A. Before the Big Day
1. Decide on your wedding style and guest count
- If you’ve got under 20 guests and don’t need to “reserve” a specific spot, you can usually just show up. You can have your ceremony (except for the Conservatory Garden — that’s a special case).
- If you’ve got 20+ guests, you’ll need a Special Events Permit from NYC Parks ($25, apply 21–30 days ahead). If you want a popular location locked in, you’ll need the permit too.
- The Conservatory Garden always requires a permit ($400, 90-minute slot, up to 100 guests).
2. Pick your spot & time
Some classic favorites I’ve photographed:
- Ladies Pavilion — gorgeous views over the lake.
- Cop Cot — rustic wooden gazebo, very private feel.
- Bow Bridge — iconic and romantic.
- Bethesda Terrace — dramatic architecture.
- Shakespeare Garden — dreamy floral setting.
3. Book your officiant & photographer
- Your officiant needs to be legally registered to conduct weddings in NYC.
- Decide if you want a religious or non-religious ceremony — it affects your officiant choice.
B. Getting Your NYC Marriage License
1. Start online
- Go to the NYC City Clerk website and fill out the Marriage License application. You’ll get a confirmation number (valid for 21 days).
2. Visit the City Clerk in person
- Both of you must go together. Bring valid photo ID and $35 (credit card or money order).
- If you’ve been married before, bring divorce papers or a spouse’s death certificate (in English or with a certified translation).
3. Know the timing
- There’s a 24-hour waiting period before you can use the license.
- It’s valid for 60 days (or 180 for active military).
C. Wedding Day Flow
- Arrive at your chosen spot with all documents ready.
- Your officiant checks IDs and your marriage license.
- Have your ceremony — vows, rings, kisses, the works.
- Sign the marriage license with your witness (or witnesses).
- Enjoy a photo session around the park!
Pro tip from a photographer: Give yourself a little buffer between the ceremony and the photo session. The walk between some locations can be longer than you expect.
D. After the Wedding
- Your officiant must mail the signed marriage license back to the City Clerk within 5 business days.
- In about 4–6 weeks, you’ll get your official marriage certificate in the mail.
- If you need certified copies (for immigration, name change, etc.), order them from the City Clerk.
Wedding Day Checklist
For the Couple:
- Marriage License (past the 24-hour wait)
- Valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license, green card)
- At least 1 witness (18+, with valid ID)
- Park permit (if needed)
For the Officiant:
- Valid photo ID
- NYC officiant registration proof/number
- Ordination or other qualification documents (if applicable)
- Pen with blue or black ink
Suggested Timeline
| Time Before Wedding | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 2–3 months | Pick your location, book photographer & officiant, apply for permits if needed |
| 1 month | Fill out marriage license form online |
| 1–2 weeks | Visit City Clerk to get your license |
| Wedding day | Ceremony + photos in Central Park |
| 1 month after | Receive your marriage certificate |
Summary
In short, if you’re planning a small, private wedding in Central Park, the process isn’t complicated—but the details do matter.
From my experience photographing countless weddings, it really comes down to three main things:
- Get your NYC Marriage License first — This is the legal foundation for your wedding. Without it, you can’t be officially married.
- Book a licensed officiant — They must be legally authorized in New York State and bring the proper qualifications.
- Double-check documents and permits — Both the couple and the officiant need to bring valid IDs and the marriage license. Check if Central Park requires a permit for your spot. If so, get it in advance.
If you’ve got those three steps covered, focus on soaking in the magic of the moment. I will take care of capturing every beautiful detail.
