10+ Best Hotels in NYC for Getting Ready on Your Wedding Day
A lot goes on before your actual wedding ceremony even starts. You’ll most likely spend hours getting hair and makeup done, hanging out with your bridal party, and hopefully taking some fun photos! But this is NYC and not all rooms are created equally. In order to make sure you have the best possible day ever, here are some tips for starting it out right.
Make sure there is PLENTY of natural light in the room. This makes a world of difference in your images and ensures you get the best possible results.
Pick a hotel style that goes with your aesthetic. Nothing throws off the look of your full wedding gallery more than a hotel with bright green carpet and dated wallpaper when your wedding vibe is modern and minimalistic.
Try to have all bridal details together before the photographer arrives. This includes the dress on a cute hanger, all your jewelry (including wedding bands!), your shoes, bouquet, invitation suite, vow books, or anything else you want documented.
Keep all bags, snacks, and any trash to one side of the room. Mostly we’ll be taking pictures near the window or on the wall directly across from it if there is enough light. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve spent the first 20 minutes just cleaning up!
Allow more time than you think you need. Hair and makeup often runs overtime, especially if it’s more than just you getting ready. It’s much better to be safe than rushed.
RELAX and have FUN!! There’s absolutely no reason to stress during this time. You’ve found the one for you and get to start the rest of your life with them today. This is going to be the best day ever!
Now you might be wondering, “where are these magical places for getting ready?” Well lucky for you, we’ve made our way around the town more than a time or two and have compiled a list of our favorites. There’s everything here from budget-friendly finds to luxury accommodations, so there’s sure to be something perfect for you.
Updated 3/9/2022
The Andaz - Located on 5th Ave just across from the New York Public Library, the Andaz has plenty of options for big rooms with floor to ceiling windows. Some of which even have balconies; a rarity to find in midtown. But the location truly is the winner here, as it’s easy to get to a wedding anywhere in Manhattan.
Ink 48 - This hotel is great for anyone getting married on the west side. It’s newly renovated with floor to ceiling windows to let in a ton of natural light. As a bonus, it’s a Kimpton property, meaning it’s ultra pet friendly. Pet beds included!
Bryant Park Hotel - With modern interiors and minimal furniture, this central located hotel is the perfect neutral backdrop for getting ready photos. Plus, you get a nice view overlooking Bryant Park.
Hotel 50 Bowery - This hotel has some fun, modern interiors and great views of LES. Plus, it’s not too expensive. But if you are willing to spend a little more their Manhattan Suite is not only full of light, but also has a huge terrace for you to enjoy.
Mr C Seaport - The rooms at this brand new luxurious hotel offer large spaces with neutral colors, floor to ceiling windows, and great views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Many even offer large terraces which are perfect for some bridal party photos pre-ceremony.
The Ludlow - While the basic rooms may be very small, they offer lots of loft rooms with stylish furnishings and terraces. It’s in a great location in downtown Manhattan with easy access to many venues.
Hyatt Centric - Formerly another hotel under the Andaz brand, the Hyatt Centric re-opened at the end of January 2022 following its closure during the pandemic. I was so happy to see this place return, as it’s one of my absolute favorites for getting ready. This place has some of the biggest rooms in NYC. Even their regular rooms are large enough if you’re just getting ready with a couple people. But their suites are huge with plenty of space to layout everything hair & makeup needs for a full bridesmaid squad.
Conrad Hotel - Overlooking the Hudson River, this Battery Park hotel offers not only great views, but spacious suites. All of their rooms offer both a living and bedroom so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a place for the whole bridal party to get ready.
The Bowery Hotel - This hotel defines luxury. The beautifully designed rooms, floor to ceiling windows, and overall neutral palette make for a perfect backdrop. Many rooms also offer a great view over the Lower East Side.
The Assemblage - This downtown hotel offers lots of light-filled modern spaces with some of the most photogenic hotel rooms we’ve seen. Because these are also available for long-term rental, they tend to be larger and more welcoming.
1 Hotel Central Park - Much like their sister property in Brooklyn, the 1 Hotel Central Park is gorgeous. The rooms are thoughtfully designed and splurging for a room really goes a long way here. Plus, many of the rooms offer a beautiful view over Central Park.
Ace Hotel - The Ace Hotel in Chelsea is the epitome of minimal, unique, and modern design. While their smallest rooms might only leave room for you, they have upgraded spaces to make room for everyone.
Equinox Hotel - Built as a new part of Hudson Yards, this hotel extension of Equinox is exactly what you’d expect. It’s ultra modern, mostly black and white aesthetic is great for some timeless photos.
The Beekman - This hotel is insanely beautiful. Not only the guest rooms, but the beautiful skylit atrium. Perfect for that timeless look.
Know of a hotel you love that’s not on our list? Leave a comment below. We’re always updating.