Can UK couples legally get married in New York? A Central Park wedding guide

Dreaming of saying “I do” in New York? Whether you’re planning a just-the-two-of-you elopement or bringing a small group along for the adventure, the Big Apple offers a rare mix of iconic backdrops and surprisingly straightforward logistics.

We asked Claire Ady, founder of Wed in Central Park, to share what UK couples need to know.

What makes New York such an attractive place for Scottish couples to get married?

New York is a city that truly offers something for everyone. Some of our couples getting married with us have never visited before and this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip – they’ve seen the city in TV and film and want to experience those iconic sights in real life.

Others already have a connection to the city and want to return to make new memories, often bringing loved ones with them to share it.

New York wedding legal requirements for UK couples

Is it easy for UK couples to legally get married in New York?

It’s straightforward – and, unlike some other destinations, legally binding. It’s possible to arrive in New York, get your marriage licence for $35, and then get married the following day.

Then you can either take the completed licence and swap it for a marriage certificate straight away, or you’ll get your certificate posted to your home address in the UK within six to eight weeks.

Wondering what the legalities and rules behind getting married in Scotland are? Read here 

Getting married in Central Park: ceremony locations and permits

Why choose Central Park for a New York wedding ceremony?

New York is famously busy and hectic, and Central Park is a tranquil and beautiful part of it, so having your ceremony here allows you to focus on each other for your vows while still experiencing the city’s many attractions.

Our couples can marry anywhere they wish in Central Park and then go on to have photos all over the park (and indeed the wider city).

Where can you get married within Central Park?

There are some spots in Central Park that are quite tucked away and provide lovely options for a wedding ceremony.

Examples include Cop Cot, a rustic wooden structure covered with foliage and wisteria; Ladies’ Pavilion, a wrought iron structure overlooking the lake; Wagner Cove, a private lakeside setting near Bow Bridge; and Belvedere Castle, which offers views across the park from its elevated position.

Do you need a permit to get married in Central Park?

Yes – a permit from the NYC Parks Department is required to hold a ceremony in Central Park.

This is something I arrange as part of my packages, along with providing a New York State-registered officiant and writing a personalised ceremony.

Planning a New York wedding from the UK

What are the benefits of using a specialist New York wedding planner?

It can be daunting to plan a wedding thousands of miles away from home, and it’s my job to guide my couples through the planning process so that by the time we get to their wedding day they are clear on what will happen and they’re completely confident and relaxed that all will go exactly to plan.

I offer five packages with transparent and competitive pricing. All include the ceremony (writing the script, arranging the park wedding permit and providing a NY state registered officiant), with options to include video, flowers, music and photography too.

What does a Central Park wedding package typically include?

All packages include the ceremony itself, including a personalised script, the park permit and a registered officiant. Couples can then choose to add photography, videography, flowers and music, with options ranging from a simple ceremony to more comprehensive coverage of the day.

Delve into the details of Wed in Central Park's packages and prices 

New York wedding photography: timings and locations

How long should you allow for wedding photography in New York?

Some couples want to keep their photo session short and just capture the ceremony and a handful of portraits around Central Park.

Others want the photographer to come to the hotel for getting-ready shots or a first look, and then spend several hours taking photos across the park and city. We can spend around three hours in Central Park alone, or extend this to cover multiple locations.

What are the most popular wedding photo locations in NYC?

Popular photo locations include Brooklyn Bridge, the DUMBO waterfront with views of Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal, Times Square, the New York Public Library and skyline viewpoints such as the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock.

Some couples also opt for more off-the-beaten-track locations, such as street art backdrops.

How do you plan timings for a New York wedding day?

NYC traffic can be challenging, so I work with my couples to make a detailed plan of timings for the day to be sure that all goes to plan, that we use the photographer’s time efficiently, and that the couple know exactly what to expect.

This Scottish bride and groom eloped to New York City before bringing the party back to Glasgow a month later

What can you do after your Central Park wedding ceremony?

There are lots of ways for couples to make the day their own. Some take a helicopter flight over the city or a river cruise, while others see a Broadway show or attend a sports event.

Many choose to celebrate with a meal in one of New York’s restaurants, followed by drinks in an iconic bar or rooftop with views over the city.

When is the best time of year to get married in New York?

May and September are the busiest months, as the weather is often considered ideal. October and November are perfect for autumn colours, while March and April are best for cherry blossoms.

December is popular for festive city displays, and January or February can bring snow – although it’s very cold. Summer weddings are warmer, but Central Park is typically cooler than the rest of Manhattan.

Top New York travel tip

“Although you can fly direct to NYC from Glasgow and Edinburgh, if you take a connecting flight via Dublin, you can do all of the boring, time-consuming passport control stuff in Ireland, and then just walk off the plane as if it were a domestic flight when landing in NYC!”