New York Winter Elopement

Joanne & Viktor

For Joanne and Viktor, a New York winter elopement allowed them the freedom to create a wedding to fit them…a relaxed, stress free day where they could simply focus on each other. This was made all the more special as they married on Joanne’s 50th birthday (she looks amazing)!

Being a second marriage for both of them, Joanne and Viktor decided to dispense of the traditional marriage format and opted for a New York Winter Elopement. Even though they didn’t have a crowd, the couple still incorporated lots of special touches and personal details into their wedding day. Joanne wore a gorgeous cocktail dress and Viktor looked the part in a smart suit with a great pair of stripy socks. In true New York style the couple hired a limo and married in New York City Hall. This was followed by an intimate reception dinner at the award winning Battello, which offers a offers a postcard view of the Manhattan skyline.

As Joanne is a wedding planner in Cyprus, she used her skills to organise their New York elopement. I found Joanne’s tips about communicating with suppliers to be extremely useful advice. It’s so important to factor into your wedding abroad planning that different cultures will have a different way of working.

We Chose a Wedding Abroad Because…

We are both divorced, so second time round and we are both older (47 for Viktor and 50 for me).

We Chose our Wedding Destination Because…

We were going to go away for my 50th birthday and New York was suggested so we thought why not get married whilst we are there!

Our Wedding Day Vision…

Very simple – no stress – with different and nice surroundings.

How we Planned…

I am a wedding planner here in Cyprus so it was quite straight forward. I searched on Facebook to see if there were any NYC bride groups and then researched on the internet for all the information.

The Biggest Advantage of Having a Wedding Abroad…

It was stress free, casual  and no guests.

The Biggest Challenges of Planning Were…

I found that NYC suppliers didn’t reply to emails which is quite frustrating due to the time differences – they want you to phone them – which is also quite costly from Cyprus.

My Advice…

Lots of research, check YouTube for advice and videos.

I Wish I Had of Known…

The traffic in NYC – so make allowances for the timings, I would have done everything an hour earlier.

Our Ceremony…

It was a civil ceremony lasting about 3 minutes. You have to go to the clerk’s office to complete all your paperwork, and then 24 hours later you can go back to the office to marry. There is a ticket system, so take a ticket and wait until your number is called.

Our Reception…

We had our small reception at a beautiful restaurant called Battello– its the Newport Yacht Club and Marina Pier, New Jersey and was recommended to us by a friend.  I contacted them via email and they were very helpful. We were able to book 3 months before the date – so I contacted them then. It was perfect with soaring ceilings, amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, great food and wonderful staff – highly recommended.

On the Day…

Woke up around 7.00am – as it was my 50th Birthday – opened cards and presents then had breakfast in the Deli next door.

10.00am – hair at a salon in Times Square and a taxi back to our hotel.

We collected flowers from reception and then had a limo to collect us at 1.00pm.

Due to locations and traffic we had photos in Central park first, then onto the marriage bureau for 2.30pm and after waiting and paperwork married at 3.45pm.

At approx 4.00pm we left the bureau to go in the limo to our reception – lots of traffic so a journey of over an hour (without traffic it would have been 10 mins).

My favourite Part of the Day…

The whole day was great from start to finish.

Unique Ideas…

We had a beautiful ring box and a couple of signs made to hold up saying 50 today and just married.

How we Transported our Wedding Attire…

In our hand luggage and a suitcase.

Home Celebrations…

We are had a small party in Cyprus on our return for a few close friends – with a delicious Cypriot meze – drinks and Cypriot music.

Final Piece of Advice…

Enjoy every minute as it goes so fast.

The Perfect Partners:

City Hall Wedding Photography: Very easy to deal with – starting correspondence in January 2016, we paid monthly via a link on his web page.

Big Apple Florist: Corresponded via e-mail and met with them the day before the wedding to choose the flowers which were beautiful. Paid in full before going to NY and delivered to the hotel.

Star Dust Limo: Corresponded via email and then via phone – booked this limo as no one else of the several I contacted responded to my emails.

Battello: Contacted them via email and they were very helpful and we were able to book 3 months before the date.

Ceremony Venue:  City Hall New York

Like Joanne, my husband and I also planned our own wedding abroad. If you’re thinking of doing the same…I know you will find loads of help and tips in our Weddings Abroad Guide Community. It’s a private Facebook Group for couples getting married abroad and wedding professionals.

Find Wedding Suppliers in New York!

Looking for great wedding suppliers to help you plan a New York Winter Elopement? To make things a little quicker, click on one of the boxes below, tell me what you’re looking for…and the suppliers will then get in touch with you…simple and easy!