Central Park offers endless possibilities for your wedding, from a simple, free ceremony under a tree in Sheep’s Meadow with a potluck picnic to a lavish celebration at the Central Park Zoo or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can exchange vows beneath the wisteria at The Conservatory Garden in May, followed by an intimate dinner at a top fine dining spot. For a more private experience, elope in a secluded corner of the park. No matter the scale, most couples end up capturing stunning wedding photos at iconic locations like Bethesda Terrace & Fountain and The Mall.
HOW TO GET MARRIED in Central Park
By Kristy May, your favorite NYC elopement photographer
A couple dance under the Bethesda Terrace in New York's Central Park
- Decide when you wish to get married in the park.
- You need a marriage license issued by the State of New York (can be NYC or another clerk's office) no more than 60 days old and secure at least one witness, 18 year old+ (you can have 2)
- pick a ceremony location (for small weddings)
- a permit or
- a reception venue or reservation (depending on location and size of event)
- pick your favorite photo locations in Central Park
- hire vendors like an officiant, planner, florist, musician and a photographer, of course!
Steps to get married in Central Park:
Elopement or Intimate Wedding
Large Wedding with Reception
Getting married in Central Park will require being prepared for all kids of weather. For inclement weather, the Bethesda Terrace is a great location but it will be busy with tourists seeking cover. I also like the Ladies' Pavilion since it is also covered and you can get a permit. Belvedere Castle also offers a decent sized covered area that you can get a permit for. And finally, there are several arches that can host a ceremony or photos.
I have to say, no matter the weather or time of year, getting married in Central Park is a beautiful. I actually love the park in a light rain and I have a clear golf umbrella I bring to weddings where that is needed. In the winter, we can take a break at the Sheep Meadow Le Pain Quotidien coffee shop in the park or visit the gift shop to cool off in summer.
When do you want to get married in Central Park? In terms of picking a ceremony date, Central Park is lovely and different in every season! Of particular note is the blooming of the many Cherry Blossoms in the park, typically mid April until early May. The wisteria pergola blooms early to mid May. Fall leaves arrive mid October through early November. Snow is possible mid November through mid March.
However, there is one time of the year I suggest avoiding planning a wedding if you want photos around the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace. The Friends of the Central Park Conservancy typically host an event, The Taste of Summer, in early June. (They do it every year around the first week in June on a weekday) For 2025, it is June 4th so be advised June 2-5th will difficult in that area. The terrace will be unaccessible the day of, two days before and after the event. If the terrace area isn't important to you, there are plenty of other areas in the park to marry and take portraits.
1. Decide When to have a Central Park WEdding
What about The Weather?
check date
release chart
To get married anywhere in New York City, you first need to get a license at least 24 hours before you plan to hold the ceremony. You can make an appointment to do this in person at an NYC Marriage Bureau, or online (must be in NY state) via Project Cupid.
Appointments are released about 3 weeks before on Mondays at 9 am EST. The marriage license fee is $35 payable by credit card or money order. It is valid for 60 days (or 180 for active-duty military). For specific details, visit the clerk's website.
2. you need a NEW YORK MARRIAGE license
While there are several gardens in the park, there is nothing like this one. Shakespeare's Garden is magical for ceremonies and portraits. Check out my videos on TikTok.
One of my favorite Central Park Wedding spots!
VIDEO
Watch this video
3. Central Park Intimate
Wedding Ceremony Locations
If you are getting married on a small scale in Central Park, below are details on the ten best intimate wedding and elopement ceremony locations complete with tips, lighting concerns and suggestions to help you decide which location may be best for your wedding. Please reach out if you have any questions. And if you'd like to see more photos or additional location suggestions, please contact me, I'm happy to help!
THE LADIES' PAVILION
The Ladies' Pavilion is an ornate cast iron Victorian shelter built in 1871 and moved to the current location in 1912. It is an ideal location for an intimate wedding or elopement given the cover it provides in case of rain. I will caution if you are seeking a private ceremony that the location is popular with tourists and parkgoers who like to climb on the rocks nearby and frequent the paths around the pavilion. I suggest a weekday morning ceremony for the least amount of traffic if that is a concern during the Spring-Fall.
• Ceremony Site: Yes
• Permit: Yes, suggested
• Size and Guest count: Gazebo, max. 20-25 ppl
• Traffic level: High, especially on nice days and afternoons and park goers can't easily avoid the area
• Foliage and Flowers: mostly foliage
• Condition: Well maintained with two benches. Birds will nest in the columns occasionally in the Spring for an added experience.
• Best time for a wedding: morning on a weekday for more privacy
• Location in park: close to 77nd St. and West Drive
• Weather: Sheltered, ok for rain or snow
Fun Fact: The inlet near the pavilion was originally used for “ladies only” ice skating. Eventually the ladies preferred skating with the men in the main section of the pond because it was the only time they could hold hands in public! That is where the name of the pavilion originated.
THE BOW BRIDGE
The Bow Bridge is one the most iconic features of Central Park. The cast iron bridge was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould in the Classical Greek style. It was completed in 1862 and is the longest bridge in the park. Boaters during the warm months travel under the bridge and the setting is quite picturesque. As a wedding ceremony location, it is not an especially private one given the traffic from pedestrians crossing it.
For a small ceremony with an officiant, the couple and photographer, it is advisable to have a weekday morning ceremony when the park is less crowded Spring through Fall. There is another location nearby offering a view of the bridge I often suggest to couples where the bridge can be in the background. There is a bench and it is right on the pond. It isn’t totally private, as people from the bridge and boats will watch on nice days, but less traffic than on the bridge itself. I suggest this location for midday or later afternoon weddings or on overcast days preferably not the morning as it is totally in the shade and the bridge in the sun making it difficult to be seen in photographs without heavy flash usage.
• Ceremony Site: Yes
• Permit: Yes, if desired
• Size and Guest count: (max. 20-25 ppl.)
• Traffic level: high, mornings less but varies with weather
• Foliage and Flowers: potted urns changed out seasonally
• Condition: newly painted and restored
• Best time for a wedding: Morning or Evening
• Location in park: Middle near Bethesda Terrace
• Weather: No shelter, however the Bethesda Terrace is a short walk
Fun Fact:
The Bow Bridge is named so because it is shaped like an archer's bow.
BETHESDA FOUNTAIN AND TERRACE
A silhouetted wedding portrait of a bride and groom under the Bethesda Terrace arches facing the stairs with only a bird flying by during the moment. (You have to go early, be lucky or have a rainy day for a photo like this)
A wedding or elopement in Central Park would not be complete without a visit to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain area. I often imagine clients returning to the spot we take photos in 20 or 30 years with their families to recreate it. The location is iconic for a reason and it is also popular. The wedding ceremonies I have done here have been as back-up when it rains mostly. I would usually suggest another spot for a smaller group unless you are prepared to get married super early (like 8 am) or don’t mind having a crowd watch your ceremony. That said, it is a great back-up location and excellent for taking wedding photos.
• Ceremony Site: Yes and also popular for wedding, elopement and engagement photos
• Permit: Yes, best to check since there are movies, commercials and events done here
• Size and Guest count: 25 people
• Traffic level: high
• Foliage and Flowers: potted plants in urns seasonally
• Condition: Excellent
• Best time for a wedding: Early due to popularity of location. Typically not accessible during the first/second week in June due to a gala. Check the event calendar on Central Park Conservancy website for specific dates, but the area is inaccessible several days before and after for set-up.
• Location in park: Off of 72nd St. Transverse in the center of the park
• Weather: Excellent rain back-up location
Fun Facts:
In addition to turtles and ducks, I also spotted a beautiful falcon one fine day sitting on the stone railing while photographing below. Another fun sighting at the terrace is the bubble men. Totally optional, but some clients like to experience this and if present, for a tip, we can take photos with the bubbles.
The sculpture adorning the fountain, “The Angel of the Waters” (1873), was sculpted by Emma Stebbins. She was a lesbian feminist back in the mid 1800s which is pretty fascinating. Learn more about Emma Stebbins.
WAGNER COVE
Situated on a small inlet off The Lake, Wagner Cove is a small Rustic shelter with two benches and a working boat launch. It can accommodate an officiant and about 4 people for a ceremony. The area is quite secluded and offers a more private wedding ceremony option. The staircase leading down to the structure makes for a grand entrance option for the couple or bride. Birds, turtles and ducks frequent the area and provide a nature filled backdrop. I once saw a raccoon in the area as well!
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: yes, suggested
•Size and Guest count: Gazebo, max. 20-25 ppl. (But only a few fit inside)
•Traffic level: low
•Foliage and Flowers: Lots of foliage during the summer months provide a secluded spot on the pond
•Condition: Newly restored after vandalism
•Best time for a wedding: Any
•Location in park: 72nd St. west of Cherry Hill at the edge of the lake
•Weather: Provides minimal shelter in case of rain, but at least for the couple and officiant
Fun Idea: What if guests rented boats at the Loeb Boathouse and paddled over to Wagner cove and watched the ceremony from the water? The bride could enter from the staircase and meet the groom, who arrives by boat (or reserve) and then they meet for a ceremony under the rustic structure. Then everyone could have a picnic on the lawn on the hill over looking the pond for a budget friendly option or lunch or dinner at the Boathouse.
DENE SUMMER HOUSE
The Dene Summer House is a rustic structure overlooking the Dene Lawn near 5th Avenue and 67th Street in Central Park. It sits perched on a rocky hill and is covered with vines and foliage in the Spring through Summer. It offers a more private location for a wedding ceremony because park visitors can’t easily access it and will usually go around when they see a ceremony in progress. The only negative to this location is the structure itself. The beams create harsh shadows in the months when foliage isn’t present and where it doesn’t cover. I don’t suggest it during early Spring or Winter for this reason on a sunny day unless there ceremony were early in the day or later in the evening.
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: You can't permit it, but you can the lawn below it
•Size and Guest count: 20-25 ppl
•Traffic level: low
•Foliage and Flowers: Covered with vines and some flowers in the summer months through fall
•Condition: rustic, may require sweeping in fall
•Best time for a wedding: the sun does cast a harsh shadow in months without foliage overhead due to construction. I would suggest avoiding on sunny days if possible in early Spring and winter. Possibly an early morning or later evening ceremony
•Location in park: West of 5th Ave and 67th
•Weather: Minimal shelter from rain when foliage present
Fun Fact
The Dene Summerhouse and adjoining landscape, the Dene Slope, a trail with a meadow, wildflowers and rustic seating, was designed to be a refuge from the busy city nearby.
GAPSTOW BRIDGE
The Gapstow Bridge is the second most iconic bridge in the park after the Bow Bridge. It replaced another bridge on the same site in 1896 that had deteriorated. The stone structure offers a lovely view of The Plaza Hotel and the Southern end of the park overlooking The Pond and of the Wollman Rink in Winter and Victorian Gardens in the Summer. The bridge is a highly trafficked area and it also not wide. Ceremonies done early in the day and in Winter will be fine, however in the Spring- Fall it will be difficult to stop the flow of traffic for a distraction free ceremony. There is a spot that overlooks the bridge across The Pond (below) for a small wedding that can work, but again, this is a very popular location so if privacy is a concern, this may not be the spot for you. However, earlier in the day usually the less traffic.
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: yes, not needed if small wedding
•Size and Guest count: (max. 20-25 ppl.)
•Traffic level: high
•Foliage and Flowers: Not on the bridge, but in the area there are Spring and Fall blooming and changing trees
•Condition: ok
•Best time for a wedding: early, due to high traffic but light ok most of day
•Location in park: 59th St. Pond, off of Central Park West and 5th Ave.
•Weather: no shelter
Fun Fact
When the first and more ornate version of the bridge designed by Jacob Wrey Mould needed to be replaced after only 20 years, this incarnation was built with schist, which is a metamorphic rock. Clearly this time the designer was not messing around and thus over a century later it still stands.
SHAKESPEARE GARDEN
The Shakespeare Garden is a four-acre garden landscape featuring plants and flowers mentioned in the bard’s plays. The garden was a created in 1913 starting the a blackberry tree from Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford on Avon. For weddings and elopements, the rustic wooden steps leading to the garden and a small overlook by the Charles B Stover Bench are popular locations for ceremonies. Tourists do frequent the garden but I find it to be less trafficked than others and I’m sure a private nook can be found for a small elopement.
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: yes
•Size and Guest count: (max. 20-25 ppl.)
•Traffic level: medium
•Foliage and Flowers: garden with seasonal flowers and trees
•Condition: rustic stairs, winding path and benches
•Best time for a wedding: any, but light better later in day
•Location in park: 79th St. and West Drive
•Weather: no shelter, but there is shelter at Belvedere Castle just up the steps
Fun Fact
The garden is next to the Swedish Marionette Cottage, a delightful place to entertain children of all ages, as well as the Delacorte Theater which hosts Shakespeare in the Park each Summer. Get information on seeing Free Shakespeare in the Park.
CONSERVATORY GARDEN
The Conservatory Garden features a six acre formal garden with three distinct gardens, Italian, French, and English, around a large center lawn and allées. The center lawn features a grand fountain with a wisteria pergola behind it. The garden is popular with weddings and charges a more steep fee for ceremonies and photography than the rest of the park and is strict about the time and location you may use within it. However, those selecting the right time of year will be rewarded by the beautiful curated blossoms in their photos especially in Spring when the Cherry Blossoms and Crab Apples in the allees and wisteria pergola are blooming.
There are some definite pros for having a wedding here, however given the location’s distance from the rest of the park (if you also want to photograph there), the price and depending on the time of year of your wedding, you may have just as lovely a ceremony elsewhere in Central Park. I’d consider it for a weekend, (bear in mind, there will also be other wedding parties there as well, as I learned they do give out several permits for a time slot) and go early in the day if possible during peak time.
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: yes, special permit process $400 for ceremony, $100 for photography for 30 mins
•Size and Guest count: 100
•Traffic level: low to medium, can request to stay clear of the ceremony/photo area
•Foliage and Flowers: Varies from time of year, but the formal gardens are well maintained
•Condition: Excellent
•Best time for a wedding: Spring and Fall when flowers are peak blooming to get best value. Earlier in day would likely be better because gardens are still open to public.
•Location in park: Fifth Avenue and 105th Street
•Weather: No Shelter. There are bathrooms on site.
Fun Fact
The Conservatory Garden is the only formal garden in Central Park and is also a designed quiet zone.
CLOSED UNTIL SPRING 2025 FOR WEDDINGS/PHOTOGRAPHy
COP COT
The Cop Cot is the largest rustic wooden shelter in Central Park and sits on a hill in its southern end. It is covered with flowering vines Spring-Fall and makes an excellent location for a medium sized wedding. The only caution I have about the location for related to lighting. Due to the construction, the beams can make hard shadows during mid day when the foliage isn’t covering the top of it.
Also, given the proximity to the southern end and tall buildings in the park, I also caution with afternoon weddings in the early Spring, Late Fall and Winter due to the angle of the sun the building will also block the light on the structure, or part of it. Please consult your photographer for the ideal time of day for your wedding at that location as its unique structure and location can present lighting challenges.
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: yes, suggested
•Size and Guest count: max. 50 ppl.
•Traffic level: low
•Foliage and Flowers: vines cover the rustic structure during the Spring through Fall
•Condition: rustic, may need sweeping
•Best time for a wedding: Being on the South end of the park the building will block light sometimes during the year. Something to take into consideration for light. Traffic not much of a concern so time of day would be more of a light matter. Late morning to afternoon best bet, narrower window in winter then summer. Ask me!
•Location in park: 60th St., close to Central Park South in the center of the park
•Weather: Minimal shelter from rain when foliage present
Fun Fact
According to the Central Park Conservancy website, the name Cop Cot might mean “little cottage on the crest of the hill" in Scottish. Sounds fitting to me!
BELVEDERE CASTLE
Belvedere Castle is one of the most iconic locations in Central Park. The name means "beautiful" view in Italian and it doesn't disappoint. The miniature castle has been offering sweeping views of the park (now the Great Lawn and Turtle Pond) since it opened in 1872. After undergoing a restoration in 2018, it reopened to the public in June 2019. The pavilion overlooks the pond is a popular lookout and location for photos and wedding ceremonies.
•Ceremony Site: yes
•Permit: yes, suggested
•Size and Guest count: max. 50 ppl.
•Traffic level: medium, park goers can avoid a ceremony in progress
•Foliage and Flowers: None on structures, but visible foliage surrounding area
•Condition: Restored in 2019
•Best time for a wedding: Anytime, but especially nice with fall foliage changing
•Location in park: Mid park, near 79 Street. Not fully accessible as of yet. Plans to modify access are in the works.
•Weather: A pavilion offers shelter and when, open, the first floor of the castle
apply for a permit
Whether you need a permit depends on the size of your wedding and location. The Ladies' Pavilion, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Bow Bridge, Shakespeare Garden (Stover Bench, left), Wagner Cove, the Cop Cot and Belvedere Castle are popular ceremony sites that can be reserved.
There are many locations that don't require a permit (or can't be permitted, like the Dene Summer House). If you have less than 20 people, you can just show-up and marry about anywhere in Central Park unless another event is taking place.
If you have more than 20 guests or want to reserve a specific location, I highly recommend getting a permit. Permits are $25 and can be bought via the park's website with 30 days notice. You can have acoustic, but no amplified music.
4. Central Park Wedding Permits
The Conservatory Garden is another option for a Central Park wedding. Ceremonies there cost $500, including the photography fee. However, due to renovation work, it won't be accepting applications for ceremonies or photography until the Spring of 2025.
5. Reception Venues and IDeas for Central park
Tavern on the Green combines classic New York charm with lush park views, offering a sophisticated atmosphere for both intimate and grand weddings. The Central Park Boathouse, nestled by the serene lake, provides a picturesque setting with its elegant dining room and outdoor terrace, perfect for a romantic waterside ceremony.
For couples seeking a blend of art and nature, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with its stunning architecture and proximity to Central Park, offers a refined setting that effortlessly merges culture with the beauty of the park. Lastly, the Central Park Zoo offers a whimsical, enchanting backdrop with its lush gardens and exotic animal exhibits, making it an ideal choice for couples who want a fun, memorable wedding in a more relaxed yet still elegant setting.
Large Wedding Reception Sites
Reception options for Intimate Weddings in Central Park
High-End Celebration options for Intimate
Weddings Near Central Park
The Central Park Boathouse - Lunch or dinner reservations for up to 20 guests open 3 weeks in advance on Open Table. If you are having more guests or want a private space, inquire with the Boat House.
Tavern on the Green - Open for lunch and dinner, the tavern bar can be a stop for a champagne toast to end your elopement or a multi course private dinner. Reservations for regular dining can be made on their website up to two months in advance. Inquire about private dining options.
Have a picnic - You can have food delivered into the park or bring your own set-up with food and beverages. Please note that alcohol is not allowed, so bring sparkling juice or non-alcoholic drinks. Need a hand? Hire a company like Perfect Picnic NYC or Posh Picnics.
The sea lion pool is lighted blue during a wedding at the Central Park Zoo.
- The Plaza Hotel's Champagne Bar welcomes guests from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering a refined space to indulge in bubbles and luxury. For a more relaxed yet equally elegant experience, the Palm Court serves light fare and cocktails from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. While reservations are not required, they are highly recommended, making it the perfect spot for a celebratory post-elopement toast.
- Per Se offers an unforgettable fine dining experience with its exquisite French-inspired cuisine and stunning views of Columbus Circle and Central Park.
- Daniel is a Michelin-starred gem known for its refined atmosphere and exceptional modern French dishes, offering an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of Manhattan.
- Jean-Georges blends French, American, and Asian influences to create a contemporary menu that’s as innovative as it is elegant, with sweeping views of Central Park.
- Marea specializes in seafood and Italian cuisine, offering a luxurious atmosphere paired with top-tier dishes like crudo, pasta, and fresh fish.
- Majorelle combines sophisticated Mediterranean flavors with a chic, art-deco setting, providing a truly glamorous dining experience in the heart of Manhattan.
Gapstow Bridge provides a picturesque setting with its charming stone arch and views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect spot for capturing intimate, romantic wedding photos framed by the beauty of Central Park.
Gapstow Bridge
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The grand pathway lined by towering trees, offers a stunning, natural backdrop for wedding photos. Its iconic, sweeping design and serene surroundings make it a favorite spot for couples getting married in Central Park.
CENTRAL PARK Mall
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One the most iconic features of Central Park. The cast iron bridge was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould in the Classical Greek style. Taking photos on the bridge can be challenging but it is a recognizable feature of the park.
Bow Bridge
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The terrace features 3 stairways for taking wedding pictures. There are also 7 arches in the arcade providing an elegant framing. The restored frescos are another unique backdrop that is clearly identifiable as iconic New York City.
Bethesda Terrace
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This quintessential Central Park location is the least busy in the morning but it is never empty. The fountain is the #1 spot to see in the park and it never disappoints. During the winter (mid October through March) the water is off. The centerpiece, Angel of the Waters, was unveiled in 1873.
Bethesda Fountain
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locations
6. CENTRAL PARK Wedding Photo
Located at the Souther end of the park, Cat Rock offers a unique backdrop with its rugged stone formations and scenic skyline views of Midtown. It is often my "grand finale" tour of my favorite places for wedding photos in Central Park.
Cat Rock
The four-acre garden landscape featuring plants and flowers mentioned in the bard’s plays. The rustic wooden steps leading to the garden and a small overlook by the Charles B Stover Bench are popular locations for ceremonies and wedding photos.
Shakespeare Garden
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I know how daunting it can seem to plan an NYC elopement. So many options, where to even begin?
Having photographed over 300 elopements in New York City, I help couples narrow down all the choices.
Be excited, not overwhelmed.
At your wedding, I'll "take the wheel" and guide the day so you can just relax and enjoy!
7. Hi, I'm Kristy
Let's Chat!
Last wedding of 2024, snow at Top of the Rock!
This free guide tells you everything you need to legally marry in NYC, from vendor recommendations to photo locations and much more. The guide is always being updated, so you'll have the best info.
