Weddings in the Boston Public Garden

America's first public garden is an oasis in Boston's overbuilt downtown. Just across Charles Street from the Boston Common, this park is elegantly landscaped with flower beds, lagoons, walking paths and statues, including a notable monument of George Washington on a horse. The children's story Make Way for Ducklings took place here, and there is a popular sculpture of the ducklings in the northeast corner of the park.

A wedding ceremony may take place in the Public Garden with the permission of the Boston Parks & Recreation Department (617) 635-4505. There is a nominal fee of $50 for Boston residents and $100 for non-residents. You can see the Department's guidelines at Wedding & Photography Policy. You can download an application from this link: Special Event Application Form. While the guide and form say that a special insurance policy is required, I have been told that the Parks & Recreation Department does not require insurance for weddings in the Public Garden.

The Public Garden is a lovely venue for a wedding and for photographs. It is centrally located, with many hotels and restaurants available nearby for your reception. There is ample parking, offering both metered spots as well as in the underground Boston Common Garage. On the downside, you are at the mercy of the weather. Also, it can become crowded on some days.

As part of your wedding celebration, you may want to consider a ride in the famous Swan Boats. The Swan Boats are available for wedding parties and guests to ride and take photographs. However, wedding ceremonies are not permitted on the Swan Boats. For more information, visit this website: Swan Boats.

I am available to officiate your wedding at the Public Garden. For more information about me and my services, please click on any of the links below:

Massachusetts Justice of the Peace Richard Griesel is a member of the Mass Justices of the Peace Association and serves as an officiant for wedding ceremonies anywhere in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including weddings in Boston's Public Garden, next to the Boston Common. JP Massachusetts JP located at 149 Morse Road in Sudbury, MA 01776 (N42.23.871 W71.24.857). JP Massachusetts JP