New York Athletic Club Wedding Photography and Videography: A Romantic NYC Celebration

We recently had the pleasure of capturing a stunning New York City wedding at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), and it was a day to remember. From the couple’s private residences to the grandeur of their church ceremony and the elegance of the NYAC ballroom, every moment was filled with heartfelt emotion, beauty, and timeless style. Our photo and video team worked seamlessly to ensure every detail of this day was preserved in the most artistic and authentic way possible.

Photographers: Emma and Dimitri
Venue: New York Athletic Club

The day began in true New York fashion, with the bride and groom getting ready at their respective apartments. Emma photographed the bride in her sunlit home, capturing candid moments with family and those precious details that make each wedding unique—her gown hanging by the window, the bouquet resting on a marble table, her quiet smile before stepping into the dress.

Meanwhile, Dimitri was with the groom, documenting the energy and anticipation among friends and family. These behind-the-scenes moments provide such a rich narrative to both the wedding photos and videos, and they’re some of our favorites to capture.

A Traditional Roman Catholic Ceremony with Crowning

The couple exchanged vows in a beautiful Roman Catholic church, with a traditional crowning ceremony that added a powerful spiritual dimension to the day. This part of the wedding holds deep symbolism, signifying the unity of the couple as king and queen of their own household. We were honored to document the reverence and joy in the room—from wide, dramatic shots of the altar to close-ups of the couple during their vows. Our team captured the full ceremony with both still photography and video, preserving the tradition with elegance and care.

Romantic Central Park Wedding Photos

After the ceremony, we made our way to Central Park—an iconic backdrop for NYC wedding photography. We focused our shoot around Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, one of the most romantic and recognizable spots in the park. With its historic stone staircases, arched passageways, and lush greenery, the area offered countless opportunities for beautifully framed shots. The soft, diffused afternoon light gave everything a natural glow, while our team used off-camera flash where needed to subtly enhance each frame without overpowering the ambiance. We made sure to include a variety of romantic portraits and wide shots to showcase the location’s beauty.

New York Athletic Club Wedding Reception

From Central Park, we headed to the New York Athletic Club, a sophisticated and historic venue located right off Central Park South. With views of both the park and the Manhattan skyline, the NYAC is one of our favorite NYC wedding venues—especially for couples seeking an elevated, timeless atmosphere in the heart of the city. The exterior of the building offers great texture and urban charm, and we took advantage of the evening light to capture a few romantic street-level portraits before heading inside.

Once inside the NYAC, we photographed the couple in the grand lobby, which features stately columns, dark wood accents, and old New York elegance. It was the perfect setting for more formal portraits before the couple made their way to the reception.

Rooftop Views and Nighttime Romance

One of the highlights of the evening came later in the night when we snuck away with the couple for a quick photo session on the NYAC’s rooftop. With sweeping views of the city and a quiet, intimate vibe, the rooftop offered a peaceful contrast to the lively celebration happening below. These photos have a dreamy, cinematic quality, combining the dramatic night sky with the city lights twinkling in the background.

The NYAC’s ballroom is nothing short of spectacular. With its soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and golden architectural details, it provides a luxurious space for both photography and videography. Though the lighting inside the venue is relatively low, we made full use of ambient light for a warm, atmospheric feel, combining it with our signature off-camera flash techniques to ensure every image was well lit without losing the venue’s natural glow.

Capturing Every Moment: Photography and Videography

Our team handled both the photography and wedding videography for this event, which allowed us to approach the day as a cohesive unit. When photo and video work together seamlessly, the result is a more complete, polished story. Our videographers filmed every key moment—from getting ready to the ceremony and emotional speeches at the reception—always working in sync with our photographers to ensure we never miss a shot.

Why We Love Shooting Weddings at the New York Athletic Club

• The New York Athletic Club is a prestigious private club founded in 1868, offering luxurious event spaces with panoramic views of Manhattan and Central Park.

• Its ballroom is ideal for elegant, formal receptions and has fantastic acoustics and lighting potential for both photo and video.

• The venue is conveniently located just off Central Park, making it easy to incorporate romantic park portraits into the wedding day timeline.

• With rooftop access and historic interiors, the NYAC provides a wide variety of backdrops for high-end wedding photography.

• The staff is professional and courteous, ensuring a smooth experience for couples and vendors alike.

Final Thoughts

This wedding had all the ingredients for an unforgettable day: tradition, romance, urban sophistication, and joyful celebration. It was a pleasure for our team to document every part of it—from quiet moments at home, to a sacred ceremony, to an all-out dance party in one of NYC’s most exclusive venues.

We’re so proud of how the wedding photos and video turned out and can’t wait to return to the New York Athletic Club for more incredible weddings.

Planning a wedding at NYAC or Central Park? We’d love to help you capture every detail.

At Emma Cleary Photo and Video, we excel in various styles of photography, including traditional wedding photography. This classic style ensures timeless images that beautifully reflect your special day. If you’d like to learn more about this approach, check out our article on traditional wedding photography styles.