I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Cheap Flights to the Big Apple

Finding affordable flights to New York City can seem daunting, but with some strategic planning, scoring budget airfare to the Big Apple is very doable. As one of the world's most visited cities, NYC is served by all major U.S. airlines and budget carriers, so there are ample opportunities to find deals, especially if you're flexible on timing.

While peak seasons like summer and holidays are most expensive, shoulder seasons in spring and fall offer temperate weather and lower airfares. Flying midweek is generally cheaper than weekends too. Signing up for airfare deal alerts and monitoring sales from carriers like Delta and JetBlue can help spot promotions in advance.

Another tip is looking at alternative airports farther from Manhattan. Newark and LaGuardia tend to be more expensive, while flying into Westchester County Airport north of the city or Long Island's Islip Airport can slash fares, though factor in added transit costs. Securing separate one-way tickets is another strategy, as is mixing and matching different airlines.

Exploring nearby hub cities like Boston, Washington D.C., or Philadelphia and then taking Amtrak or the bus into NYC is cost-effective too. I've found $29 one-way bus tickets from D.C., making the total trip cost under $100 roundtrip. It just takes a bit longer than flying directly.

Don't limit yourself to U.S. gateways either. Budget airlines like Level, JetBlue, and Norwegian Air offer affordable nonstop flights to New York from major European cities like London, Paris, Madrid and Rome, especially in low season. One-stop itineraries through Iceland on carriers like Icelandair or WOW can be very cheap too.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Finding Affordable Accommodation in the City That Never Sleeps

With lodging one of the biggest expenses for travelers, securing budget-friendly digs is key to keeping costs down for an intimate NYC elopement. While Manhattan hotels can eat up a big chunk of any couple’s wedding budget, there are myriad ways to uncover affordable stays if you know where to look.

Avoiding peak seasons like summer is a good start, along with targeting less touristy outer borough neighborhoods. Areas like Long Island City in Queens or Williamsburg in Brooklyn offer hotel rates 25-50% cheaper than Midtown, yet are just a quick subway ride from all the action. Hostels are another obvious option, with well-located spots like the Jazz on the Park Hostel in Harlem or Q4 Hotel in Lower Manhattan boasting private rooms from around $100 a night.

Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are ripe for deals too. Entire apartments can be had for under $150 per night in cool Brooklyn enclaves like Bushwick and Crown Heights or in Upper Manhattan neighborhoods like Washington Heights. Just be sure to factor in cleaning fees. Shared room listings with other travelers can dip below $60 for budget backpackers.

For short weekend stays, daily hotel deals sites like Hotwire offer last minute unsold inventory at big discounts if you’re spontaneous. I’ve booked 4-star Midtown hotels for under $150 on weekends, half the normal rate. Members-only opaque booking sites like Priceline’s Express Deals reveal locations after booking.

Checking hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy for point redemption options is another hack, letting you trade accumulated points from credit cards or past stays for free award nights. Off-peak dates can cost as little as 5,000 points per night.

Outside Manhattan, properties near transit in Queens neighborhoods like Long Island City and Astoria offer great value too, putting you just a single subway stop from Midtown on the N, W or 7 trains.

Finally, connecting with locals on hosting forums and listing sites to snag their extra space is an adventure travelers love. You get insider access plus often pay below normal rental rates. Try trusted platforms like Couchsurfing, Roommate Holidays or Airbnb’s social stays.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Eating on a Budget: NYC's Best Cheap Eats

When envisioning a New York City elopement, thoughts of ritzy restaurants and extravagant wedding meals likely come to mind. However, the Big Apple offers a smorgasbord of mouthwatering cheap eats too, perfect for couples sticking to a shoestring budget. From authentic ethnic fare to classic NY snacks, eating well doesn't have to drain your wallet.

One of my favorite budget bites are NYC's ubiquitous food carts and trucks doling out everything from hot dogs and falafel to barbecue and tacos for just a few bucks a meal. They're on practically every corner, provide a fun street food experience, and give you a taste of the city's diversity. Join the queue at cult favorite The Halal Guys for platters piled high with chicken, gyro meat and rice under $10.

Another beloved cheap NYC chow is pizza. No matter where you're staying, you're never far from a piping hot slice. Inferno Pizza with outlets across Manhattan and Brooklyn consistently impresses. A plain cheese will only set you back around $3. For a fun foodie adventure, join the line snaking down the block at legend Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. Their meticulously crafted slices are considered the city's best.

Bagels – the classic NYC breakfast staple – also come cheap, with most going for under $1.50. Pick up a bundle at Ess-a-Bagel or Absolute Bagels. Pair it with a coffee from ubiquitous outlets like Dunkin' Donuts or McDonald's for an easy morning meal under $5 total.

Ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Curry Hill offer heaping portions of delicious authentic cuisine at budget prices. Simply strolling and grabbing whatever tickles your fancy makes for an epic eating excursion. For cheap tacos and Latin flavors, bushwick taqueria Los Hermanos is a favorite.

Lastly, don't forget about NYC's Jewish delis and diners, which dish up monster sandwiches and stick-to-your-ribs plates perfect for splitting. Kossar's Bialys on the Lower East Side churns out amazing bagels and bialys from their old-school kitchen. For killer pastrami, Katz's Delicatessen is a classic. By avoiding alcohol and sticking to water, you can eat very well in NYC for under $15 per person per meal.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Getting Around NYC Without Breaking the Bank

Navigating the Big Apple as an out-of-towner can quickly devour your elopement budget, but it doesn’t have to. With a bit of prep and research into transportation options, couples can conquer the city without breaking the bank. Getting around efficiently is vital to keeping costs down.

While cabs might seem the obvious choice, they can rack up expenses fast, with metered fares starting around $2.50 plus surcharges and tips. Most rides within Manhattan cost $20-40. But armed with the right apps and transit know-how, you can sidestep pricey taxis.

Mastering the extensive subway and bus network is a must for all budget-minded travelers. At just $2.75 per ride (with unlimited free transfers), the NYC Metro transports millions daily to every corner of the city and beyond. Purchase a 7-day Unlimited Metrocard for $33, valid on all subways and local buses. Schedules are frequent and stations are conveniently located. Despite the crowded commute, it really is the fastest and cheapest way to get around.

When your feet need a break, hop aboard NYC's public buses plowing down the boroughs' main thoroughfares 24/7. Use Google Maps to plot routes and pickup locations. Exact change is required, so be sure to stock up on $1 coins and quarters.

Walking as much as possible maximizes sightseeing too. NYC is an ambulator's paradise, from Central Park rambles to High Line Park strolls. Equipped with Google Maps, savor getting purposefully lost down fascinating side streets and neighborhoods. Wear comfy shoes!

Another wallet-friendly option is NYC's bike share program, Citi Bike. You can pickup rented bikes at stations across Manhattan and Brooklyn for just $3.50 per 30 minutes. Pedaling around town or biking across the Manhattan Bridge to Brooklyn saves transit costs. Bring your own helmet and ride safely.

Lastly, don't overlook NYC's ferries as an inexpensive alternative to pricier cruises and charters. The NYC Ferry serves the boroughs for just $2.75 per ride, often providing unparalleled skyline views. Lines connect Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. It’s scenic, cheap and keeps you off the subway.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Low-Cost Activities for Couples in New York City

With endless attractions and experiences beckoning from every corner, it's easy to blow through your NYC elopement budget on activities alone. But insider knowledge and research uncovers loads of low-cost gems for couples, letting you soak up all the magic of the Big Apple without going broke.

One of my favorite cheap thrills is taking in stunning skyline views from Brooklyn Bridge Park along the East River waterfront. Strolling hand-in-hand admiring postcard panoramas of the Manhattan skyline makes for an unforgettable romantic moment without spending a cent. Nearby Jane’s Carousel in the park offers rides for just $2 a pop.

Speaking of views, heading up to Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center costs less than the more famous Empire State Building, with unobstructed vistas arguably even better. Tickets start at $38, often less online. Time your visit at dusk to watch the city lights flick on as dusk falls.

Many of NYC's top museums also offer pay-what-you-wish hours, meaning you can visit world-class institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or American Museum of Natural History for as little as $1. Just be flexible on timing. Other cultural venues like MoMA PS1 in Queens and El Museo del Barrio in East Harlem are donation-based.

Taking advantage of free events and performances is another way to add festive fun without draining your wallet. Summer in NYC delivers free outdoor movies, concerts and theater in parks across the boroughs. Check event listings websites for upcoming happenings.

Between April and October, Bryant Park behind the New York Public Library hosts free activities almost daily, from yoga classes to live music and dance lessons. In Central Park, you can catch free shows at the Delacorte Theater's Shakespeare in the Park series too.

Many standup comedy joints like the Comedy Cellar and New York Comedy Club have free or cheap open mic nights where you can enjoy up-and-coming talent try out new material. Improv comedy shines at the Magnet Theater's $7 shows.

For quirky only-in-NYC experiences, join the accordion-accompanied crowd at late-night East Village piano hotspot Marie’s Crisis or head to the West Village’s Duplex for riotous drag queen karaoke nights with just a 2-drink minimum. Both deliver huge fun on the cheap.

Of course, people watching in legendary public spaces like Washington Square Park, Central Park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park provides endless – and free – entertainment as well. Pack a picnic lunch or snacks to savor as you spot characters across the city's diverse, eclectic crowds.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Finding an Inexpensive Wedding Venue in NYC

Unearthing an economical wedding venue is essential for couples tying the knot in NYC on a budget. Sky-high costs can torpedo plans in a heartbeat, but creative thinking unlocks beautiful, affordable locations hidden in plain sight.

To avoid pricing sticker shock, first banish visions of swanky hotels and ritzy event halls. These cater to the 1%, with fees routinely topping $15,000 just for the space. Instead, consider restaurants. Their dining rooms morph into atmospheric settings after hours, usually for much less. A favorite is Bacchus in Midtown, whose elegant vine-draped patio and dining room host ceremonies for around $2,000. Nearby Cantina Rooftop Mexican eatery offers similar deals.

Another option - explore private event spaces atop non-hotel buildings around town. Settings like The Venue Manhattan way west above the Hudson River provide panoramic backdrops for a fraction of the price of Central Park views. Public parks themselves are also an option, though permits must be secured well in advance.

Don't overlook NYC's plethora of unique museums and galleries either. The Museum of the City of New York can accommodate 50 seated guests in its picturesque Victorian garden for just $2,500. In Brooklyn, the BRIC Arts loft space starts around $1,000. The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum offers airplane hangar chic too.

For a quirkierDIY approach, scoped out bars and restaurants without event packages but with the right vibe and size room. Negotiating directly with the owner or manager often unlocks one-off deals. I know a couple who hosted their ceremony and reception at a cozy East Village tavern for just the cost of food and drinks.

Scour Airbnb for charming apartments and lofts large enough to host your nearest and dearest as well. Rental fees will be a fraction of traditional venues. But be mindful of noise and guest restrictions if it's a private residence. Rooftops work great!

Avoid peak Saturdays too - Friday and Sunday dates typically offer huge savings. Brunch and lunch celebrations also cost less than evening dinners at most restaurants. Keeping the guest list intimate helps enormously, as does opting for simple, seasonal menus over surf and turf extravaganzas.

If your budget just doesn't stretch far enough, remember that holding the legal ceremony separately from your reception gives you options. Get officially hitched at City Hall for under $100, then throw a casual BBQ or pizza party afterwards with friends. It's all about celebrating your love, not keeping up with the Joneses.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Celebrating Intimately Without Going Over Budget

Keeping the guest list tight is one of the most powerful ways couples can curb costs for their NYC elopement without sacrificing the magic. This intimate approach translates into big savings across the board. For hotels, focus on rooms, apartments and vacation rentals that comfortably sleep just two as opposed to large groups. Sites like Airbnb unlock deals under $100 per night for perfectly charming love nests all over the city.

Opting for cozy restaurants that offer private dining rooms or customizable event packages for 20-30 people also saves enormously compared to cavernous venues. Milling about with close friends and family creates a palpable warmth money can't buy. Bepick eateries in your couple’s favorite neighborhood that capture the authentic NYC vibe you’re after. Ask about custom menus inclusive of food, drink, tax and tip to simplify budgeting.

Keep the ceremony short and sweet too. Lavish hours-long affairs raise costs exponentially. The marriage license application itself at the City Clerk's Office only takes half an hour and runs just $35. Have an intimate dinner or cocktail party afterwards in the restaurant or apartment where you’re staying. Pitch in and craft budget-friendly decorations yourselves for added meaning.

Another area to pare back is attire. Lavish designer gowns and bespoke tuxedos break the bank. Instead, browse sample sales and thrift shops for secondhand steals. Fall bridal shows offer deep discounts on last season’s dresses too. And photo-worthy suits abound for under $200 at department stores. Etsy offers no shortage of Elopement apparel from independent designers as well.

Holding the celebration during brunch or lunch slashes per head costs for food and drink. Mimosas or Bloody Mary's pair deliciously with eggs and bagels too. For dinner, keep the menu simple - luxury ingredients like lobster and filet mignon, multiple courses and elaborate cakes boost budgets fast. Opt for family-style platters, pizzas, pastas and unforgettable NYC classics like bagels, hot dogs and tacos.

Forgoing a traditional photographer for an enthusiastic friend with a DSLR or iPhone and Instagram filters provides images with a fun, casual feel at a sliver of the price. For music, create a couples’ playlist on Spotify. And email digital invites through Paperless Post to trim printing costs. Little personal touches like writing vows and decorating add joyful memories.

I Love New York: A Brit Couple's Intimate NYC Elopement on a Shoestring Budget - Making Magical Memories in NYC for Less

New York City dazzles couples with its starry skyline and heartbeat rush. But enjoying all its magic on a shoestring means embracing the art of the splurge – consciously choosing a few memorable experiences over packing days with back-to-back big-budget activities.

Pick something uniquely NYC that captures your imagination and lean into it fully. Maybe that’s seeing a Broadway show for a fraction of the usual cost by entering the day-of-performance lottery for Hamilton tickets. Show up at the Richard Rodgers Theatre box office when it opens to enter the $10 lottery, then grab a celebratory slice of NY pizza if you win.

Or perhaps it’s finally making time for the Staten Island Ferry, which provides jaw-dropping closeup views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan skyscrapers absolutely free during its 25 minute harbor cruise. Bring beer from the bodega to toast along the way.

Wandering the bucolic Brooklyn Botanic Garden costs just $15 admission on weekdays, providing a blissful green escape from the urban bustle. Pack a simple picnic and relax under the cherry blossoms in this under-touristed gem.

At night, join the crowds gaping at Times Square's neon overload. Grab discounted Broadway tickets at the TKTS booth before enjoying discounted happy hour drinks at one of the area's diners or bars. It's touristy but irresistible.

Another of my favorite only-in-New York thrills is riding the Cyclone, the rickety wooden rollercoaster that's thrilled Coney Island daredevils since 1927. Tackling its crazy twists and turns never gets old. Reward your courage with a Nathan's Famous hotdog after.

In the East Village, drop by McSorley's Old Ale House, where Abe Lincoln once drank and dust hangs thick in the air. Order a plate of cheese and crackers to accompany two frothy mugs of the house brew for under $10 total. It's history you can taste.

Or take the subway up to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for an authentic taste of Little Italy's past amid brick tenements and cafes. Snack on cannolis and scandalous gossip.