If you or your partner is looking for an absolutely iconic church to tie the knot in, a St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding may just be the perfect fit for you. This church is absolutely stunning, and it is no wonder that it is such a popular venue.
As an NYC wedding photographer, I have been all over the city to some of the most beautiful venues New York has to offer, but there is something special about this church and the architecture that is ingrained throughout.
So, if this sounds like exactly what you are looking for, here are some of the top things you should know about planning a St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding!
Planning Your St. Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding: Key Things to Keep in Mind
The church itself does have a few requirements and processes when it comes to tying the knot here. So, here are a few of the big things to keep in mind as you’re deciding if this is the right venue for you.
One or Both of You Must be a Baptized Catholic
In order to get married here, one or both of you must be a baptized Catholic. You don’t have to have been baptized there, but this is something that you will be asked when you first reach out.
In addition to this, they also require you to be a member of the Archdiocese of New York or of a surrounding diocese of NYC.
You Have to Have an Interview with the Church
As part of the process of booking the church as your wedding venue, you do have to have an interview with the team at the church. This is something that they request you do at least one year before the date you want for your ceremony.
Not only is this a popular venue that can book up, but by planning this out in advance, you also give yourself plenty of time to book all of the other vendors and spaces for your wedding, like your photographer and videographer, your getting-ready space, or your reception space!
They Only Do Weddings on Saturdays
This is super important to keep in mind when you are planning your wedding! The church only performs weddings on Saturdays, so be sure to keep that in mind as you request your wedding date.
There may also be some restrictions on what Saturdays are available due to church events, so it is always a good idea to have a few options for dates in mind when you do reach out!
The Church is Closed for Weddings During Their Holiday Season
Finally, the church does not perform weddings during its holiday season, which runs from Thanksgiving through the second weekend of January. So, if you are looking for that dream winter wedding in NYC, be sure to plan it for late January or February as soon as possible!
About St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a historic cathedral located on 5th Avenue in New York City. Construction began in 1858, and it officially opened in 1879.
Since then, it has remained a well-known cathedral that not only stands out in the area but also creates the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind day. Reminiscent of the cathedrals in Europe, this church is truly stunning.
Throughout the cathedral, you’ll find vaulted ceilings, intricate details all around, and the perfect place to make a grand entrance as you walk down the aisle. The massive wooden doors leading out of the church also give you a dream backdrop, so no matter which way you turn, the church is just stunning.
Not only is the church itself incredible, but it is also in such a great location, especially for a wedding. It’s located just 10 or so blocks from Central Park, so you can pop over and take portraits before or after your ceremony.
There are also so many great hotels and venues around that you can use as a getting-ready space or for your reception. This makes it so easy for you and your partner to plan out the perfect wedding day without having to worry about you and your guests running around the entire city between your ceremony and reception!
A Gorgeous Wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
I had so much fun capturing a recent wedding at St Patrick’s. It was the perfect day for this couple and this was hands down the best venue they could have chosen for their ceremony.
We started the day by taking portraits at The Lotte NY Palace Courtyard. This is such a unique space, and it gave us the chance to get some really cool photos in a space that was different from the cathedral.
When it was time for the ceremony, we headed over to the church for them to tie the knot. They kept things beautiful and simple with just some blue and white flowers around the altar. This is one of the best things about this venue.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Since the cathedral itself is so ornate and has so many incredible details, you really don’t have to do anything to decorate the space for your ceremony. The natural beauty and architecture create such a beautiful ambiance, and you really couldn’t ask for a better place to start this next chapter of your life together.
Once they said I do, we spent some time walking around the city and captured some portraits on the streets. I love being able to explore the city and really capture the beauty and uniqueness of everything around me.
I know a lot of people may think that they’d feel awkward or uncomfortable posing out on the streets in front of a bunch of random people, but honestly, it is so much fun. On the day of, you aren’t going to be thinking about anyone other than your partner, and everyone else just fades into the background!
(Plus, it’s New York City. I promise seeing you and your partner in your wedding attire will not be the most out-of-the-box thing someone will see walking around that day!)
Ready to Plan Your St. Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding?
Hopefully, this will help you as you consider where you want to tie the knot and what you need to know before your St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding. This truly is a stunning venue and a beautiful backdrop to say “I do.”
If you are still looking for the perfect photographer in New York to capture these moments for you, I’d love to chat. You can click the link here to check out my wedding photography services or get in touch here!
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