In this week’s Princh Library Blog, recurring guest writer Nina Grant talks about an emerging sensation among couples – library weddings. Enjoy!

Wedding trends are always shifting, but one unique idea is quietly stealing the show—and it’s all happening between the stacks. While traditional ceremonies still reign, more and more couples are choosing libraries as their dream wedding venues. Why? Because libraries offer something no beach or barn ever could: timeless elegance, unmatched character, and a storybook setting that literally surrounds you with love and history. It’s not just the stillness that makes it special; it’s the layers of history, elegance, and atmosphere that make a library wedding feel like a film come to life. With more couples wanting to stand out and infuse their big day with meaning and a sense of magic, the library is quickly becoming a top location, and it’s doing so with flair, sophistication, and yes, a little help from Hollywood.

Carrie Bradshaw’s Big Moment That Launched a Wedding Venue Trend

When Sex and the City: The Movie hit theaters in 2008, one scene became instantly iconic—Carrie Bradshaw walking up the grand marble steps of the New York Public Library’s Astor Hall, ready to say “I do” to Mr. Big. The wedding didn’t happen (spoiler alert!), but the visual impact was unforgettable. That lavish setting, drenched in natural light and lined with columns and books, sparked something in viewers. Suddenly, brides weren’t just looking at churches or vineyards—they were dreaming about echoing hallways, wrought-iron balconies, and centuries-old architecture. It felt timeless. Carrie made it okay—even chic—to think outside the chapel. Her fictional wedding redefined what romantic grandeur could look like, and since then, the NYPL has become one of the most sought-after venues for couples who want their wedding to feel like the turning of a perfect page.

Real Love Stories in Legendary Stacks: Kevin Love & Kate Bock Say “I Do”

Fast forward to 2022, and that fantasy became a real-life fairytale when NBA star Kevin Love and model Kate Bock tied the knot in that very same iconic space. Their wedding was a great nod to romance—and, it was a full-blown Gatsby dream brought to life with flickering candles, vintage glam, and a floral chuppah under the library’s soaring ceilings. Guests included stars like Adele and LeBron James, but the real star was the venue. Astor Hall provided a regal backdrop that required almost no embellishment, and showed off how these kinds of spaces do half the work for you in terms of mood and magic. It was classic meets cool, literature meets love story. Their wedding proved that a library isn’t just a place for bookworms—it’s a luxurious and photogenic dream spot for couples with big hearts and even bigger imaginations.

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The Romano Wedding: When Italian Heritage Meets New York Literary Charm

A year later in 2023, another couple joined the growing list of high-profile lovebirds to say “I do” at the New York Public Library. Ally Romano, daughter of comedian Ray Romano (of Everybody Loves Raymond), married Zachary Wilezol in a celebration that merged her Italian roots with the elegance of the historic venue. This wedding was a full sensory experience. From Italian music and traditional décor to a reception filled with fine wines, including selections from California’s renowned vineyards, and decadent food, every corner of the library came alive. The space easily transformed from sacred ceremony to festive celebration, showing just how adaptable—and magical—a library can be. For many couples, this flexibility is a huge reason to go the library route. You can host your vows, cocktail hour, dinner, and dance all in one place, surrounded by history and beauty that requires little extra dressing up.

Books and Bubbly: Why Receptions at Libraries Are a Delicious Surprise

People often think of libraries as quiet, reserved places—but library weddings flip that idea on its head. Yes, they’re elegant, but they’re also full of life, and nowhere is that more clear than during the reception. Some of the best library weddings include food and wine pairings that rival five-star restaurants, all enjoyed under antique chandeliers or among marble columns. From champagne toasts in the reading room to elaborate dessert tables set up in the reference hall, libraries offer a unique atmosphere that feels private, polished, and just indulgent. There’s something deeply romantic about clinking glasses near old books and dancing in a space that holds centuries of love stories, both real and fictional. It’s also a chance for guests to experience something very different—a wedding that feels intimate, classy, and full of little surprises around every corner.

Library Weddings Are Here to Stay

So what’s really behind this growing library wedding trend? It’s simple. Couples today want their weddings to feel meaningful, personal, and unforgettable—and that’s why libraries are winning hearts. They’re spaces where stories live, and what better place to start a new chapter in your own love story? Whether inspired by movie moments like Sex and the City, or real-life fairytales like Kevin and Kate’s, library weddings prove that the best venues don’t just look beautiful—they say something about who you are. And if you’re a lover of books, beauty, and love with a bit of drama, then a library might just be the perfect place for your “happily ever after.”

We will be back with another interesting article from the library world soon!

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