Central Park weekday weddings are romantic fêtes, allowing you to add a layer of romance to your NYC elopement with a pastoral backdrop set against the city that never sleeps.

The historic park is over 800 acres of thoroughly designed landscape. Originally curated by the famed Olmsted and Vaux, who pioneered American architecture, Central Park is the 5th largest park in the US.  The iconic landscape is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors to it’s vista of greenery in the city. Both scenic and bucolic, Central Park is also a prominent location for a wedding in the city.

If you plan on dashing off to Central Park for a modern-day wedding ceremony that embodies your personality, explore your idyllic wedding spot and find detailed planning information below.

Central Park Wedding Locations

There are 12 Central Park wedding locations that empahsize modern day wedding ceremonies, depicting views of the city from within. Each of these locations calls forth its own brand of romance. Imbuing wedding vows exchanged through a Central Park weekday wedding with an extraordinarily unforgettable experience. 

1. Belvedere Castle Terrace

Evoking old-world romance, Belvedere Castle Terrace is located beside Belvedere Castle. Views from this Central Park wedding location overlook the Turtle Pond, lush fields, and the nearby skyline of NYC. You’ll find Belvedere Castle Terrace located mid park, atop Vista Rock, accessible by 81st Street and Central Park West. 

2. Bow Bridge

Perhaps the most famous bridge in Central Park, made popular by its architecture and appearance in numerous movies, is the Bow Bridge. Central Park Weddings at the Bow Bridge offer views of the lake, surrounding willow trees, The Boathouse, and Bethesda Terrace & Fountain. It is also located mid-park, most easily accessed from the 72nd Street entrance on the West.

3. Cherry Hill

Providing an open landscape for an NYC elopement is Cherry Hill. This setting is ideal for a Central Park elopement during spring or summer. Providing views of flowers in bloom highllighted by greenery. The area features a cul-de-sac and a stone fountain. Located at the very heart of the park, Cherry Hill is at the 72nd Street transverse. It’s just West of the Bethesda Terrace & Fountain.

4. The Conservatory Garden

For the romantics at heart, The Conservatory Garden mimics the landscape of an English garden. The name is somewhat of a misnomer. In total, The Conservatory Garden is actually comprised of three gardens, each created in its own unique vision. The views here are incredible when the flowers are in full bloom, making this Central Park wedding site a must for sophisticated couples. Central Park Conservatory Garden is located on the East Side, off 5th avenue at 105th Street.

5. Cop Cot

Translating to ‘little house on a hill’, Cop Cot is a naturally shaped wooden gazebo overlooking the park and Central Park South. A Central Park Cop Cot wedding is one with a feeling of intimacy, allowing couples to enjoy a private experience during their vow exchange. Shaded from the sun, Cop Cot weddings during the summer enjoy views of the park when it is buzzing with foot traffic. It’s located near the 6th Avenue entrance to the park, near 60th Street.

6. Dene Summerhouse

Another charming Central Park Gazebo, Dene Summerhouse, is a serene location in NYC for an elopement. The organic gazebo structure faces the East Side meadow, north of Central Park Zoo, and sits atop a rock outcropping. This peaceful setting allows for Central Park weekday weddings surrounded by greenery, with the thrum of the city quietly humming in the distant backdrop.

7. Gapstow Bridge

With iconic views of the Plaza Hotel, the Gapstow Bridge is a remarkable location for a Central Park wedding with views of the city. Above the pond, this stone bridge is an idyllic location for the exchange of wedding vows and capturing a wedding video befitting of your modern-day love story. Gapstow Bridge is located in the Southeast corner of Central Park at 62nd Street.

8. Ladies Pavillion

An idyllic pavilion, The Ladies Pavilion is constructed of cast iron and modeled after architecture in the Victorian era. This intimate space for an elopement in Central Park overlooks the water, adding a dash of whimsy to your wedding ceremony. The Ladies Pavilion is located on the West Side of Central Park between 75th and 76th Street

9. The Pond

Closest to Central Parks main entrance at 59th Street and 5th Avenue, weddings at The Pond offer a dash of tranquility, away from the foot traffic of park goers. Enveloping the space with natural surroundings, The Pond is surrounded by trees and foliage, with views of the Gapstow Bridge in the backdrop. You’ll find the pond located at the Southeast corner of the park, below street level, between 59th Street and 63rd Street.

10. Shakespeare Garden

Enchanting and whimsical, the Shakespeare Garden at Central Park resides between the Swedish Cottage and Belvedere Castle. Blooms are filled with vibrant hues, accented by an abundance of greenery, creating a setting that looks as if it’s been plucked from a scene in a movie. Shakespeare Garden is on the West Side of the Park, located between 79th and 80th streets.

11. Summit Rock

The highest point of elevation located with the park, Summit Rock, offers a pastoral setting for weekday weddings at Central Park with views of the surrounding landscape. At Summit Rock, a winding path of stones leads the way, creating a natural setting where intentional Central Park weddings unfold. Summit Rock is on the West Side of the park, nestled between 81st and 85th Streets, accessible by the 83rd Street entrance.

12. Wagner Cove

A private, tucked-away space, Wagner Cove is located at the corner of the lake. The setting is intimate and undisturbed, affording you a peaceful location for a NYC elopement. Wagner Cove has an almost cinematic atmosphere about it, creating a setting for your unforgettable wedding ceremony. Wagner Cove is located mid-park at 72nd Street, West of Cherry Hill, stretched along the Southwestern waters of the lake.

Obtaining A Central Park Wedding Permit for Your Weekday Wedding

All weddings taking place at Central Park must obtain a Special Events Permit. To request the date of your wedding, you will need to fill out a Special Events Permit Request Form and pay a $25 non-refundable application fee. The process of waiting for approval on your permit takes up to 30 days, so you will need to plan accordingly. 

If you wish to host your wedding at the Conservatory Garden, you will need to contact the Central Park Conservancy directly at 212.360.2766.

It is important to note that setup, decor, and music within the park are prohibited and that the park is always available to the general public.

Inviting Guests to Your Wedding In Central Park

Hosting a wedding in Central Park offers the ability to invite up to 20 guests to honor you with their presence.

Planning Your Central Park Wedding

As a destination wedding videographer, The Siren & Co. Films creates wedding films for Central Park weddings featuring the emotionally driven narrative of your sophisticated wedding day. You can find more details on our Central Park wedding packages and destinations beyond when you follow this link. Or, take a look inside our stylish wedding films when you visit our portfolio.

Creative Team

Videography | The Siren & Co. Films

Photography | Tuan B & Co. & KT Crabb Photography

Florals | Nava Floral

Fashion Stylist | Francesca DiSpirito

Hair & Makeup | Madeline Eleanor

Car | Duetto the Alfa

Editorial Models | Ashley Rose Nicholas & Jesse Lee