Top NYC Catholic Churches for Weddings
Top NYC Catholic Churches for Weddings
As a NYC wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of documenting ceremonies in some of the most breathtaking Catholic churches in the city. These sacred spaces aren’t just places of worship — they’re rich in history, awe-inspiring in design, and incredibly photogenic.
As a Catholic bride myself who walked down the aisle of a beautiful church not too long ago, I know firsthand how deeply meaningful it is to be married in the sacred space of a Catholic ceremony. There’s something incredibly powerful about exchanging vows surrounded by stained glass, soaring arches, surrounded by your loved ones, and centuries of tradition. When my husband and I began planning our wedding, finding the right church—one that felt both spiritually significant and visually beautiful—was at the top of our list. Now, as a wedding photographer, I get the honor of capturing those same sacred moments for my couples.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the most stunning Catholic churches in New York City that offer not only a reverent ceremony setting but also unforgettable imagery you’ll treasure for a lifetime. These are some of my favorite churches to capture timeless, reverent moments in.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The grandeur of St. Patrick’s Cathedral never fails to take your breath away. With its soaring Gothic arches, intricate stained glass, and iconic Fifth Avenue facade, it’s one of the most visually striking backdrops for a Catholic ceremony in the entire country. From a wedding photographer’s perspective, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is nothing short of majestic. It is iconic. Its sheer scale and grandeur create an awe-inspiring atmosphere that elevates every moment of the ceremony. It’s a place where tradition and visual storytelling meet seamlessly, and the resulting images are always powerful, elegant, and unforgettable.
My photographer tip:
Photographing a wedding here is an experience in itself — the long, dramatic aisle, and the cathedral’s iconic status make every frame feel timeless. Make sure to have your zoom lenses ready since the Cathedral does not allow photographers to get too close to the altar. Be mindful of tourist foot traffic before and after the Mass if you plan outdoor portraits. In most cases, portraits inside the church are not allowed due to the back-to-back wedding ceremonies.
Church of St. Ignatius Loyola
Elegant and refined, the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola is an Upper East Side gem that features detailed frescoes, towering columns, and perfect symmetry. Its intricate ceiling details and warm, golden light creates an atmosphere that feels both majestic and intimate. The symmetry of the space makes for beautifully composed ceremony shots, and the rich textures — from marble floors to gilded altars — add a layer of depth and sophistication to every image. It's the kind of church where every frame tells a story of timeless beauty and sacred tradition.
My photographer tip:
Natural light floods in through the high windows during afternoon ceremonies, so plan your timeline accordingly for that romantic glow.
St. Paul the Apostle Church
St. Paul the Apostle Church is one of those hidden gems in NYC that completely takes your breath away the moment you step inside. From a wedding photographer’s perspective, it’s a dream to capture — the neo-Gothic architecture, stunning murals, and intricate stonework provide a dramatic yet deeply reverent setting for a Catholic ceremony. What I especially love is how the warm, directional light pours in through the stained glass, casting a soft, romantic glow across the pews — it creates a truly ethereal atmosphere for portraits and ceremony candids alike. It’s a space that elevates every image while honoring the sacredness of the sacrament.
My photographer tip:
The church’s layout offers beautiful symmetry, but there is no balcony access for aerial shots. No flash required here! The church had excellent, clean, non-tungsten lighting on the altar.
St. Jean Baptiste Church
St. Jean Baptiste Church is one of the most visually striking churches in New York City, and from a wedding photographer’s perspective, it’s an absolute treasure. The French and Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture creates a romantic, old-world ambiance, with intricate ceiling frescoes, gilded accents, and a domed sanctuary that feels straight out of Europe. The lighting inside is beautifully soft and golden, especially during afternoon ceremonies, casting a warm glow that flatters both the couple and the ornate details of the space. Its dramatic interiors offer endless opportunities for artistic composition — from sweeping wide shots of the sanctuary to intimate close-ups framed by arches and stained glass. Every time I photograph a wedding at St. Jean Baptiste, the result is a collection of images that feel regal, timeless, and deeply sacred.
My photographer tip:
The balcony is hands down the ideal spot for the second (or third) photographer during most of the ceremony, offering stunning overhead views that beautifully capture the full scope and emotion of the moment.
St Peter's Roman Catholic Church
St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in New York City is a remarkable place to be married, especially from a wedding photographer’s perspective. As the oldest Catholic parish in New York, it carries a deep sense of history and reverence that adds a meaningful layer to every image. The church’s timeless architecture, with its stately columns, warm interior tones, and traditional altar, creates a classic and elegant backdrop for a sacred ceremony. Nestled in the heart of Lower Manhattan, St. Peter’s also offers a beautiful contrast between old-world tradition and the energy of the city just outside its doors — a juxtaposition that translates into truly unforgettable wedding imagery.
My photographer tip:
No flash required! The natural light that filters through the tall arched windows enhances the intimacy of the space, making it ideal for capturing those moments between a couple and their loved ones without the distraction of flash.
Why I Love Photographing Catholic Church Weddings
When you choose to be married in one of NYC’s Catholic churches, you’re stepping into a tradition that’s as visually powerful as it is spiritually meaningful. As a photographer who also got married in a Catholic Church, it’s truly an honor to capture these sacred moments for my couples and to already have an understanding of the gravity of the ceremony.
If you’re still deciding on your ceremony location or need help planning your photography timeline around your Mass, I’d love to help guide you. These moments deserve to be documented with care, and I’d be honored to do just that. Inquire here to learn more about working together or view my luxury wedding portfolio.