Question 1

What makes you different from other Central Park wedding companies?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 2

Can I get married in Central Park right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can and all group size restrictions have been lifted! All wedding staff and vendors contracted through A Central Park Wedding are fully vaccinated and will wear face masks throughout the duration of your event if requested.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 4

How do I book with A Central Park Wedding?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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 a new permit application if your first choice is not available.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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 $25.00 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.

Question 7

Can I get married in Central Park on a holiday?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Do you plan same-sex ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

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 $35.00 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.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 11

Will I meet my planner before my wedding day?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

How long will my wedding ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Your wedding ceremony will last about 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on whether you choose to add any readings or other customization to your ceremony.

Question 13

How many people can attend my wedding?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Are chairs permitted at my wedding ceremony?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Can I have music at my wedding?

Accepted Answer

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 other musicians such as harpists, bagpipers and vocalists. However, please note that amplified sound is not allowed in the park.

Question 16

Can I put up decorations in Central Park?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What will my wedding flowers look like?

Accepted Answer

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 photos from past wedding bouquets we have arranged to give you some inspiration.

Question 18

Does my wedding package include a reception?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

What happens if it rains on my wedding day?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What if I have to cancel?

Accepted Answer

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.

	Full-service planning	Destination wedding	Elopement / microwedding
Description	Package 3: This Package Includes: Central Park wedding permit, Walkthrough of wedding ceremony prior to wedding day, On-site Wedding Day Coordinator and Assistant, Wedding Day Coordination: secure ceremony area, escort guests to location, assist with organizing photographs and ensure that everything runs smoothly, Personalized wedding ceremony, Officiant to perform ceremony, Two hours of professional photography, Online gallery of wedding photos, All edited, hi-resolution images delivered via digital download, One matching groom’s boutonniere, Seasonal round bridesmaid bouquet, One matching boutonniere, Bridal hair and makeup styling at your Manhattan hotel, Acoustic duet to play during your ceremony, One hour of videography and an edited wedding highlight video delivered via digital download, Seasonal premium round bridal bouquet of your choosing , One bridesmaid hair and makeup styling at your Manhattan hotel	Package 2: This Package Includes: Central Park wedding permit, Walkthrough of wedding ceremony prior to wedding day, On-site Wedding Day Coordinator and Assistant, Wedding Day Coordination, Personalized wedding ceremony, Officiant to perform ceremony, Two hours of professional photography, Online gallery of wedding photos, All edited, hi-resolution images delivered via digital download, Standard seasonal round bridal bouquet, Matching groom’s boutonniere*, Seasonal round bridesmaid bouquet , One matching boutonniere, Acoustic musician during your ceremony, Bridal hair and makeup styling at Manhattan hotel	Package 1: This Package Includes: Central Park wedding permit, Walkthrough of wedding ceremony prior to wedding day, On-site Wedding Day Coordinator and Assistant, Wedding Day Coordination: secure ceremony area, escort guests to location, assist with organizing photographs and ensure that everything runs smoothly, Personalized wedding ceremony, Officiant to perform ceremony, Two hours of professional photography, Online gallery of wedding photos, All edited, hi-resolution images delivered via digital download, Standard seasonal round bridal bouquet of your choosing* Upgrade Available, Matching boutonniere*,
Event Styling & Design
Vendor Selection
Vendor Management
Contract Review
Venue Visits
Onsite Event Management
Transportation Coordination
Final Venue Walkthrough
Timeline Creation & Management
Accommodation Coordination
Pricing	Starts at $7,250	Starts at $5,450	Starts at $4,250

A Central Park Wedding

About A Central Park Wedding