15 Romantic Elopement Locations in NYC’s Central Park
Central Park is one of the romantic places in New York City to get married! Period. Its breathtaking nature set among NYC’s iconic skyline makes Central Park an ideal place for couples planning their NYC elopement or microwedding.
Video: Agaton Strom Photography | Location: Ladies Pavilion, Central Park | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow | Planner: Married in NYC
You’ve likely seen Central Park’s glorious setting in classic movies like ‘When Harry Met Sally’, ‘Ghostbusters’, ‘Enchanted’, ‘Elf’, and countless more. This time though, you will be tracing the steps of your fave stars from your fave NYC movies as you create your own cinematic moment! Whether you’re envisioning a quiet, intimate oasis or a bustling backdrop, Central Park is the most romantic location for your dream NYC elopement.
Get a permit for your preferred NYC wedding ceremony location in one of these top 15 romantic elopement locations in Central Park:
Photographer: Judson Rappaport | Location: Wagner Cove, Central Park | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
1. Wagner Cove
Wagner Cove is arguably one of the most intimate locations for your Central Park elopement. It’s recently renovated rustic gazebo and hidden stone pathways makes this setting ideal for couples who want more privacy than a typical NYC elopement. With views of the lake and turtles basking in the sun, Wagner Cove is ideal for a true elopement or up to 10 guests. It’s walking distance to iconic landmarks such as Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace so you can wander around for couples portraits with your photographer.
ENTRANCE: 72nd and Central Park West
ACCESSIBILITY: not wheelchair accessible
2. Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill is a popular destination named for the Yoshino cherry trees that bloom every spring. Given its large sloping lawn, this is an ideal ceremony site for large weddings and post-wedding picnics. This location is near Wagner Cove, Bow Bridge, and Bethesda Terrace. Perfect for couples portraits and family photos, even if it’s not nearly as private as many other locations mentioned on this list. You may have a few uninvited guests who will cheer you on as fervently as your loved ones, which we believe is definitely part of the NYC magic.
Entrance: 72nd + Central Park West
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
Photographer: Jakub Redziniak | Location: Bow Bridge | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
3. Bow Bridge + Bow Bridge Overlook
This picturesque, cast-iron bridge is one of Central Park’s most photographed landmarks and popular locations for proposals. Offering stunning views of the park’s lake and the Manhattan skyline, Bow Bridge is ideal for couples yearning for a romantic setting that symbolically bridges their worlds during their wedding ceremony.
Since this is a popular location for photoshoots and tours, especially over the weekends and in warmer months, a close alternative is the Bow Bridge Overlook which offers an elevated view of Bow Bridge and the lake. This less-crowded spot is perfect for couples looking for both a secluded space and iconic scenery without the curious passerbys.
And if you’d like something even more private that’s walking distance from Bow Bridge, there is a hidden cobblestone path overlooking the lake and the twin-towered building known as the San Remo. We’ll walk you there for photos!
ENTRANCE: 72nd and Central Park West
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
4. Bethesda Terrace
Bethesda Terrace is one of Central Park’s most iconic locations for NYC weddings. At its center stands the Bethesda Fountain overlooking the lake, where you’ll find row boats slowly floating alongside ducks and geese. Two grand staircases flank the fountain, which is perfect for a dramatic entrance if you’d like to make one. The Bethesda Terrace arcade is perfect for rainy or scorching hot sunny wedding days!
Every detail, from the tiled ceilings, romantic arches, and painted arched walls are the perfect backdrop for your couples’ portraits. Oftentimes, you’ll find a musician playing at the arcade’s center which only makes the location feel more cinematically romantic. Bethesda Terrace is ideal for couples who want to blend romance with a touch of Central Park’s magic. This is a highly popular location in Central Park, especially during the warmer months, so it’s best for those who aren’t too private and who have many guests.
ENTRANCE: 72nd Street + Central Park West; Restroom walking distance
ACCESSIBILITY: not wheelchair accessible
Photographer: Wandermore Photography | Location: Ladies Pavilion, Central Park | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
5. Ladies Pavilion
The Ladies Pavilion is one of the most popular elopement locations in Central Park; its cast-iron structure offers breathtaking views of the lake and skyline while providing shaded seating, and some protection for all kinds of inclement weather.
While it’s typically a private oasis, there is a large boulder to the left of the Ladies Pavilion which is quite popular over the summer/fall seasons for families with children. That boulder is also perfect for adventurous couples who want those iconic FEELING ON TOP OF THE WORLD shots!
ENTRANCE: 77th and Central Park West
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
6. Conservatory Garden
Located at Central Park’s northern end, the Conservatory Garden is a hidden gem offering stunning formal gardens, manicured lawns, seasonal blooms, and cascading fountains across its six acres. There are three locations to choose from for your NYC elopement or Central Park microwedding:
The Wisteria Pergola set above the Center Garden overlooking the central lawn and fountain was influenced by Italian Renaissance gardens. The iron arches intertwined with wisteria is a stunning location for your nuptials. This shaded area is ideal for summer weddings in Central Park.
The North Garden is a French-inspired garden that features tulips in the spring and Korean chrysanthemums during autumnal months. Choose between the romantic floral arches or the Untermyer Fountain designed with Three Dancing Maidens as your ceremony backdrop.
The South Garden is an English-style garden featuring the Burnett Fountain and tranquil pool, reminiscent of the main characters in Hodgson Burnett’s novel, The Secret Garden. Get married beneath a willow tree or beside the fountain with your closest loved ones surrounding you.
ENTRANCE: 105th & 5th Avenue
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
Photographer: Sascha Reinking | Location: Wisteria Pergola at The Mall, Central Park | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
7. Wisteria Pergola at The Mall
This Wisteria Pergola, covered in vines that bloom each spring, is located right off The Mall and Literary Walk, a stone’s step away from Bethesda Terrace. This secluded spot in an otherwise bustling section of Central Park overlooks the Concert’s Ground. Ideal for an elopement or microwedding, the Wisteria Pergola at the Mall offers shaded seating for guests and romantic lighting the peeks through the natural vine-covered trellis.
ENTRANCE: 69th and 5th Ave
ACCESSIBILITY: not wheelchair accessible
8. Summit Rock
At more than 140 feet, Summit Rock is the highest natural elevation in Central Park with its urban architecture peeking through the tree-sloped panorama. Walk up the carved stone steps towards the stone “amphitheater” where your wedding ceremony can take center stage. Perfect for large outdoor weddings, Summit Rock is one of the few Central Park wedding locations that has natural seating for your guests.
ENTRANCE: 85th Street and Central Park West; no restrooms
ACCESSIBILITY: not wheelchair accessible
Photographer: Wandermore Photography | Location: Cop Cot, Central Park | Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
9. Cop Cot
Cop Cot is a rustic, wooden structure covered in vines that bloom beautifully over the spring and summer months and loosely means “little cottage on the crest of a hill” in Scottish. Just steps away from the Central Park South and 6th Avenue entrance, where you’ll find horse-drawn carriages, Cop Cot is a perfect location for first-time visitors to NYC and wheelchair users. This setting has wooden benches that surround the ceremony space and can accommodate up to about 30 seated guests with additional standing room, making it perfect for 50 of your closest loved ones.
This is one of the most private settings for your NYC elopement or microwedding especially during the warmer months and naturally offers a bit of protection from inclement weather.
ENTRANCE: Central Park South and 6th Avenue
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
10. Dene Summerhouse
This rustic gazebo, draped in vines, is the smaller, more private sister to Cop Cot. Dene Summerhouse is this serene retreat perched high on a rock outcrop is known as the ‘Treehouse for Dreaming.” This secret oasis offers wooden benches for intimate seating and is ideal for couples who crave that hidden, fairy garden feel for their NYC elopement.
On warmer months, you’ll notice butterflies flying right beside you and on sunny days, the lighting feels like sun-kissed magic.
ENTRANCE: 67th and 5th
ACCESSIBILITY: not wheelchair accessible
Photo: Sylvie the Camera | Location: Shakespeare Garden | Officiant: Karla, Once Upon A Vow
11. Shakespeare Garden
Shakespeare Garden is your elopement location if you're looking for an idyllic floral garden with charming stone pathways, rustic benches, and Shakespearean quotes set among sweet shrubs. If you love tulips, plan a spring elopement in this secluded garden when they’re in full bloom during April and May.
This intimate elopement location is near the Delacorte Theater, where the Public Theater’s productions of Shakespeare in the Park take place every summer. Shakespeare Garden is hidden on a hillside below Belvedere Castle so you can take a stroll to see the views from above after you’ve been pronounced married!
ENTRANCE: West Side at 79th Street
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
12. Belvedere Castle
Ever wanted to get married in a castle with incredible city views? Belvedere Castle is for you! This mini-castle is perched on the second highest natural point in Central Park known as Vista Rock, near Shakespeare Garden. Take in the breathtaking views of Central Park’s Great Lawn and the Manhattan skyline from its intentionally designed open-air lookout tower. The covered terrace offers protection from the elements while the steps just beyond the terrace deliver spectacular sights and a more intimate feel.
ENTRANCE: 81st Street and Central Park West
ACCESSIBILITY: not wheelchair accessible
13. Turtle Pond
Would you prefer to get married with Belvedere Castle as your backdrop? If so, Turtle Pond might be for you. Enjoy your private wedding ceremony just south of the Great Lawn, beside Turtle Pond, where you’ll find countless turtles basking in the sun. While there’s a wooden platform to view turtles, the grassy, tree-lined field is picturesque for your NYC elopement or microwedding.
ENTRANCE: 79th and 5th
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
Photographer: Sascha Reinking | Location: Gapstow Bridge, Central Park Officiant: Once Upon A Vow
14. Gapstow Bridge
Gapstow Bridge is a picturesque, vine-covered stone bridge that spans the Pond on the southeast corner of Central Park. If you’d like to capture the breathtaking sights of the city skyline along with the park’s natural landscape framed by this captivating, rustic bridge, this is your Central Park elopement location. There are many areas near and around the Gapstow Bridge that can capture the majesty of its contrasting sights!
Near this popular scenic location is the iconic Wollman Rink, which is a seasonal ice skating rink, ideal for fun-loving couples who are planning a winter wedding and crave a post-wedding activity.
LOCATION: Central Park South + 6th Avenue
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
15. The Pool
The Pool is a secluded grassy landscape overlooking a small body of water with weeping willows along the shoreline. This peaceful area nestled in Central Park’s northern woodlands offers some of the best fall foliage views. The Pool is perfect for nature lovers, especially bird watchers as it’s a popular spot for nature observation! It’s great for microweddings and large weddings for up to 100 or so guests as there is ample space to celebrate your marriage. Although, keep in mind that there is no natural seating. After your ceremony, wander towards the hidden waterfalls that flow through the ravine in the north woods.
ENTRANCE: 103rd Street + Central Park West
ACCESSIBILITY: wheelchair accessible
Tips for Your Central Park Elopement:
Permits: Some areas of Central Park, especially the most popular locations such as the Bethesda Terrace and Conservatory Garden, require a permit for ceremonies. The permit for every location on this list with the exception of the Conservatory Garden is $25. A permit for the Conservatory Garden is $1,000.
Officiant Services: Looking for a relaxed, heartfelt, and fun personalized ceremony, consider hiring us to be your NYC wedding officiant to ensure your ceremony celebrates the magic of your love story. We craft custom wedding ceremonies in both English and Spanish for our bilingual and multicultural couples.
Photography: Central Park’s natural beauty provides endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Be sure to book a photographer who is familiar with the park’s hidden gems to capture every moment of your elopement. We have many recommendations!
Ready to Say “I Do” in Central Park?
If you're ready to elope in one of NYC’s stunning Central Park locations, we’re here to help you plan your dream wedding ceremony. From permits and locations to custom vows and heartwarming ceremonies, we offer all the support you need to make your Central Park elopement an unforgettably magical experience.
Contact us today to make your Central Park elopement a better-than-imagined reality!