Belvedere Castle Terrace

Belvedere Castle is the highest point in Central Park, and as a result, boasts some incredible views.  It is also possibly the most difficult spot to get to of the more popular ceremony locations.  So, if anyone in your group has mobility issues, this location may not work for you.  Following a comprehensive restoration project in 2019, there is now a more accessible route from the East side, and the whole building and terraces are looking much smarter following this project.

It may take ten to fifteen minutes to walk to Belvedere Castle from the West 77th Street entrance, which is the closest entrance.  To get here you would walk through the Shakespeare Garden.  If a couple are eloping, then we would usually have the photographer make the most of this and take photos in the lovely Shakespeare Garden on the way up to Belvedere Castle.

Because of the high elevation of Belvedere Castle it provides the best and highest views of Central Park and its cityscape.  The castle was built in 1869 as one of Central Park's many whimsical structures intended as a lookout to the reservoir to the north (now the Great Lawn) and the Ramble to the south. 

Belvedere Castle is right in the middle of Central Park, so it would require a fifteen minute walk to get to Bethesda Terrace from here if you would like ot take portrait photos there.  The Castle Terrace has two small covered areas which would protect a group from any light rain or bright sunshine, but it can get windy up there in the colder months. The maximum guests allowed for an event permit issued for a wedding here is 25 people.

The pictures on this page show a little of Belvedere Castle and the Terrace.  Check this page of the Central Park wedding blog for more photos of Belvedere Castle Terrace or email me for any advice on this location.  For a detailed consultation and to discuss this location, or others in more detail (non-binding and free of charge), please send me an email.