In a city known for its energy and glamour, it takes something truly exceptional to feel private and personal. For couples planning a stylish, high-end wedding in New York, exclusivity is everything. Whether it’s a venue with private entrances, limited bookings per year, or stunning views hidden from the public eye, these exclusive NYC wedding venues are where privacy meets perfection. Here are seven of our favorite spaces—each offering timeless beauty and a sense of seclusion—captured masterfully by Emma Cleary Photo & Video
The Pierre, A Taj Hotel
For old-world elegance with an unmatched address, The Pierre NY delivers privacy, service, and sophistication. Overlooking Central Park from Fifth Avenue, the hotel offers exclusive salons for weddings—including the iconic Rotunda and the grand Cotillion Room. The venue provides discreet, private entrances for VIP guests and rarely hosts more than one event at a time, ensuring your wedding feels like a red-carpet affair. The attentive Taj service, sweeping views, and French Renaissance architecture make this a favorite for luxury brides seeking refinement and romance.
The Skylark
High above Midtown, The Skylark is an intimate rooftop lounge offering panoramic views from the Empire State Building to the Hudson River. While many NYC rooftops are shared with bars or open to the public, The Skylark offers private event bookings with complete venue buyout. This ensures exclusivity for your celebration, with access to both indoor and outdoor spaces—including a glass-enclosed lounge, wraparound terraces, and a private bridal suite. Ideal for smaller, stylish weddings, it’s a sleek venue that offers both privacy and a wow factor.
The St. Regis New York
A wedding at The St. Regis is nothing short of regal. With just a few select weddings hosted each year, the hotel offers the highest level of privacy, including dedicated entrances and private use of the Versailles Room and rooftop ballroom. Every corner whispers luxury—from hand-painted ceilings to silk-covered walls. Their butler service ensures no guest lifts a finger, and with Emma Cleary’s team capturing the details, the results are breathtaking. For couples wanting total seclusion and timeless European elegance, The St. Regis is the definition of elite.
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
This hidden West Village gem is one of NYC’s most romantic—and private—venues. Housed in a historic carriage house, this intimate restaurant is available for full buyouts only, offering exclusive use of its candlelit dining rooms, exposed brick walls, fireplaces, and private garden. Known for its rich history (rumored to be Aaron Burr’s former residence), it accommodates smaller guest lists with grace. If you dream of a wedding where every moment feels like a scene from a classic film, this is your spot.
The River Café
Tucked beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, The River Café is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets. Its waterfront location offers some of the most iconic skyline views in the city—yet it remains blissfully tucked away from the bustle of Manhattan. The space is available for private weddings, with elegant dining rooms, a piano bar, and lush seasonal floral displays that feel more countryside estate than city restaurant. Its strict dress code, Michelin-starred cuisine, and event exclusivity make it a dream for luxury-minded couples looking for understated class.
Manhatta
Perched 60 floors above Lower Manhattan, Manhatta is a sleek, modern venue that offers exclusivity in the clouds. With wraparound windows, minimalistic interiors, and a curated event team, weddings here feel cinematic and private. The venue offers full buyouts only, with a dedicated elevator bank and personalized guest experience from the moment guests arrive. Floor-to-ceiling views and thoughtful design make this a favorite for stylish couples wanting an upscale city celebration with a contemporary edge.
Essex House
With its Art Deco design and direct views of Central Park South, Essex House is the epitome of vintage glamour. The South Gate ballroom and adjoining salons offer flexible, exclusive-use spaces where guests can move seamlessly from ceremony to reception without interruption. Because of its historic legacy and premium location, the hotel only hosts a select number of events each season, providing the quiet luxury that discerning couples appreciate. From valet access to five-star suites, the entire experience is elevated—and intimate.
The Metropolitan Club
A wedding at The Metropolitan Club of New York is the epitome of old New York elegance. With its opulent interiors, soaring ceilings, and richly detailed architecture, this private Fifth Avenue club offers an atmosphere of exclusivity and grandeur. Only a select number of weddings are hosted each year, making it ideal for couples seeking privacy and sophistication. From the marble staircase to the gold-accented ballroom, every space feels timeless. With Emma Cleary’s team capturing the day, the result is a refined and cinematic visual story worthy of the venue’s legacy.
The Most Exclusive Wedding Venues in NYC
Exclusivity isn’t about showing off—it’s about creating a space where you and your guests can be fully present, surrounded by beauty, care, and intention. These seven NYC venues offer just that. When paired with Emma Cleary Photo & Video’s luxury photography style, your day will not only be beautifully private—it will be unforgettable.
Planning your own stylish NYC wedding? Contact us to learn more about working with a team that knows how to capture timeless elegance in the city’s most exclusive spaces.
