack insect repellent to keep them at bay.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for walking, hiking, or any other activities you have planned.
- Sunscreen: If you are planning on doing any hiking or outdoor activities, make sure to pack sunscreen.
- Hat and sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses will help you in the hot New York sunshine.
- Camera: And of course, don’t forget your camera! New York state is full of beautiful scenery, from the Adirondack Mountains to Niagara Falls.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- FIrst-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in New York
There are many different things to do in New York, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- New York City
- Taughannock Falls
- Alexandria Bay
- Niagara Falls
- The Adirondack Park
- Montauk
- Saratoga Springs
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Thousand Islands
- Letchworth State Park
- Ausable Chasm
Best New York Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in New York?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in New York
- The Mansion of Saratoga
- Mohawk River Country Club
- The Kenmore Ballroom
- Cedar Lakes Estate
- Gather Greene
- The BARN at Liberty Farms
- The Roxbury Barn
- The Garrison
- New York Public Library
- American Museum of Natural History
- The Frick Collection
- Blue Hill at Stone Barns
- The Rainbow Room
- The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
Hotels in New York
- Sanctuary NYC Retreats
- Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Aloft Harlem
- Margaritaville Resort Times Square
- Park Lane New York
