Image by Dave Robbins from Jessie and Craig’s wedding
Hey all, Emily here! As Smashing The Glass’s resident New Yorker, I’m constantly on the lookout for great venues for Jewish (and Jew-ish) weddings here in NYC.
One of the best things about living in the city is the variety, and wedding venues are no exception. But there’s such a wealth of options to suit any style of wedding, from classic to quirky, that it can be overwhelming to sort through them to find the one that’s right for you.
So today, I want to highlight some options beyond your standard hotels and wedding halls (though we’ve got plenty of those, too!). In NYC, you can get married anywhere from a bookshop to a zoo to a historic synagogue to a working winery — and that’s just for starters.
I hope you New York-area readers find some quality inspo here — and even if you’re getting married on another continent, there’s still some quality eye candy to be found below. I know I’ll be bookmarking some of these gems for my own (potential, someday) wedding!
Museum of the Moving Image | Image by Brian Hatton
1. 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?
Museum of the Moving Image | @movingimagenyc
632 on Hudson | @632onhudson | Image by Mademoiselle Fiona from Sabrina and Nick’s wedding
2. 632 on Hudson
This artfully renovated 1847 townhouse in the West Village – one of NYC’s most picturesque neighborhoods – 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.
632 on Hudson | @632onhudson
The Liberty Warehouse | Image by Fred Marcus Studio from Kira and Mark’s wedding
3. 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 Liberty Warehouse | @thelibertywarehouse
The New York Public Library | Image by Dave Robbins from Jessie and Craig’s wedding
4. 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.
The New York Public Library | @nyplrentals
Houston Hall | Image by The Markows Photography from Rachel and Robert’s wedding
5. 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 sky lights, this popular happy hour spot cleans up well – check out Rachel and Robert‘s super cool day to see the space in action.
Houston Hall | @houstonhallnyc
Brooklyn Winery | Image by Catherine Coons
6. 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 gets rave reviews for its in-house catering – and the made-on-site wine!
Brooklyn Winery | @brooklynwinery
Tribeca Rooftop | Image by Christian Gideon from Alyssa and Jesse’s wedding
7. Tribeca Rooftop
How would you like to get married with 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 neighborhoods. 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 it awesome in-house catering and super helpful staff. Check out Alyssa and Jesse’s stunning photos.
Tribeca Rooftop | @tribecarooftop
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe | Image from Tajreen
8. 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.
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe | @housingworksbks
Bronx Zoo | image by Kevin Trimmer
9. 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?!
Bronx Zoo | @bronxzoo
Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Image by Brookelyn Photography from Crystall and Ryan’s wedding
10. 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 Crystall and Ryan‘s outdoor ceremony and beautiful reception in the Palm House – this is a super dreamy option for you urban nature lovers.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden | @brooklynbotanic
Brooklyn Academy of Music | Image from Great Performances
11. Brooklyn Academy of Music
For the arts 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.
Brooklyn Academy of Music | @bam_brooklyn
Gallow Green | Image from Jenn Emerling Weddings
12. 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.
Gallow Green | @themckittrick
Angel Orensanz Foundation | Image by Karen Wise from Dana and Stuart’s wedding
13. Angel Orensanz Foundation
Last but certainly not least, we have one of my all-time favorites. 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.
Angel Orensanz Foundation | @angelorensanzfoundation
So, what do you think of this selection? Tempted by any (or all) of these venues? I know I am!
And if you are a currently planning an NYC wedding, or have gotten married here in the past, I’d love to hear about your venue choice!
I’ve investigated many of the places on your list, and while gorgeous,most are completely out of my price range (Liberty Warehouse? Fab! Starts at $300 pp for 250 min on Sat night). You’ve kind of left off some of the more accessible places like the Prospect Park Picnic House, The Green Building, Watehouse Studios, and Manny Cantor Center.
Hi Jenn, thanks for commenting! This list was really focused on ultra-unique venues, regardless of cost, but we would love to do another feature specifically on more affordable NYC venues in the future, since, as you say, there are some great options! We do have a couple of gorgeous weddings at The Green Building on the blog that we ADORE (see https://www.smashingtheglass.com/tag/the-green-building-wedding-venue/) There are so many amazing NYC venues — a more affordable selection is coming soon!