The Best Elopement Planning Companies in NYC
If you’re looking for the best elopement planners in NYC, you’re in the right place.
New York City is one of the most exciting places in the world to get married. From tucked-away corners of Central Park to skyline views, historic interiors, and fleeting city moments, an NYC elopement can feel cinematic, intimate, and deeply personal.
But once you start comparing New York elopement packages, one thing becomes clear very quickly: elopement companies vary widely in how much they actually handle for you.
Some focus primarily on photography. Others offer simple, standardized packages. A few lean heavily into styling or décor. And then there are planners who quietly take on the logistical weight that most couples don’t realize exists, especially around timelines, permits, and marriage license logistics.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most well-known elopement planning companies in NYC, broken down by photography style, customization and flow, planning simplicity, and whether marriage license assistance is part of the process. We’ll also explain why Cakewalk stands apart as the most complete, white-glove elopement experience in New York City.
Cakewalk
Best for: Couples who want a stylish, editorial NYC elopement with true white-glove support from start to finish.
Cakewalk is a New York–born elopement planning company designed for couples who want their wedding to feel calm, intentional, and well run, without turning it into a production.
Cakewalk’s approach is intentionally hands-on. The team doesn’t just book vendors or suggest locations, they manage the entire flow of the day and the behind-the-scenes logistics that make an NYC elopement actually work.
Photography style
Cakewalk’s photography is editorial and documentary, focused on real moments, movement, and a strong sense of place. Images feel modern and composed without being stiff or overly posed. The city is treated as part of the story, not just a backdrop.
Customization and flow
Every Cakewalk wedding is custom-built around the couple’s priorities, timing, and comfort level. Locations are selected based on light, crowd patterns, and flow, not just popularity. Timelines are realistic and designed to feel unrushed, even within a short ceremony window.
Simplicity and planning experience
Cakewalk is intentionally streamlined for the couple. You’re not juggling multiple vendors, portals, or decisions. Planning feels guided and clear, with the team handling the details that usually cause stress.
Marriage license assistance
This is where Cakewalk truly stands alone. Cakewalk is the only NYC elopement company that fully integrates marriage license assistance into the planning process. The team walks couples through the NYC marriage license step-by-step, helps coordinate timing, and builds it directly into the wedding plan. Nothing is left to guesswork.
Why Cakewalk sets the standard
Cakewalk combines strong aesthetics, logistical expertise, and white-glove care in a way that’s rare in the elopement space. It’s not just about how the day looks, but how smoothly it runs and how supported couples feel throughout the process.
Eloping Is Fun
Best for: Couples who want a playful, colorful elopement with bold, expressive photography.
Eloping Is Fun is known for its energetic branding and joyful approach. The experience is centered around celebration and personality, with a strong emphasis on visuals.
Photography style
Photography is vibrant, dynamic, and expressive, often incorporating bold color and movement. Images feel intentional and high-energy, leaning more styled than documentary.
Customization and flow
Elopements are designed to be fun and visually engaging, though the structure tends to follow preset package formats. Flow is generally built around the photo experience.
Simplicity and planning experience
Planning is straightforward and photography-driven. Couples who want a clear, creative direction will feel supported, though logistical elements may require more client involvement.
Marriage license assistance
Marriage license guidance is typically informational. Couples are responsible for securing and managing their own NYC marriage license.
Perfect Wedding NYC
Best for: Couples who want a traditional elopement at a very accessible price point.
Perfect Wedding NYC is one of the most recognizable names in the NYC elopement world, largely due to its affordability and simple packages.
Photography style
Photography is clean and traditional, focusing on posed moments and recognizable NYC landmarks. The style prioritizes documentation over artistic direction.
Customization and flow
Packages are largely standardized, with limited customization. The experience is efficient and predictable, which works well for couples who want something simple.
Simplicity and planning experience
The process is straightforward and budget-friendly. Couples who are comfortable following a preset structure will appreciate the clarity.
Marriage license assistance
Marriage license information is provided, but couples are responsible for completing the process themselves.
Dare to Dream NYC
Best for: Romantic, styled elopements with a curated aesthetic.
Dare to Dream NYC focuses on intimate, pop-up ceremonies that feel visually cohesive and romantic.
Photography style
Photography leans soft and romantic, with attention to details, florals, and styled moments. Images often feel gently posed.
Customization and flow
Elopements are curated around a specific look and feel. Customization is primarily visual, with less flexibility around structure or flow.
Simplicity and planning experience
The bundled approach makes planning easy for couples who want everything designed for them aesthetically.
Marriage license assistance
Couples receive guidance, but the marriage license process is handled independently by the couple.
Simply Eloped
Best for: Couples who value efficiency, structure, and remote planning.
Simply Eloped is a national elopement company with a strong tech-forward planning system.
Photography style
Photography varies by location and photographer but is generally consistent and straightforward, with an emphasis on coverage.
Customization and flow
Packages are standardized, with add-ons available. The experience is efficient but less tailored to NYC-specific nuances.
Simplicity and planning experience
The online dashboard makes planning easy, especially for out-of-town couples who want clear steps.
Marriage license assistance
Marriage license instructions are provided, but the responsibility remains with the couple.
One Wedding House
Best for: Couples who are highly photography-driven.
One Wedding House is known for its cinematic, editorial imagery and bold visual storytelling.
Photography style
Highly stylized, dramatic, and photojournalistic, with a strong editorial edge.
Customization and flow
Customization centers around photography. The experience works best for couples who prioritize visuals over logistics.
Simplicity and planning experience
Planning is photography-led and may involve more coordination on the couple’s side.
Marriage license assistance
Marriage license logistics are not typically part of the planning scope.
Ok, so here’s what’s up.
Every NYC elopement company listed here offers something valuable, whether that’s affordability, visual storytelling, playful energy, or streamlined booking.
But for couples who want:
A truly New York–specific experience
Editorial photography that still feels natural
A calm, guided planning process
And full marriage license support built directly into the plan
Cakewalk offers the most complete elopement experience in NYC.
It’s white-glove service, without the pretense. Thoughtful planning, without the overwhelm.
And when your wedding day feels smooth, intentional, and fully taken care of, it really should be a cakewalk. Hit us up.