(OUTscene America) MK Features the Gay Wedding Boom Hitting New York!

by MK Scott
OUTscene Special


OUTview was thrilled to be Hosted by the Fabulous Kitano New York Hotel just a few blocks from Grand Central Station and nestled between the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. The Kitano is one of the many Hotels and venues in the NYC area that are taking in the economic opportunities from Legal Marriage Equality addition to New York.

I took a tour of the Hotel and sat down with the Catering Manager, Thanya Phanpinyo, about what Gay couples can look forward from the Kitano.


The hotel invites couples to celebrate the passage of recent marriage equality legislation in its exclusive Penthouse Terrace room set above Park Avenue.

Situated on the 18^th floor of the hotel, the penthouse and adjoining terraces offer sweeping views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline with up close and personal views of the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings.  Accommodating up to 100 guests, the penthouse, recently revamped to emanate contemporary elegance, provides an intimate atmosphere for any style ceremony.  The penthouse is surrounded by expansive terraces that provide a scenic locale for cocktails and wedding reception.  In addition, the terraces are the perfect backdrop for picturesque commemorative photos of the day. 

The Kitano New York Hotel, well established within the bridal market, is known for services deeply rooted in the ancient Japanese custom of service.  As part of every wedding package couples receive the personal service of a dedicated and detail oriented coordinator and exclusive use of the hotel’s database of consultants and wedding service providers. 

Empire Package – 5 hour event

·         1-hour cocktail reception

·         Sylvia Weinstock cake

·         5-course dinner – choice of Continental or Japanese cuisine (Sushi assort, Bento Box, et al.)

·         Complimentary night in Townhouse Suite

·         Champagne

·         Chocolate truffle

·         Wedding gift

·         Preferred vendor list of planner, photographer, florist, musicians

·         Complimentary wedding gift (Japanese-inspired TBD)

Japanese-Inspired Ceremonial Package – 5 hour event

·         Traditional Japanese ceremonial Kimono

·         Tea Ceremony

·         1-hour cocktail reception

·         Sylvia Weinstock cake (crane symbol of longevity)

·         5-course dinner-choice of Japanese cuisine (Sushi assortment, Bento Box, et al.)

·         Sake

·         Complimentary Tatami Suite

·         Our gift to you - First anniversary night complimentary stay

·         Preferred vendor list of planner, photographer, florist, musicians

The Kitano New York Hotel is the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon offering 149 guestrooms and suites.  Asian hospitality merges seamlessly with New York style for an ambiance that is pure Kitano.  Guestrooms and suites feature custom-made mahogany and cherry furniture, down comforters, exquisite artwork and Roman pleated shades with windows that open to views of the historic Murray Hill, Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building and other New York landmarks. 

Several dining options are also offered that include the Garden Café Restaurant featuring Modern American cuisine and the newly design critically-acclaimed Hakubai Restaurant specializing in Kaiseki cuisine.  A fixture in the historic district of Murray Hill for nearly 40 years, The Kitano New York Hotel has maintained its position as one of the city’s leading hotels providing a superior hospitality experience based on the Japanese tradition of service.  For reservations, visit www.kitano.com or call 212-885-7000.

SPECIAL THANKS to  Trica Jean-Baptiste of Trica PR for contributing to this Feature!