How to Get Married in Central Park

Getting married in Central Park, NYC, is ideal for anyone seeking a venue that blends a big-city feel with stunning natural beauty. Tying the knot in this iconic spot in The Big Apple allows couples to take advantage of picturesque photo ops, and they can enjoy a sense of privacy and tranquility even in the bustling city. Plus, the park’s easy accessibility offers convenience for wedding guests.

If you’re planning a wedding in Central Park, New York, we have the lowdown on everything you need to know. Get details on permits, park regulations, specific locations and other key logistics for mapping out your perfect day.

The Process of Getting Married in Central Park

You can get married in Central Park with a bit of research, planning and preparation. If you’re looking to snag this prime location in Manhattan, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the park’s requirements and the different spots where you can get married. We’ve broken down some essential logistics for an NYC Central Park wedding.

Understanding Park Permits and Regulations

To have a wedding in Central Park, you’ll need to apply for a Special Events permit online through the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. However, this is only the case if you’re expecting 20 guests or more. Processing a permit takes 30 days, and there’s a nonrefundable application fee of $25. Also, be sure to submit your permit application at least 21 days in advance.

A permit isn’t necessary if you have fewer than 20 guests — unless you’re getting married in the Conservatory Garden. Still, you should aim to book your Central Park wedding as early as possible. One to two years in advance is ideal, especially for peak wedding seasons and Saturdays.

Additionally, the park has a few regulations to keep in mind:

Amplified sound is prohibited, though acoustic music is permitted.
You cannot set up decorations, balloons, flowers, tables, chairs or tents, but chuppahs can be hand-carried in and out with prior permission.
The park does not allow alcohol.
Vehicles or pedicab drop-offs are not permitted.
Signs and banners cannot be affixed to trees or park property.
You cannot stake anything into the ground.
The park must remain accessible to the public.
Cleanup is required, and the venue must be returned to the same condition it was in before the wedding.

Choosing a Place to Get Married in Central Park

You have several locations to choose from when getting hitched in Central Park. A few options are:

Ladies Pavilion: It’s easy to see why Ladies Pavilion is one of the most popular Central Park locations for a wedding. It provides stellar views of the Lake, plenty of privacy for an intimate, romantic ceremony and a cast-iron shelter for protection from the elements. Various spots around the pavilion offer unbeatable backdrops for photos and videos. Just keep in mind that there’s limited space and seating — the pavilion can only accommodate around 20-25 people, so it’s better for small weddings and elopements.
Conservatory Garden: As Central Park’s only formal garden, Conservatory Garden offers a European palace-inspired space for a magical celebration. The venue can accommodate up to 125 guests. All weddings require a permit, regardless of the guest count. Even if you’re only having wedding photos taken in the garden, you’ll need to purchase a permit. There are three main spots within the Conservatory Garden, including the Italian-style Wisteria Pergola, the French-style North Garden and the English-style South Garden. For more information about its venues and regulations, you can visit the Conservatory Garden’s website.
Cop Cot: Being Central Park’s largest shelter, Cop Cot can comfortably seat up to 50 people. Bask in the spectacular views of the NYC skyline, enjoy ample shade and privacy and hang out in an enchanting wood gazebo for the ultimate fairy-tale feel. You’ll have access to the whole pavilion when you book this location, so no need to worry about anyone traipsing in during the ceremony.
Cherry Hill: What could be dreamier than saying your vows in the grandeur of lush cherry blossoms? Cherry Hill offers a crystal-clear view of the Lake and Bow Bridge, along with an ornate stone fountain for majestic wedding photos. This Central Park venue can accommodate up to 60 guests.
Summit Rock: Summit Rock is the highest elevation point in Central Park, coming in at more than 140 feet. So, naturally, you can count on an incredible backdrop for the ceremony. It’s great for small and medium-sized weddings, with a capacity of 60 people.

When choosing a Central Park wedding location, think about your desired number of guests and ceremony aesthetic. Different locations give off different vibes, so choose a space that creates the atmosphere you want. Do you want an open-air waterfront view, or does a garden backdrop better speak to your vision? Also, some locations are more secluded than others, so consider how much privacy you want during the ceremony.

Other Considerations for Weddings in Central Park, New York

Beyond permits, regulations and locations, here are some other things to think about leading up to the big day:

Weather: In case of rain or harsh sunlight, have an indoor backup venue prepared or consider choosing a Central Park location with a shelter or gazebo.
Reception options for after the ceremony: There are plenty of spots in and around Central Park to host a wedding reception, including the Central Park Boathouse, The Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall or The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Transportation: Central Park is massive, and some areas are not easily accessible by car. Additionally, parking near Central Park can be limited and expensive. Encourage guests to use public transportation or ride-sharing services. If the reception venue isn’t within walking distance of the ceremony location, consider arranging shuttle services for guests.
Getting ready before the wedding: The bridal party will need a place for hair, makeup and outfit changes before the ceremony — ideally, a spot that’s close to the park. Consider looking into hotels around Central Park or booking a nearby Airbnb.
Vendors: When selecting vendors, inquire about their experiences with weddings in Central Park. They should be familiar with the park’s different venues, unique challenges, regulations and restrictions. Throughout the planning process, communicate with your vendors to make sure everyone is on the same page about logistics, timing and any park-specific requirements.

Central Park has no shortage of breathtaking spots for wedding photos and video — now, all you need is the perfect vendor to capture them! Shutter & Sound offers wedding photography, videography and content creation services in and around NYC, and you can receive 10% off when bundling two or more services.

Reach out to our team today for more information about our packages and pricing!