Your wedding reception facility must provide the right environment in which to celebrate the joy of your Jewish wedding. Before you run around all over town looking for the perfect venue for your Jewish wedding, browse the halls listed below. You’ll narrow your search and find the right location for your Jewish wedding.
MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE
The Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, is a sleek ultra-modern venue with plenty of dramatic photo backdrops – see above for evidence! There are plenty of spaces to choose from, depending on your needs and how you want to set up your day, and as a bonus, the museum’s galleries stay open for your guests to enjoy – how’s that for unique entertainment?
632 ON HUDSON
This artfully renovated 1847 townhouse in the West Village – one of NYC’s most picturesque neighbourhoods – has a style all its own, combining the aesthetics of eras from the Renaissance through to the present day. This ultra-chic venue is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, and while it won’t accommodate a large crowd – the maximum capacity for seated guests is 100 – it’s such a memorable option for a more intimate wedding like Sabrina and Nick’s.
THE LIBERTY WAREHOUSE
This venue is all about the views. See the Statue of Liberty in the background? It doesn’t get much more iconically NYC than that. Located in the artsy bastion of Red Hook, Brooklyn, with a prime spot right on the water, I don’t think there’s a better spot in the city for an outdoor ceremony. That said, the indoor spaces aren’t too shabby either – check out Kira and Mark’s gorgeous wedding if you don’t believe me.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
Okay, so this is pretty much the ultimate in iconic NYC wedding venues. The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is one of the most majestically elegant spaces around. Plus, marrying in a library gives you the perfect excuse for all kinds of book-themed awesomeness – see Jessie and Craig‘s book canopy for some serious inspo.
HOUSTON HALL
This rustic beer garden in the beautiful West Village is housed in a former FBI parking garage. With exposed brick, wooden beams, high ceilings, and natural light from skylights, this popular happy hour spot cleans up well – check out Rachel and Robert‘s super cool day to see the space in action.
BROOKLYN WINERY
This fully functioning winery in the heart of Williamsburg is the perfect urban chic venue. Boasting a sophisticated space featuring reclaimed wood from New Orleans, a vintage tin ceiling, and a skylight (perfect for getting that natural light for your ceremony photos!), Brooklyn Winery receives rave reviews for its in-house catering – and the made-on-site wine!
TRIBECA ROOFTOP
How would you like to get married to the iconic NYC skyline in the background? You can do just that at Tribeca Rooftop, a chic event space located in one of Manhattan’s coolest neighbourhoods. Located on a cobblestone street in a former printing press building from the ’20s, Tribeca Rooftop gets raves not only for its looks but also for its awesome in-house catering and super helpful staff. Check out Alyssa and Jesse’s stunning photos.
HOUSING WORKS BOOKSTORE CAFE
Okay, I’ve found my (someday, future) wedding venue. If you can think of nothing better than marrying surrounded by books but the NYPL is out of your price range, this SoHo bookshop could just be the thing. Even better, the Housing Works Bookstore supports New Yorkers dealing with HIV/AIDS and homelessness, so you’d be able to make a difference with your day.
BRONX ZOO
For a truly unforgettable venue, how about a zoo? The Bronx Zoo has a range of beautiful spaces for ceremonies and receptions, both indoor and outdoor, and the event staff get rave reviews. And you’ll get some priceless photo ops – how many couples get to say they had their first look in front of an audience of sea lions?!
BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN
A verdant oasis in the heart of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an unforgettable venue. With a range of available spaces, both indoor and outdoor – check out Crystal and Ryan‘s outdoor ceremony and beautiful reception in the Palm House – this is a super dreamy option for you urban nature lovers.
BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC
For the art enthusiasts out there, what could be better than marrying in an internationally acclaimed performing arts venue? Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Lepercq Space, which serves as BAMcafà© during normal business hours, is a stunning, versatile space for your day.
GALLOW GREEN
This rooftop hideaway at Chelsea’s McKittrick Hotel (best known as the home of Sleep No More, an edgy, interactive theatrical experience based on Macbeth) is a hidden garden paradise in the heart of the city.
ANGEL ORENSANZ FOUNDATION
Last but certainly not least, we have one of my all-time favourites. The Angel Orensanz Foundation, a breathtaking event space in the oldest surviving synagogue building in NYC, is a truly majestic space with a unique gothic style. There’s really nothing else like this hidden gem of the Lower East Side.
THE GREEN BUILDING
This industrial warehouse venue in Brooklyn’s trendy Gowanus neighbourhood embodies urban chic. Built-in 1889 as a brass foundry, space has exposed brick walls and fantastic natural light. It’s a space that’s super customizable, whether you want to fill it with handmade DIY touches like Sarit and Ari or go a little glitzier like Danya and Andrew. There’s a great outdoor area, too, if you’re hoping for an open-air chuppah. With a capacity of 160 for a sit-down event, it’s also pretty spacious – by NYC standards, anyway!
RAMSCALE
Located in Manhattan’s swoon-worthy West Village, Ramscale stands out for its rooftop terrace with incredible views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Inside, it’s a bright, clean, contemporary studio space, with the perfect big-city wedding vibes. Check out Aliza and Nate’s stunning outdoor chuppah – views don’t get much better than that!
DUMBO LOFT
Dumbo Loft is a terrific raw space for the couple who wants to put their own aesthetic stamp on their day as Maggie and Jeff did. It can hold 140 seated guests, which is a welcome departure from the norm for affordable NYC venues, which tend to be on the smaller side. And its location in a great Brooklyn neighbourhood, just steps from the Brooklyn Bridge, is hard to beat – just think of those photo-ops against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline!
MARCY NORTH
If you’re looking for an unconventional spot for a vintage-chic celebration that feels more like a super cool Brooklyn house party than a conventional wedding, check out this Williamsburg spot. It’s all exposed white brick and rustic wooden floors, with vintage furniture and even a grand piano thrown in as a bonus! There’s also a rooftop you could use for an outdoor ceremony.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE TO CENTRAL PARK
This NYC elopement’s sophisticated style is the epitome of Big Apple romance! KNW Photography set out to create the ultimate city styled elopement shoot, so she took to the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park for those romantic industrial backdrops that only a city like NYC can offer. Perfect bridal details like a crystal headband, a loose fishtail braid, and seriously stunning florals complete the bride’s effortlessly chic look.
THE BOATHOUSE AT PROSPECT PARK
I know this list has been heavy on the warehouses and lofts so far. But what if you’re looking for more old-fashioned charm and less big city grit? The Boathouse at Prospect Park to the rescue! This stunning venue in the middle of Brooklyn’s sprawling Prospect Park is a city venue that doesn’t feel like one. Dating to 1905, the boathouse itself is a super glam Beaux Arts-style building, plus it’s surprisingly serene, nestled into one of the city’s most beautiful parks as it is.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY FACULTY HOUSE
One of the most affordable venues on my list, this dignified brick building dating back to the ’20s sits in the middle of Columbia University’s distinguished Morningside Heights campus. It’s also one of the larger venues, accommodating up to 250 seated guests–a rarity in Manhattan. The fourth-floor space has fantastic views over Manhattan, and the staff gets consistently stellar reviews for their attentiveness and willingness to work with each couple’s preferences and budget restrictions, too.
QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM
This sweet DIY venue just exudes rural charm. Even though it’s in the city, this spot is all country at heart. How is the country, exactly? The farm offers hayrides and animal feeding as activities for your guests. Um, yes, please! The downside: it’s pretty far out in Queens, and though it is reachable by public transportation this venue is not nearly as easy to get to as most of the others on this list. Still, if you’re going for that barn wedding aesthetic on a budget but need or want to stay in the city, this is as good as it gets.
THE AURORA GALLERY
This blank slate gallery space in Long Island City, Queens, is the rare venue that allows you to book ready-made packages or bring in your own vendors, depending on your preferences. With exposed brick and high ceilings, the warehouse-esque venue is perfect for an artsy urban wedding, as well as being one of the more affordable options on this list.
THE ALBRA ROOM
The Foundry, one of NYC’s most in-demand industrial chic venues, doesn’t quite meet the threshold to be counted as an affordable option–not in my book, anyway! The good news is that for those of you planning an intimate wedding, it’s now possible to book the Albra Room, newly available space on the Long Island City premises; since the Albra only holds 70 guests, it won’t set you back nearly as far as the full Foundry.
GREENBELT CONSERVANCY
The only venue in the oft-neglected fifth borough of Staten Island to make this list, Greenbelt Conservancy is yet another great option if you want to feel like you’re out in nature without leaving the city. A not-for-profit that sustains NYC’s largest forest preserve, There are a couple of indoor spaces to choose from, in addition to a lovely stone patio area, and you can even compost your food waste afterwards!
MODERN ETHEREAL BROOKLYN ROOFTOP WEDDING INSPIRATION
Inspired by the New York City skyline at sunset, Willow Weddings NYC and Eager Hearts Photography teamed up to bring you this intimate Brooklyn rooftop wedding inspiration. Wayfarer Bride’s incredible teal ombre veil and green crystal hair comb perfectly accentuated the bride’s off-the-shoulder Theia gown and glamorous after-dark topknot. We love how the lush florals by Hello Darlington and a palette of greens, gold, and charcoal emulated the intense summer sunset over the city.
BROOKLYN AT 501 UNION
Chic Brooklyn style meets rustic elegance in this stylish yet laid-back wedding at 501 Union. Megi and Chris knew they wanted to have a barbecue on the menu for the reception, so they filled the industrial venue space with farm tables, lush white flowers, and lots of candles to create a relaxed vibe. Because of all the greenery and natural elements they used, it was easy to forget that this wedding took place in the heart of the city! The bride, in a lace Ersa Atelier mermaid gown and jaw-dropping Valentino slingbacks, added a touch of boho with a bold flower crown and loose waves. Her bridesmaids complimented her perfectly in neutral The Reformation gowns and simple flower crowns. Photographer Amber Gress captured every beautiful and stylish moment in such detail that we just can’t get enough of these photos!
Did you like my New York City wedding story? Are you planning your wedding in City Winery or other interesting venues in New York?
So, what do you think of this selection? Are you tempted by any (or all) of these venues? I know I am!
And if you are currently planning an NYC wedding, or have gotten married here in the past, if so, we’d love to hear where you held it in the comments – as well as any other tips and tricks on saving money while throwing a wedding in one of the world’s most expensive cities!