February 19, 2025 / Weddings

JW Marriott Essex House Wedding Guide: An Iconic NYC Venue

A timeless New York wedding venue with historic charm, modern luxury, and breathtaking views of Central Park.

Elegant indoor wedding ceremony setup at JW Marriott Essex House, featuring grand chandeliers, floral arch decorations, and a romantic candlelit aisle.

Looking for an iconic luxury NYC wedding venue? JW Marriott Essex House offers a blend of historic charm and modern elegance, making it a sought-after destination for couples planning a sophisticated celebration. Nestled on Central Park South, this venue provides breathtaking city views, stunning ballrooms, and an exquisite bridal suite with a private terrace overlooking Central Park.

As a New York wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing weddings at Essex House, and it remains one of my top wedding venues in NYC.

➡️ View my JW Marriott Essex House wedding gallery to see how this space transforms into a dream setting for your wedding day.

Table of Contents

1 Why JW Marriott Essex House is One of NYC’s Best Wedding Venues
2 Grand Salon: A Stunning Space for Your Reception
3 Petit Salon: A Stylish Cocktail Hour Space
4 Indoor Wedding Ceremonies at JW Marriott Essex House
5 Bridal Suite with a Terrace Overlooking Central Park
6 Best Locations for Wedding Photos at Essex House
7 Luxury Dining & Catering
8 Capture Your Wedding at JW Marriott Essex House
9 Contact Information & Venue Details

Why JW Marriott Essex House is One of NYC’s Best Wedding Venues

Bride in an elegant white gown posing inside the Grand Salon at JW Marriott Essex House, surrounded by luxurious floral decor and chandeliers. Bride and groom on the terrace of JW Marriott Essex House with a view of the New York City skyline.

JW Marriott Essex House is a top choice for couples who want a refined and elegant wedding in New York City. Here’s why:

Prestigious Location: Situated on Central Park South, offering stunning views and easy access.
Luxury Event Spaces: The Grand Salon and Petit Salon provide timeless elegance for ceremonies, receptions, and cocktail hours.
Exceptional Service: The venue’s dedicated wedding team ensures a flawless and personalized experience.
Bridal Suite with a View: A private terrace overlooking Central Park, ideal for getting-ready moments and portraits.

Grand Salon: A Stunning Space for Your Reception

A beautifully set wedding reception at JW Marriott Essex House, featuring grand chandeliers, elegant gold decor, and floral centerpieces in the Grand Salon.

The Grand Salon is the heart of Essex House, offering an opulent setting for wedding receptions. With its dazzling chandeliers, intricate ceiling details, and warm golden tones, this ballroom provides a sophisticated and grand atmosphere.

Capacity: Up to 220 guests
Historic charm: Features Art Deco design with classic New York elegance.
Flexible layout: Ideal for both large and intimate receptions.

Petit Salon: A Stylish Cocktail Hour Space

For a sophisticated and stylish cocktail hour, the Petit Salon serves as the perfect space. This beautifully designed room offers a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere for guests to mingle before the reception.

Ideal for: Cocktail hour and pre-reception gatherings.
Elegant décor: Art Deco styling with soft lighting.

Indoor Wedding Ceremonies at JW Marriott Essex House

A couple exchanges vows during an elegant indoor wedding ceremony at JW Marriott Essex House, surrounded by a bridal party in black attire and floral arch décor.

JW Marriott Essex House provides a stunning indoor ceremony option in the Grand Salon. The ballroom transforms into a romantic ceremony space, with elegant floral arrangements, candlelit aisles, and breathtaking chandeliers overhead.

After the vows, guests transition to the Petit Salon for cocktail hour while the Grand Salon is seamlessly flipped for the wedding reception.

Indoor ceremony space: The Grand Salon provides an elegant backdrop.
Seamless transition: Ceremony-to-reception transformation during cocktail hour.
All-season venue: Perfect for couples seeking an elegant indoor option.

Bridal Suite with a Terrace Overlooking Central Park

Bride and groom embrace on the private terrace of the JW Marriott Essex House bridal suite, overlooking Central Park with breathtaking city views.

The Bridal Suite at JW Marriott Essex House offers a spacious, elegant setting for getting ready. With a private terrace overlooking Central Park, it’s perfect for first looks, portraits, and candid moments before the ceremony. The suite’s natural light and sophisticated décor create a relaxed, picture-perfect atmosphere to start your wedding day.

Best Locations for Wedding Photos at Essex House

Bride and groom share a kiss at the entrance of JW Marriott Essex House, framed by the hotel’s iconic Art Deco signage and floral arrangements.

As a wedding photographer, I always look for the best spots to capture unforgettable moments. JW Marriott Essex House offers some of the most iconic settings in NYC:

Essex House Facade: Capture timeless portraits in front of the venue’s iconic signage.
Grand Salon: Elegant, chandelier-lit ballroom shots.
Bridal Suite Terrace: Overlooking Central Park for breathtaking portraits.
Central Park: Just steps away for classic NYC wedding photos.

Bride and groom standing on a rock in Central Park with the NYC skyline in the background, capturing a romantic wedding moment near Essex House.

Luxury Dining & Catering

Essex House provides a world-class dining experience, with a talented culinary team crafting exquisite wedding menus. Couples can customize their dining options to reflect their tastes, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for their guests.

Custom wedding menus: Tailored to each couple’s preferences.
Signature cocktails & fine wines: Available for receptions and cocktail hours.
Plated or buffet-style options: Versatile catering selections.

Capture Your Wedding at JW Marriott Essex House

Bride and groom sharing their first dance at JW Marriott Essex House wedding reception under a grand crystal chandelier. Bride and groom celebrating their wedding afterparty at JW Marriott Essex House, toasting with champagne and embracing in the elegant hotel lobby.

Your wedding at Essex House deserves to be beautifully documented. With its opulent ballroom, Central Park views, and classic NYC charm, this venue provides countless stunning photo opportunities.

If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to capture the elegance of Essex House, let’s connect and discuss how I can help make your wedding memories unforgettable.

Contact Information & Venue Details

The Grand Salon at JW Marriott Essex House elegantly set for a wedding reception, featuring crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and floral centerpieces.