Sites and Settings

Can I Marry in a Park?

I want my ceremony and reception to be held in a public park near my family’s home. What do I need to do?

You should start by calling your local parks and recreation department and see if you have to secure a permit to hold your celebration in the park. (Some public parks do not require a permit and you may descend upon them without notification, but we don’t recommend it.) Be sure to mention how many guests will attend and how many people will be working the event.

Don’t forget to ask about alcohol permits, to find out about restroom access and to inquire about potential party pitfalls like off-limit areas, restricted hours and parking, or other scheduled events. You can expect to pay a fee for any permit you obtain, and you may have to fork over a security deposit, just in case one of your guests accidentally steps on a bunch of rare flowers.