Taylor Swift paid more than $160,000 to New York City for permits and security linked to her wedding celebrations at Madison Square Garden, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed.
The mayor disclosed the amount during a Friday press conference. He answered questions about whether taxpayers would bear the cost of policing the high profile event. His remarks ended speculation that the city had funded the security operation.
“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,” Mamdani said in remarks shared by C-SPAN.
He said city officials approved the permit only days before the celebrations. Reporters asked whether Swift would also cover police overtime costs. Mamdani replied that the permit fee covered the required expenses.
Swift, 36, married Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, 36, at Madison Square Garden last week. The wedding attracted global media attention. Reuters previously reported that city permits allowed street closures around the venue before the ceremony.
Heavy security surrounded the celebration
The permit covered police deployment, traffic management, street closures and other city services. New York normally charges organisers when private events require additional public resources.
Media reports said about 100 guests attended a private gathering before a larger reception welcomed nearly 1,000 family members, friends and associates.
Police secured the area around Madison Square Garden throughout the celebrations. Private security teams also helped control crowds. Reports said about 130 officers worked each day during the wedding weekend because of the extraordinary security demands.
Swift has faced several stalking incidents and security threats in recent years. Those concerns prompted organisers to implement strict security measures throughout the event.
Total wedding cost remains unknown
The city confirmed the security payment. However, neither Swift nor Kelce has revealed the total cost of the wedding.
Several US media outlets estimate the celebrations cost about $15 million. The estimate includes the venue, decorations, catering, logistics, entertainment and security. Those figures remain unofficial.
Mamdani’s announcement settled the debate over who paid for the public safety operation. It confirmed that Swift covered the city’s permit and security costs herself.
Before the ceremony, Mamdani said New York was preparing for several major events. They included FIFA World Cup activities, Independence Day celebrations and the Swift Kelce wedding. He said the city had experience managing events of that scale.
