NYC’s Top 10 Luxury Wedding Photographers for 2025

Planning a wedding in New York City sounds so thrilling! But let’s be honest — it also feels stressful at times. I mean, there’s so much to decide: the venues, florals, décor, guest list, and dresses. Among all this, finding the right luxury wedding photographer is also important. After all, these are the people who will capture the joy, nerves, and all the tiny in-between moments that you’ll treasure long after the last dance.

The real challenge is that NYC is packed with world-class photography talent. Prices can vary widely (luxury photographers here often start around $8,000–$15,000 and go up from there), and every photographer has their own signature style. That’s where this guide comes in. Editorial-style portraits or candid documentary photography? Whatever your preference is, read till the end, and you will find the right direction. 

Top 10 NYC Luxury Wedding Photographers to Book for Your Big Day

I’ve rounded up 10 of the best luxury wedding photographers in NYC right now, complete with their strengths, standout features, and what kind of couple they’re the best fit for. So, without any further ado, let’s get to the list:

1. Dave Robbins

There’s a reason Dave Robbins Photography is a favorite among New York couples: his photos feel real, emotional, and cinematic all at once. Dave specializes in capturing the little in-between moments with an editorial touch. For example, the tear your dad tries to hide, the laugh you share with your bridesmaids, the quiet glance between you and your partner when no one else is watching – his lens captures what the eye sometimes misses. Couples often say that Dave feels more like a friend than a photographer. He’s approachable, calming, and makes you forget the camera is even there, which is why his photos look so natural.

Best for you if: You want wedding photos that feel authentic and candid, but still polished and luxurious enough to hang on your walls. You can check his portfolio to see how he makes every emotion well-seen.

Fun Fact! Dave and his work has been featured in outlets like The Knot, Brides, New York Magazine, and praised for making clients feel like they’re with a friend.

2. Jose Villa

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and swooned over wedding photos that look like they belong in Vogue, chances are you’ve seen Jose Villa’s work. His style is all about soft, romantic light with that unmistakable fine-art film feel. Wondering why couples love him? Jose doesn’t just take pictures; he creates art. His wedding photographs are painterly, timeless, and utterly elegant. He’s also known for being CALM AND REASSURING on a hectic wedding day — a huge plus when nerves are high. I mean, it’s your wedding and only you get to throw a little tantrum, here and there. 

Best for you if: You’re planning a luxury NYC wedding and want every image to look like it could grace the pages of a magazine.

3. KT Merry

KT Merry brings her background in fashion photography to the wedding world. This means her couples get editorial-quality photos that still feel natural. She’s also a go-to choice for destination weddings, so if you’re mixing NYC with a weekend in Capri, she’s the one to call. Couples love her because she has a knack for making be and look like the very best version of themselves: GLAMOROUS YET APPROACHABLE.

Best for you if: You want that jet-set, fashion-forward vibe, but also value storytelling that feels true to your relationship.

4. Christian Oth

Christian Oth is practically a New York institution when it comes to luxury wedding photography. His studio has covered countless high-profile city weddings and is known for blending photojournalism with polished editorial portraits. His team is also highly respected, which means you get a consistent experience no matter which photographer you book through his studio. Christian’s style is refined and versatile. He knows how to get that dramatic, magazine-worthy shot, but he’s equally talented at capturing natural, emotional moments.

Best for you if: You’re planning your big day to be a black-tie Manhattan affair and want photographs that balance sophistication with authentic emotions.

5. Susan Stripling

Susan Stripling has been photographing weddings for over two decades, and it shows in the mastery of her work. With a theatre background, she has a flair for capturing drama, emotion, and movement. Susan is always praised for both her breathtaking photos and how she manages a wedding day. She’s organized, kind, and makes you feel completely at ease in front of the camera.

Best for you if: You’re drawn to bold, artistic photos and want a photographer who can manage a high-energy wedding day with grace.

6. Emma Cleary Photo & Video

Emma Cleary leads a talented team of photographers and videographers who specialize in capturing NYC weddings with a fresh, editorial eye. Booking her studio means you can seamlessly bundle both photo and video, at that too with a guarantee of high-end results. Couples rave about the consistency of the team’s work and how easy the process is. They handle big events smoothly and deliver photos and films that feel cohesive and professional.

Best for you if: You want a one-stop shop for both photo and video, with a reliable team that knows how to handle New York venues inside and out.

7. Rivelle Media

Rivelle Media is a boutique NYC studio known for their bold, modern, and full of energy wedding photography portfolio. Their signature style blends fashion sensibility with documentary for photos that exude both contemporary magic and timelessness. Their team has an eye for detail. From the texture of your gown to the sparkle of your venue lighting, they document it all. Couples often say their wedding photographs look like a blend of a fashion shoot and a heartfelt family album.

Best for you if: You’re a couple that loves a little edge and wants your wedding photos to feel sleek, modern, and dynamic.

8. Sarah Lord Photography

Sarah Lord has been making waves in the NYC wedding photography scene, especially for smaller weddings and elopements. Her style is intimate, candid, and film-inspired. So, she’s perfect for couples who want something personal and heartfelt. Sarah has a gift for putting people at ease, and it shows in her photos. Her galleries feel like a collection of meaningful little moments stitched together beautifully.

Best for you if: You’re planning a boutique wedding, elopement, or city hall ceremony, and you want a luxury wedding photographer to preserve the emotional depth of the day.

9. Ruby Olivia

Ruby Olivia brings warmth and nostalgia to her work. In fact, she often shoots with a mix of film and digital to create photos that feel both timeless and modern. Her wedding photographs are loved for being light, romantic, and full of soft tones. Ruby has a relaxed, approachable style in her work as well as in communication. You won’t ever feel being forced or even the slightest of pushy persuasion with her. 

Best for you if: You love the dreamy look of film photography and want your wedding gallery to feel like a love story you can step back into.

10. Ben Lau Photography

Not every couple wants heavily posed portraits… and that’s where Ben Lau shines. His style is energetic and full of life; he covers the chaos, laughter, and tears exactly as they happen. Ben makes even the most camera-shy people feel comfortable. His galleries are full of movement, joy, and authentic moments of weddings. 

Best for you if: You want wedding photos that are full of life. Less posing, more movement… actually, real moments you’ll cherish forever.

A Quick Recap of NYC’s Best Luxury Wedding Photographers
Photographer	Best For Couples Who…
Jose Villa	Want dreamy, fine-art film photos with a timeless, painterly feel.
KT Merry	Love fashion-forward, editorial images and possibly plan destination celebrations too.
Christian Oth	Are hosting a black-tie NYC event and want high-end portraits with authentic emotion.
Susan Stripling	Crave bold, dramatic imagery and a photographer who manages wedding-day chaos with ease.
Dave Robbins	Want candid, emotional storytelling that feels natural yet cinematic.
Emma Cleary Studio	Prefer a polished, full-service team that can handle both photography and videography.
Rivelle Media	Are modern and stylish, seeking a fashion-inspired yet energetic look.
Sarah Lord	Plan intimate weddings or elopements and want heartfelt, candid storytelling.
Ruby Olivia	Love the dreamy, romantic feel of film with warm, nostalgic tones.
Ben Lau	Want fun, candid, high-energy coverage with little posing and lots of real moments.

Even with this list, you might still be wondering: “But how do I know which one is right for me?”. Other than the photography style or their reputation, you ought to focus on other factors too. So, I’ve got some more suggestions for you ahead.

Tips for Choosing Your NYC Wedding Photographer

Now that you’ve got 10 amazing names to explore, here are a few tips to help you decide who’s “the one”. Keep these pinned to your mind and make your research smoother and more successful.

• Look at full galleries. Highlight reels are beautiful but can be deceiving too. So, always ask to see complete weddings shot in NYC venues similar to yours.
• Think about your venue. A photographer who has shot at your location before may know the lighting quirks and best backdrops.
• Decide what style you want. Is it posed, editorial portraits? Candid documentary coverage? Or a mix of all?
• Consider personality fit. You’ll spend your entire wedding day with this person. Therefore, make sure you feel comfortable around them.
• Check the details. Ask about turnaround time, pricing, packages, second shooters, and albums. Luxury photographers usually offer heirloom albums worth the investment.
• Book early. The best photographers in NYC get booked 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak weekends. Make sure you do that too to avoid any booking hassle. 

So, Have You Decided on a Wedding Photographer Yet?

Well, New York City has no shortage of talented luxury wedding photographers. The key is finding the one whose style and personality match your vision. Whether you’re after Jose Villa’s dreamy fine-art film look or Dave Robbins’ natural, heartfelt style, make sure your choice ticks other boxes as well. Price, your comfort level, and their personality must align with you. After all, it’s your big day, and you don’t deserve to deal with any inconvenience.

Remember! When you look back at your wedding photos 10, 20, or 50 years from now, you won’t just see images. In fact, they become joy, laughter, and love all over again. And that’s worth every penny.