Planning your Perfect Park Wedding!

Do you love the outdoors, iconic attractions, and budget-savvy wedding planning? If so, you may want to consider getting married in a park! After all, nothing says romance like a naturally gorgeous setting with plenty of sunshine, fresh air, and scenery. Best of all, having your ceremony or reception at a park usually means you get to take advantage of great pricing packages without skimping out on a truly spectacular backdrop!Some people have preconceived notions about a park wedding. Some may think it is “too simple,” not elegant – but the beauty of a park wedding is that you can make it whatever you want it to be. The park is your canvas, and you can paint whichever picture you would like. Looking for a rustic theme? Outfit your ceremony with dark rich mahogany chairs, wooden directional signs, and twinkle lights draped through the pavilion. Looking for a fairytale theme? Have an array of flowers on your ceremony arch, white tablecloths, and possibly a chandelier hanging from your tent. There are MANY options for your wedding day, and the beauty of it is that you can style your wedding day however you’d like to. Nature’s inherent simplicity and beauty create the perfect background for an elegant and tasteful wedding. 
 
First Step!
You may think “What is the very first step when planning a park wedding?” Location, location, location is key! You need to first establish whether you are looking to get married in a popular or intimate park. The more popular spaces are often the more iconic ones. For example, Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, New York City. Whether you have visited the park or not, most people are familiar with this famous landmark. Keep in mind that if you host your wedding in a popular park area, your wedding may need to be open to strolling passersby pausing and joining in on the moment. Of course, you can choose the more intimate locations within the park that may offer a more private-oasis-like feel. In this case, you can still have your iconic park moment with an extra level of intimacy for you and your guests. Harrybrooke Park offers an intimate, hometown feel. Depending on which package you choose, the park can be closed to the public for the entire day – and the park would be reserved for you and your wedding guests only! No matter what direction you decide on, choosing the location is key.

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​But what about the WEATHER?

This is probably one of the most asked questions on a Wedding Tour of Harrybrooke – what happens if it RAINS? There are many answers to this question, because we have options – which is great! One of the last things someone wants on their wedding day is a rainy forecast, especially if you are hosting your special day at an outdoor venue. For some, it is stressful to see rain in the forecast for their wedding day – but, believe it or not, there are many positive aspects to rain on your wedding day!Rain makes for one-of-a-kind wedding photos. If you've ever seen wedding photos captured in the rain then you know exactly what we're talking about. The mist and the soft light look so romantic and can't be easily recreated on a sunny day. Not to mention all the great props you can use, like clear umbrellas and colorful rain boots. Many photographers will even tell you that they actually prefer shooting on a cloudy or rainy day. With the rain, comes a rainbow. How pretty would that be?! Also, with spring and summer (a big portion of wedding season!) comes those pesky seasonal allergies. Did you know that rain reduces airborne pollen and eliminates allergies? If you suffer from seasonal allergies, the last thing you may want on your wedding day is hot, sunny skies. These are the perfect conditions to kick your allergies into high gear and turn your nose and eyes red. Rain reduces airborne pollen, so if it's allergy season you and your wedding party will feel better. Lastly, it has been said that rain on your wedding day brings good luck. In some cultures, rain on your wedding day is considered good luck, symbolizing fertility and cleansing. So whether you are superstitious or just prefer to look on the bright side, think of it this way: Who couldn't use a little good luck on their big day? 

​At Harrybrooke, we try to make the process as painless as possible. We do not want you stressing about anything, especially the weather. We have a handful of weather contingencies and even  an option if you are looking for an outdoor ceremony, but an indoor reception! We are partnered with a beautiful and historic venue in downtown New Milford, 19Main. Less than 3 miles from Harrybrooke, 19Main is a great option for an indoor reception while still having your outdoor ceremony. Our partnership offers discounts, so be sure to ask about them if you inquire about this package! Want to keep everything at the park? We have two pavilions on property which can easily accommodate a wedding ceremony. We have even had a couple getting married on the back patio of The Harden House Museum with the awning out, and the Still River in the backdrop. Although it was raining, that made for a stunning view and beautiful pictures!

Be sure to ask about our Partnership Package with 19Main if you are looking for that outdoor ceremony and inside reception!

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There are many questions when thinking about having a park wedding – and I’m here to answer them for you!
If you are thinking of a park wedding, rooted (pun intended) in nature – look no further than Harrybrooke. 
 
Having trouble envisioning a park wedding? Look no further than our Pinterest page.
You will find boards catered to making your park wedding a beautiful, classy, rustic, and elegant venue.
There are boards specifically for The Harden House Museum, a tent wedding, a Gated Garden reception, and more!
​Be sure to check it out here!

As always, happy planning!