One of the most popular wedding spots with my brides and grooms is the Ladies’ Pavilion in Central Park. The little structure is at 76th and Central Park West, easily accessible by the street. The ornate gazebo-type structure comfortably houses 20 or so guests and provides some covering for a rainy day. The Pavilion reminds …
During the current deep freeze that we are enduring in the City, I was invited to officiate an elopement at the Metropolitan Museum. Being an art enthusiast, I jumped at a chance, for the 8 a.m. ceremony, despite the frigid temperatures. As the couple arrived with their guests, I asked how they chose such an …
Many couples, these days, are making wedding celebrations a multi-stage endeavor, having legal services followed by post-pandemic ceremonies and receptions. While I appreciate the desire to keep these legal services “short and sweet,” I do like to encourage pandemic couples to slow down and enjoy their private wedding, just as it is. I had the …
With a chill in the air, many folks planning a private elopement or micro-wedding are looking for a spot indoors, to exchange their wedding vows. Grand Central Station has long been a favorite as an iconic location for a “private wedding.” In the heart of the city, on 42nd Street and Park Avenue, the stunning …
One of the great areas for an elopement in Central Park is the Bethesda Arcade. Conveniently located mid-park around 72nd street, it is easily accessible from both the east and west sides of the city. With beautiful covering and stunning mosaics it is the perfect place for shielding one from rain or snow. It has …
For those of us who are Sex and the City Fans, we will happily remember the autumn episode where Miranda marries (finally) her on-again, off-again boyfriend Steve Brady. Unlike Charlotte’s extravagant weddings in the beloved series or Carrie’s heart stopping wedding in the first SATC movie, Miranda’s wedding was a rather impromptu affair. Miranda made …
Without question, New York is the cultural capital of the U.S. Indeed, one could argue that it is a cultural center for the entire world. The list of impressive art museums in the Big Apple is impressive including the Metropolitan, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Whitney, Guggenheim, Frick, and Jewish Museum, among many others. We …
Before I became a Celebrant, I enjoyed Central Park, but really kept to the area near my home—mid park in the 70’s and 80’s. I had no idea the wonders of the Park above 96th Street! When one reaches the northern most parts of the great park, wonders abound. I recently officiated a Simply Eloped …
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of marrying a young New York couple at the Cop Cot Gazebo in Central Park. Under pandemic requirements, they gathered about 15 family members to witness their personalized vows on a perfect autumn afternoon. I was touched to see a traditional ring bearer’s pillow with a photograph locket sewn on. …
Historically, “high” wedding season has been between about April through September or October. In cities like New York, many like to celebrate their nuptials during the full flower of spring and summer, also a time when many folks are taking vacations. I’m here to say—don’t forget about the end of autumn as a most perfect …
© 2021 WEDDINGS BY SARAH RITCHIE | DESIGN BY PASQUARIELLO DESIGN | MAJORITY OF PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA ARNOLD & RENEE JEAN
NYC | Greenwich CT | Bedminster NJ | Princeton NJ | Westchester NY | Hamptons NY | Brooklyn | Manhattan | Connecticut | Long Island | New Jersey | Hudson Valley | Tri-State Area