Using a Public Park for Ceremony, then heading to a Reception Hall

Hey there Dale, I'm sorry I don't personally have advice for you, but I can help you bump your post! How busy is the park likely to be if you don't have exclusive use of it? Is it likely to disturb your ceremony? Does your officiant have advice for you about this space?

Make sure you have your permits in order and you know exactly what you can and cannot do as far as amplification and chairs. And don't forget to count transportation time into the mix.

The park hasn't been that busy when we've visited before. It always seems so quiet while we're there, so I don't think it would disturb our ceremony.

I don't have much advice. But my best friend had her wedding in a public park (a beach actually) and did not have it reserved so there were other people there. It was totally fine. Had a couple photography issues with random people getting in the background of photos but it wasn't a big deal I don't think.

I don't have advice on NYC, but we are having our ceremony at a park in Milwaukee and the reception at a different venue nearby. Just make sure you read and re-read your contract with the park and ensure you have ALL of your permits. Ask about everything! Noise (music), photography, trash pickup, restrooms, timeline, decoration limitations, use of park structures (The park we originally wanted was asking for a permit for the park and a separate permit to use the pavilion), staking (we are not allowed to stake anything into the ground), and Plan B options.

GOOD LUCK!

I would call the Parks and Rec dept that has jurisdiction over Four Freedoms. They will have answers to all your questions and may even have less costly alternatives.

We did this, but in Central Park. We went through A Central Park Wedding, and they obtained our permit for us.