FAQs About Holding a Wedding in Central Park

What makes you different from other Central Park wedding companies?

We are one of the original planning companies specializing in Central Park weddings. We have been coordinating weddings in Central Park since 2012 and have been a part of over 700 weddings to date.

Our philosophy centers on creating a unique and memorable experience for every couple. Your wedding ceremony will be tailored to your tastes and aesthetics and you will select vendors from our curated list of wedding professionals. We work closely with each couple to discuss preferences for flowers, music and any other extras to ensure every detail is perfect. No two weddings are alike!

Most importantly, if you book a full package with us, you will have a coordinator on-site throughout your entire event: from before guests arrive until you leave for your reception. Your wedding coordinator does not double as your officiant, photographer, videographer or any other vendor. Their one job is to be your dedicated point person and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

How can I be sure I will get my Central Park wedding date?

We will let you know right away if A Central Park Wedding is available to help plan your wedding. However we cannot know if your exact date, time and location is available in Central Park until we apply for your permit and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation checks the availability. The earlier we apply for your permit, the better chance we will have to secure your desired date, time and location!

How do I book with A Central Park Wedding?

Once you decide on your wedding date, time and package details, we will send you a contract for your review, which you will send back to us with a 50% retainer. This retainer secures our planning services for your specific date. The remaining balance is due one month before your wedding date. All payments can be made online securely with a credit card for a 3.5% surcharge or by personal check, money order or wire transfer. We can also accept payments via Zelle with no additional fees. Contact us to discuss your wedding ceremony package needs.

Can I get married in the Conservatory Garden this year? (2024)

Unfortunately due to construction on the Wisteria Pergola and the North Garden, the Conservatory Garden is not hosting any wedding ceremonies or photography sessions in 2024. These events will most likely resume in Spring of 2025. The South Garden renovation has been completed and remains open to the public.

How long will it take for my wedding permit to be approved?

We must submit your permit application with the Parks Department for a specific date, time and location. Once we submit the permit application it will take up to four weeks for us to receive the final permit approval. If there are any timing issues, they will typically get back to us within approximately three business days. At this point the Parks Dept. will provide us with alternate times, locations and/or dates – there is no need to submit an additional permit application if your first choice is not available.

Do I need a permit to have a wedding in Central Park?

The permit fee for weddings outside of the Conservatory Garden is included in our packages. Permits are 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 $25 and we strongly recommend securing a permit whenever time allows, even if your group is less than 20 people. If you would like to get married in the Conservatory Garden a wedding permit is always required, even for groups under 20 people. The permit fee is $500 and Conservatory Garden permits are not included in your package price.

Permit applications must be submitted three weeks in advance for all locations except the Conservatory Garden. There is more flexibility with last-minute permits for the Conservatory Garden locations.

Can I get married in Central Park on a holiday?

The NYC Parks Department recently updated their policies and will no longer issue wedding permits on major holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, etc.). However if your group is under 20 people you do not need a permit and can still have your wedding in the park. The Conservatory Garden will continue to issue wedding permits on major holidays.

Do I need a permit to take wedding photos in Central Park?

You do not need a permit to take wedding photos in Central Park unless your preferred location is the Conservatory Garden. If so, you will need to apply for a $100 photography permit here.

Do you plan same-sex ceremonies?

A Central Park Wedding happily plans wedding and commitment ceremonies for all couples!

Do I need a marriage license to get married in Central Park?

You will need a New York State or New York City issued marriage license in order to have a legal wedding in Central Park. However some couples traveling from out of state or overseas choose to get legally married at home and have their ceremony in Central Park. We’ve arranged this type of ceremony for many couples over the years and is an option if it works best for you!

How do I get my Marriage License in New York City?

To get legally married in Central Park you must obtain your New York State or New York City Marriage License from the City Clerk at least 24 hours before your ceremony start time. The fee for the Marriage License is $35 and is not included in the package price. Both you and your partner must go in-person with the proper identification to the New York City Clerk’s office to apply for the license. In-person appointments are currently appointment only as of February 2022. Read more about applying for your New York City Marriage License or begin your Marriage License application online.

COVID-related update (updated 2/9/24): Limited virtual marriage license appointment are still being scheduled as of February 2023 – click here for more information. Both you and your partner must be located in New York State at the time of the virtual appointment. Otherwise you must make an in-person appointment – you can no longer walk in to the City Clerk.

Will I meet my planner before my wedding day?

Yes! You will meet with your wedding planner on-site at your Central Park wedding location for a walkthrough of your ceremony before your wedding day. We can also set up a meet and greet video call at any point.

How long will my wedding ceremony last?

Your wedding ceremony will last about 30 minutes. The exact time will depend on whether you choose to add any readings or other customization to your ceremony. The ceremony is typically followed by group photos and then couple portraits.

How many people can attend my wedding?

You can have up to 125 guests at your wedding in Central Park, depending on the location you choose. Each location in Central Park has a maximum number of guests permitted.

Are chairs permitted at my wedding ceremony?

Central Park does not allow extensive setup of chairs but you are able to bring two chairs for individuals who cannot stand for long periods of time. A Central Park Wedding is unable to provide these chairs and they must be brought by the couple.

Can I have music at my wedding?

Absolutely! Acoustic music is permitted in Central Park. Many couples choose a violin, guitar or cello to accompany their ceremony. We can also arrange for specialty musicians such as harpists, bagpipers and vocalists. However, please note that amplified sound is not allowed in the park.

Can I put up decorations in Central Park?

Central Park does not allow any decorations but you can choose one of the many beautiful Central Park locations to serve as the breathtaking backdrop to your wedding ceremony.

What will my wedding flowers look like?

We will work with you to create seasonal floral arrangements for your wedding in Central Park. You can send us photos of flowers that you like or your color scheme and we can send you ideas. Here are samples from past wedding bouquets we have arranged to give you some inspiration.

Does my wedding package include a reception?

Your package does not include a reception but we can work with you to plan a picnic wedding reception in the park or a private cruise around Manhattan. We can also recommend a number of fantastic venues within walking distance of Central Park.

What happens if it rains on my wedding day?

We will work with you to develop a contingency plan in the event of inclement weather. Many couples choose to use their reception venue or hotel as alternative locations. Or we can work with you to book an indoor location close to the park. There will be an additional fee to reserve indoor space. All Souls Church on the Upper East Side is a great indoor backup space that is affordable.

What if I have to cancel?

We understand that something may happen where you will need to cancel your wedding ceremony. In the unfortunate event that this occurs, we will refund as much of your money as possible. If you cancel more than 30 days before your wedding we will refund any payments to you less the retainer and any vendor deposits, which are non-refundable. If you cancel within 30 days of your wedding we will be unable to refund any payments made to date.

A Central Park Wedding Couples' Choice Awards winner 2024

A Central Park Wedding Couples' Choice Awards winner 2023