Where to Host Your NYC Elopement Dinner or Wedding Party
A Photographer’s Guide to the Best Restaurants to Celebrate With Your People
Above: Intimate Wedding Reception Details of Montesacro Restaurant
After photographing dozens of city hall weddings and intimate celebrations, one thing always stands out: where you gather after the vows is just as meaningful as the ceremony itself. It’s where you exhale, pass around plates, and bask in the glow of being married—with your chosen people by your side.
Whether you're looking for cozy and candlelit, vibrant and vibey, or something that feels like your abuela’s kitchen with a twist, NYC has something for you.
Below are some of my favorite spots where couples have laughed, cried, toasted, and recharged—with space to truly be yourselves.
Restaurants I’ve Worked With
Above: Front Floral Arrangement by Studio Rien, inside of F&F Restaurant for a Micro Wedding Celebration
F&F Restaurant (Formerly Frank’s Wine Bar) — Carroll Gardens
A neighborhood gem with a natural wine list that never misses and a warm, unpretentious vibe. It’s perfect for a small group that wants to share plates, sip wine, and feel like they’ve taken over the coziest corner of Brooklyn. You can either book half the restaurant or book both the restaurant and the bar for after party vibes.
This magical place was one of my favorite restaurants to photograph in 2024, it gives elegant and romantic vibes with their soft and candle lighting. It allowed for the couple to have up to 8 tables to fill their guests. A beautiful course meal of some of the greatest food I've ever tasted. This location did a beautiful switch up for the couple between setting up for family dinner and then switching their bar for the after party and friends portion of the celebration. The after party included pizza for every one. with the resturant opening for dancing and mingling with plenty of desserts and pastries to go along.
Perfect for the couples that are looking to expand their celebration with a mix of options for their guests and want to include all the list in one places but perhaps different times.
For a full look review: Jessica & Charles's Blog.
Above: Intimate Ceremony Details inside of Montesacro Restaurant
Montesacro — Williamsburg
Rustic meets refined. Montesacro is one of those rare spaces that feels both beautifully designed and deeply comfortable—like a Roman countryside restaurant tucked into the streets of Brooklyn.
This spot is ideal for intimate groups of under 40 guests and has the option to host both your ceremony and reception, though the layout is a bit more limited for the ceremony portion. In the summer months, the retractable roof lets sunlight pour in, bathing the whole space in natural light. It feels like inviting your loved ones into your own backyard—if your backyard had warm brick walls, artisan pinsa, and impeccable wine.
This is for the couple who wants it all in one spot: a heartfelt ceremony, an elegant yet unfussy meal, and a setting that feels like home.
Above: Intimate Wedding Dinner Party at Vinegar Hill House
Vinegar Hill House — Vinegar Hill
Tucked away on a cobblestone street just steps from the waterfront, Vinegar Hill House feels like a secret you’re glad to share. There’s a softness to the space—golden-hour light, moody corners, and a quiet elegance that invites you to slow down.
It’s best suited for cozy gatherings of fewer than 30 people. The layout lends itself well to intimate toasts, family-style meals, and long conversations—but not so much to late-night dancing or big after-party energy. The downstairs space almost feels like a private wine cellar, full of charm and perfect for couples who want that relaxed, lived-in feeling without sacrificing good design or incredible food.
Restaurants on My Dream List
Celestine – DUMBO
A waterfront venue with one of the most iconic views in the city. Nestled at the edge of DUMBO, Celestine brings together sweeping skyline backdrops, East River breezes, and a modern yet grounded design. Think elegant, glass-lined interiors paired with minimalist decor and thoughtful details.
It’s ideal for couples dreaming of an elevated yet soulful experience—a dinner party that starts with sunset portraits by the water and unfolds into a candlelit evening surrounded by your closest people. Bonus: it’s walking distance to some of the best post-dinner stroll spots in the city.
Frankies 457 Spuntino – Carroll Gardens
An absolute Brooklyn classic. Frankies is warm, familiar, and full of heart. Their private garden feels like it was made for intimate weddings—lined with string lights, leafy greens, and the smell of something incredible coming from the kitchen.
The food is the kind you crave again and again—elevated Italian staples served family-style in a space that feels like your favorite gathering spot. It’s perfect for couples who want a laid-back, joyful celebration that doesn’t skimp on hospitality or flavor.
This is the kind of place that turns a wedding dinner into a memory your guests will talk about for years.
Milk & Roses – Greenpoint
Vintage books, velvet seating, glowing candlelight, and a lush garden patio—Milk & Roses is a romantic dream with just the right amount of edge. It’s full of little corners and soft light, offering the kind of ambiance that makes everything feel like a film still. And TRUST, I will capture this on film.
It’s ideal for couples who love layered textures, old-world charm, and cozy, intentional gatherings. The indoor-outdoor flexibility makes it easy to shift between an intimate ceremony and dinner without ever feeling rushed. If you want your elopement to feel like a literary love story—this is your spot.
Ready to make one of these yours?
Whether you're already eyeing your favorite spot or just starting to dream, I'd love to help bring it all to life. These intimate, thoughtfully chosen restaurants aren’t just beautiful—they’re full of heart, story, and possibility. And I’m here to document it all with care.
Let’s make something beautiful together.
✨ Special Offer ✨
Planning your celebration at Celestine, Frankies 457, or Milk & Roses?
These spots are on my personal dream list—and I’d be honored to document a wedding or elopement there. If you choose one of these venues for your day and book a photography collection, I’ll gift you a complimentary extra hour of coverage, just because I’m that excited to create with you in that space.
This offer is available through the end of the year for 2025 weddings. Let’s make it magic.
