You’ve seen it in the movies, now you can live the dream with a wedding fit for a star in the Big Apple

Imagine your wedding ceremony set amongst the beautiful English gardens in Central Park, followed by champagne and canapés in one of New York’s most exclusive restaurants, or perhaps a romantic reception overlooking New York’s famous skyline, complete with a beautiful horse and carriage ride snuggled under a blanket, watching the stars. If you are a New York girl at heart, then the city that never sleeps is the perfect place to get married.

Sex in the City or Breakfast at Tiffany’s?

Pick your theme! Do you love Sex in the City? Then have a stylish wedding that Carrie Bradshaw herself would envy, or perhaps you’d prefer a Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 50’s style wedding, or simply a traditional ceremony in a stunning New York location. Everything is possible in Manhattan.

Guests can indulge in the famous film locations of New York as part of the reception package, with visits to the Sex and the City landmarks, where you can walk around Manhattan a la Carrie Bradshaw or visit Friends legendary coffee house Central Perk and of course, Broadway.

The perks of Central Park

In New York, most ceremonies take place in Central Park, where the bride and groom can exchange vows in one of New York’s most iconic locations. The most private spot is the exquisite private English Garden (part of The Conservatory Gardens), which has a stunning fountain, surrounded by blossoming flowers in the spring/summer and an aisle of spectacular red and golden leaves in autumn/winter. The Conservatory Gardens consist of: the English Garden, the French Garden and the Italian Garden, each named after the style and type of planting.

The most popular destination for wedding ceremonies is the Ladies Pavilion, a Victorian cast iron pavilion, situated next to The Pond, which was originally used as a trolley bus shelter at 8th Avenue and 59th Street and now stands surrounded by lush plants and trees. It is very popular for couples that want to incorporate a romantic rowing boat ride on the lake into their wedding.

The second most popular location is the ‘Cop Cot’, which is Scottish for ‘little house on the crest of the hill’ and is Central Park’s largest rustic wooden structure, tucked away with panoramic views of the famous New York skyline.

Wedding photos can be set beside landmarks such as the Bo Bridge Bethesda Fountain, the Mall and the Boathouse, made famous by many films set in New York.

Afterwards, the bride and groom can take a horse and carriage around the park or hire live musicians and take their romantic first dance under the Ladies Pavilion.

Wedding planning

Liz Burton, founder of the Bridal Consultant, who has planned more than 600 weddings in the city says: “A New York bride is generally very confident, has visited New York before and picks a particular theme or something typically New York. No day is the same; some guests visit the ‘top of the Rock’ at the Rockefeller building then head to the reception, others have a picnic in the park or even a traditional New York burger! One of our clients even hired a double decker red bus to take their friends and family on a tour of New York after the wedding!” www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk

The Sex and the City Wedding

If you just LOVE Sex and the City, then why not consider having a Sex and the City-themed wedding? (don’t worry, it’s not just for chick-flick fans, there’s something in it for the men too). The wedding includes:

• Luxury black limousine to collect the groom and guests and take them to Ladies Pavilion in Central Park
• Sleek black sedan to collect the bride and take to the wedding venue
• Ceremony at Ladies Pavilion – used in Sex and the City by Carrie and Miranda
• Floral bouquet of garden roses and gardenia – the famous flying bouquet!
• Matching grooms buttonholes
• Photographer for the ceremony
• A luxury limousine to collect you from Central Park and take you on a two hour tour of New York visiting film locations and landmarks used in the series, including Aiden’s ‘Scout’ bar and Charlotte’s art gallery
• Champagne to enjoy during the tour
• Dinner for six at Brasserie

Price of package £2,545. Additional guests can be added at a supplement of £130 per person for up to ten people. www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk

Top 10 NYC venues

Thinking of getting married in NYC? Then check out the 10 top places to get married in New York, according to Nina Callaway in her wedding guide: www.weddings.about.com

1. The Foundry in Long Island City, Queens

Once a 19th century metal foundry, this dramatic wedding space has old exposed brick contrasting with modern steel railings. Capacity: 125 sit-down guests.

2. The Central Park Boathouse

Where better in Central Park to get married than a terrace overlooking the lake? Capacity: 80-230 for a
sit-down meal.

3. The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers

One of legendary caterer Abigail Kirsh’s stunning locations, offering unforgettable views from floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River. Capacity: 100-400 for a sit-down meal.

4. Angel Oresanz Centre

This 1849 synagogue, modelled on the Cathedral of Cologne, has a gothic style with an amazing gold-leaf altar. It was the site of Sarah Jessica Parker’s wedding to Matthew Broderick. Capacity: 250 for a sit-down meal.

5. The Prince George Ballroom

Originally built as a luxury hotel in 1904, it was turned into affordable housing before being lovingly restored into a wedding venue with golden columns, intricate plasterwork and soaring ceilings. Capacity: 299 people.

6. The United Nations Dining

Room and Rooftop Patio The Delegates Dining Room at the United Nations has huge windows overlooking the East River and NYC skyline, and outdoor patio with amazing city views. Capacity: 350-500 guests.

7. Banchet Flowers

Uniquely you can have your wedding in a florist shop. Designer Banchet Jaigla’s arrangements are contemporary and beautiful and those renting her space get temporary use of arrangements that are in the shop. Capacity: 125 for sit-down meal.

8. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Exchange your vows amongst the lush flowers of the rose garden in this amazing spot at budget prices.

9. Gotham Hall

The former headquarters of the Greenwich Savings Bank now boasts a magnificent Art Deco ballroom with a grand vaulted dome. Sweeping curtains can make the space more intimate. Capacity: 50 to 1200.

10. Café St Bart’s at St Bartholomew’s Church

Have your wedding in the church then your reception out on a beautiful terrace overlooking Park Avenue. Catering comes courtesy of Sage American Kitchens.

Hot or not?

Heat

Whether you want the hottest wedding in town or have decided that it should be a chilled affair when you tie-the-knot, then New York is the perfect destination. There isn’t really an off-season in the Big Apple. During the summer months the daily temperature is around 77 degrees, whilst in the winter the temperature falls below freezing.

Sunshine

A sunny day can’t be guaranteed, so if you are planning an outdoor wedding in Central Park you should consider pre-arranging a back-up option, such as a wedding chapel, in the event of rain, or in the winter, snow. This can be arranged with a good wedding planner.

Legal requirements

If you want to marry in New York State you must obtain a marriage license. The bridal couple must apply for their license by appearing together in person with valid identification, and complete their application at the Office of the City Clerk. It will be prepared while you wait, and you will take it with you when you leave.

The application consists of an affidavit, listing personal details including the couple’s name, address, birthplace, date of birth, social security number (where applicable) and marital history and make a sworn statement that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.

Those who have been married before must list their prior marriages, and supply their previous spouse’s full name, date the divorce was granted and place the divorce was filed and take along the final divorce decree. Widows and widowers must also provide the deceased spouse’s death certificate.

Stay in style

Mandarin Oriental New York

Gaze over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline from the most breathtaking luxury hotel in the heart of New York. This award-winning five-star hotel, high above Columbus Circle, offers stunning views from every room. Stay in one of the 248 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, which blend the oriental heritage of Mandarin Oriental with contemporary New York City.

Weddings at the Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental, New York, is one of the most iconic locations in Manhattan. The stunning views of Central Park set the mood for truly spectacular wedding. The Mandarin Oriental, New York’s event team will work closely with you or your wedding planner to ensure everything is meticulously managed to make your Big Day a success.

BOOK IT!

Stay three nights in a standard room at the Mandarin Oriental, New York from just £1329 per person. Special Offer price applies to departures between 1st and 20th October 2010 and includes flights with British Airways from Heathrow. Call: 0117 927 2009 and quote ref WWW A0400.

Westin New York at Times Square

In the center of Times Square, New York City you can experience a whole new level of modern luxury at The Westin New York at Times Square. In the newly renovated guest rooms a Heavenly Bed® awaits the wedding couple with seven blissful layers of deluxe bedding. And with Times Square right on you doorstep, you can enjoy the pulsating hub of Manhattan.

Wedding Packages

If you choose to have your wedding at Westin New York at Times Square you can relax in the knowledge that the award-winning Banquet, Catering and Culinary Services Team will help plan your special day with ease and to the highest level of excellence.

BOOK IT!

Stay three nights in a Traditional Double room at Westin New York at Times Square from just £875 per person. Special Offer price applies to departures between 1st and 20th October 2010 and includes flights with British Airways from Heathrow. Call: 0117 927 2009 and quote ref WWW A0403.

Waldorf Astoria, New York

As one of the first grand hotels to combine elegance with luxurious amenities and services, the Waldof Astoria New York has been renowned for over a century and now enjoys iconic status. The Waldorf Astoria and Waldorf Towers combined offers a total of 1,416 luxurious guest rooms and suites in a diverse range of styles, from classic comfort to palatial grandeur.

Elite Weddings

The Grand Ballroom is an exceptionally opulent venue for the wedding of your dreams and has been designed to re-create the Court Theatre in Versailles. It is New York City’s only four-story, two-tiered ballroom, for weddings of regal proportion, and will definitely impress your guests!

BOOK IT!

Stay three nights in a Deluxe King room at Waldorf Astoria from just £839 per person. Special Offer price applies to departures between 1st and 20th October 2010 and includes flights with British Airways from Heathrow. Call: 0117 927 2009 and quote ref WWW A0405.