Here you can find all of the answers to our most frequently asked questions about weddings, micro weddings and getting married in Central Park. If you do not find the answer to your specific question, please feel free to contact us.
Can I get married right now during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Yes you can! And if you are on a shortened timeline, we can still help you to arrange your wedding last minute, whether that means weeks before or even the day before! And the best part is that Central Park's outdoor open air venues allow you to stay safe and maintain social distancing guidelines.
How many people can attend my wedding?
You are permitted to have up to 125 attendees, depending on the location you choose (each Central Park wedding location has a maximum number of guests permitted).
How do I book my wedding in Central Park?
Once you provide us with details about your wedding, we will send you a contract to review. Send us back the contract and your 50% retainer to secure our planning services. The remaining balance will be due one month before your wedding date. Please read more about how to book with us or contact us to discuss your wedding needs.
Do I need a permit to have a wedding in Central Park?
Permits are only needed if you have 20 or more people in your group.* If you have less than 20 people, you are not required to have a permit BUT we cannot guarantee that your desired location will be available. Permits are only $25.00 and we strongly recommend securing a permit when time allows, even if your group is less than 20 people. The permit fee is already included in our packages, except for weddings in the Conservatory Garden.
*PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to get married in Conservatory Garden a permit is ALWAYS required, even for less than 20 people. The fee is $500.00 and Conservatory Garden permits are not included in your package price.
How do I obtain a wedding permit?
After booking your wedding with us, the first step will be to submit your wedding permit application.* Permit applications must be submitted 21 days in advance.
*PLEASE NOTE: A permit is only required if your group is 20 people or more. So if you want to get married within the next three weeks or are planning a microwedding or elopement with less than 20 people, we can still hold the ceremony in Central Park.
How long does it take for my wedding permit to be approved?
It takes 21 to 30 days to receive your permit. However, if there are any timing conflicts, the Parks Department will contact us within a week with alternate dates, times and/or locations (we do not need to submit a new application if your first choice is not available).
How can I be sure I will get my wedding date?
We will let you know immediately if we are available to plan your wedding. For permit availability, the earlier we apply for it, the better chance we will have to secure your desired date, time and location!
What if I have to cancel?
We understand that things come up! In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your wedding, we will refund as much of your money as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days prior to your wedding, we will refund any payments less the retainer and any vendor deposits, which are non-refundable. However, if you cancel within 30 days of your wedding, we are unable to refund any payments made to date.
Do I need a marriage license?
Yes, you must obtain a New York State marriage license at least 24 hours before your ceremony start time. Since the NYC City Clerk is not yet open, you can get your marriage license virtually through this link: https://projectcupid.cityofnewyork.us/app/cupid#/display/5ea1d0bda46ab1020e1659f4 Complete the application online and pay the $35.00 processing fee. You will then be able to schedule your virtual appointment to complete the interview for the license. Wait times can be long, so don't delay in submitting your application. Both parties must be in New York State at the time of the online interview.
When will I receive my official marriage certificate?
A: You will receive your official marriage certificate in the mail 4 to 8 weeks after your ceremony.
Can I get married in Central Park on a holiday?
The NYC Parks Department no longer issues wedding permits on major holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, etc). However, you can still get married in Central Park on a major holiday if your group is less than 20 people (which does not require a permit) or if you get married at the Conservatory Garden, which still issues permits on major holidays.
How do I choose my vendors?
We work with a team of top New York City wedding professionals. We will discuss your ceremony preferences and send you different vendor options to look over.
What will my wedding flowers look like?
We will work with you to create seasonal floral arrangements for your Central Park wedding. If you have examples of flowers that you like or your color scheme, you can share them with us.
Will I have a wedding planner?
Yes! You will have a dedicated wedding planner who will guide you through the entire wedding planning process.
When do I get to meet with my wedding planner?
You will meet with your wedding planner on-site at your Central Park wedding location to perform a walk-through of your ceremony. This typically takes place during the week before your ceremony.
What do we do if it rains or there is bad weather on the day of our ceremony?
We recommend that every couple develops a weather contingency plan. The contingency plan can be an indoor location of your choice such as your hotel, your reception venue, a chapel, or even a museum. We will work with you to develop a backup plan.
Where in Central Park can I have my wedding ceremony?
Central Park offers many picturesque options to hold your ceremony. Here are some of our recommended ceremony locations.
Does my package include a reception?
For an additional fee, we can arrange an elegant picnic reception in Central Park, or provide you with our reception venue scouting and planning package. If you prefer not to purchase a package and would like to arrange a reception on your own, we can also recommend a number of fantastic venues within walking distance of Central Park.
Do you plan same-sex ceremonies?
We plan wedding and commitment ceremonies for all couples!
Do you provide transportation to the wedding ceremony?
Our packages do not include transportation, but we can gladly recommend and coordinate great options for you, ranging from limousine services to horse and carriage rides.
How do I arrive at my location in the park?
We will provide you with the cross streets near the entrance closest to your ceremony location. We will also provide staff to direct your guests to the location of your ceremony. Transportation by vehicle is not permitted within the park. Depending on your ceremony location, it may be possible to arrive to your wedding via a pedicab or a horse and carriage.
Is my wedding location blocked off from the public?
We are unable to block or rope off your ceremony area since Central Park must remain open to the public. However, we will arrive to your location ahead of time to request that people clear the space. During your ceremony we will be there to keep people away from your immediate ceremony area.
Do I need a permit to take wedding photos in Central Park?
A permit is not necessary to take wedding photos in Central Park unless you would like to take your photos in the Conservatory Garden. If that is your desired location, you can apply for a Conservatory Garden photography session permit here.
Do I have a rehearsal for my ceremony?
Yes! Within the week prior to your ceremony, we schedule a walk-through of your ceremony in the park.
Can I have chairs at my ceremony?
Central Park permits just 1-2 chairs (must be provided by the couple) to be used during your wedding ceremony for individuals who cannot stand for long periods of time.
Can I have a tent at my ceremony?
Tents are not permitted in Central Park.
Can I have decorations at my ceremony?
Decorations are not permitted in Central Park. This includes runners and throwing flower petals, confetti, seeds, etc. However, you can rest assured that any choice from Central Park's top ceremony locations will prove as beautiful a decoration as any!
Can I have music at my ceremony?
Yes! Acoustic music is permitted in Central Park. The most popular choices include violin, guitar or cello, but we can also arrange for other types of musicians such as harpists, bagpipers and vocalists.
PLEASE NOTE: Amplified sound is not permitted in Central Park.
How long will my ceremony last?
The wedding ceremony will take around 15-20 minutes, depending on whether you choose to add readings or other customizations to the event.