Prescott Park Weddings

Prescott Park, owned and operated by the City of Portsmouth, is available for wedding ceremonies only. 

The following restrictions apply:

1. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all times in Prescott Park.
2. Throwing rice or other materials is prohibited.
3. Weddings are not permitted on the stage or in the lawn areas surrounding the stage.
4. No signs, banners or electrical sound amplification are allowed. However, on a case-by-case basis, a small speaker may be discussed during the approval process.
5. Chairs for guests may be discussed during the approval process (not provided at the park; must rent)
6. No tents are permitted. Nothing is permitted to be staked into the ground in Prescott Park.
7. Do not touch any park wildlife or flowers.

Other Park Notes:

• As of approximately October 1 of each year, all flowers are removed from Prescott Park gardens. 
• Fountains and bathrooms remain active until the end of October, weather permitting.
• Bathrooms are typically available starting in May, weather permitting.
• Gardens are not planted until the end of May/early June.
• Please discuss any ADA accommodations needed during the approval process.
• There is no parking available at Prescott Park. Please discuss parking options during the approval process.

Small Ceremonies: Prescott Park is intended for small ceremonies. Ceremonies in excess of 75 guests will require special approval. Only the Large Lawn is available for ceremonies 75 people or more. 

Construction: If on the rare chance a wedding ceremony location becomes unavailable due to construction or maintenance, another site in the Park will be offered. 

1. Wedding Location Map

Please follow these steps:

1. Please read the “Policy and Procedures” information
2. Choose a location in the Park for your ceremony using the Wedding Ceremony Location Map.
3. Fill out the Wedding Ceremony Reservation Request Form and send to Brinn Sullivan at bsullivan@portsmouthnh.gov to request your wedding date.
4. Create a customer account at Portsmouth Recreation's Reservation Portal
5. Following a review of your Registration, you will be contacted by the Recreation Department with an e-mail communication concerning your application, and if appropriate, payment instructions.
6. Information about fees, subject to change annually, are found in the section “Wedding Reservation Fee” below. Online payment is available through the reservation portal, once the reservation has been confirmed (payment can also be made via check or cash to Portsmouth Recreation).
7. Wedding ceremonies are scheduled in two-hour increments; all set-up and take down of personal property associated with your wedding must be erected and taken down within the two-hour time period.

Please note other activities in the park:

Prescott Park is a vibrant and active public space. Couples are advised to be mindful of sounds, crowds, and other park related activities that may taking place in or around the park. During the arts festival season, sound checks will take place in preparations for concerts and plays.

Please consult local events calendars, including the Prescott Park Arts Festival schedule www.prescottpark.org and the City's Community Events Calendar. Events to be aware include Market Square Day (Pro Portsmouth); the Chowder Festival, Pride Parade in June and Jazz Fest in August.