Permits: New Fees for Brooklyn Bridge Park

Permits: Brooklyn Bridge Park
OK everyone, I guess too many people starting following us . So there are NEW RULES for Brooklyn Bridge Park. Hmm, this was 2007?)

Please note: As of December 1, 2011, there is a new non-refundable fee of $400 for wedding ceremonies held at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Please see details below.

- Wedding ceremonies can be held at the Pier 1 Waterfront Promenade/Granite Prospect, Empire Fulton Ferry boardwalk, and Main Street pebble beach only.
- Fees: there is a $400 non-refundable site fee for all wedding ceremonies, in addition to the $25 non-refundable application fee.
- 2 wedding permits are issued per location per day: one between 8am and 2pm, another between 2pm and 8pm.
- No equipment can be used for weddings at Brooklyn Bridge Park (i.e., staging, microphones, tables, podiums, tents, amplified music).
- A maximum of 5 folding chairs can be brought for elderly or infirm guests.
- Wedding ceremonies cannot exceed 1.5 hours and may have a maximum of 100 guests.
- Pier 1 waterfront promenade: weddings must occur as a standing event and may only be held on the southern section of the Granite Prospect. At all times a path must be maintained on the waterfront promenade that allows for through access by the general public.

Museum Restaurants - another idea for a celebration

Five Museum Restaurants Worth Visiting Even If You Don't See Any Art
So - here are some ideas for a wedding dinner - why not get married in Central Park, and then visit these restaurants for your celebration:
Robert at MAD: The food served in the restaurant atop the Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle is just fine, but whatever. Because the views at this very mod American restaurant are truly spectacular. Seriously, if you are in the neighborhood it is worth going up just to get a drink at the bar so you can stare out over the expanse of Central Park.

Same-sex marriage passes in New York Senate

Same-sex marriage passes in New York Senate

Breaking: Shortly before 10 pm on June 24, 2011, the New York State Senate voted 36-26 to approve same-sex marriage. The bill had already passed in the heavily Democratic state assembly by a lopsided vote of 82-47, and Governor Andrew Cuomo has promised to sign it.

Earlier on Friday, the bill was known to have 31 votes in favor, one short of a majority. When Republican Stephen Saland, who voted against a similar bill two years ago, told the Associated Press that he intended to vote in favor this time, passage of the measure appeared to be assured.
Hurrah! And here is Mary officiating at a couple of same sex weddings when up in  Toronto, and we can finally say that same sex marriage will soon to be coming to your neighbourhood in New York!

Photos: The High Line's Phase II, Now Open!:

Photos: The High Line's Phase II, Now Open!: Gothamist

The long-Phase II of the High Line, running from 20th to 30th Streets, officially opens tomorrow, but we got a sneak peak. And word on the Line is that they're currently letting everyone in.

Spring in Central Park

The sun came out!  And so did the lovely and wonderful couple, and we hiked up through the Ramble in Central Park - and had a wonderful informal wedding with the City behind us.

Fourth of July Fireworks stay on the Hudson this year

4th Of July Fireworks Over The Hudson Again
OK everyone - now you know where to see OR AVOID the July 4 crowds for weddings on July 4
A few years back, Macy's pissed off  pretty much all of Brooklyn and Queens by moving their annual fireworks  display to the Hudson River, so Hoboken basically got the best view.  Those to the east retaliated with firework parties of their own, only  occasionally blowing off their own arms. A few days ago, we got a tip indicating that the show might be relocating, but today comes the official word that yet again, the fireworks will be held over the Hudson.

This year's celebration is a double-whammy of patriotism, in honor of both America's 235th birthday and the Statue of Liberty's  125th. But we know what you're really curious about: the choreographed  musical score that accompanies every show. This year's it's set to be a  real doozy, "Featuring beloved Independence Day standards such as God  Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner...and also some of the  hottest pop songs of our times including hits from stars Taio Cruz,  Everclear, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry and LeAnne Rimes," reads the  Macy's press release.  You hear that, Brooklyn? Maybe you don't want that show, after all.

Problems with rowboats in Central Park - the dress!

Problems with rowboats in Central Park - wear the right clothing!

Advice from Eileen:  "Twice last week the gowns were too big for the boats....elope in something smaller and let's row into your new life!!!"
(here's an old pix from Fall - witnesses in the other boat...)

Secret Central Park

Secret Central Park
Eileen reminded me about this older website, which has great closeup shots of some of the shelters and locations in Central Park. Yes, the Ladies Pavilion is pretty - but the ceiling is low (imagine those people standing up!) and I much prefer the Dene Hut, on the East Side.

Joy and photography in Central Park weddings

Here is one of our other favorite pictures, and another delightful photographer, Maria Melin. I have NO idea how she managed this, but this couple was extremely happy!

Central Park in Spring - horses, gazebos, and red flowers

A couple at their wedding in Central Park, making the acquaintance of a carriage horse on 59th.  The picture, and the one below, of them inside Cop Cot with Chaplain Eileen, is by Beowulf, a dear friend and a great photographer

.

The 2011 Summerstage Schedule

Something's Leaking On Twitter: The 2011 Summerstage Schedule!: Gothamist
Nothing like a SummerStage concert to intrude sonically into your peaceful Central Park wedding! Not to mention the lines... So keep an eye on this concert schedule and doublecheck with your wedding plans.

Fabulous Top of the Rock picture by Kim

 FABulous picture by Kim Coccagnia of a wedding at the Top of the Rock.  (Please note, this is a hard pic to get. We've avoided weather, hordes of tourists, guards, and all those things. This lovely couple isn't really ALONE, but who cares?  Great moment) 
Officiant was Eileen, Photographer was Kim

MacWedding? Apple Store May Be On Grand Central Terminal Balcony - Gothamist

SApple Store May Be On Grand Central Terminal Balcony - Gothamist
Further advancing the rumors that Apple will announce a new store located in Grand Central Terminal, the Post says, "The store, to be Apple's fifth in Manhattan, will displace Charlie Palmer's Métrazur restaurant. Métrazur's partners are scouting new locations."
The Post's source adds, "To make room, Grand Central may open the vacant northeast balcony, next to Michael Jordan's Steakhouse." A partner for Métrazur told the Post it's all just a "rumor." According to its website, "Métrazur [was] named for a commuter train that once ran along the Cote d'Azur en route to Monaco." So maybe they can find space at Penn Station? The Métrazur website also has a quote, presumably from Palmer, "When I stand at the top of the staircase and look out into the terminal, it's like cooking in the center of the world."   - well, pretty sad departure, if it's true. 
Here is a Grand Central elopement for a couple married by Eileen.  Love the people texting and paying no attention!

What is a wedding? from Kim Coccagnia

(Here is a bit of the article by KIM from her photographer blog, I edited it a teeny bit for space, so go read it all..)

"...To some it involves a limo, a beautiful white dress, tuxedos, 8 bridesmaids and groomsmen, 200 of your closest friends and relatives, favors, a cake, a year in planning etc… that’s what most think of when they think of a wedding anyway. However a wedding can also be a couple, 2 plane tickets, an intimate ceremony with or without a few close friends and a romantic dinner after. Is one better than the other? An affirmative NO!

I'm writing this because I was recently interviewed by the NY Daily news and it occurred to me how many people are unaware of the concept of "Eloping". The Daily News story was actually focused more on 'Guerrilla Weddings' and they contacted Elopenewyork.com and myself and asked us about our experiences (with) Guerrilla weddings or 'Flash Mob Weddings'... when the couple and say 50 of their guests show up and surprise a public venue with a ceremony. These weddings are often frowned upon, because they are looked at as a nuisance. So don't even think about it.

The more I spoke to the interviewer the more she was surprised (and happy) to know that there are other options for couples. The weddings we do are more quiet, legal and sweet...

It has become a trend to come and get hitched here in New York City. Alone or with a few close guests whether you’re from New York, London, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iceland, Sweden, or Chicago. New York welcomes you. Frankly I believe New York is the best city in the world to get hitched, with so many fun options.

You can wear a Red dress, Blue dress, Black dress, snake skin boots, you can pick up your flowers on the way to the ceremony at a bodega (NOTE FROM MARY: That's NY for "deli" or "corner grocery"). Eloping here REALLY does mean anything goes.

When you choose to elope, there is no major planning process, no stress, and no worrying about where to sit your crazy aunt Helen, JUST the two of you... All of our couples do pick a fun location somewhere in NYC, whether it be a park, a cozy side street in the east village, or the city clerks office for the ceremony.
Some..get married at the lunch or dinner local. The only thing this requires is to have the officiant come to you, perform a short 5-minute ceremony and Voila. You’re Married...

...I have also had couples that choose a combination of the two, an intimate quiet wedding WITH a white dress and a cake...  Here are a couple having a nice lunch at City Hall Restaurant, Granite Room...

At the end of the day there is no right way to be married. Its what fits you best and what means something to you. If that means a wedding with 500 people, fantastic, if it means you, me and an officiant, that’s fantastic too!"
kim@kimberlycoccagnia.com
kimberlycoccagnia.com

Kim Coccagnia featured in NYDaily News

Our friend Photographer Kim Coccagnia was recently featured in a NY Daily News article on 'Guerilla weddings'. See all the details on Kim's Blog

Yeah Kim! Note that she is offering a romantic VALENTINE's DAY WEDDING SPECIAL with our good friend Chaplain Eileen. It looks like a swell deal, says I.

Winter Formal Wedding on Bow Bridge

The Storm can't keep romance away. Here is a lovely couple from the UK on Bow Bridge, just after the big storm. The officiant was Chaplain Eileen, who took this great pix. Top hat! White Wrap! Snow! (I would had added white faux fur earmuffs)

HiLine in winter - a brief glimpse at the snow

Notice the absence of people, too - a great place for a quick winter elopement.

Winter Wedding in Central Park

Winter wedding, Central Park, Officiant, Eileen Regan.
Congratulations! 

A New York elopement, and an article in Glamour

Our friend Photographer Sarah Sloboda was recently featured in an article in Glamour Weddings, called "Real Weddings - Alice and Andy".  The officiant was our good friend Eileen, who has married couples at practically all of these locations, and in all sorts of weather.   No you can't get MARRIED at the Guggenheim without a big trust fund (you can see the article for pix of the real wedding in Ladies Pavilion) but you can always go INSIDE the lobby and take some informal shots....Hurrah for Sarah!

Fed up with wedding planning? Warning: This super-simple New York wedding might just make you want to elope!  Alice and Andy were married on September 27 in New York City’s Central Park. They spent the morning of their (rainy!) wedding day with their wedding photographer, posing for pictures at New York City landmarks—Grand Central Station, the Guggenheim Museum—and in an iconic yellow cab. Then they were joined by three friends, their witnesses, for the ceremony at the historic Ladies Pavilion in Central Park.

Eloping at Rock Center, vs bigger weddings

Reminder: This blog is about ELOPING, not about big weddings.  You can't take 40 people up to the Top of the Rock. You can't take 20 people onto the Brooklyn Bridge -- and someone just wrote me about booking 620 Loft for 15 people - that's the Terrace at Rockefeller overlooking 5th avenue.  It's BEAUTIFUL, but in 2008 it was already evidently $20,000 to rent (and $75K for a holiday) plus catering, etc. 

So sometimes your consideration should be about the space (Top of the Rock is best for under 10) sometimes the cost (pretty spaces cost a LOT of money), but if you are planning a wedding for more than a handful of people, it's a much different situation than a romantic elopement or private wedding.  Be creative! Book a friend's party room at their condo, ask your friends about their loft, book a restaurant for a 'function' and then have a small wedding before dinner, find a hotel with a terrace -- but please remember that space in NY costs a lot - because it's hard to find.  And the park is FREE (until you get to 20 people).  So have a winter (blizzard) wedding and then hot chocolate - or go skating, and then have a nice dinner (or a cheap and cheerful feast in Little India on 6th and 2nd).

Rockefeller Center is all dressed up for an elopement

Just remember, you can't really find a place to stand around the tree for a wedding - but you can have your picture taken there, of course. It's also a madhouse of people, so you can't really hear.  But you can always go UP to the Top of the Rock for a great view! 

Red Dress Wedding - nice for fall, too

Here's Eileen in the Ladies Pavilion, and here is the couple again in Times Square - great pix (I think these might be Kim Coccagnia - will confirm!)

Red dresses for all!

Mobile Food Trucks Now Occupy Former Tavern On the Green Site

Mobile Food Trucks Now Occupy Former Tavern On the Green Site
Well, it's happened. The Chrystal room is gone, and there are food trucks. And T shirts.
But there ARE washrooms! Just so you know....

Photographer's Exhibit opening!

We love Mike's photographs.  Go see this exhibit! Poetry! Photographs! (wine and snacks!)
Opening Friday Oct 15, @ 5 East 48th street.  Contact Mike at:

Michael Skoglund , Photographer

712 Washington St. 1A

New York, NY 10014

212-242-3025

917-306-8204 mobile

http://www.mskoglund.com/

Thousands Gather in Central Park's Strawberry Fields To Celebrate John Lennon's 70th Birthday

Thousands Gather in Central Park's Strawberry Fields To Celebrate John Lennon's 70th Birthday
October 9, 2010 - Attendees celebrating the late John Lennon's 70th birthday sang songs, placed flowers, notes, photographs and candles around the Imagine mosaic in Central Park's Strawberry Fields throughout the day and into the night.

City Hall: Problems with mailing licenses overseas

We have had a small rush of problems with some international licenses NOT BEING RECEIVED IN THE MAIL by couples from overseas (Australia, Germany, Sweden). What this means, is that the marriage is duly registered, and the City states they have issued the Registration Certificate AND MAILED IT, but that it has failed to reach the couples through the postal mail.

Theories range from  to mistakes in addressing  to postage difficulties - but the result is the same. You would need to get a notary's letter to get a duplicate license issued.

We're concerned enough (and have heard similar stories from other officiants) to make this strong suggestion to OVERSEAS couples:

If you obtain your marriage license from 141 Worth Street in Manhattan, try to arrange your holiday so that you can go BACK to the same office on the next workday following your wedding, and simply have them certify and print the Registration certificate while you wait - it's only $15, and then you will be CERTAIN that you have your license without worrying about the vagaries of the Postal System.  You can also walk down the block to the Court and obtain an apostille the same day, if required.

Caveat - and good luck.

Not again: Do NOT propose on the Brooklyn Bridge if you're nervous

The Brooklyn Paper: He dropped the ring — but city workers found it!
  (....see the Last Time this happened)
City workers have saved the day for a Florida man who had fumbled his attempt to propose to his girlfriend on the fabled Brooklyn Bridge, dropping the engagement ring out of his sweaty hands and onto construction material below. On Friday, hours after we contacted the Department of Transportation about the bauble bobble, workers found the symbol of love and are preparing to reunite it with the happy couple.

'Are you serious?' fiancee Kelsey Kramer said after we told her the good news. 'I can’t believe it, I’m so happy!'

This ring cycle certainly didn’t look like it would have a storybook ending on Wednesday night, when Turner and his would-be bethrothed took a walk on the bridge, entering the span on the side near Kramer’s Brooklyn Heights apartment. As Turner took the first steps onto the boardwalk, he remembered looking down and thinking how horrible it would be if the ring, with its .6-karat stone, fell.

Brooklyn Bridge repair worker Doug Reese saved the day when he spied this token of love laying on a construction platform.

Kim captures a New York Wedding moment in Central Park

Another fabulous New York wedding pix from Kim Coccagnia - one of our favorite Wedding and Elopement photographers - great eye, and always a sense of humor..

and she makes a great witness, too!

improveverywhere does FormalWear at Coney

improveverywhere

Improv Everywhere (our favourite group sport) brought their antics to Coney Island yesterday, turning a beach day into a black tie affair! Hundreds of folks dressed in tuxedos and gowns confused the regular beachgoers, as they played in the sand and swam in the ocean in their formal wear.

According to IE, they "covered a mile-long stretch of beach with a diverse group of people of all ages (from babies to sixty-somethings) laying out, playing games, and swimming in the ocean, all in formal wear. The mostly Russian crowd of beachgoers appeared to have a blast watching the spectacle unfold, laughing, taking photos, and asking questions." Stay tuned for video!

I think it would have been a GREAT wedding event! Like Improv's WEDDING RECEPTION! (you have to use those formal clothes somehow...)

Arboreal Census of Central park

All the trees and where to find them