As a city with towering skyscrapers, a large population and high-powered industries, New York City has a big energy. This “bigness” appeals to many, but can be too much for couples hoping for a more intimate wedding celebration within the bounds of this historic and oh-so-glamorous city. Luckily, NYC delivers with small, charming rooftops, cozy eateries, finely-appointed private clubs, homes emanating old world appeal, and even a thriving farm.
Norwood Club
If you’re hoping to infuse ample glamour into your wedding, Norwood Club will easily win you over. This pristinely preserved 1847 mansion features 13 fireplaces, five stories, a walled garden covered in ivy, grand staircases, plush carpeting, polished hardwood floors, Oriental rugs, and modern art. The result is stunning. Because renowned set designer Simon Costin designed the Norwood interiors, you may feel like you’ve landed in a bohemian-style film or French runway show as you wander through this eclectic space.
Typical Cost:All floors are individually priced and range from $1,000 to $3,000 for five hours.
Capacity: 80
Bonus: Norwood doubles as an exclusive members-only arts and culture club, so you can soak up the colorful vibes of the creatives who often inhabit this elite brownstone as you say your I do’s.
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The Roof Garden at The Lofts at Prince
The Lofts at Prince are a dream for those wanting their wedding to be infused with originality, as this space encourages creativity and takes a hands-on approach to helping couples construct their ideal wedding ambiance. In addition, they create more time for you to focus on the fun stuff—the theme and customized decorations—by taking away the hassle of figuring out where to get essentials like chairs, tables and furniture, as they provide it all. They also set-up, clean up and break everything down for free.
This intimate venue is also a winner when it comes to impressing your guests from the moment they enter the 100-year-old front doors that lead into the chic lobby, with features restored glass, preserved metal tin ceilings and an elegant period elevator. When the elevator opens to the al fresco site of your nuptials, guests will be treated to dazzling views of the city.
Typical Cost: $1,000 to $5,000
Capacity: 65
Bonus: This space is seriously flexible, allowing you to select your own vendors and bring your own alcohol.
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The Pavilion at Queens County Farm Museum
Nature-lovers will appreciate the charming pavilion perched on Queens County Farm’s 47-acre parcel of thriving earth, which is the largest remaining expanse of undisturbed farmland in New York, and has existed since 1697! Adding to the appeal of the pavilion is its close proximity to the growing fields, which often feature carrots, apples, rhubarb, kale and so much more.
If you envision a rustic chic wedding, replete with delicate fabrics billowing in the breeze, lots of burlap and lace, signature cocktail-filled mason jars, and organic displays of greenery, this land will be your jam.
Typical Cost: $1,000 for 4-hour rental. $300 for each additional hour.
Capacity: 85
Bonus: A variety of farm animals live on the farm, helping to enhance the “back to nature” vibe of your nuptials.
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Frankie’s 457 Spuntino
Photo by LeImage
A charming restaurant started by two Franks who share a love for simple, delicious, and nutritious Italian fare, this venue is ideal for an intimate wedding that features really good food. A wedding at Frankie’s will be more “warm and welcoming dinner party” than “wild and raucous dance party” as there’s no space for dancing. But your guests will be so full from the delicious food and drink they won’t mind waiting to shake their groove thing until you transition to a nearby bar or club for the after party. Frankie’s is the place for foodie couples that enjoy sitting around the dinner table having long chats with their nearest and dearest.
Typical Cost: $500 to rent the space for three hours. Each additional hour is $500, not including food and beverage costs.
Capacity: 75
Bonus: Frankie’s coziness offers ample opportunities for cost cuts, as minimal decorations, such as some twinkle and simple centerpieces, will have a big effect in this small space.
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Merchant’s House Museum
Couples with an appreciation for history will swoon when they visit this 1832 late-Federal and Greek Revival Merchant’s House, which is a designated landmark and museum. Adding to the appeal are the 3,000 pieces of furniture, decorative arts, clothing, photographs, books, household items, and personal items that were owned by the Tredwells—the merchant-class family who resided in the house from 1835 to 1933. In addition, the house includes matching six-globe gas chandeliers, furniture created by acclaimed furniture maker Duncan Phyfe, and various dresses owned by the Tredwell women. Event spaces that can be utilized for weddings include a Greek Revival Double Parlor and an outdoor 19th century “Secret” Garden.
Typical Cost: The rental fee ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 for a ceremony and reception, and includes 3 hours of event time.
Capacity: 40
Bonus: If you and your guests are interested in a splash of eeriness, request one of the Candlelight Ghost Tours the museum offers.
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More New York Wedding Venues:
5 Surprisingly Affordable New York City Wedding Venues
The Best Rooftop Wedding Venues in New York City
The Best of Manhattan Wedding Venues
11 Incredibly Cool Brooklyn Wedding Venues
Bailey Gaddis is a travel writer and author of Feng Shui Mommy: Creating Balance and Harmony for Blissful Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood. In addition, she works as a childbirth preparation educator and birth doula who supports mothers-to-be and new mothers. She is also a regular contributor to media outlets including Disney’s Babble, Working Mother, Pregnancy & Newborn, Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, and Woman’s Day. In addition to her childbirth-prep work, she volunteers for families in need of postpartum support. She lives in Ojai, California.
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