Valentine’s Day is a day dedicated to love, so it comes as no surprise that thousands of couples tie the knot on February 14th each year. According to a survey by American Express, a whopping 6 million people are planning or expecting a proposal this Valentine’s Day. If he already put a ring on it, why not get married on the most romantic day of the year? We’ve rounded up the most unique ways to get hitched this week in NYC — these wedding venues are anything but ordinary and are sure to make your special day all the more unforgettable!
1. Take “I Do” to new heights and get married atop the Empire State Building
February 14th is the only day of the year that couples are allowed to wed at the top of the Empire State Building, and not just anyone can tie the knot on the 80th floor of one of the most famous buildings in the world. In order to be among the lucky few, you must write a letter to the building's supervisors. Couples are then chosen based purely on originality. Once chosen, depending on your budget, there are four different wedding packages, ranging from basic to high-end luxury.
To sweeten this already amazing wedding venue, the Roosevelt Hotel is running a special deal this year called "Vows with a View." From February 14 to 15 starting at $295/night, The Roosevelt is offering newlyweds with proof of their ESB ceremony a one night complimentary stay to use on their anniversary. Known as the "Great Dame of Madison Avenue" since 1924, the Roosevelt Hotel is the ultimate combination of historic grandeur and modern luxury. There are many romantic amenities available for brides and grooms, including cozy Mr. and Mrs. personalized slippers and plush robes, rose petal turndown service, and embroidered decorative pilliows. All these extras, along with a friendly and dedicated staff, make this hotel the perfect spot to spend your first night as husband and wife.
2. Walk down the Yellow Brick Aisle and get married on a NYC stage
If you have a flair for the dramatic — or have seen more Broadway shows than you can count — this venue will be music to your ears. On Thursday at 8 p.m., the new off-Broadway musical, “The Wonderful Wizard of Song,” is offering couples the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of saying “I Do” on stage during the performance. The show takes place St. Luke's Theater, not far from the heart of the theater district. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind wedding cost a mere $350 per couple and an additional $69.50 per guest.
Your wedding playlist will be an ode to Harold Arlen, featuring his hit songs such as “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Let’s Fall in Love,” as well as all the classic songs from The Wizard of Oz. The bride and groom will be seated up front, and right before the finale, they will be invited up on stage to be married by a certified New York officiant. As soon as you share your first kiss as husband and wife, the live band will play the oh-so-romantic melody, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and a photographer will capture the beautiful moment for you. Other perks include a group wedding photo, a champagne toast for you and your whole bridal party, and a commemorative certificate.
Grab your ruby slippers and call (212) 246-8140 or go to thewonderfulwizardofsong.com for more information.
3. Renew your vows at "The Crossroads of the World"
This Valentine's Day, The Aruba Tourism Authority is hosting a public vow renewal in Times Square. The ceremony will take place on the iconic Red Steps and will be broadcast live simultaneously with a vow renewal service taking place in Aruba. Captain Arnold, a licensed US Coast Guard captain and wedding officiant, will lead the ceremony at 6 p.m.
Photo Credit: Casey Fachett Photography
Want to know the best part of this event? One lucky couple will win an all-expense-paid trip to Aruba. You must pre-register here by 10 a.m. on February 11 to be entered for your chance to win the five day, four night second honeymoon to Aruba, aka "one happy island."
If you're not renewing your vows but are looking for a fun way to escape the frigid cold with your Valentine, there will also be a heated pop-up beach from 1:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
4. Visit the Heartwalk
Brooklyn-based design firm Situ Studio will be unveiling their "Heartwalk" — a public art installation celebrating Valentine's Day that was inspired by Hurricane Sandy and the love that brings people together during trying times. The Heartwalk was built using boardwalk boards salvaged during Sandy’s aftermath — from Rockaway Beach, Long Beach, Sea Girt, and Atlantic City. The installation is made from two ribbons of wooden planks that lift from the ground to form a heart shaped enclosure. Visitors can enter the installation itself and literally stand in the heart of the greatest city in the world.
The event is free and open to the public. As a girl who grew up and found love in Rockaway Beach, I personally cannot wait for this event. Hope to see you there!
—Mary Gillen
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