top of page
Search

Long Island City Waterfront Park Wedding Photo Guide

3 days ago
6 min read

If you’re planning on capturing wedding photos in Long Island City, the Long Island City waterfront park is such a quiet and gorgeous option. You get a little bit of everything here: Manhattan skyline views, the water, gardens, modern architecture, historic buildings, and quiet paths, giving you the ability to slow down and truly enjoy being together.


I’ve been a romantic photographer in NYC since 2008, and one thing I love about the Long Island City waterfront park is how pretty and cozy it is. You can take a slow walk along the river and stop for photos, grab a drink, or even hop on the ferry. 



Why the Waterfront in LIC is Perfect for Wedding Photos


The waterfront in LIC is perfect for wedding couples who want that NYC vibe without using the touristy locations. You’ll get that iconic Manhattan skyline across the river, but being in Queens means it’s less busy. There are beautiful waterfront paths, gardens, benches, and city architecture that gives you a lot of variety in your wedding photo album.


It’s also a really great option if you already live in Long Island City and want your wedding photos to feel connected to your neighborhood. And if you’re planning a small City Hall wedding or elopement, this can be a wonderful place to celebrate afterwards.



Iconic Photo Locations in Long Island Waterfront Park 


Gantry Plaza State Park


If you’ve been googling waterfront Long Island City photos, you’ve probably already seen photos of Gantry Plaza State Park without even realizing it.


This 12-acre state park sits right along the East River and has some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. The Empire State Building and United Nations are both visible across the water, and the park’s four piers give us plenty of opportunities to feature the water in your photos.



Of course, the gantries themselves are a huge part of what makes this location so recognizable. These restored industrial structures were originally used to load and unload railcar floats and barges, and now they create a really cool contrast with the Manhattan skyline.


There are also really pretty gardens, quaint walking paths, manicured lawns, and a mist fountain so we can add even more variety to your wedding photos.


Gantry Plaza is also home to the famous Pepsi-Cola sign, which is another fun way to add some Long Island City character into your wedding photos. The sign was preserved from the former Pepsi bottling plant and is now an iconic landmark of the waterfront.


One thing to keep in mind is that Gantry Plaza State Park is a New York State Park, so its photography and wedding rules are handled separately from NYC Parks. If you’re planning on having a ceremony or professional photography here, check the current state park guidelines ahead of time. The park specifically lists wedding photo permits through New York State Parks.



Hunter’s Point South Park


Just south of Gantry Plaza is Hunter’s Point South Park, another part of the Long Island City waterfront that is easy to walk to. The two parks are separate, but they have connecting paths so you can walk between them easily.


Hunter’s Point South has a slightly more modern and nature-focused vibe. There are a lot more waterfront paths and marsh areas, including a large overlook that extends over the tidal march. The park also has a permanent installation called Luminescence, which is made up of seven sculptures that represent the different phases of the moon.


This is one of my favorite areas, especially if you want really quaint and cozy waterfront LIC photos. The park also has its own ferry landing, which can be a fun part of the experience if you want to arrive or leave by boat.



LIC Landing


LIC Landing is another really great stop along Hunter’s Point South that can be incorporated into your waterfront session.


The pavilion sits right next to the water and provides some shade, while the surrounding area gives us even more opportunity for those Long Island City waterfront photos. The pavilion was designed as part of the park’s sustainable waterfront infrastructure and includes a roof that provides shade and helps collect rainwater for irrigation.


The Pepsi-Cola Sign


The Pepsi-Cola sign deserves a mention all on its own due to how recognizable it is. The huge red sign was originally installed at a Pepsi bottling plant in Long Island City and was preserved when the plant was destroyed. 


This unique sign is especially fun for couples who want even more variety to their Long Island City waterfront wedding photos. 



Best Time of Year For LIC Waterfront Photos


Sunset is one of the best times for Long Island City waterfront photos. You’re facing west, towards Manhattan, so the skyline and sunset are both in the same spot. And because there are so many different places to walk to along the water, you have lots of options with perfect lighting. 


Spring and summer are especially nice if you want to spend most of your time outside. Fall adds more color into your gallery and winter creates a really romantic, clean look.



Personalizing Your LIC Wedding Photos


The waterfront in LIC gives us plenty of opportunities to personalize your LIC wedding photos. There are nearby coffee shops to grab a cup of joe, or you can stop at a bar for a drink after your City Hall elopement. 


There are also breweries and plenty of places to eat in Long Island City. One of my favorite breweries for photos is Fifth Hammer Brewing Company, which is just a short walk from the Pepsi-Cola sign. We can get some really cool photos and enjoy a sip of fresh beer.


If you’re looking for Long Island City waterfront restaurants, I always recommend Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grille. They have gorgeous views and are more of a "truck" style restaurant, so you're guaranteed to capture some unique photos.


Getting to the Long Island City Waterfront Park


The Long Island City waterfront park is easily accessible by subway and ferry, which makes it convenient whether you’re coming from Manhattan or Queens.


There are ferry landings in Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park, and NYC Ferry currently serves both Long Island City and Hunter’s Point South.


That also gives you a fun option to end your session with. Instead of heading home, you can get on a boat and we can take advantage of ferry photos. Just make sure to check the current ferry schedule before you plan your session around ferry photos in NYC.



Let’s Capture Your Waterfront Long Island City Photos


The Long Island City waterfront park is a great choice if you want very relaxed and cozy NYC wedding photos.


Whether you’re celebrating a City Hall wedding, planning an elopement, or just want a couples portrait session in NYC, we can build a session around what sounds the best for you. Contact me today to start planning your waterfront Long Island City photos.



Frequently Asked Questions About LIC Waterfront Wedding Photos


Where is the best place for wedding photos on the LIC waterfront?

It depends on the look you're going for. Gantry Plaza State Park is great for skyline, gantry, and Pepsi-Cola sign photos, while Hunter's Point South offers more greenery, open space, and nature-focused waterfront views. Both are worth considering for a full waterfront LIC session.

Yes, but because Gantry Plaza State Park is operated by New York State Parks, you'll want to check its current photography and wedding permit requirements before your session. The state park specifically provides information for wedding photo permits.

Potentially, yes. NYC Ferry has stops at both Long Island City and Hunter's Point South, so taking the ferry can be a fun way to arrive, leave, or continue your celebration after photos. Check the current route and schedule when planning your day.

Yes. Long Island City has restaurants, breweries, and other places to grab food or drinks around the waterfront and surrounding neighborhood. This makes it easy to turn your wedding or elopement portraits into part of a full afternoon or evening.

Sunset can be beautiful throughout the year because of the Manhattan skyline views. Spring and summer are great for couples who want to spend more time outside, while fall adds seasonal colour and winter offers a quieter, more minimal look.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page