Taylor Swift paid over $160,000 for NYC permit for MSG wedding

Taylor Swift paid over $160,000 for NYC permit for MSG wedding

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed on Friday, July 10, that Taylor Swift paid the city more than $160,000 for a security permit related to her July 3 wedding to Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden.

The Mayor disclosed the six-figure sum during a consumer protection press conference in response to questions about who would cover the cost of police overtime. This security presence was required to manage massive crowds and logistics, including traffic management and street closures in Midtown Manhattan.

"Taylor Swift has paid already the cost of the permit that was lodged, which was over $160,000 for that event and for the response to that event,"

Zohran Mamdani, New York City Mayor, via Rolling Stone

Mamdani noted that the permit was finalized just in the days preceding the event. The security arrangements covered a period starting with a rehearsal dinner on July 2 and continuing through the wedding on July 3.

The wedding took place during a period Mamdani described as a series of historical and generational events for New York City. The municipal resources were already stretched by the FIFA World Cup, the nation's 250th anniversary, and the New York Knicks' first championship in 53 years. Mamdani had previously characterized the overlap of these events and the Swift-Kelce wedding as a perfect storm for the NYPD.

The timing and scale of the nuptials drew public criticism. Republican congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis used X to argue that the couple should reimburse the NYPD for the 130 officers needed daily to keep the event safe, stating that taxpayers should not be responsible for the costs while officers were already working overtime for July 4 festivities.

The wedding itself was an expansive production. Reported costs for the event were estimated at $20 million or more by some sources, while others placed the spend at $30 million or more. The venue was converted into a lush secret garden to accommodate approximately 1,000 guests, including athletes and celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Tom Cruise, Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Zoë Kravitz, and Jennifer Lopez. Black SUVs and buses reportedly lined 31st street to transport the attendees.

The ceremony was officiated by actor and comedian Adam Sandler. Swift and Kelce, both 36, wore designs by Christian Dior Haute Couture. In a departure from tradition, the couple did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen; instead, Austin Swift served as man of honor and Jason Kelce served as best man.

Musical performances included Paul McCartney, who performed the Beatles' I Want to Hold Your Hand for the first time since 1963, and Stevie Nicks. Following the ceremony, a sign outside Madison Square Garden read JUST&T MARRIED.

The marriage follows a relationship that began in summer 2023 after Kelce mentioned his interest in Swift on his New Heights podcast. After Swift appeared on the podcast on Aug. 13, the couple announced their engagement 13 days later with an Instagram caption reading: Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married 🧨.

Beyond the wedding expenses, it has been reported that the couple donated $26 million to 20 different charities across the United States.