Ross and Chris got married in Wagner Cove at the end of May. They brought a small group of close family over with them from their home in Scotland to witness the wedding and to celebrate with them in New York. They were both 34 when they got married.
The couple had been together for fifteen years. They had met when they were both on a night out with each of their separate groups of friends when they were both at the age of 18. So, they have pretty much grown up together. Since becoming a couple, they both graduated from university, moved in together, and eventually bought their first home together.
Ross and Chris have experienced many major life milestones by each other’s side. I asked why, after fifteen years, they had now decided to get married. They told me that “solidifying our relationship with marriage felt like the next natural step in our relationship,” and now was the right time for them.
Ross proposed to Chris on Primrose Hill in London in March 2024. They contacted me very shortly after they became engaged. They were originally considering a wedding in the autumn of 2025, but then they changed their minds and decided to come to New York in the springtime instead. “We always knew New York was the place for us to get married, we never considered or thought of anywhere else, New York is one of if not our most favorite city in the world,” they told me.
They told me that they settled on New York for the city where their wedding would take place, because it captures everything they feel as a couple to be important – freedom, vibrancy, originality and acceptance. They share a love of travel, and have traveled to many exciting destinations around the world during their relationship, and plan to do plenty more now that they are married.
I always ask for restaurant recommendations to pass on to future couples. They said they would recommend Gallaghers Steak House, Bubby’s, the Timeout Market, Hamburger America, Black Seed Bagels and Rubirosa.
They told me that they know quite a few other couples who have got married abroad, so he does think that perhaps the elopement or the destination microwedding, like theirs, might be becoming more popular. I asked if they had any regrets about holding their ceremony in New York, with just close family as witness, “no regrets whatsoever,” they told me. They said that their guests who attended “were just as excited, if not more, that we were getting married in New York, they just loved it.”
I asked why they chose Central Park for their wedding, “it’s such a beautiful place, offering a break from the madness of the city, it holds such special memories for us over the years,” Ross told me. “Wagner Cove was our choice for our ceremony due to its secluded proximity within the park and it’s picturesque surroundings,” he explained. It is the perfect spot for a small group like theirs – it feels so private down there beside the Lake, with the trees rising up around them, and the buildings of Central Park West visible beyond.
We had a violinist play for the guests as the grooms made their entrance together down the steps to Wagner Cove. These steps are one of my favorite ways to make an entrance to a wedding in Central Park. “The ceremony was intimate and perfect, we chose to write our own vows which made this extra special,” they said. Ross and Chris both wore matching black and white three piece tuxedos which were purchased from a tailor’s in Scotland.
After the ceremony, our photographer took photos of them around Central Park and then went on to Midtown. We had considered them going to the Top of the Rock for photos, but in the end they decided against it. Both our photographer and Ross and Chris told me that this worked out great. “Our favorite pictures and location would have to be around the city including Grand Central, New York Public Library and Radio City Music Hall,” Ross said. “That said however, Wagner Cove was also a stunning spot,” he added.
I asked if they had had any concerns about getting married in New York in the run-up to the wedding. They said they had some slight concerns about the logistics, but we discussed everything in detail beforehand and all went smoothly once they were here. Many of our visiting couples worry about something go wrong at the stage in the process where they must get their license, but if they bring the right paperwork with them and show up on time, we don’t tend to have any problems, although I appreciate their concern! They said they worried about the weather, too, which is pretty unavoidable. Wagner Cove has a boat landing with a roof, so there’s a very small space to protect the couple and the officiant in case of rain.
Ross and Chris stayed in the city for five nights at the Hard Rock Hotel in Midtown. On the morning of their wedding day they had breakfast in the hotel with their family, then went up to their rooms to get ready.
They got married in the early afternoon, and while they took some photos around Midtown, their guests did their own thing for a little while. Then they all met up again in Midtown for drinks and their wedding dinner at Gallaghers Steak House, “it was unreal!” they told me. They said they bumped into George Clooney post Broadway show, which is a very New York thing to happen! They ended their day with drinks at the rooftop bar of their hotel.
So, what would Ross and Chris say to anyone considering doing what they did and getting married in Central Park? “If anyone is remotely considering it, do it! It was the best experience we could have ever wished for,” they said.
I asked how we did. “Everyone on the team was just amazing!” they said. “It could have been a stressful experience, but was made so simple and stress free by this lovely group of people!” they added. That’s always the goal! “To Claire especially, thank you for being on the end of every email and endless question with your support and confidence along the way! Thank you very much! An unforgettable day!” they said.
Thanks for sharing your story, Ross and Chris. It was a pleasure to plan your wedding with you. I wish you both the very best of luck for the future. If you would like me to help you with your own Central Park wedding, whether you will be visiting New York from abroad, as this couple were, or if you’re local; visit our website. Keep updated with our news and see lots of beautiful photos, follow us on Instagram, follow us on Facebook, follow us on TikTok, and follow us on Pinterest.
Discover more from Elopements and Weddings in Central Park, New York
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Type your email…