New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed that Taylor Swift and her husband Travis Kelce paid over $160,000 (£119,000) to secure a permit for their high-profile wedding at Madison Square Garden.

The couple, who announced their engagement in August 2026, faced criticism for shutting down several streets in Midtown Manhattan, prompting calls for reimbursement to the city and taxpayers.

Mamdani clarified that the permit fee covered the costs of the event and associated police response, stating that the permit was finalised days before the ceremony.The wedding, attended by celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, Selena Gomez, and Bradley Cooper, also saw the couple donate $26 million to 20 charities.

While the event was celebrated as a lavish affair, the financial and logistical aspects sparked public debate about the balance between private celebrations and public resources.The mayor’s comments address concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, emphasizing that Swift had already settled the permit costs.This incident highlights the intersection of celebrity events, urban planning, and public expenditure in major cities.