NEW YORK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m a native New Yorker…

How to Choose the Right NYC Wedding Photographer

One of the biggest tasks facing newly engaged couples is to begin their search for a wedding photographer. It can quickly become very overwhelming because, let’s face it, there are a lot of choices out there. So how do you know if you’ve found the right one? Well, with my 14+ years of experience and history of very happy clients, I’ve put together my 5 tips to help you in your search.

1 - Review Portfolio & Recent Work

When you find a photographer’s style that you connect with, I would strongly suggest that you ask to see their most recent work and up-to-date portfolio. I can tell you from years of experience, that sometimes I don’t get the opportunity to update my website as regularly as I would like, so things can be bit of out date. I always send my potential clients a several recent wedding galleries to browse to ensure they can see my current work and style from start to finish. This way they will know what to expect for their own wedding photography.

2 - Experience is Necessary

New York City wedding venues are DARK. I can’t sugarcoat it, friends. Most of New York City’s incredible wedding venues are dark AF and you need an experienced wedding photographer by your side on your wedding day. If they are not experienced or proficient with their flash (on or off-camera), you could be in for missed moments and out of focus images during your wedding reception. You only get one day so make sure you work with a true professional who knows their craft inside and out.

3 - Connect Over the Phone or Video Chat

Once you’ve found your favorite photographer, reach out to them using the contact form on their website. Sending them a DM over Instagram sounds great, but it’s extremely hard to keep track of, so I always send them my contact page where the discovery process is streamlined. Next, be sure to set up a time to chat over the phone to see if you get along. You are going to be with your wedding photographer more than your partner on your wedding day (100% true) so you want to ensure you both get along and work well together.

4 - Tell Them What You Are Looking For

It can be hard to explain what exactly drew you to their work because describing your feelings for their photography can seem difficult. Here’s my recommendation: keep it simple and straightforward. You can let them know that you liked their colors, their classic, edgy, modern style, how they captured the feelings or emotions of the day, or how the images felt relaxed and natural to you and your partner. This will help them understand what you want and especially what you are not looking for.

5 - Read Reviews & Ask for Referrals

If you have found your potential wedding photographer online via social media or using Google, I would highly recommend reading their online reviews either from their website or a third party site such as The Knot, Wedding Wire, or Zola. In my experience, if someone was unhappy with a service the photographer provided, it would most likely be in their reviews. Also, another great way to find a reliable and strong candidate is to ask your friends, family, and other wedding vendors for recommendations. Don’t forget to ask your wedding venue if they have a preferred list of wedding vendors they can share with you. It’s always helpful to know that a wedding photographer has already worked in your venue, but don’t that let that be your only rule to make your decision. A professional wedding photographer can take photographs in ANY venue, no matter if they have worked there before. Trust me!

if you have more questions about hiring the best wedding photographer for your day, we’d love to hear from you!

“From the moment we spoke on the phone the first time, to our first in-person meeting for our engagement shoot, the relationship felt natural and she made us so comfortable.” - Elyisha + Nadeem

New York Wedding Photography for Every Season

In New York City, there are definitely a few times times of the year that are ideal for celebrating your wedding. These are my picks for perfect weather to having the best wedding and photography possible in NYC.

Spring

New York City winters can be unbearable with tons of snow and frigid weather, so as soon as I see one leaf start to bloom, I begin to get excited. Not only for warmer weather but because Spring weddings are only a few short weeks away. Spring is one of the best times to take full advantage of New York City’s beautiful and lush gardens, parks, and streets. My absolute favorite season in Spring because of the Cherry Blossoms which are usually in full bloom at the end of April and beginning of May. But you have to act fast, they are only here for a two weeks!

Summer

I know that summer in New York City can be really really unpleasant, sticky, and unbearably hot but it can also be a wonderful time to have your Summer wedding. Summer means outside dining and al fresco reception dinners for your guests under a white tent with strings of twinkle lights. Beautiful glowy sunsets to create epic wedding photos to remember forever. Summer is not usually a busy season for weddings so you might be able to book your favorite wedding photographer if your date is still available.

Fall

Fall is probably the busiest wedding season of all in New York City because the beauty of the Fall foliage is truly breathtaking. You and your entire wedding party will be comfortable taking photos outside in some of NYC’s iconic locations from Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace to the steps of the New York City Public Library. Cocktail hour can usually still be had outside on a rooftop or patio if your venue has one available. If you are looking to have a Fall wedding in NYC, I would reach out to your potential wedding photographer as soon as you can because those dates book the fastest!

Winter

To be honest, I do not photograph a lot (or any!) winter weddings in New York City. My season typically ends anywhere from October to mid-November but of course, some couples love the Winter and prefer a winter wedding.

Best New York City Wedding Venues if You Love Photos

Rainbow Room

One of the most iconic New York City wedding venues ever created! This wedding venue sits atop the 65th floor at Rockefeller Plaza and can seat up to 300 of your closest guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows that give you sweeping views of NYC’s breathtaking skyline. The dance floor rotates, and the windows are covered with crystals that illuminate the reception space at night. There is a rooftop bar, and access to the private balconies, and couples get access to Top of The Rock too!
> See more wedding photos at The Rainbow Room

The Foundry

In the heart of Long Island City, is where you’ll find the foundry. It’s a mix of metal and greenery making it a truly unique wedding venue. It has an incredible ivy-covered courtyard where you can have your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or a tented (or not!) reception. Guests are treated to close-up views of the Queensboro Bridge while they dance outside. The Foundry has several additional spaces that clients can use including the Greenhouse, the Terrace, and Billiards Room.
> See more wedding photos at The Foundry

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

It’s hard to imagine that this majestic botanical garden is in the heart of Brooklyn. It is one of my all-time favorite wedding venues! The garden flowers and trees rotate throughout the year so if you were to get married in June, you could visit the rose garden for your photos, or if you chose April, you could get married in the Cherry Blossoms Esplanade. They have two wedding venues on site - The Palm House for large weddings and The Atrium for more intimate celebrations. I’ve photographed weddings at both venues and they are both spectacular!
> See more wedding photos at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

620 Loft & Garden

Sitting on the top of a high-rise building in Rockefeller Center you will find the most incredible hidden treasure of a wedding venue, 620 Loft & Garden. It’s hard to believe that this perfectly manicured private garden is a place you can get married. It’s a smaller venue for up to 100 or so guests but truly spectacular. Having your wedding ceremony outside overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the skyline all around you is truly jaw-dropping!
> See more wedding photos at 620 Loft & Garden

“I love that Jainé is so organized and detail-oriented, but more importantly, I love that she is sweet, funny,
and managed to make my husband and I feel like we have known her for ages.” - Kelly & Jared

The Essex House

A classic New York City ballroom for a classic New York City black tie wedding. The crystal chandelier and painted murals give this NYC staple its undeniable charm. It’s found across the street from Central Park making it the perfect wedding venue to walk right across the street to take all of your wedding photos. Couples can also get ready in one of their terrace suites that give you elevated and uninterrupted views of the park.
> See more wedding photos at The Essex House

Tribeca Rooftop

Found in the heart of Tribeca, the Tribeca Rooftop is a wedding venue with plenty of views! Couples can get married outside on the rooftop or inside the venue which is great for having a built in plan b (aka. it rains!). Cocktail hour flows through the inside and outside and guests are treated to up-close-and-personal views of the Freedom Tower. Also, Tribeca is a great spot for wedding photos and couples can stay close at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.
> See more wedding photos at Tribeca Rooftop

501 Union

One of my all-time favorite wedding venues in 501 Union. It’s located in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn and a quick ride from the City. It’s a modern wedding venue with metallic wallpaper and blue velvet built-in couches. Couples can get married in the atrium which has a ton of natural light and then enjoy cocktail hour in the bar before moving into the main area for their reception.
> See more wedding photos at 501 Union

The Loeb Central Park Boathouse

Located in the very heart of Central Park, you will find the Central Park Boathouse wedding venue. It recently had a massive renovation bringing the iconic venue up to date. It’s the only venue seated right next to the Central Park lake overlooking the famous Bow Bridge. Couples can rent paddle boats for their portraits and create some pretty incredible wedding memories. It’s the ultimate NYC Wedding Venue!

Liberty Warehouse

Do you want sweeping views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the background of all of your wedding photos? Then the Liberty Warehouse located in Red Hook, Brooklyn is perfect for you. This renovated warehouse is the perfect wedding venue for large weddings with 300+ guests. Couples can get married outside on the patio with Lady Liberty in the background. Sunset weddings are truly spectacular here!

Brooklyn Winery

Are you a wine lover and enjoy good food in an intimate setting? Then Brooklyn Winery will be perfect for you and your spouse-to-be. This quaint venue located in Williamsburg is one of my all-time favorite venues to photograph weddings. Couples can get married in the atrium with the live green wall creating a beautiful backdrop or choose to simply have their reception in the space. The food and wine are truly delicious making your wedding guests will remember.
> See more wedding photos at Brooklyn Winery

The River Cafe

Sitting under the Brooklyn Bridge tucked away behind a private garden, is where you find one of the top-rated restaurants in all of New York City. This floating restaurant is known for its menu but also for its unparalleled views of the skyline. This venue is perfect for smaller more intimate weddings for couples who want a more high-end luxury feeling to their wedding.

The Bowery

One of New York City’s chic hotels is also one of the best wedding venues in the city. Sophisticated, classy, and refined dining for you and your guests. You can have your event on The Bowery Terrace or Gemma Wine Room for smaller weddings.

want to learn more about our photography services? we’d love to hear from you!

Wedding Venues Close to New York City

Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club

This is a hidden GEM in New York State. This venue can host your outside ceremony under the canopy of trees, an open-air cocktail hour in the garden, and a tented wedding reception all on the property. This is one of my favorite wedding venues and I absolutely loved working here!
> See More photos from Valley Rock Inn & Moutain Club Here

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

A short 30 minutes drive out of the city you will find one of the best restaurants and wedding venues at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Farm to Table and located in the Hudson Valley. The grounds include an outside cobblestone courtyard, the cutest farmhouse, and plenty of secret gardens to take your wedding photos. Dining at Blue Hill is truly a worldly and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
> See more wedding photos at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Wave Hill

Located in the Bronx, Wave Hill is known for its incredible private gardens, lush estate, and fine dining. Guest can overlook the Palisades and Hudson River. Couples can host their rehearsal dinner here and have their wedding at another venue too. Making the possibilities for an unforgettable weekend possible!

The Roundhouse at Beacon

Located in upstate New York, The Roundhouse at Beacon is truly a modern wedding venue with everything going for it. From the small town vibes to open floor plan wedding ceremony and reception space, access to the waterfall - it truly has everything you are looking for.

“I honestly felt like I was chatting with a lifelong friend, and I knew I wanted her by my side on our big day.” Luisa + Rich

Featured New York City Weddings

Here are several of my favorite New York City weddings from my previous real clients. I hope they help inspire you!
click on an image to view more photos

want to learn more about our photography services? we’d love to hear from you!

Interested in Engagement Photos in New York City?

Your Engagement photos happen after you are officially engaged - Yay! Engagement Photos are an incredible way to get to know your wedding photographer, build your rapport, trust, and learn how to be comfortable in front of the camera. I always encourage my clients to include Engagement Photos with their wedding photography.

New York City has several unique and one of kind locations for engagement photos.

Click to visit my favorite locations for your engagement photos.

Jainé Kershner Photography: NYC Wedding Photographer