Traveling to NYC
If you are flying into New York City, we recommend flying into JFK, Newark or LaGuardia Airport. If you are coming from Rochester, JetBlue usually has the best rates. You can also take Amtrak to New York Penn Station, which conveniently connects to many subway lines. Be sure to download an MTA subway map or use HopStop to plan your subway travel.
If you decide to drive into the city, please be aware that you may hit significant amounts of traffic entering and driving within the city, so be prepared. We suggest driving at off-peak times and avoiding the tunnels/bridges into Manhattan. If you want specific driving directions, feel free to email Stephen. (Also, if you're driving and are willing to help pick up or transport anything to the wedding site on the day-of, please let us know - we're looking for volunteers!)
We STRONGLY recommend arriving in the city on Friday night, since we're having a Saturday morning wedding and none of the airports or transit hubs are especially close by.
For more information on getting to and from the Alice Austen House, see the Directions page.
Where should I stay in NYC?
This is the big question we're getting from out-of-towners, and the good news is there are lots of options!! It really depends on how you want to spend the weekend. Here are our recommendations for the three most convenient boroughs:
Brooklyn: For the most convenient access to the wedding venue, after-party AND touring around New York City, we recommend staying in Brooklyn. The Downtown Brooklyn Sheraton Hotel has great train access to Manhattan, reasonable rates, and is only a 20-30 minute drive/taxi ride to the wedding site. Importantly, it is a reasonable walking distance from the after-party at 61 Local. That means on Saturday night you can cut loose, do some dancing and have some drinks without worrying how you're going to get back to Staten Island at the end of the night!
Note for drivers: The Sheraton has nearby self-service parking for a $35/night fee. If you drive from the hotel to the wedding venue, also be prepared for a $15 bridge toll to Staten Island (no toll on the return to Brooklyn). We recommend leaving the car at home, if you can, and carpooling or sharing a cab to the wedding site! We'd be happy to connect you with other folks in the area who will be going the same way.
Staten Island: If you want to be as close as possible to the wedding venue on Saturday morning, or if easy car parking is a high priority, then we recommend staying on Staten Island. There are a couple of cute B&Bs nearby, like the Victorian Bed & Breakfast (Note: space is very limited, so book early). Another good option is the Staten Island Hampton Inn, which is 15 minutes from the wedding venue and has a free shuttle service to the Staten Island/Manhattan ferry. Note for drivers: This is your best bet, parking-wise. For sight-seeing, take the ferry into the city.
Manhattan: There are endless options to stay in Manhattan, but many are expensive! We recommend the Holiday Inn Wall Street, which seems to be a great price for the quality and location. Moreover, it is walking distance to the Staten Island Ferry, which is free, departs often and will take you on a scenic ride to Staten Island, past the Statue of Liberty. From the Staten Island Ferry drop-off point, it is a short cab, bus or train ride to the wedding venue. For more information on using the ferry to get to the Alice Austen House, see the Directions page.
Note for drivers: Don't plan to drive/park your car in lower Manhattan unless you are some kind of masochist! We promise, it will not be a fun time. Do as New Yorkers do, and use public transportation.
Alternatives: If you are more adventurous and interested in saving some money, there are many, many Airbnb options in NYC. Email the bride and groom and we'll be more than happy to give you advice on different neighborhoods and accessibility.
Finally, if you want to come to the wedding, but are afraid that the costs are prohibitive for you, then please, please reach out to us. We have lots of friends & some family in the area, and can help connect you with a couch, air mattress or spare room. We want you there, and will find a way to make it work!