Why you should have a St Patricks Cathedral Wedding

Updated September 2026

The first question people usually ask is, “Can you have your wedding at St Patrick’s Cathedral?” The answer is yes. You do have to follow a couple of guidelines, and I will share all the details in this post.

Can you get married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral?

Yes, with a few conditions set by the Cathedral itself. One of you must be a baptized Catholic, and you need to live in the Archdiocese of New York or a diocese next to it. Your first interview should happen at least a year before the date you want.

Weddings are held on Saturdays only, and the Cathedral does not schedule any from Thanksgiving through the second weekend of January. Requirements can change, so the Cathedral’s own weddings page is always the final word.

Located on the east side of Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan, this prestigious St Patrick’s Cathedral is home to some of the most luxurious wedding ceremonies. Famous people and couples whose parents have wed here have been married here. If you’ve ever trekked down Fifth Avenue, as a local or tourist, I’m sure you’ve seen the marvels of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. These marvels mean only one thing. Having a St. Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding is the definition of elegance and history!

Architecture is a phenomenon that represents the heart of New York City. Some call it a fairytale castle due to its soaring 330-ft. castle-like points that tower into the clouds. The beauty of this cathedral is complimented by a rich history of how the cathedral came to be. On top of this historical architectural wonder, the cathedral provides top-notch service in a prime New York City location. St. Patrick’s Cathedral can be considered one of the most elegant wedding venues in New York City. As an NYC Wedding Photographer, I adore this venue and am in awe every time I photograph a wedding here!

Make sure you inquire about booking your wedding soon (at least one year in advance), for this venue books relatively fast due to its high demand.

How much does a St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding cost?

The Cathedral does not publish its wedding fee, so ask the Parish House for the current figure when you first get in touch. Any number you see quoted online is someone else’s estimate.

For photography, every wedding is quoted for the day you are planning. Send me your date through the inquiry form and I will come back within 24 hours, usually less, with collections and pricing. I photograph every wedding personally alongside my second photographer, SJ.

How I photograph a ceremony at St. Patrick’s

St. Patrick’s is a working church, and the ceremony comes first. I work with the ambiance of the Cathedral first and bring out lighting when the scene calls for it, so your photographs are clear and warm and still look like the room you were standing in: the stained glass, the stone, the sheer height of it.

During a St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding, there are many rules. I am not allowed to stand in the middle or move around too much through the pews. I cannot be in the front by the altar to cause a distraction and can only come forward when you are exchanging rings or for the kiss. No flash is allowed after the processional. I also have to fill out a form that says I will abide by the rules.

What I tell couples before a wedding at St. Patrick’s

I tell couples to be prepared for setbacks and follow the pastor’s rules. They also do not allow you to do a photo shoot there after your ceremony; you have to exit the church immediately.

Below are four reasons why a St. Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding is the prime wedding venue location:

1) The History

This Neo-Gothic-style Roman Catholic Church is not only a landmark in New York City but also considered the largest Gothic cathedral in the United States. It was built in nearly 21 years and officially opened in 1879.

The beauty of this cathedral is that its origin represents community and democracy. The funding of this building came about when thousands of poor immigrants donated what they could, in combination with one hundred wealthy patrons donating one thousand dollars each. The community came together to build this modern marvel.

In 2012, a restoration project to preserve St. Patrick’s Cathedral began. It took three years and $177 million to complete.

2) The Architecture and Size

Most famous for its exterior castle-like formation, St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built so it could be noticed by any onlooker who walked by. The overall church represented the epitome of the Gothic revival in New York City.

The cathedral’s stained-glass windows are an incredible feature. They were designed by artists from Boston, Massachusetts, Chartres, France, and Birmingham, England.

The ornate stone tracery combined with the two stone towers that rise 330 feet into the air make this one of the most beautiful wedding venues. As an NYC Wedding Photographer, I love including the cathedral aesthetic in my couples’ wedding photography.

3) The Location

Not only will your wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral come with the grandeur of architecture and historical past, but it will also come with a prime location. Being located in Midtown at 5th Avenue and 51st Street means you and your guests will have access to some of New York City’s finest attractions.

The famous Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are just around the block. You will be just a few blocks away from Central Park. Fifth Avenue has some of the world’s most luxurious designer clothing stores, so you’ll have endless shopping possibilities.

If you decide to have a later ceremony at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the wintertime, you’ll be able to gaze upon the Saks Fifth Avenue light show that illuminates the surrounding area at night and the brightly lit Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. It is a beautiful, romantic sight!

Last but not least, my wedding was across the street at 620 Loft and Garden, a corner view facing the beautiful Cathedral!

If your reception is close by, three venues I know well are a short walk away: 620 Loft and Garden, directly across Fifth Avenue, where I have photographed over 50 weddings and was married myself in 2018; the Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center, a block away; and The Plaza, eight blocks up Fifth Avenue, where I have photographed six weddings since 2017.

4) The Service

St. Patrick’s Cathedral sets the standard for excellent service. The Parish House at the cathedral will work with your approved vendor team to ensure everything is organized. From the moment your guests walk into the cathedral to the moment you say “I Do,” the cathedral will be there to make sure things go well without a hitch!

You must request to have your St. Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding at least a year before your wedding. You will be invited for an interview and take a pre-cana together as a couple before you are officially approved to use the venue. If you’d like to apply, you can submit a request to: