As the price of weddings continues to rise, couples all over the country are looking to cut costs. The good news is there are many ways to lessen the financial burden of wedding planning. You can, for example, choose a buffet over a seated and served meal or opt for seasonal flowers rather than your out-of-season favorites. One of the heftiest expenses, not surprisingly, is the wedding venue. So it makes sense, if you’re going for that budget wedding, that you’d start with the biggest ticket item.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most affordable wedding venues in and around New York City. From Brooklyn to SoHo, if you’re planning a budget wedding in the Big Apple, we’ve got you covered.
1. Housing Works Bookstore
Photo: Housing Works Bookstore
The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe hosts weddings with a whole lot of heart. Not only is the venue beautiful (think Ivy league library) but the cost of your wedding goes giving back to the community. 100% of the venue’s proceeds go toward helping the homeless living with HIV and AIDS.
Capacity: 150 seated
Bonus: Since the Bookstore Cafe’s mahogany balconies and book-lined walls need very little embellishment, you can save some money on decorations.
2. Brooklyn Grange Navy Yard
Photo: Brooklyn Grange
The Brooklyn Grange Navy Yard will give you a unique wedding experience that you can feel good about. As one of the leading urban farming and green roofing companies, the Brooklyn Grange operates large-scale farming on two rooftops in NYC. They also operate 30 naturally-managed beehives, offer educational programming, consult and install green roofing, and—lucky for you—host weddings! Say your vows atop their Brooklyn Navy Yard amidst rows and rows of vibrant crops and a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
Capacity: 150
Bonus: You can bring in many of your own vendors, allowing you to customize price and decor to your taste and budget.
3. The Boathouse at Prospect Park
Photo: Anne Clair Brun | anneclairebrun.com
The Boathouse at Prospect Park, built in 1905, was one of the first buildings in New York City to be declared an historic landmark. The Boathouse is in the Beaux Arts style, and offers a stunning setting, overlooking Lullwater Lake. It’s a truly special location, rich with New York City history—and it’s hard to imagine you can celebrate your wedding here on a budget!
It’s worth noting that all rentals require an additional $1,000 refundable security bond and $25 special event permit fee. Peak rates apply around the holidays.
Capacity: 150 guests for a seated dinner
Bonus: The rental fee includes a private bridal suite for those getting ready photos. There’s also the option to move things inside in the case of inclement weather.
4. Harbor Cruise with Entertainment Cruises
Photo: Olli Studio | ollistudio.com
Entertainment Cruises offers a fleet of ships for your harbor-side nuptials. The all-glass Bateaux New York wows guests with spectacular views of the NYC skyline through its curved glass ceiling and walls. Two adjoining dining rooms are climate-controlled and include a hardwood dance floor. Sister ships from Elite Private Yachts and Spirit Cruises offer additional opportunities to savor a wedding on the water.
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Bonus: The wedding package is all inclusive, and includes a a complimentary 1-year anniversary cruise!
5. The Albra Room at the Foundry
If you’ve been in NYC long enough, you’ve probably been to a wedding at Long Island City’s The Foundry. The existing spaces are stunning, and they made a new addition this year—the Albra Room, named after the Albra Metal Foundry that was built on the site 100 years ago. The space is stunning: vaulted ceilings, white brick, glass ceiling. It doesn’t need much adornment (if any at all) to serve as a beautiful and budget-friendly option for your wedding venue.
Capacity: 70 guests
Bonus: If the vaulted glass ceilings don’t provide a clear enough view of the stars, couples can also rent an adjacent 150-square-foot garden space for an additional fee.
Tell us more!
Do you know of a budget-friendly New York City wedding venue we missed? Did you plan a NYC wedding on a budget and have advice to share? Or do you have strong feelings about what city we should explore next? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comment section below.
More NYC Wedding Venues:
The Best Rooftop Wedding Venues in New York City
11 Incredibly Cool Brooklyn Wedding Venues
The Best of Manhattan Wedding Venues
5 Fabulous Wedding Venues in Queens
The Best Wedding Venues in the Bronx
The Best Staten Island Wedding Venues
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