Central Park Weddings

Many of the smaller weddings I perform are located within Central Park.  It's a beautiful place to be married and afterward you are already in the middle of the city, ready to head to a brunch or dinner in your honor with your closest friends and family.

There are two places that are used the most, in my experience.  The Ladies Pavilion is on the West side, between 75th and 76th street. (more photos)

I get calls sometimes from people who want to be married that weekend, with a small group, and most of the time we have no problem without a permit performing a short ceremony.  For weddings with more notice, I like to obtain a permit just in case.

The other location that is popular is the Gapstow Bridge, located at the southeast entrance to the park.  (more pictures here) This location is perfect for those who want a selection of areas from which to choose, and the views from the bridge are gorgeous.  If you would like a carriage ride after your ceremony, the horse-drawn rides are directly outside the park.

You can obtain a permit at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (here), but as I said above, many smaller weddings of a handful of people require so little time (and the people of NY are so excited to see weddings) that simply showing up and being polite to those around is enough.

Some of my favorite experiences have been in Central Park, when couples don't have a witness (in NY you only need one).  Many couples are nervous about this, but I have never had a problem finding an excited resident or tourist to be a part of a couple's ceremony.  Sometimes the street musicians will even perform an impromptu procession, making it a truly New York experience!

Comments

[Lisa Bricker]

My husband and I were married in a private ceremony (just the 2 of us) last September on Gapstow Bridge. Carissa asked a gal, who was photographing a model on the bridge, if she would serve as our witness from afar while she was doing her work. It turned out that the photographer took pictures of us as we said our vows on the bridge, so we ended up with beautiful photos of our wedding that we didn't even expect. It was the most beautiful day, the most beautiful ceremony and the most wonderful experience we could have hoped for! Afterwards we took a carriage ride through the park and had brunch at the Tavern. Thanks so much Carissa!! It was truly amazing.