Wedding at Rainbow Room GUIDE
Website: Rainbow Room
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York, NY 10112
(212) 632-5000
The Rainbow Room is one of those wedding venues that feels unmistakably New York — both historic and breathtakingly cinematic. Perched on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, this legendary event space has been a symbol of glamour since it opened in 1934 and continues to be cherished for its sweeping skyline views, Art Deco elegance, and timeless sophistication.
Walking into the Rainbow Room, you’re immediately struck by how the architecture and views work together. Towering windows frame panoramic vistas of the Manhattan skyline, crystal chandeliers glint overhead, and the soaring space feels both grand and intimate at once. Whether you imagine an elegant reception with city lights twinkling behind you, a cocktail hour overlooking iconic New York rooftops, or a first dance beneath that domed ceiling, the venue naturally elevates every moment.
Originally designed by architect Wallace K. Harrison and interior designer Elena Bachman Schmidt, the Rainbow Room opened as part of the Rockefeller Center complex and quickly became one of the city’s most glamorous destinations. For decades it was known as a spotlight on luxury social life, hosting elaborate dinners, music, and celebration. Since reopening as a private event venue, it has preserved that legacy while becoming a standout choice for weddings that feel both classic and deeply personal.
My Experience Photographing Weddings at the Rainbow Room
My team and I have photographed weddings at the Rainbow Room, and what always strikes me is how the space itself becomes a storyteller. The moment you step out onto the 65th floor, the skyline becomes part of the scene — it doesn’t just sit behind you, it feels alive in every image. The light here changes beautifully throughout the day: soft and airy before sunset, then rich and warm as city lights begin to sparkle, giving portraits a sense of depth and mood that feels genuinely editorial and emotional.
The architectural detail — from the elegant Art Deco design to the famed revolving floor and magnificent lighting — gives photos a cinematic quality that’s hard to recreate elsewhere. One wedding I remember had sunset portraits with the skyline behind the couple, then a reception where friends and family danced as night fell and the city glowed beneath us. It wasn’t staged, but it felt like a story unfolding, beautifully and without effort. Because the views are so strong and the interior fills with character, capturing both candid and formal moments feels organic — the space doesn’t compete with people, it supports them.
Why Couples Love the Rainbow Room
• Sky-high panoramic views — 65 stories up with arguably some of the best skyline backdrops in the city.
• Historic Art Deco elegance — a venue with genuine character and architectural depth that feels timeless.
• Versatile spaces — from the iconic main room to adjacent lounges and Bar SixtyFive for ceremonies, receptions, or after-parties.
• Perfect light for photography — expansive windows and changing city light give both editorial portraits and candid moments beautiful dimension.
• A sense of occasion — the venue feels significant, giving weddings an elevated energy without feeling distant.
• Unforgettable backdrop for celebrations — the city below isn’t just scenery; it feels part of the emotion and narrative of the day.
The Rainbow Room isn’t just a venue with a view — it’s a place where your wedding feels like a moment in New York history, a backdrop that makes images feel cinematic, meaningful, and genuinely memorable.
