The Top Wedding Venues in New York City
From skyline views and landmarks to It-girl vibes in Brooklyn and the Hamptons.
When it comes to choosing your wedding venue in one of the greatest cities in the world, quite a few factors can dictate where and when you wed. Location, style, and capacity are going to be your biggest deciding factors (aside from budget, of course). Consider the locations you want to to incorporate into your wedding photography and parts of the city that mean something to you as a couple. Central Park, Grand Central Station, the Brooklyn Bridge, or a great NYC skyline aren't always easily accessible for photo-ops—unless you plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that many of New York's best venues are open to the public by day and landmarked, so you'll need to plan ahead for a complex schedule of loading in and out, which is where tapping an expert wedding planner proves invaluable.
Much of the city is also home to sparse, industrial spaces where you'll need to design and craft your event decor from the ground up. But if you're looking for a hidden gem, a rustic or romantic setting, or something outside-the-box, this city doesn't disappoint. From locations fit for an uptown girl, an It-girl, a Brooklyn bash, an industrial vibe, and even a lush, outdoor affair, NYC (naturally) has it all. Expert tip: where you wed dictates much of your timeline, decor, event flow, and more—consult your planner before booking and signing contracts.
New York Public Library
Location: Midtown
Capacity: 250 seated, 750 standing (Astor Hall)
The New York Public Library is as classic as you can get. With sky high ceilings, marble columns, and a pair of welcoming staircases (both inside and out), this iconic spot is truly one-of-a-kind and a transformable space for your dream wedding. The best part? The iconic NYC landmark has multiple event spaces within the building, making it easy for guests to migrate from one space to the other. While each room can play host to a different vibe, from your romantic ceremony to an all-out dance party.
American Museum of Natural History
Location: Central Park West
Capacity: 3,000+ for reception
A classic venue choice for any New York City wedding, the Natural History Museum is an elegant (and unique) option for a beautiful wedding and/or reception—especially one needing to accommodate a large guest list. Here, your guests can enjoy cocktails in the grand lobby—with a dinosaur as the room's centerpiece—and you'll likely dine and dance under the stars, and the squid and the whale.
Weylin
Location: Brooklyn
Capacity: 75-350; average wedding size is 250
The Weylin is the site of the iconic Williamsburg Savings Bank, built by renowned architect George B. Post and interiors designed by Peter B. Wright in 1875. Following an award-winning restoration, the Weylin was born. Now operating as one of the city’s premier venues, with its spectacular frescoed dome, intricate mosaics, wooden carvings, and period decor as its centerpiece, this venue is ideal for a myriad of decor concepts, guest counts, and unique experiences—like an after party in their 1875 Bar, a prohibition-era speakeasy.
The Carlyle Hotel
Location: Upper East Side
Capacity: 225 max
Built in 1930, The Carlyle is one of (if not the) most iconic hotels in New York City. A Rosewood Hotel, this property exudes elegance and that "old New York" charm—with an undeniable sense of modernity to boot. For generations, it has been the “home away from home” for world leaders, celebrities, royals, and sophisticated travelers alike. From the Foyer to the Versailles suite, you'll find the the ultimate blend of modern elegance and Art Deco styling—head here for weddings inspired by the old glamour of the city, and an intimate dinner reception.
The Frick Collection
Location: Midtown East
Capacity: 180 seated, 450 standing
Evoking the glamour of a Gilded Age New York, The Frick Collection is an internationally recognized museum and research center known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. While many New York City venues of this caliber feel grand, expansive, and more fitting for a large guest list, this unique space provides an elegant yet intimate setting for any ceremony, reception, cocktail party, or welcome dinner.
The Foundry
Location: Long Island City
Capacity: 165 seated, 200 standing
The Foundry is a 19th Century historical building located steps from the East River in Long Island City. Fine varnishes were originally manufactured here before it was became a premier event space hosting social events, weddings and serving as a film location for New York's film and television industry—playing host to the "Kiss on the Lips" party in Gossip Girl's first season. This is the only foundry in the area still standing today and is beloved for its rawness and multiple green, ivy-covered terraces. If you're looking for a more European vibe—with a skyline view and the industrial influence of New York City, head here.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Location: Westchester County, NY
Capacity: 14 to 260 guests
Chef Dan Barber's notable New York City restaurant comes to life on his Tarrytown farm right outside the city. Wed overlooking lush acres of farmland and stroll the grounds for your portrait session while your guests enjoy cocktails and passed bites in the vegetable gardens or the courtyard. This location, while pastoral and stunning, is truly all about the food. Couples looking to wine and dine their guests will likely not find a wedding meal comparable to the farm-to-table offerings at Blue Hill, where your wedding meal comes close to the innovative, seasonal tasting menu the restaurant offers year-round.
The Rainbow Room
Location: Midtown
Capacity: 300 seated, 400 standing
This beacon of style and sophistication opened its doors in 1934 and has been noted as a dazzling Manhattan hotspot ever since. The transformed 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza re-opened after renovations in 2014, and signature design elements have been preserved, with every detail informed and inspired by New York's timelessness and its architecture. The landmark domed ceiling and revolving dance floor serve as the centerpiece of this venue, while magnificent crystal wall sconces and handsome brass railings enhance the grandeur of the room with the help of a famous crystal chandelier—suggestive of the night sky. In this venue, it's not only what's inside that counts, given that it boasts one of the city's best views.
501 Union
Location: Brooklyn
Capacity: 160 seated, 250 standing
Tucked among five distinct Brooklyn neighborhoods – Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boreum Hill, and Park Slope, 501 Union features three distinct spaces within the venue: a covered atrium, an elegant cocktail lounge, and a light-filled reception hall. Locally-sourced design elements include Modo chandeliers by Jason Miller, customized Flavor Paper wallpaper, and a vaulted skylight that runs the length of the main gathering space reflect the best of old and new Brooklyn. This space is industrial chic—with a large dose of modern glamour.
Glenmere Mansion
Location: Chester, NY
Capacity: 400 guests maximum
Set on 150 acres of lush landscape, Glenmere Mansion transports you to Europe, only 50 miles away from New York City. The 5-star hotel allows for buy-outs, and so the property could become yours for the weekend, hosting your rehearsal dinner in one of the hotel's colorful event spaces or suites, and then tenting the meadow for an outdoor ceremony and reception under the stars. Driving up the grand drive to the property gives you some insight to what's to come—an ultra-luxe experience, complete with well-appointed, chic spaces and manicured gardens, which open up to the mansion's expansive acreage. Unique spaces like newly opened Barn make this property ideal for multi-faceted events, where guests are ushered through the property as they would be in an Italian villa or French chateau.
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 90 seated, 225 standing
An architectural gem, hailed for its iconic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight, The Beekman unites some of the world’s greatest talents, including the sophisticated design of Martin Brudnizki and the culinary cachet of restaurateur and chef Tom Colicchio. Offering a blend of classic glamour and contemporary charm that makes it an incomparable venue in lower Manhattan, The Beekman is surrounded by some of Manhattan’s most cherished attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge and The Freedom Tower.
The Plaza Hotel
Location: Central Park South
Capacity: 500 seated, 1000 standing
Home to BAZAAR's annual fashion week party, ICONS, and a slew of the city's chicest weddings, this landmark hotel needs no introduction. With countless spaces to choose from—from the Grand Ballroom to The Terrace Room, The Edwardian Room, The Oak Room & Bar, to the Palm Court and Rose Club—this NYC staple is suited for both over-the-top and intimate affairs.
Gramercy Park Terrace
Location: Gramercy
Capacity: 120 seated, 250 standing
Situated on the Gramercy Park Hotel's 18th floor, the Gramercy Terrace offers views of the Manhattan skyline and serves as a garden oasis from the busy streets of New York City. This premier event space is open and airy, and with a fully weatherized retractable roof, it's ideal all year long. The Terrace is composed of interior salons, filled with 20th century masterpieces from Damien Hirst and Andy Warhol, and lush exterior gardens that wrap around the rooftop. The multiple areas for entertaining allow for a variety of event set-ups for both large parties and intimate events. The Terrace Kitchen, led by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, has an extensive selection of magnificent menu options to choose from for catering as well.
City Hall
Location: Downtown
Have your Carrie Bradshaw moment at one of NYC's most iconic wedding venues: City Hall. Located in the heart of the Financial District where couples have been saying "I do" for decades among the city's hustle and bustle, keep the focus on your vows and don't be afraid to bring a photographer with you. Embracing the full essence of the experience is part of the appeal here. Not-to-mention, this is the ideal venue for a chic short dress or jumpsuit.
Marriage ceremony, $25
The Wythe Hotel
Location: Williamsburg
Capacity: 140 seated, 250 standing
At this hip and chic hotel located on a vibrant corner in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, expect to find beautiful brick, original masonry, handmade tile floors, a European-inspired courtyard, and incredible views of NYC's skyline directly across the river. The hotel's event spaces range from rustic, intimate, wooden rooms to more industrial, yet well-appointed, spaces. Catering for any event goes through the in-house restaurant, Reynard, which features a seasonal menu.
The Bay Room
Location: Financial District
Capacity: 520 seated, 580 standing
Brought to you by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, this panoramic new venue opened its doors in July 2018, sharing the 60th floor with its sister restaurant, Manhatta. Expansive (and spectacular) views of midtown, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge are highlights here, while 100+ pieces of curated art provide an impressive decorative focal point inside. Prepare to bring in much of the decor should you be looking for a conceptual design; The Bay Room’s neutral, almost-industrial backdrop is filled with natural light by day—and miles of twinkling lights by night. The menu features hearty options on seasonal rotation by chef David Brinkman of Union Square Events.
Tribeca Rooftop
Location: Tribeca
Capacity: 400 seated, 700 standing
Located on a cobblestone street in a former 1920's printing press building, the Tribeca Rooftop is a 15,000 square foot private NYC event venue located in the heart of one of Manhattan's chicest districts. Guests will be captivated by panoramic views of the Hudson River, Empire State Building, Soho and downtown Manhattan.
Glasshouses
Location: Chelsea
Capacity: 150 seated, 200 standing
Bright, airy, and beautiful, the Glasshouses (location #2 set to open Fall 2019) are a collection of modern event spaces designed to amplify the guest experience with epic views of the city. With indoor and outdoor options, cutting-edge production technology, and breathtaking Manhattan skyline views, this NYC-central spot is ideal for modern minimalists who are all about the twinkling lights of the skyline.
Heather Hall is a weddings, fashion, and lifestyle writer and editor. Her career in weddings began at The Knot, where she worked as a bridal fashion editor. She then worked as a PR Manager at Amsale, a bridal design house, before starting her own events and digital marketing business. She has been featured on Today.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, Racked.com, Huffington Post, Verily Magazine, and Style Me Pretty. Heather loves music, travel, and practicing yoga. In her spare time she's typically researching the next fun workout class to try, or finding a new concert to attend. Her latest goal: become a DJ.
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