By Luka Funduk
A Timeless Union: Wedding at St. Patrick's Cathedral, NYC
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is an iconic venue that exudes timeless elegance and grandeur. For couples dreaming of a wedding that combines historical significance with breathtaking architecture, a ceremony at this renowned cathedral offers an unforgettable experience. In this blog, we will explore the process of booking the venue, provide essential information about the venue, recommend hotels for getting ready nearby, and detail the St. Patrick’s Cathedral video-photo policy.
Booking the Venue
Securing St. Patrick’s Cathedral as your wedding venue requires meticulous planning and timely action. Due to its popularity, it is advisable to contact the cathedral’s wedding coordinator well in advance to check availability and begin the booking process. The first step involves submitting a formal request, which includes the desired wedding date and time, along with a brief introduction about the couple. Upon approval, you will be guided through the necessary paperwork and the fee structure. Remember, early booking is crucial as the venue is highly sought after.
Information about the Venue
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, stands as a beacon of faith and beauty in the heart of Manhattan. This neo-Gothic marvel, completed in 1878, boasts soaring spires, intricate stained glass windows, and a majestic pipe organ. The main sanctuary can accommodate up to 2,400 guests, making it ideal for both intimate and grand celebrations. The cathedral also features a number of smaller chapels, providing options for different ceremony sizes and styles.
Hotels for Getting Ready Nearby
Choosing a nearby hotel for getting ready on your wedding day ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. Fortunately, the area surrounding St. Patrick’s Cathedral is home to several luxury hotels that cater to bridal parties. The Lotte New York Palace, located just a short walk away, offers opulent suites with stunning city views. Another excellent option is the St. Regis New York, known for its impeccable service and elegant accommodations. For a blend of modern luxury and classic charm, The Peninsula New York provides spacious rooms and top-notch amenities, making it a perfect choice for your preparations.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Video-Photo Policy
Capturing the magic of your wedding day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral requires adherence to the venue’s specific video and photo policies. The cathedral allows professional photographers and videographers to document the ceremony, but it is essential to follow their guidelines. Flash photography is generally prohibited during the ceremony to maintain the sanctity and ambiance of the sacred space. Additionally, photographers and videographers must remain unobtrusive and respect the designated areas for capturing images. It is advisable to discuss the cathedral’s policies with your chosen professionals beforehand to ensure compliance and a seamless experience.
A wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC is more than just a ceremony; it is a celebration of love in one of the world’s most iconic and revered locations. By planning ahead, understanding the venue’s unique attributes, and adhering to their policies, you can ensure a day that is both beautiful and memorable. Whether you’re walking down the grand aisle or posing for photos against the stunning backdrop of the cathedral’s architecture, your wedding at St. Patrick’s will truly be a timeless union.
Little-Known Facts About Weddings at St. Patrick's Cathedral
Iconic Location: St. Patrick’s Cathedral is situated in the heart of Manhattan, directly across from Rockefeller Center, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City.
Historical Significance: Completed in 1878, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and has been a central place of worship for Catholics in New York for over a century.
Capacity: The main sanctuary can accommodate up to 2,400 guests, allowing for both intimate and grand weddings.
Celebrity Weddings: The cathedral has hosted numerous high-profile weddings, including that of New York Governor Hugh Carey and William F. Buckley Jr.’s son, Christopher Buckley.
Architectural Beauty: Couples who marry at St. Patrick’s are surrounded by breathtaking features, including intricate stained glass windows, a magnificent altar, and soaring spires that create a majestic ambiance.
Pipe Organ: The cathedral houses one of the largest and most impressive pipe organs in the world, featuring over 7,000 pipes, which can add a grand and dramatic musical backdrop to any wedding ceremony.
Chapels for Smaller Ceremonies: In addition to the main sanctuary, St. Patrick’s Cathedral has several smaller chapels, such as the Lady Chapel, which offer a more intimate setting for wedding ceremonies.
Strict Policies: The cathedral has specific guidelines for photography and videography to preserve the sacredness of the space. Flash photography is prohibited during the ceremony, and photographers must remain discreet.
Advance Booking: Due to its popularity, booking a wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral often requires planning well in advance, sometimes up to a year or more.
Bishop’s Blessing: Couples who marry at St. Patrick’s often receive a special blessing from the Archbishop of New York, adding a unique and personal touch to their ceremony.
Renovations: The cathedral underwent a major restoration project that was completed in 2015, ensuring that its beauty and grandeur are preserved for future generations of couples wishing to wed there.
Celebrity Sightings: Given its location and prominence, weddings at St. Patrick’s Cathedral often attract attention, and it’s not uncommon for famous personalities to be spotted attending ceremonies.
A Unique Experience: Getting married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a unique experience that combines religious significance, historical grandeur, and the vibrant energy of New York City.
An Interesting Wedding Story at St. Patrick's Cathedral
One of the most fascinating stories about a wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral involves the nuptials of New York Governor Hugh Carey and Evangeline Gouletas in 1981. This wedding wasn’t just a union of two people but an event that captured the attention of the entire city.
The Wedding of Governor Hugh Carey and Evangeline Gouletas
Governor Hugh Carey was a prominent political figure, known for leading New York State during a financial crisis in the 1970s. His bride, Evangeline Gouletas, was a successful real estate developer. Their wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral was nothing short of a spectacle, attracting numerous high-profile guests, media coverage, and the public’s curiosity.
Grand Preparations
The preparations for the wedding were grandiose. The cathedral, already a stunning venue, was adorned with additional flowers and decorations to mark the special occasion. Security was heightened due to the presence of many notable attendees, including politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.
The Ceremony
On the day of the wedding, Fifth Avenue was buzzing with excitement. Crowds gathered outside the cathedral, hoping to catch a glimpse of the couple and their distinguished guests. The ceremony itself was a blend of solemnity and grandeur, befitting both the venue and the stature of the individuals involved. The Archbishop of New York presided over the ceremony, adding an extra layer of significance to the event.
Media Frenzy
The wedding was heavily covered by the media, with photographs and reports appearing in newspapers and on television across the country. The story of Governor Carey’s marriage to Evangeline Gouletas was more than just a society wedding; it was a significant event in the social and political calendar of New York.
A Memorable Reception
After the ceremony, the reception continued the theme of opulence. Held at the Plaza Hotel, another iconic New York landmark, it featured exquisite cuisine, live music, and dancing that lasted well into the night. The reception was attended by a veritable who’s who of New York society, making it one of the most talked-about events of the year.
Legacy
The wedding of Governor Hugh Carey and Evangeline Gouletas remains one of the most memorable events in the history of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It showcased the cathedral’s ability to host grand, high-profile weddings while maintaining an air of solemnity and sacredness. To this day, their wedding is often recalled as an example of the grandeur and significance that a wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral can embody.
This story highlights not only the beauty and significance of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a wedding venue but also its role in hosting events that capture the public’s imagination and stand the test of time.
