Where in New York City Should Taylor Swift’s Wedding Be?

Initially, gossip columns suggested that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding would occur in mid-June within Watch Hill, Rhode Island, where Swift possesses a grand estate. Subsequently, it was apparently “leaked” that invitations had been dispatched, indicating a July 3rd date and a New York City venue. July 3rd in New York City? This coincides with the city’s Fourth of July fireworks, the inaugural Times Square ball drop for Independence Day, and Sail250, the tall-ships event commemorating the U.S. semi-quincentennial.

Yet, why not embrace such a date? As Zach Schiffman, our newsroom’s resident Taylor Swift expert, observed, the pop star is renowned for her affection for the Fourth of July, and her fiancé’s NFL training schedule recommences later that month. While this could potentially be an elaborate deception to mislead paparazzi, the city’s busiest holiday weekend might just offer the ideal confluence of distractions to divert attention from America’s highly anticipated “royal wedding.”

Here at Curbed, we formulated our own ideas about potential wedding sites: the Frick (exquisitely refined, recently renovated), Ellis Island (it’s an island!), and Rockefeller Center, appreciating its Art Deco charm. My personal vote is for City Hall (yes, complete pandemonium!), a quintessential New York experience.

But what insights do the professionals offer? I engaged in conversations with several seasoned NYC wedding planners to ascertain their predictions for where Swift and Kelce might exchange vows, and where they would personally suggest. Following that, I asked Zach for his input.

“A reason I’m not always keen on celebrity weddings is their lack of innovation,” remarked Jes Gordon of JesGORDON/properFUN, who has orchestrated events for Elton John’s AIDS Foundation and an after-party for Sting. She envisioned a Swift wedding at the Plaza Hotel purely because it represents a familiar, reliable event space and hotel. “I rather hope it’s not there, but it’s an easy and convenient choice for them,” she stated.

However, if Gordon were directing the affair? “I’d love for them to host a fantastic barbecue under the Brooklyn Bridge,” she mused. “How incredible would that be?” Her vision included commandeering the Brooklyn waterfront area south of the bridge, enabling several thousand guests to indulge in the River Café, enjoy a ride on Jane’s Carousel, and visit the Pier 2 Roller Rink. The obstacle — it’s a vast, exposed public area. “We’d need to acquire permits for it, which would incur significant expense. But we’ve executed similar events in parts of Central Park and other public locations like the High Line,” she elaborated. “It demands financial resources, influence, and considerable daring.”

Alyssa Pettinato, founder of Manhattan-based Alinato Events, with experience planning over 150 weddings in the NYC region, suggested Swift might select Oheka Castle, the location where the singer filmed the music video for “Blank Space.” It’s also her personal recommendation.

Long Island? While not strictly New York City, it offers undeniable appeal for someone desiring seclusion. This isolated Gold Coast estate, once the residence of German-born financier Otto Hermann Kahn, is rumored to have inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel. As one of the largest homes in the U.S., it boasts a grand ballroom, 34 guest rooms and suites, and is only accessible by car, with its 22-acre grounds securely gated.

“Many celebrities have chosen it for their weddings. It’s about an hour from Manhattan and exudes an estate ambiance—somewhat reminiscent of Newport,” Pettinato observed. “Furthermore, it offers a stunning garden ideal for an outdoor ceremony.” However, at this location, Swift would have to forgo the iconic New York skyline in her wedding photographs.

Manhattan-based planner Jennifer Zabinski, who orchestrated the weddings for both Serena Williams in 2017 and her sister Venus last December, put forward the Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park, citing its medieval architecture and dramatic elevated position “overlooking the Hudson River — with spectacular views.”

“The Cloisters does not frequently permit events on-site,” Zabinski noted. “However, we can’t envision them declining Taylor and Travis if they wished to wed there.”

This particular suggestion was Zach’s favorite. “I appreciate that it’s in Manhattan but situated all the way at the northern tip,” he said. “There’s a unique quality to it, given that they don’t typically host weddings there. I believe it would suit her very well.”

Norma Cohen, a self-proclaimed “24-hour event planner–therapist” based in Midwood, predicted Swift would opt for the Park Avenue Armory. “It’s expansive, private, and unassuming from the exterior,” she explained. “And it’s entirely adaptable. I would create an experience where guests feel transported to another realm!”

Her own imaginative concept, developed with her daughters Cookie and Lydia: “Roosevelt Island! It’s distinctive, outstanding, and stands apart. It would be truly magnificent.”

Which end of the island?

“The southern tip, adorned with trees!” exclaimed Cohen, a 39-year veteran of the wedding industry. “The Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park. It possesses a contemporary, triangular form, resembling an outdoor museum, and boasts an abundance of trees!” She envisioned erecting a large, transparent tent at the island’s extremity, complete with a dance floor and an orchestra. Guests, Cohen suggested, could arrive via the tram. “We could adorn the tram with flowers. Peonies!”

Zach concurred. “Roosevelt Island is truly an excellent concept,” he affirmed. “It offers the potential for seclusion and features a beautiful vista. She desires an iconic New York experience.”

Michelle Rago, a Manhattan-based planner who arranged the nuptials for Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, speculated that Swift would likely select the Rainbow Room — and this is also her personal recommendation. Originally launched in 1934, this Art Deco midtown venue provides expansive, floor-to-ceiling views from its 65th floor. “When the sun descends, it’s truly enchanting — utterly stunning,” remarked Rago, who has orchestrated numerous ceremonies at the Rainbow Room. “We’ve hosted many celebrities and well-traveled clients, and they remain captivated by that panorama.”

Then there’s its rotating dance floor and a modest stage, perfect for a band: “It’s simply very glamorous, very magical.” The primary drawback? It can only accommodate 320 guests, and Swift might wish to invite considerably more.

I did not solicit the opinion of David Stark, a Bushwick-based event planner who has crafted events for Glenn Close and Brad Pitt, regarding the Rainbow Room concept, but he offered one nonetheless.

“It’s a charming New York landmark,” he commented. “However, she requires something more distinctive.”

His suggestion: a wedding ceremony and reception on Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty. “She embodies American spirit, making it a fitting location, especially for that time of year,” Stark noted. “We would set up a clear-top tent to allow views of the statue, and ideally, there would be fireworks visible from the waterfront. It would be incredibly private, as access is solely by boat.”

Naturally, this presupposes that the event will indeed unfold in New York City. Stark, however, expresses skepticism. “It could take place anywhere globally,” he said, “and this entire narrative might simply be a diversion.”

Nonetheless, Zach remains optimistic. “Regardless of her choice, the wedding will be a spectacle,” he stated. “New York can manage a spectacle. Rhode Island cannot.”

Update, April 24, 4:30 p.m.: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Jennifer Zabinski had arranged multiple weddings at the Met Cloisters. The Cloisters does not accept wedding reservations and has an exclusive social event planner for such occasions, who is not Zabinski.