28 City Wedding Ideas That Pay Homage to Your Urban Location

By Chloe Gorman
July 27, 2011
Katie Grant Photography

Play up your metropolitan locale with these details.

Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Elkin Cardona

While many couples love a quiet backyard or garden ceremony, some prefer the hustle and bustle of a city wedding. If you're in the midst of planning an urban event—or are dreaming of one—know that there are plenty of ways to play up your celebration's location. Whether you're throwing your big day in a big city or want to bring a bit of metropolitan life into your wedding's décor, there's a city-inspired wedding idea for you here.

Feel free to incorporate this theme in any capacity—big or small. For those looking for a subtle way to evoke a city vibe on their big day, we suggest setting an elegant tablescape or adding a graphic skyline to your paper goods. If you want to make the most of your urban destination, make like this couple who took to the city streets of New York for their wedding photos. They also brought along a pink smoke bomb for a splash of color and personality.

Even if you're still on the fence about where to have your wedding, we think the following photos from real celebrations will leave you with big-city dreams. From gorgeous rooftop views and iconic landmarks to regal venues in the heart of the city, there's an idea here that's bound to inspire you. To show you what we mean, we've rounded up some of our favorite city wedding ideas—both subtle and obvious. By the time you're finished clicking through, you'll have a better grasp on how to interpret your metropolitan theme.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

City Seating Chart

Kurt Boomer Photography

This couple asked Iron Grace Rentals to incorporate their favorite cities onto this custom seating chart.

3 of 28

Modern Skyline

Kristin La Voie Photography

Ijorere put a modern and moody spin on the Chicago skyline by splashing this invitation suite with navy blue watercolor paint.

Advertisement

4 of 28

Rooftop

Trent Bailey Photography

The 620 Loft and Garden, located on the roof deck of Rockefeller Center, gave attendees a priceless view of New York City's surroundings during this couple's ceremony.

5 of 28

Regal Setting

Rebecca Yale Photography

A city wedding called for a place setting that was dripping in gold, like this one from Casa de Perrin.

6 of 28

Atlanta Skyline

Amy Arrington Photography

Hi Note incorporated the Atlanta skyline on the save-the-dates for this urban event.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Taxi Portraits

Ahmet Ze

This couple took their big-day portraits in a taxi cab after their New York City nuptials.

8 of 28

City Table Numbers

Bonnie Sen Photography

Each table was named after a different city at this reception. To mark each spot, Type A Invitations and Edge Floral Designers worked together to create each stations' numbers.

9 of 28

Candles

Christian Oth Studio

Candles lit up the stairs of the New York Public Library and provided a perfect (and ethereal!) backdrop for wedding photos.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Taxi Details

Jessica Schmitt Photography

To pay homage to the wedding's New York City locale, tiny gold taxi cabs sat on each place setting.

11 of 28

Golden Gate Bridge

Carrie Patterson

You don't have to be in the heart of your favorite city to experience its beauty. Just look to this ceremony. The trees were just high enough to reveal the Golden Gate Bridge—a San Francisco icon.

12 of 28

Welcome Sign

Kristin La Voie Photography

Welcome your guests to your wedding with a sign that nods to your urban location. Ijorere did that here by painting the Chicago skyline on this piece of big-day décor.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Sightseeing

onelove photography

Tying the knot in your favorite city? Make like this couple, who, after exchanging vows at the Julia Morgan Ballroom, wandered through their favorite streets post-ceremony.

14 of 28

Modern Venue

Rebekah J. Murray Photography

While you can bring plenty of your own modern touches to your reception, it helps when your city venue does a lot of the heavy lifting. The Sequoia in Washington D.C. served up major contemporary, urban vibes thanks to their intricate chandeliers.

15 of 28

See-Through Arch

Jose Villa

A wrought-iron ceremony arch elevated this space without obstructing guests' views of the city behind it.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Landmark Backdrop

Katie Grant Photography

This couple visited many New York City landmarks during their elopement—you might want to do the same if you decide to spontaneously marry in a new city—but this photo of them on the steps of the New York Public Library was particularly striking.

17 of 28

NYC Skyline

Cynthia Chung Weddings

Searching for the ideal backdrop for your city wedding photos? These newlyweds found theirs in the iconic New York City vista.

18 of 28

Sail Away

Edward Winter / READYLUCK

The best views of a coastal city's skylines are visible on the water. That's why this couple, who tied the knot in Boston, transported their guests from the ceremony to the reception by boat.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Historical

Adam Barnes

Though they're often the centers of innovation, cities also have so much history—this means your cosmopolitan wedding doesn't always have to feel modern. Take this reception, which took place inside The National Headquarters of the Daughters of the American Revolution, for example. The event's understated décor didn't take away from the property's architecture—which is some of the oldest in Washington, D.C.

20 of 28

Garden

Josh and Dana Fernandez

Although the surrounding greenery and romantic floral arch made this Houston ceremony feel like a secret garden, the skyscraper in the background still brought urban vibes.

21 of 28

Elegant Location

Jessica Lorren Photography

The elaborate columns and lofty ceilings at the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum evoked a high-society, city feel at this couple's reception.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Hometown Ties

Braedon Photography

To bring a bit of New York to their California nuptials, this duo "hailed" an old-fashion taxi cab for their grand exit.

23 of 28

City Lounge

Josh and Dana Fernandez

Guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres and cocktails on a garden patio that overlooked the city of Houston.

24 of 28

Observation Deck

Jen Huang

This daring couple ventured to the "Top of the Rock," located on the top floor of Rockefeller Center in New York City, to snap these one-of-a-kind wedding photos.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Signature Drink Name

Kate Headley

During their cocktail hour, this couple offered Manhattans as an unexpected reference to the Big Apple.

26 of 28

Envelope Liner

Clean Plate Pictures

To drive home the "Old New York" theme of this duo's event, Manifest Events used a vintage map of New York City in the suite's envelope liner.

27 of 28

Gold-Trimmed

Deborah Zoe Photography

These gold-trimmed plates (styled by Les Fleurs!) added a dose of elegance to muted tablecloths that would live up to any upscale city's standards.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

City-Inspired

A Bryan Photo

Although their wedding took place in New Orleans, this duo brought a bit of Paris to their reception with this dessert bar inspired by Laudrée.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Chloe Gorman