The Pros and Cons of Getting Married in a Public Park
September 19th, 2008 @ 4:50 pm by Mrs. Cream Puff
On my last post, a reader named Kelly made a comment that got me thinking: she said we’d chosen a less-than-ideal spot for our wedding, because it was a public park and strangers were talking. It’s true–it wasn’t ideal in a few ways. The park service was really difficult to coordinate with, and there weren’t any good bathrooms. However, Mr. Cream Puff and I haven’t regretted getting married at Crissy Field at all, not even for a moment. Yes, there were strangers talking, but quite frankly, we couldn’t care less. For those of you getting married at a public park (or those of you who are interested), here’s a list of the pros and cons of getting married at a public park. Some of the reasons are specific to our location and to us, so they might not apply to you. 
The Cons:
- The logistics of it were a pain in the neck: we had a horrible time trying to get the permit for the spot because the park service is really slow. They also charge a premium for the permit, just because it’s a wedding (I believe they are now charging $600, vs. $59 for a picnic in the same place).
- We couldn’t have amplified sound because birds nest close to the amphitheater. This, combined with a few strangers talking around the ceremony site, made it kind of difficult for a few guests to hear. Oops.
- There will be strangers around, and they might not do what you want (this really wasn’t too much of an issue for us).
The Pros:
- We were married in one of the most beautiful places in San Francisco: right by the bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco city skyline as a backdrop. It. was. breathtaking.
- We were married in a place that meant a lot to us personally; it was a significant location in our relationship (actually, this part means so much to me that it still almost makes me cry!)
- Strangers always love to see a wedding, and they tell you you’re beautiful, which always feels nice! They also get really, really excited for you and wish you congratulations many times over, which was awesome for both Mr. Cream Puff and I.
- It was fun for our guests to attend such a “San Francisco” wedding. A few of our guests had never been to the bay area before, so it was fun to show them how beautiful it is here, and why we love it.
Overall, I would definitely say that it was totally worth any problems we encountered to get married at Crissy Field, at least for us. Just to refresh your memories (or maybe I haven’t told you guys this before), but Mr. Cream Puff and I decided to start dating exclusively at Crissy Field. To have our wedding there three years later was so meaningful to us.
And I still can’t believe how wonderful the weather was.
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28 Responses to “The Pros and Cons of Getting Married in a Public Park”
That is SO amazing that you could incorporate such a special place into your ceremony. I absolutely LOVE Crissy Field and always take out of town guests there - it is one of the most dramatic views in San Francisco, and it’s not overrun by tourists. I have great memories there too, and I’m so glad you had great weather!
crissy fields is a beautiful location. that’s where we took our engagement pix. it gets a little bit windy sometimes but the view is gorgeous. sometimes i feel like i take it for granted because i live in the bay area. i really should sit back and enjoy it and appreciate it more!
many years ago, i witnessed a wedding at the palace of fine arts (we were the strangers who stumbled upon the wedding). it was impossible to hear what they were saying. i just remember all of the guests released butterflies at the end and it was so beautiful! i’ve always liked outdoor weddings ever since!
a beach wedding during sunset is what i dream about. it would be so romantic.
I saw Crissy Field last time I was in San Fran and you’re right, its beautiful. I can’t wait to see the pro pics and see how amazing the city was. Your invites were so cool with the bridge and now it will be in your pics!
and considering how spotty the weather can be just in sf the fact that it was that perfect was awesome.
FH and I have a restaurant that means a lot to us and they do weddings (fairly reasonably priced one I may add) but it isn’t in the best part of where I live and my guest would have to pass a nudey bar on the way :-/ So we’re weighing those Pros and Cons right now… for us the Pro of having our reception at a place that means a lot to us makes the cons seem insignificant. Basically, I’m trying to say I can identify
Every time Bee and I go to the restaurant where we first met over dinner and then later got engaged… I feel a little warm inside. It’s wonderful to have a special place that has been vested with so much meaning!
I agree with all your pros & cons. My first husband & I were married in Huntington Beach ON THE BEACH. It was a legistical nightmare …. but SO beautiful and just what I wanted.
Move on
Mrs. Cream Puff- I just reviewed the last post and this one… Honeslty, I loved your posts! I am so glad you are able to express with such honesty your feelings the day of and after your wedding! It’s something we will all be able to relate to (the good and not so good things that happen)! I think that the significance of your location, made it that much more meaningful! That park is so nice to visit- I bet you can’t wait to walk there with your *kids* one day and share the moment all over again, and it will be a special place for them too! So nice. Congrats!
I think this is great. As someone who really (REALLY) wanted to get married at Crissy Field, I appreciate you giving a realistic list of pros and cons for getting married at such a busy, public place. Although I had a lot of regrets about not being able to afford a wedding in SF, I realize now that Crissy Field didn’t really have special meaning for my husband and I- not like it did for you. I’m afraid that the logistical barriers would have driven me to insanity and I would have regretted it. But luckily for you, it was worth it because it was so meaningful for the two of you. THANKS!!!
hi!
If I didn’t sunburn as easy or if we didnt want to do a church wedding, Crissy Field would have been top choice!
Plus, I LOVE seeing people get married! It makes me smile just looking from afar!
wow, stuck in a moment! Mrs. CP you need to let go! I’m sure your wedding was wonderful!
I would say that most strangers who encounter your wedding would have the best of intentions–I would say that it’s difficult for anyone as an inadvertent witness to an intimate, personal moment to NOT be taken in by the love, the beauty, and the sincerity! And it’s wonderful that you were able to go to someplace so sentimental and important to you–because no matter the pros and cons, THAT is what ultimately makes an unforgettable day! 
I don’t understand the comments about moving on/not letting go… this post is about the pros and cons of having a park wedding. CP, you’re the best- haters, go away!
Mrs CP - im sure your wedding was beautiful. Thanks for the tips about getting married in a public setting. Im sure it will help lots of other brides considering weddings in those types of areas. I also dont understand the haters. Isnt honest commentary about real life situations what WB is all about?
I think it’s great that you’re being so upfront & presenting the reality of your wedding experience. I don’t know why some of those negative commenters are hung up on you.
Personally, I’m also having a hard time weighing the pros and cons of choosing between a sentimental (but challenging) place to get married and an impersonal (but easy) place to get married. Thanks for imparting your experience with us. Don’t let the haters get you down.
Those pros and cons are so true! However, if weather permits, you are in for a treat! Outside weddings always seem to be so beautiful!
I didn’t get to see Crissy Field, but my college roommate’s wedding was at Cavallo Point, and I drove past Crissy Field and can imagine what a beautiful view and unique spot that was. I really would have loved an outdoor day wedding, but my whole family is sunphobic and probably would boycott! LOL. I just think there’s nothing as lovely as being warmed by the sun and surrounded by blue skies and green grass and serenaded by birds and visitors.
I love the honesty of weddings in public places. Its so inclusive to the universal experience of that space, if that makes sense. Dang, I sound like such a hippie
I got married in a public park as well and I would have loved to have seen something like this on Weddingbee prior to my wedding. So you go right ahead and post about it with my blessing (not that you need it) and if anyone else wants to hate-on-you or this post they can report to me.
I heart San Francisco! It’s seriously been my favorite city since I was a little girl!! Been there dozens of times, but never to Crissy Field - that’s on my checklist next time I’m there. Thanks, Miss CP!
We got married in a public park and it turned out great. There is an island on the pond that has a huge stone bridge that goes to the island and there is a wood and stone pillar arbor that was the backdrop for the ceremony. We didn’t have any problems and it didn’t cost us anything. There was even an electrical outlet for the music and microphone. And because it was on an island we didn’t have any problems with strangers near us. There were several people there watching but it was from across the water. The only setback we had was the brief rain during the ceremony but the weather otherwise was great. Everyone said the ceremony was beautiful and I felt that it turned out how I had envisioned it, except for the horrible reverend we had. The park wasn’t special to us but when I saw the island I just had to have it there. I was in love with the beautiful bridge. I’m glad that the park had special meaning to you and that’s something that will always be important to you, not some people talking nearby.
I love you, creampuff.
It’s a Mama Cream Puff sighting! How exciting!! Hi Mama CP.
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Check out this site at
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Hope this helps.
Hi Mrs. Cream Puff -
Congratulations on your marriage. Your wedding sounded fantastic! I am writing a book on intercultural weddings and would love to interview you and Mr. Cream Puff about your wedding. If you are interested, please contact me at: weddingswithoutborders@gmail.com
Best of luck!
Mrs. Cream Puff, San Francisco Bay Area
Age and Occupation: 25, Illustrator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Merchandise Planner
Engagement Date: May 27, 2007
Wedding Date: August, 2008
Blogging Since: February 7, 2008
Venue: Ceremony at Crissy Field and Reception at the Green Room
About Me: I never dreamed about my wedding as a little girl because I was too busy playing in the mud or pretending to be Martha Stewart–but now that it's here, I'm having a fabulous time DIYing everything in sight! We’re planning a very fun multicultural wedding (I'm Jewish and Mr. Cream Puff is Chinese), filled with as many personal details as I can muster.
doesn’t perfect weather feel like the ultimate stamp of approval?!?!?