NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) announced today the Empire State Building's (ESB) 21st Annual Valentine's Day Weddings Event, where the global landmark will offer an open call for 100 couples to enjoy the wedding ceremony of their dreams at the world-famous 86th floor Observatory. The new format, which will be utilized for the first-time ever in place of the building's annual contest, will allow couples with a valid New York State marriage license the opportunity of a lifetime on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Since its opening in 1931, ESB's world-renowned Observatory has been the setting for countless on-screen romances and is the perfect site for couples to wed. This year marks the 21st year of ESB's annual Valentine's Day Weddings Event, which is the only day of the year couples can wed at the iconic building.
ESB has also partnered with the Caribbean country of Aruba to offer five lucky couples a honeymoon to the beautiful, white-sand beaches of "One Happy Island." The randomly-selected couples will be awarded a romantic five night / six day stay at the adult-only Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa Boutique Hotel, airfare included.
"The Empire State Building's 21st Annual Valentine's Day Weddings Event will be our biggest yet," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, Director of the Empire State Building Observatory. "For the first time ever, we are opening the opportunity to a much larger group of people. Participants will walk away with an unforgettable wedding taking place on our Observatory, providing breathtaking 360 degree views on the most romantic day of the year."
Engaged couples and those seeking to renew their vows at the iconic building this Valentine's Day are asked to preregister at www.empirestatebuilding.com/valentines-day-weddings-2015 starting today. The first 100 couples will be escorted up to the Observatory where they will be able to take part in a private ceremony. The first ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. and will be officiated by Mr. Ghazi.
Following the ceremonies couples will be able to take in the panoramic views and pose for photos on the Observatory as well as receive gift bags from Aruba Tourism Authority and an invitation to ESB's newest restaurant, STATE Grill and Bar, to enjoy complimentary Champagne and sweets.
Couples must be over the age of 18 and have a valid New York State marriage license in order to marry. Vow renewals can be performed if the couple is able to provide a valid New York State marriage license for review.
For complete details, please visit www.empirestatebuilding.com. For more information about the Aruba Tourism Authority and STATE Grill & Bar, visit www.aruba.com and www.stategrillny.com.
About the Empire State Building
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan (from base to antenna), the Empire State Building, owned by Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., is the "World's Most Famous Office Building." With new investments in energy efficiency, infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world. The skyscraper's robust broadcasting technology supports all major television and FM radio stations in the New York metropolitan market. The Empire State Building was named America's favorite building in a poll conducted by the American Institute of Architects, and the Empire State Building Observatory is one of the world's most beloved attractions as the region's #1 tourist destination. For more information on the Empire State Building, please visit www.empirestatebuilding.com, www.facebook.com/empirestatebuilding, @EmpireStateBldg, www.instagram.com/empirestatebldg, www.youtube.com/esbnyc or www.pinterest.com/empirestatebldg.
About Empire State Realty Trust
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT), a leading real estate investment trust (REIT), owns, manages, operates, acquires and repositions office and retail properties in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the Empire State Building, the world's most famous office building. Headquartered in New York, New York, the Company's office and retail portfolio covers 10.0 million rentable square feet, as of September 30, 2014, consisting of 9.3 million rentable square feet in 14 office properties, including nine in Manhattan, three in Fairfield County, Connecticut and two in Westchester County, New York; and approximately 731,000 rentable square feet in the retail portfolio. The Company also owns land at the Stamford, Connecticut Transportation.
About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba – "One Happy Island" -- is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease; and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the Southern Caribbean on the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami and a four-hour flight from New York City and also boasts year-round cooling trade winds and an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise, including breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene with 25+ restaurants located ideally on the water, world famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championships golf, exclusive shopping and signature experiences such as cooling off in Conchi, the serene Natural Pool accessible only by foot or off-road vehicle. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach or cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for first-time guests and loyal visitors. Visit www.aruba.com to learn more and engage with the brand at facebook.com/arubafans and @aruba on Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believes," "expects," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "intends," "plans," "pro forma," "estimates," "contemplates," "aims," "continues," "would" or "anticipates" or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: the factors included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, including those set forth under the headings "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business," and "Properties." While forward-looking statements reflect the Company's good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, or new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact the Company's future results, performance or transactions, see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and other risks described in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Prospective investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to the Company (or to third parties making the forward-looking statements).
Media Contact:
Matthew Frappier, Edelman
(212) 277-3786
Matthew.Frappier@Edelman.com
