Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can hire external vendors. All our packages are fully customizable, so you can easily modify your package if you prefer using an outside vendor.
Our wedding packages focus on the ceremony and do not include a reception. However, we're happy to recommend local venues for your celebration.
Yes, we offer customizable photography packages that can include engagement photo sessions. You can choose from hourly packages to a full day, and adjust the package based on your needs.
Yes! You have a dedicated wedding planner and an entire wedding management team. Our team (Planner, Coordinator, Production Manager, and On-Site Manager) will assist you throughout the entire planning and production of your ceremony.
You can select your vendors through your Client Account. Our marketplace pairs you with the best matches for your needs, ensuring a perfect fit for your special day.
Absolutely! Choose a package that best fits your needs and customize it as desired. Once booked, you can upgrade, swap, or add services via your client account up to 8 weeks before your event.
We offer four package options: Intimate, Celebrate, Elegance, and Custom. They range from intimate ceremonies to lavish celebrations, each customizable to fit your needs. Choose from options that include everything from essential services to full-day coverage with additional extras!
Our officiants will handle all the paperwork, but keep in mind that the processing can take 2 weeks to 2 months.
You’ll meet your team as soon as you acquire a package and the planning process starts. Your Location Manager will be available for walkthroughs and rehearsals on your big day.
Payments are made securely via the Happenings™ website, using debit or credit cards. You start payments 30 days after signing up.
An elopement, or a micro wedding, is a small, intimate wedding ceremony with just the couple or a few close loved ones. It's simple, spontaneous, and stress-free, focusing on the couple's commitment rather than a large, traditional wedding.
Absolutely! We're open to all practices and can incorporate your cultural or religious traditions, as long as they respect park rules. Our packages include licensed officiants who can perform your ceremony. Just ensure your officiant is certified to officiate in New York State.
Absolutely! All packages include a walkthrough. Most couples opt for a walkthrough and rehearsal a day or two before the ceremony. If you prefer to do a walkthrough separately from the rehearsal, that's an option too for an extra fee. Walkthroughs are available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
All our packages include the necessary permits. We handle the entire permit process for you, making it hassle-free.
We’ll give you a map with nearby cross streets and entrance locations closest to your ceremony spot. Our staff will also be on hand to guide your guests to the ceremony location.
It's always good to have a backup plan! We recommend choosing an indoor venue like your hotel, a chapel, or even a museum. We'll work with you to create a solid weather contingency plan, so you're covered. Additionally, extreme weather allows you to reschedule your wedding without charge.
To obtain a New York State marriage license visit https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-bureau
Yes, a New York State marriage license is required for an official ceremony.
The only location in Central Park that requires a special photography permit is the Conservatory Gardens. We expedite the complete permit process for you.
Even though we secure a permit for your location, Central Park remains a public space. This means that we can't block off the area, but the permit ensures your right to hold the ceremony at your chosen spot.
Every season in Central Park offers its own unique beauty. Spring and fall are popular due to the pleasant weather, but the best time depends on your personal preference.
Central Park has guidelines to keep it beautiful, so runners, flower petals, confetti, and seeds aren’t allowed. Instead, consider using handheld bouquets, decorative signs, or floral arrangements on stands to add a personal touch while respecting park rules.
Unfortunately, Central Park's rules do not allow tents to be used during ceremonies. However, there are some options you can use, like umbrellas, to protect yourself and your guests from rain or heavy sun.
Central Park allows a few folding chairs for guests who can't stand for long periods, like elderly relatives or those with mobility issues. This ensures everyone can enjoy the ceremony comfortably.
Restrooms are available at specific locations like the Chinese Pavilion or included in some rental fees. For other areas, public restrooms might be used.
There isn't an explicit exclusive use policy for most areas. The Conservatory of Flowers and San Francisco Botanical Garden do not guarantee complete privacy during events, but the Shakespeare Garden might offer a more private setting due to its layout.
Parking can be challenging in Golden Gate Park, especially on weekends. The Music Concourse Parking Facility is one option, but on certain days, restrictions apply like no car access on JFK Drive on specific dates. Public transport or carpooling might be better options to suggest to your guests.
San Francisco's weather can be unpredictable, with cooler summers and fog. September and October are considered the warmest months, averaging in the low to mid-60s, making them popular times for weddings. However, having a backup plan for less favorable weather conditions is advisable.
Not all locations within Golden Gate Park permit receptions. For example, Shakespeare Garden allows ceremonies but not receptions, whereas Fuchsia Garden and Queen Wilhelmina Garden do allow for both ceremonies and receptions.
Golden Gate Park offers various picturesque locations for weddings: Chinese Pavilion at Stow Lake for an intimate setting with a capacity of 50 guests (ceremony only). Fuchsia Garden near the Conservatory of Flowers, ideal for late spring or summer weddings with a capacity of 150 guests (ceremonies and receptions allowed). Portals of the Past for a regal setting with an archway and columns, capacity up to 100 (ceremony only). Queen Wilhelmina Garden under the Dutch windmill, suitable for ceremonies and receptions. Shakespeare Garden for a romantic, secluded setting, with a capacity of 200 (but no receptions allowed).
April is a favorite month due to the flowering crabapple trees, which enhance the garden’s beauty. Weekdays may have fewer public visitors, offering a quieter setting.
San Francisco’s climate is mild but can be foggy and cool, especially in summer (June-August). April is popular for blooming crabapple trees. Plan for potential fog with appropriate attire, like jackets or shawls, and consider umbrellas as a backup.
Parking is available at the Music Concourse Parking Facility on Fulton St and 10th Ave or Music Concourse Way. It’s public and subject to rates. Note that JFK Drive is car-free on Saturdays (April-September) and Sundays year-round, so access via MLK Drive is recommended.
Yes, professional photography is permitted with no specific restrictions, making it a popular spot for wedding and engagement photos.
Yes, you can bring decorations, but they must comply with park regulations to avoid damage. All decorations must be removed after the event, and no permanent alterations are allowed.
There are no restrooms directly at the garden. The nearest restrooms are a 2-minute walk behind the Music Concourse Amphitheater.
The garden remains open to the public, and the gate must stay unlocked during your event. While most visitors are respectful and may leave if asked, other park-goers could be present.
No, amplified sound is not allowed to preserve the garden’s peaceful setting. Acoustic music, such as a string quartet or solo performer, is permitted.
No, receptions with food or beverages are not permitted. The garden is reserved for ceremonies only, so you’ll need a separate venue for any reception.
No, Shakespeare Garden does not provide chairs or tables. You’ll need to arrange these through your own vendors, ensuring compliance with park rules.
Shakespeare Garden is located at 335 Martin Luther King Jr Drive, between Nancy Pelosi Drive and Music Concourse Drive, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118.
No, amplified sound is not permitted at this location.
Parking is limited and open to the public.
Restrooms are available across the street at Little Marina Green.
The Palace of Fine Arts and Rotunda are open to the public even when there are wedding permits issued. This means there will be people in the park and potentially at the Rotunda during your event, as it's a popular park and tourist destination.
Yes, you can get married at the Palace of Fine Arts. Weddings are allowed under the rotunda, which is the area just under the giant dome. For a small, spontaneous wedding or just for photos, no permit is needed. However, for any event requiring exclusive use of space or involving more than 30 people, a permit is necessary.
Amplified sound is not permitted. Also, all garbage must be bagged and removed from the site by the renter.
While not explicitly stated as an "exclusive use policy," since only one event is allowed per weekend at the site, you would have exclusive use of the wedding site during your booked time. However, other park activities might occur in different areas.
There's no indoor alternative at Faye Park. You might need to rent a tent or marquee for protection.
While the top level is suited for smaller, intimate weddings, the entire park can host larger groups up to 100, but without amenities like chairs or tables provided.
Parking is on the surrounding public city streets; there is no loading/unloading zone or service road. For events with more than 50 adults, alternative parking arrangements must be made.
There is one restroom inside the Fay House accessible from the park.
Amplified sound is not allowed at this location. Chairs and tables are not provided, so these must be arranged if needed.
Yes, you need to submit an Outdoor Wedding Application for a reservation. If there are multiple applications for the same date, a randomized lottery system is used to award the reservation.
The top level of Faye Park can accommodate up to 30 people seated, with a maximum capacity of 100 people for the area.
Yes, Faye Park in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood is available for weddings. It's particularly noted for its three terraces, with the top level featuring two white gazebos ideal for ceremonies.
Yes, you can get married in Memorial Park. DC War Memorial is one of the three approved locations for wedding ceremonies by the National Park Service (NPS) within the National Mall and Memorial Parks. The other two locations are the West Lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the George Mason Memorial.
Rules focus on sharing the space with regular visitors, ensuring safety, and protecting both natural and cultural resources. For instance, at the George Mason Memorial, chairs, speakers, microphones, or rentals are not allowed due to its intimate setting. General restrictions include no alcohol, no open flames, and restrictions on certain types of decorations to preserve the memorial.
While DC allows self-officiation, this is not permitted on federal property like the National Mall or its memorials. You will need an officiant for your ceremony here.
There is no cover at most of these locations, such as the West Lawn of the Jefferson Memorial, so weather considerations are important. You might need an alternative plan or consider weather insurance. DC War Memorial has a covered area which can comfortably seat 40-50 people or accommodate more if standing. However, for severe weather or if you prefer an indoor option, you would need to consider another venue for the ceremony.
Yes, due to the historical and cultural significance of these areas, there are restrictions on decorations, sound systems, and physical setups. You should refer to the NPS guidelines for detailed restrictions.
There isn't an exclusive use policy for Memorial Park; it's an open space where tourists and other events can occur, especially during peak times or special events on the National Mall.