Bow Bridge

The Bow Bridge, in the central area of the park, is among the most popular locations for wedding photographs.  Some couples find it so breathtaking that they wish to have their ceremony on the bridge.  The Central Park Conservancy explains that the bridge measures nearly 90 feet, with two-thirds of the bridge crossing the Lake, linking the flowering landscape of Cherry Hill and the sprawling woodland of the Ramble.  The Bow Bridge, arching gracefully like a bow of an archer or violinists, is the oldest cast-iron bridge in the Park (and the second oldest in the nation).

While the bridge can be a bustling location during the busiest parts of the day, ceremonies in the morning and before sunset will enjoy a greater degree of privacy.  But I've found at any time of the day, passers-by are respectful of wedding activities.

An added bonus of weddings and photos in this area are secret nooks, featured in some of the fabulous photos of Divine Light Wedding Photography, that create beautiful, romantic portraits for the day. 

 

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Bethesda Fountain, Central Park

The Bethesda Fountain is one of the iconic landmarks of Central Park, included in numerous movies, including Angels in America.   The area is easy to locate, mid-park and convenient from both Fifth Avenue and Central Park West at 72^nd.  It’s impossible to miss the Fountain, with the beautiful Terrace, grand staircase and plaza area, adjacent to the lovely pond with the Central Park Boathouse in the background.

The Fountain is one of the largest in New York, 26 feet high and 96 wide. It’s the only sculpture in the park to have been commissioned as part of the Park’s original design.  Known as the Angel of Waters, it features and eight-foot bronze angel standing above four small cherubim representing health, purity, temperance, and peace.  The angel herself carries a lily in one hand while the other remains outstretched, poised in the action of delivering a blessing on the water pouring from around her feet and into the basin at the bottom of the fountain. This is to commemorate the 1842 opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which supplied New York City with fresh water.

Bethesda Fountain is an excellent area for wedding photos, and one of the most alluring features of the area is the Bethesda arcade, a great “back-up” location for a wedding impacted by rain (or snow!).  A ceremony can take place near the Fountain, in the arcade (which is filled with stunning mosaics and interesting lighting), or the grand staircase and mezzanine, all featured in the slideshow below.  One consideration:  the Fountain is a busy area, filled with Park visitors and, from time-to-time street performers, so it probably wouldn’t be the best location for those seeking privacy for their special occasion.  But certainly, it is worth a visit when strolling about the Park!