NYC Emerges as Top Destination Wedding Spot for Couples Nationwide

The Big Apple's iconic venues and backdrops draw couples looking for high-status and highly customized weddings.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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New York City is seeing a rise in destination weddings, with couples from across the country flocking to the city to tie the knot, despite its reputation as an expensive wedding location. Wedding planners say that while classic NYC venues like the Plaza and the Rainbow Room remain popular, many couples are opting for more unique and budget-friendly options in Brooklyn, such as the Skylight at the Refinery on the Domino Sugar Factory and local breweries. The city's accessibility, diverse offerings, and cinematic appeal make it an attractive choice for couples seeking the ultimate "I do" moment.

Why it matters

The trend of couples choosing New York City as a destination for their weddings highlights the city's enduring appeal as a romantic and high-status location, even for those with no prior ties to the area. This shift challenges the traditional notion of weddings being held close to home and reflects a growing desire among couples to create a truly customized and memorable event.

The details

Wedding planners say that while classic NYC venues like the Plaza, the Pierre, and the Rainbow Room remain popular, many couples are opting for more unique and budget-friendly options in Brooklyn, such as the Skylight at the Refinery on the Domino Sugar Factory, which can accommodate up to 600 guests but comes with a hefty price tag starting at $100,000. Other couples are choosing local breweries and event spaces like the Angel Orensanz Center in the Lower East Side, which offers a slightly more underground and "badass" vibe. Planners recommend that couples thinking outside the box and hiring local coordinators to navigate the city's unique wedding landscape, which includes considerations like transportation, tents, and event calendars.

  • In 2026, the trend of destination weddings in New York City has been on the rise.

The players

Alyssa Pettinato

The owner of NYC-based Alinato Events, a wedding planning company.

Billy Folchetti

The "anti-wedding planner" behind Luxe x (by) Billy Folchetti.

Amy Shack Egan

A wedding planner with over 500 weddings under her belt who recently launched Cheersy, a digital platform that connects couples with wedding coordinators.

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What they’re saying

“I'm seeing a rise of the New York City destination wedding.”

— Alyssa Pettinato, Owner, Alinato Events (nypost.com)

“You have this insane view. Couples get married in Brooklyn for the views.”

— Alyssa Pettinato, Owner, Alinato Events (nypost.com)

“That's what New York is.”

— Billy Folchetti, "Anti-wedding planner", Luxe x (by) Billy Folchetti (nypost.com)

What’s next

Couples planning destination weddings in New York City should continue to explore unique and budget-friendly venue options, particularly in Brooklyn, and work closely with local wedding coordinators to navigate the city's unique wedding landscape.

The takeaway

New York City's enduring appeal as a romantic and high-status location is driving a growing trend of couples from across the country choosing the city as a destination for their weddings, despite its reputation as an expensive wedding location. This shift reflects a desire among couples to create truly customized and memorable events that leverage the city's iconic venues, backdrops, and accessibility.