I contacted the event coordinator for the park & told her we wanted about 10ppl there. It would only take about 10 -15 mins because its a VERY small civil ceremony. She said they couldn't reserve any areas because it's a public park.
I figure I will just get our 10 guest to meet up @ another location, drive to the park, stand in the area we like, say our vows, kiss, then leave to have dinner @ a resturant).
If someone sees us and wants to "report" us, we will probably already be gone by the time the authorities show up to tell us to leave because we'll only be there for 15mins. I know this is stretching it and sounds like I should just find another location . But we REALLY LOVE this park, we go there all the time and see bridal and quinceañera photos being shot there every weekend.
So, can I still do it anyway, even if there is not "reserved space" for it? Will and Justice of the Peace/Ordained Minister even come stand out in a park for a 10-15 minute ceremony?
2007-11-29 05:57:33 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
You can get married there, as long as the Justice of the Peace or Minister is licenced to perform ceremonies in that county. People hold wedding ceremonies in their homes, backyards, parks, cemeteries, and restaurants all over the country.
Don't worry about sneaking in. The park coordinator said she couldn't RESERVE your spot -- meaning that if a birthday party is on one side, and frisbee golf is going on the other, you all just share the space. Nobody will 'report' you, unless you leave trash all over the place or try to push other people out of the area you selected.
You might send a friend or two on ahead of the main group, to make sure that the gazebo or whatever is empty, trash is picked up, and dog doo is removed. They could also take clusters of balloons tied to weights to 'outline' the area (4 - 6 bunches would be plenty!) so that other picnic parties don't move in. Kind of establishing a perimeter, without putting up fences. Give the balloons to children nearby after the ceremony, if you like. (Win-win!)
People, in general, like to see weddings, so don't be surprised if passers-by stop to observe, clap, or congratulate you. Most people will move their stuff or at least gather their children up if they see photos being taken, so they don't clutter up the background.
My SIL got married in the 'park' behind the bar where she and her spouse met ~ we had to be careful to not include the Miller and Budweiser signs in the photos!
2007-11-29 06:36:42 · answer #1 · answered by Sue 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Parks To Get Married In
2016-11-08 00:38:00 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi and congratulations!
Did she say you cannot be married there? I think you have it wrong. You cannot "reserve" space in a public park....but that does NOT mean that you cannot be married there! It's just like the public beaches in Florida...you cannot "reserve" a spot on the beach (because they are public beaches), but you can still be married there. I say...go for it!! Like you said, people are getting photos at that location all the time. It's a public park.
I live by one of the beautiful Great Lakes. We have a public park where weddings are done all the time. There is a little gazebo, so people do reserve it....however, it's right there along side all the families having picnics too! I think people will give you your space for a wedding. I would not rush it! I would send someone along early to "stake out" the location. Maybe put out a few chairs just so others know something is going on in that location.
And, yes, a justice of peace and/or minister will come for a 10-15 minute ceremony. As long as they are paid, they don't care if it's 10 minutes or 1 hour!
Good luck!
2007-11-29 06:35:13 · answer #3 · answered by iloveweddings 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My fiance' and I are getting married next fall in a public park! So I don't know what's up with this.....all you need is to let the park people know the time and date! To reserve the gazebo at this park was $10. Wa-hoo!
2007-11-29 07:05:39 · answer #4 · answered by says ME. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've aleady confirmed that the park cannot be "reserved", then it appears it's open for you to use as you see fit. A wedding can't be any worse than a picnic, or frisbee toss, or rollerblading, or weinie roast, etc.
Just follow the rules for the park. Clean up after your wedding and all that.
My son got married in such a park on the beach in Florida. Beautiful setting, beautiful wedding, no problems.
2007-11-29 06:08:28 · answer #5 · answered by BC 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a public park so yes, it is ok, you did the right thing contacting the event coordinator. There is not any reason you have to park elsewhere, have everyone meet at the park and have your ceremony. It would be no different then having a family reunion at the park.
2007-11-29 06:13:40 · answer #6 · answered by Kevin J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a couple of people that have gotten married in a park and did not have any problems. My cousin even had chairs set up and everything. Talk to you officiant and make sure they are willing to do this. I don't think it would be a problem.
2007-11-29 06:02:36 · answer #7 · answered by vaya 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you need a permit you must get one first but from the sounds of this it is OK for you to just go to the park, pick your spot and have your wedding.
I have seen this done and you will find that most people will be delighted to cooperate with moving out of the way although they will probably stand around to watch and clap at the end.
People love weddings and I think that your special day is going to make a special day for a whole lot of people. Go on with your plans and God Bless you and yours.
2007-11-29 06:09:40 · answer #8 · answered by CindyLu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My friend got married on a public beach without any permits. We were only there for about 15-20 minutes. I highly doubt anyone will report you.
2007-11-29 06:03:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's a public park then why
would anyone report you.
Have a nice wedding.....in the park.
2007-11-29 07:19:51 · answer #10 · answered by candle 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋