How Much Does A St Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding Cost?

Last Updated on October 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

As one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, getting married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral represents the pinnacle of prestige for couples looking to celebrate their nuptials surrounded by breathtaking Gothic architecture and rich Catholic tradition. But what exactly is the price tag associated with hosting a fairytale wedding at this world-famous historic church?

From venue fees to sacramental prep, let’s break down the typical expenses associated with every phase of this once-in-a-lifetime event at New York City’s premier Catholic cathedral.

How Much Does A St Patrick’s Cathedral Wedding Cost?

On average, The cost for a complete St. Patrick’s Cathedral wedding experience that couples spend is $15,000 to $25,000, including ceremonies, music, flowers, and photography. High-end weddings with extensive customization and guest lists can approach $50,000 to $75,000+.

Typical baseline costs and donations for a smaller ceremony include:

• Sacristy Site Fee – $2,500 charitable donation
• Pre-Cana Program and Counseling – $125 per engaged couple
• Cathedral Choir– $3,500
• Wedding Coordinator / Sacristan – $750
• Altar Servers (2 required)– $20 honorarium each
• Utilities Surcharge – $500
• Wedding License– $35 City Clerk fee

Plus, any optional services:

• Flowers – $3,000+ through Cathedral florists
• Professional Photography – $3,000+ with Cathedral rules
• Professional Videography – $2,000+ following policies
• Limousine or Car Service – $750+

So, at minimum $10,000 – $15,000 in base costs alone, excluding rings, attire, invites, and reception. Extras add up quickly.

According to the official website of the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, couples who are active members of the Cathedral pay a wedding fee of $1,000. For couples who are members of another Catholic parish and have the necessary permission from their pastor, the fee increases to $1,500. This fee includes the use of the church as well as services from the wedding coordinator and music director/organist.

Additionally, for couples who are not members of any parish, they can still hold their wedding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral if they meet certain criteria, including being free to marry and obtaining written permission from their pastor. The process involves submitting a letter from their pastor to schedule a wedding date.

For more details regarding wedding arrangements at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, couples can refer to the Marriage FAQ page, which outlines additional requirements and procedures for scheduling a wedding. This includes attending marriage preparation sessions and ensuring all documentation is in order before the ceremony.

History of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Since 1879, St. Patrick’s Cathedral has stood as:

• A monumental example of Gothic Revival architecture with stunning stained glass, spires, and details.
• The seat of the Archdiocese of New York and hub for countless papal visits and ceremonies.
• A welcoming spiritual community in the heart of Manhattan.

The prestigious setting draws couples seeking tradition and grandeur.

Extra Costs and Services

Popular additional services and expenses include:

• Organist or Harpist – $500+ each
• Luxury Reception at a nearby upscale venue – $30,000+ easily
• Month-Of Wedding Planner – $3,000+ for experience with Catholic ceremonies
• Custom Invitations and Programs – $1000+ for premium papers and printing
• Transportation for the bridal party and out-of-town guests via limos, vintage cars, and shuttle buses – $2500+
• Uplighting and Ambiance treatments to showcase the cathedral’s architecture – $1000+

You might also like our articles about the cost of a wedding at a courthouse, Pelican Hill, or Biltmore Estate.

Bridal couples must carefully weigh desired upgrades and vision elements against their overall budget and headcount. Prioritizing what matters most helps manage major investments in a short-lived celebration. Work closely with your coordinator to tailor plans to your resources and values while still observing Cathedral guidance.

How to Secure a Date

St. Patrick’s Cathedral has a multi-step reservation system in place:

• Initial Date Request – Couples submit their desired wedding date along with key details 6-12+ months prior to the target ceremony. Popular dates book fast.
• Application Process – The bride and groom’s respective parish priests must provide required approvals and sacrament confirmations in writing to proceed with scheduling.
• Planning Meetings – Extensive on-site meetings are then held allowing couples to discuss and finalize plans with experienced Cathedral wedding coordinators who guide preparations.
• Deposit – A non-refundable deposit of $500 formally reserves the confirmed wedding date and starts the planning phase. The balance is then due one month before the big day.

Booking your desired dates as early as possible, even 18+ months out, ensures ideal availability. Peak spring and fall weekends go quickly at this world-class site. Flexible couples have more options.

Religious Requirements

To host their ceremony at America’s most prestigious Catholic landmark, the Cathedral requires engaged couples:

• Prove active registered local parishioner status, or alternatively secure a formal letter of permission to marry outside home parish from their current church leadership.
• Submit recent copies of baptismal and confirmation certificates to confirm practicing Catholic faith and eligibility.
• Complete the standard multi-week pre-marriage preparation classes and counseling program locally.
• Apply for and obtain a civil marriage license through New York City’s Marriage Bureau in accordance with state laws. The priest cannot proceed without the license.

The Cathedral’s clergy guides couples through every canonical procedure and sacramental requirement to ensure a valid Catholic marriage.

Compliant Wedding Vendors

To maintain a consistent dignity and guest experience befitting the landmark, St. Patrick’s Cathedral selectively mandates:

• Musicians and music repertoire must align with Cathedral guidance. Their Director of Music Ministries oversees choices.
• Florist selection only from the rotating list of approved designers familiar with church protocols.
• Photographers and videographers must thoroughly review and comply with the Cathedral’s extensive media policies prior to filming ceremonies.
• Wedding planners or coordinators with proven knowledge and experience specifically facilitating Cathedral weddings per guidelines. Ask for references.

By guiding couples through compliant vendor selection, the Cathedral staff protects the sanctity and wonder of the worship space. Be sure to seek their input before booking any major wedding pros or making non-refundable deposits.

Logistical Considerations

Because of its location and venue restrictions, couples must navigate:

• Strict Cathedral seating capacity limits of approximately 2000 total guests across all sections. Overflow space is not available. Scale guest lists appropriately.
• Bridal prep access limitations and guidelines within the Cathedral’s Sacristy
• Careful guest transportation planning and communication to avoid major traffic headaches around the Fifth Avenue location. Consider group shuttles from hotels.
• Very limited and extremely expensive parking in Midtown. Encourage mass transit or guide attendees to available garages.

Proper planning prevents day-of headaches for large wedding parties and attendees.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral vs Other NYC Venues

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – $15,000 to $25,000+ for an elegant Catholic ceremony and off-site luxury reception. Unmatched religious grandeur.

The Plaza Hotel – $100,000+ for a fairy tale hotel venue wedding and ballroom gala reception. Ultra-luxurious but with lower guest limits than the Cathedral.

Central Park – $30,000+ for a picturesque outdoor ceremony and tented reception venue. Nearby nature offers a contrasting style from St. Patrick’s ornate interior.

The Metropolitan Club – $25,000+ for exclusivity within a historic elite private social club. Far fewer guests than the Cathedral allows.

Overall, St. Patrick’s delivers a truly unique combination of Gotham prestige, sacred ritual, and architectural beauty that Catholic couples value. The soaring sanctuary awes guests of all ages.

Final Words

While costs for hosting a wedding at America’s flagship Gothic cathedral understandably range from $15,000 to $75,000+, many couples find the unforgettable memories created at this iconic spiritual New York landmark more than worthwhile if budgeted carefully.

The sheer exclusivity of the venue matched with the grandeur of its soaring nave creates lifelong memories justifying the required investment for more traditional couples. By selectively investing to enhance main elements your guests actually see, feel, and experience, you protect budgets without sacrificing beauty or meaning.

Answers to Common Questions

Is it hard to get married at St Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC?

The application process is strict, requiring engaged couples to provide baptismal and confirmation certificates, obtain their pastor’s permission, and undergo marriage preparation. Only active registered parishioners or those with Archdiocese permission may marry at St. Patrick’s.

Is there a dress code for St Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC?

Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required within St. Patrick’s. Women are asked to avoid strapless or spaghetti strap dresses. Men should wear formal attire along with coats and ties at Catholic weddings.

What celebrities were married at St. Patrick’s Cathedral?

Notable celebrity couples married at St. Patrick’s include Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in 1920, Brooke Shields and Andre Agassi in 1997, and MLB player Joe DiMaggio and actress Marilyn Monroe in 1954.