WEDDING AT LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE
Lotte New York Palace is one of those wedding venues that feels instantly grand and unmistakably New York. Nestled on Madison Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, this world-renowned hotel blends historic Renaissance-style architecture with modern luxury — a combination that makes weddings here feel both timeless and vibrant. From its iconic gated courtyard to its elegant ballrooms, the Palace offers a setting that feels significant without being stiff.
When you arrive, you immediately sense that this is more than just a wedding venue — it’s a place woven into the cultural fabric of the city. With dramatic chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and architectural details that recall the Gilded Age, it’s easy to picture everything from an intimate ceremony in a wood-panelled salon to a grand reception in a room filled with light and history. Located just steps from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, it also gives couples a quintessential Manhattan backdrop that works beautifully in photos.
The core of the Palace’s historic charm comes from the landmark Villard Mansion, built in the 1880s by McKim, Mead & White for railroad magnate Henry Villard. These Renaissance-inspired houses — now part of the hotel complex — are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and were preserved when the larger hotel was developed in the 1970s. This blending of old-world elegance with modern hospitality creates a unique atmosphere for weddings that feels rich in character and story.
My Experience Photographing Weddings at Lotte New York Palace
My team and I have photographed weddings at Lotte New York Palace, and what always strikes me is how many distinct moments this venue naturally creates. From the quiet tension of a first look in the gated courtyard to the celebratory rush of guests entering a grand ballroom, every step of the day feels like it has its own space and energy.
Photographically, the mix of architectural features — from patterned marble floors to soaring ceilings and rich wood details — gives so many layers to work with. Light plays differently in every part of the hotel: soft daylight filtering through the courtyard, warm tones from chandeliers in the ballroom, and quiet reflections in the lounges. It means that whether we’re capturing open-air portrait moments or editorial-style formal images, there’s always a setting that feels natural and compelling.
I remember one wedding where we started portraits in the Villard Mansion’s courtyard just as the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the stone. A few hours later, the reception in the ballroom felt completely transformed under chandelier light — elegant, lively, and cinematic. It’s the kind of venue where real moments feel as beautiful as the backdrop.
Why Couples Love Lotte New York Palace
• Historic architecture meets modern luxury — from the Villard Mansion’s Renaissance details to the hotel’s refined interiors.
• Versatile spaces for different parts of the day — intimate lounges, courtyard ceremonies, or grand ballroom celebrations.
• A quintessential Manhattan location — in the heart of Midtown, steps from iconic landmarks and city energy.
• Rich architectural details that translate beautifully in photos — from chandeliers to ornate ceilings.
• Light and depth in every setting — natural courtyard light, dramatic ballroom ambiance, and warm interior tones.
• Historic presence with personal moments — it feels like your wedding story belongs here.
Lotte New York Palace is the kind of venue where your wedding day doesn’t just look beautiful — it feels meaningful, dynamic, and rooted in place and history.
