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Inspiration » Venues » 5 Surprisingly Affordable New York City Wedding Venues

5 Surprisingly Affordable New York City Wedding Venues

by Cali Pitchel
5 Surprisingly Affordable New York City Wedding Venues

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 Midtown, if you’re planning a budget wedding in the Big Apple, we’ve got you covered.

1. New York City Fire Museum

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable New York City venue that’s the perfect mix of historic and modern, then look no further than the New York City Fire Museum. The beautiful third floor loft of the New York City Fire Museum is probably the most affordable wedding venue in Soho. The venue features hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and 12-foot ceilings, and a fully equipped kitchen. The Museum is the perfect spot for a simple, budget-friendly, and beautiful celebration in the heart of Downtown Manhattan.

There is a catch: you’re on the hook (and ladder) for bringing in your own caterer—who is required to obtain both a liquor license and liability insurance.

Cost: Flat rate of $3,500 for 8 hours, or if you prefer to go hourly, $450 an hour

Capacity: 75 Seated, 300 Standing

Bonus: Guests can wander the museum exhibits! Check out the evolution of firefighting—starting with the bucket brigades of Stuyvesant’s New Amsterdam up to today’s modern firefighting techniques and equipment.

2. The Green Building

Photo: Sasithon Photography | sasithonphotography.com

The Green Building is an industrial chic warehouse wedding venue in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. It was built in 1889 and was used primarily as a brass foundry until 1987. It’s a simple, but stunning space with exposed brick, high ceilings, and tons of natural light. The Green Building offers full-service wedding packages without any surprise add-ons or last-minute charges. The rustic beauty of the event space allows you to keep it simple or dress it up as much as you’d like.

Cost: $6,700 – $10,400 rental fee

Capacity: Up to 160

Bonus: You can BYOB, so there’s an opportunity for even more cost savings.

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.

Cost: Varies based on season, but $4,500 is the average rate.

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.

Cost: Varies depending on which yacht you choose, but ceremony packages range $1,100–3,500. Reception packages range $48–183/person. Tax, alcohol and service charge are additional.

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

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.

Cost: Starts at $3500 for 12 hours, includes set-up and breakdown, use of its fully equipped 400 sq ft kitchen and two staff members for the duration of the event

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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