Helpful facts to help you with your new york elopement

Q- How do I apply for a wedding license? Take a look at our how to get married in new york page by clicking this link for more in depth information

A- You will need to fill out the application online. Once you are finished, you will receive a confirmation number.

We will make the appointment for you at the City Clerks office. You do not need to upload any documents into the portal. When you head to the Clerks office the day before the wedding date, you will need to bring your passports, the confirmation number from the online wedding license application, your divorce papers ( if married before ) and a debit or credit card to pay the $35 license fee.

Q - We have decided on a package and the locations, what do we do now?

A- Congratulations! All you need to do now is contact us by clicking here CONTACT, call 917-446-3224, or email New York Dream Weddings at newyorkdreamweddings@gmail.com. We will quickly guide you through your wedding day, and answer any questions you might have. NYDW requires a minimum $500 deposit to hold your special day and to begin making your arrangements. Payment of the deposit is our guarantee that our Dream Weddings partnership will run smoothly.

Q- Where can we have our wedding ceremony?

A-We plan wedding ceremonies all over New York City! The main locations are Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Top of the Rock, and Fort Tyron Park.

Q- What are the main locations in Central Park?

A- Ladies Pavilion: This is a Victorian cast-iron pavilion on The Lake. It has a quaint feel, fitting for an intimate ceremony in the park. Parasols are optional! The Ladies Pavilion is located on the west side of the park between 75th and 76th St.

The Pond: Located just feet from the park's main entrance at 59th St. and 5th Ave.The Pond offers a tranquil escape, with trees and blooms lining the edges of a calm, glassy body of water to dream by. Weddings here can have the beautiful Gapstow Bridge behind them in a naturalistic and peaceful setting.

Cherry Hill: The backdrop of Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace make this green area a perfect setting for a wedding in Central Park. In the spring, the blooming forsythias and azaleas can surround you. You can even occasionally view the horse and carriages turn around in a cul-de-sac here. Cherry Hill is located mid-park at 72nd St.

Cop Cot: Cop Cot is Scottish for "little house on the crest of a hill." And that's exactly what it is - a natural wooden gazebo situated atop a hill overlooking the park and some of Central Park South. Shady and cozy, the walk up works great for any processional, and this location is easy for all to get to. It's located near the 6th Ave. entrance.

Belvedere Plaza: A romantic and classic setting next to Belvedere castle, the plaza has spectacular views of Turtle Pond and the fields below. It also allows you to see some of the city's most beautiful buildings in the background. Belvedere Plaza is mid-park at 79th 

Summit Rock: The highest elevation in Central Park, this hill offers lovely views of the greenery and paths on the upper west side of the park. It also features a stone formation that looks as if it were made for a wedding ceremony. It is located on the west side of the park at 83rd St.

Shakespeare Garden: This is a magical, romantic garden sitting between the Swedish Cottage and Belvedere Castle. The flowers and lush green plants create a setting that seems to come right out of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The garden is on the west side of the park between 79th and 80th St.

Bow Bridge: Famous for being in many movies and TV shows, Bow Bridge is a great location in Central Park to get married. There are views of the willows on the lake, the popular Boathouse, and Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. This is a very versatile spot that encompasses the heart and soul of Central Park. It is located mid-park at 74th St.

Gapstow Bridge: With the famed Plaza Hotel standing in the background, this simple but majestic stone bridge is a wonderful spot in the park at which you can get married in any season. Green foliage covers the bridge in warmer weather, and in winter The Pond freezes and creates a whole different beautiful backdrop to say "I Do" to. The bridge offers the perfect setting for an incredibly intimate wedding. It is located on the east side of the park at 62nd St

Turtle Pond: As one of Central Park's designated quiet zones, Turtle Pond provides a relaxing escape from the noisier sections of the park, surrounded by peaceful turtles, fish, frogs and dragonflies. It is located mid-park between 79th and 80th St.

Wagner’s Cove is a very intimate gazebo tucked away in the woods right on the pond. It’s the ideal location for couples wanting a private ceremony. It’s located on 72nd street close to Bow Bridge, Bethesda terrace, and the John Lennon Memorial.

Angel Tunnel in Bethesda Terrace is a beautiful painted tunnel with large archways, steps, and Bethesda fountain. It's sheltered from the rain and wind and an excellent location in any conditions. The only issue is it gets quite busy there if it’s not raining. 

Q- What form of payment can I use?

A- You can pay in cash on the wedding day, PayPal (5% additional fee), or Bank Transfer ($35 fee).

Q- What if we only need photography?

A-  No problem! We are both a wedding planning and photography company. 

Q- How soon can we get married?

A- If no permits are required for your ceremony location, everything can be ready in a few days. For locations that require permits, wait times are usually about a month.

* Wedding parties of 20 or more may require additional permit fees.

Q - We are not from the US, but want to get married in New York City. What do we need to do?

A- First thing you can do, to make the process easy when you arrive, is to go to the City Clerk's online Marriage license application form (Click Here to fill out the online form) The application expires after 21 days, so we suggest filling it out right before you come to NYC.

When you arrive in New York City, one of our wedding planners will meet you, and take you to the City Clerk to pick up your marriage license. All applications for marriage licenses must be done at least 24 hours before your wedding ceremony. You will need to pick up your license with your partner, so please come together. You will need the number you receive after filling out the online form, your passports or birth certificates, and any divorce papers, if applicable. If your divorce papers are not in English, they will need to be translated into English before you come by a certified translator.

 You will be issued a marriage license from the City of New York, which will be valid 24 hours after you receive it.

On the day of your wedding, your New York City marriage officiant, witnes(s), and both the bride and groom, will need to sign the marriage license to make it official. Once the license is signed, your wedding planner will bring it to the City Clerk office for you,  file all necessary paperwork to ensure the marriage license is recognized in your home country. When the license is ready NYDW will send you your marriage license.  Allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing.

If you need more information on acquiring a marriage license in New York, here is the link to their main site. City Clerk of New York http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml

 Q - Will our marriage be legally recognized in our home country?

A - Yes. All ceremonies performed in the USA are legally recognized as binding. However, there are a few steps that need to be taken in order for it to be recognized in some countries. Couples from the UK, Ireland, and Australia do not need to do anything else, the NY wedding license is legal and recognized in your countries! No long form or Apostle needed!

Q - Who will be marrying us and what is the ceremony like?

A - All ceremonies are performed by an officiant (ordained minister) authorized by the state of New York. Ceremonies last approximately 15-20 min and are held in the location of your choice. The minister will contact you before the ceremony to discuss your ceremony and incorporate your personal love story. We strive to make every ceremony unique and romantic.

Q - We don’t have any guests coming, is that ok?

A -Don’t worry! In the state of New York,  it is only necessary to have one witness present. New York Dream Weddings can be your witness and sign all required paperwork.

 Q - Can I get married any day of the week?

A - Yes. Weddings are performed 7 days a week, 365 days a year! That being said, the best days to have an elopement style wedding are Tuesday through Thursday due to the influx of tourists on the weekends! Less people around make for better photos;)

Q - Who is the photographer for New York Dream Weddings?

A - All Photography and Video is provided by award winning photography company, Harley Hall Photography. We have a number of incredible photographers and can guarantee you will have a wonderful time with any of them and beautiful photos! www.harleyhallphotography.com

Q - When do we get the images and how many will we get? 

A - Approximately four to six weeks after your wedding, your images will be uploaded onto an FTP and you will be able to download them onto your home computer. Every wedding is different, so there’s no set number of images. It averages between 300-500 depending on how many hours of coverage you choose. All images go through an editing process to give you the best quality images possible!

Q - What happens if it rains on my wedding day?

A - Ceremonies are conducted rain or shine. There are numerous covered locations all around the city that will keep you nice and dry. We suggest bringing a colorful umbrella and rain boots if there is the possibility of a shower. Some of our best shots have been in the rain!

Q - Do We have to have a limousine? 

A - Having a limousine makes getting around the city much easier but you don't have to use our limo serve  on your big day. There's many ways to travel in New York city including: Taxi, Bus, and the Subway. 

Q- How many people fit in the limousine?

A-The limo that comes with our packages holds up to 8 people max capacity. We have additional transportation options to accommodate any party size! Just ask us for more information!

Q- If we decide to use a Limousine, will we get dropped off and picked up at our hotel? 

A- We offer all sizes of transport, from a 5 passenger town car to a 14 passenger ultra stretched limousine. Our limousine service picks you and your guests up at your hotel, drives you to the ceremony location and from there to all of your portrait destinations and safely drops you off at either your hotel or reception location. 

Q - My package does not include a few items that I would like for my wedding such as flowers, limousine, and a hairstylist. Is there a way to add them on to my existing package?

A - No Problem! You can add anything you like. Just let your planner know and we will make it happen.

Q - Is gratuity included?

A - Gratuity is not included, nor required in the package price. If you feel that we did a great job, and you’re pleased with everyone that was a part of your special day; photographer, limo driver, officiant, please feel free to offer gratuity.

If you have any additional questions, please call or email. New York Dream Weddings is happy to hear from you!

Contact us day or night: newyorkdreamweddings@gmail.com, phone: 1-917-446-3224 or our CONTACT page. A wedding planner will get back to you right away with all the answers.