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Amanda & Matt

New York City, NY

NYC Sunrise Elopement at Central Park & LIC

Amanda & Matt’s NYC sunrise elopement felt like something out of a quiet love story — unfolding under soft gray skies before the city fully woke. On a misty summer morning, we met at dawn in Central Park, wandered through its iconic paths, and then crossed the river to Long Island City (LIC), where their sweet pup joined us for waterfront photos.

Later that morning, they exchanged vows at Manhattan City Hall — but this session captured the heartbeat of it all. Just the two of them (and their photogenic Pomeranian), savoring the calm before “I do.”

Bride and groom walking hand-in-hand down the grand staircase of Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace during a summer NYC sunrise elopement
Groom kissing bride’s hand on the steps of Central Park during romantic NYC sunrise elopement
Bride and groom seated on Central Park steps, sharing a quiet moment during their NYC sunrise elopement session
Close-up of bride smiling joyfully as groom embraces her during NYC sunrise elopement at Central Park
Couple leaning in forehead-to-forehead beside the ornate stonework of Bethesda Terrace during their intimate NYC sunrise elopement
Wide shot of Bethesda Fountain in Central Park with couple standing at the base during their NYC sunrise elopement
Bride and groom walking together in front of Bethesda Fountain during a romantic NYC elopement morning
Bride and groom holding hands and smiling in front of the Angel of the Waters statue at Bethesda Fountain during NYC sunrise elopement
Couple framed by the arched ceiling and stained glass of Bethesda Terrace in Central Park during their NYC sunrise elopement
Close-up black-and-white photo of bride and groom embracing at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park during their NYC sunrise elopement
Groom smiling at bride while holding her close in front of Central Park’s Minton tile mural during their NYC sunrise elopement
Detail shot of bride’s diamond engagement ring resting on groom’s arm with silver watch during intimate NYC elopement
Black-and-white photo of couple walking arm-in-arm through the arches of Bethesda Terrace in Central Park at sunrise
Romantic kiss shared beneath the arches with Bethesda Fountain in the background during a summer NYC elopement
Dramatic black-and-white dip pose under the tiled ceiling of Bethesda Terrace during NYC sunrise elopement photography
Groom lifts bride joyfully beneath the stone arches of Central Park’s Bethesda Terrace during their sunrise elopement
Couple holding hands on Bow Bridge surrounded by summer greenery during NYC sunrise elopement session
Bride and groom smiling while standing side-by-side on Bow Bridge during a romantic summer elopement in Central Park
Joyful moment of bride laughing as groom leans in during their intimate sunrise elopement on Bow Bridge in NYC
Couple embracing on Bow Bridge during NYC elopement at Central Park. Romantic image of bride and groom sharing an intimate moment on Bow Bridge surrounded by lush summer greenery.
Close-up of couple gazing at each other during Central Park elopement. Candid detail of bride and groom looking into each other’s eyes on Bow Bridge in Central Park, NYC.
Wide shot of couple on Bow Bridge during Central Park elopement. Artistic full-bridge view of couple standing in the center of Bow Bridge over the lake, framed by rich green trees.
Close-up of bride’s silk dress and groom’s hand on Bow Bridge. Detailed photo of groom’s hand resting on bride’s waist, showing the open back of her white silk elopement dress.
San Remo towers reflected in lake during Central Park elopement. Scenic view of San Remo building reflecting in The Lake at Central Park, a quiet moment before the elopement session.
Groom lifting bride for kiss near San Remo during Central Park elopement. Joyful moment of groom lifting bride near the water’s edge with iconic San Remo buildings in the background.
Black and white elopement portrait near San Remo in Central Park. Timeless black and white photo of couple laughing together during their New York City elopement.
Couple walking hand in hand beside lake in Central Park. Bride smiling as groom helps her step onto a rock, framed by greenery and lake reflections in Central Park.
Couple walking with dog under umbrella at LIC waterfront. Romantic black and white photo of couple with their Pomeranian under a clear umbrella on a rainy NYC morning.
Bride and groom walking along LIC waterfront with skyline view. Candid image of couple holding their dog while walking under an umbrella, with the Manhattan skyline in the distance.
Bride and groom smiling under a clear umbrella with their white Pomeranian during a rainy NYC elopement at Gantry Plaza State Park
Couple gazing at each other while holding their dog under an umbrella with the Manhattan skyline in the background during their LIC elopement
Close-up of a joyful Pomeranian held by bride and groom under a clear umbrella during a rainy Long Island City wedding portrait session
Couple walking hand in hand along the LIC waterfront with their Pomeranian after their rainy New York City elopement ceremony
Bride and groom smiling at the camera while holding their dog along the Gantry Plaza promenade with NYC skyline behind them
Romantic umbrella moment for bride and groom in front of the iconic Long Island sign during their Gantry Plaza State Park elopement
Newlyweds strolling along a rainy pier in Long Island City during their NYC elopement with Empire State Building in the background
Bride and groom walking away under a clear umbrella along the boardwalk at Gantry Plaza with the Manhattan skyline in the distance
Black and white portrait of couple walking arm in arm under an umbrella with NYC skyline during their rainy LIC wedding day
Bride holding Pomeranian while sharing a kiss with groom under a rain-speckled umbrella on their New York City elopement day
Groom in navy suit and bride in sleek white dress kissing under a clear umbrella with their fluffy white dog at Gantry Plaza during their NYC elopement
Romantic black-and-white photo of couple walking arm in arm on a rainy NYC pier with the Manhattan skyline in the background
Wide view of couple walking along Gantry Plaza boardwalk with the Empire State Building and NYC skyline behind them
Couple stands under umbrella at Gantry Plaza Pier looking out over the East River toward the Manhattan skyline during NYC elopement
Rainy day kiss under a clear umbrella with Manhattan skyline backdrop at Gantry Plaza, captured during NYC sunrise elopement
Elegant black-and-white photo of couple walking under an umbrella on Gantry Plaza Pier, NYC skyline faded in background
Detail shot of couple walking side by side on wet wooden boardwalk during NYC rainy elopement session, focused on outfits and movement
Close-up of bride’s white heels on rain-soaked pavement during NYC elopement
Joyful candid moment of bride and groom embracing on courthouse steps near Manhattan City Hall during their NYC elopement
Artistic black-and-white close-up of couple’s romantic embrace at the base of a grand courthouse column in NYC
Bride and groom laughing while holding hands beneath historic columns outside Manhattan City Hall
Couple walking hand-in-hand under stone archways at NYC City Hall during their romantic elopement
Blurry romantic street view of bride and groom crossing a downtown Manhattan road during their NYC elopement

How Amanda & Matt Made Their NYC Sunrise Elopement Personal

Amanda is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and moved to New York over seven years ago. It’s here that she met Matt — and their connection is instant and easy.

With a wedding celebration planned in Brazil later this year, they wanted to honor their life together in New York. This NYC sunrise elopement gave them space to slow down and soak in the joy of the moment.

Central Park & LIC: Dreamy NYC Elopement Photo Locations

Amanda had a clear vision: an editorial yet relaxed session that felt like them. She chose Central Park for its iconic romance and LIC for its personal meaning — it’s where they live, walk their dog, and build a life together.

We started just after sunrise at Bethesda Terrace. From there, we strolled toward Bow Bridge and The Mall, capturing soft, candid moments along the way.

Next, we headed to LIC’s Gantry Plaza and Hunters Point. This peaceful waterfront neighborhood offers stunning skyline views and quiet charm — especially beautiful on a rainy morning.

Embracing the Rain

By the time we arrived at LIC, the rain had started to fall — gently and steadily. Instead of rushing or rescheduling, Amanda & Matt embraced it.

Their umbrella became a sweet prop, and the light drizzle made every image feel cinematic. Amanda later told us she loved the LIC photos more than the ones from Central Park — a beautiful reminder that imperfect moments can become favorites.

Their Pomeranian joined us here too, bringing energy and warmth. If you’re including your dog in your session, LIC is one of the most pet-friendly elopement locations in NYC.

Final Stop at City Hall

After a quick outfit change and pup drop-off, we met Amanda & Matt outside Manhattan City Hall for a few final portraits. These frames felt full-circle — the legal moment that sealed what the morning had already made clear.

They didn’t need a big audience or grand venue. Their NYC sunrise elopement was heartfelt, beautiful, and deeply intentional.

Planning Your Own NYC Elopement?

If you’re considering a NYC sunrise elopement — whether it’s Central Park, LIC, Dumbo, or somewhere personal — we’d love to help you tell your story.

Our approach blends artistic direction with honest storytelling. We capture the real stuff: glances, laughter, and the in-between moments that linger long after the day ends. Inquire Here →

Couple embracing beneath the arched stained glass window at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park during their NYC sunrise elopement

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April 2, 2025

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