Top Unique Wedding Venues in NYC
Top Wedding Venues in NYC
If you're considering getting married at a unique and gorgeous venue in NYC, this blog is for you!
NYC offers a variety of iconic wedding venues that will make your day truly unique to your taste. From the classic elegance of rooftop venues with panoramic skyline views, to the historic charm of iconic brownstones - NYC provides a diverse range of options to suit your vision. Imagine saying "I do" amidst the romantic ambiance of Central Park, or celebrating with loved ones in a chic and modern event space overlooking the bustling city below. Whatever your style is, the vibrant energy of New York City serves as the perfect location for a wedding to remember. As a NYC documentary style wedding photographer, I am sharing my top picks with you today! All of these venues would photograph beautifully for a non traditional + modern couple!
Guastavinos
Located in Midtown East, Guastavinos is a unique venue is only a short 4 minute walk from gorgeous skyline views at Sutton Place Park North!
You can host a wedding from 200-400 guests, and you have the option of an on-site ceremony and after party!
The Queensboro Bridge, originally known as the Blackwell's Island Bridge, opened on March 30, 1909. Rafael Guastavino, a Barcelona-based architect, created the main part beneath the bridge, which was planned by engineers Gustav Lindenthal and architect Henry Hornbostel. It had a buff-colored canopy of tile vaults. Together, Rafael Guastavino and his son modified the boveda Catalan, also known as the Catalan vault, a centuries-old vernacular technique.
Under the Bridge, this lovely arcade functioned as a year-round fruit and vegetable market where vendors sold their wares. It was soon dubbed Bridgemarket. The market was used by the New York City Department of Transportation after it closed in the 1930s due to the start of the Great Depression.
Named after Rafael Guastavino, Guastavino's began as a restaurant on February 14, 2000. Based on the enormous amount of space and the innumerable requests to host private events, it was decided that Guastavino's would be best served as a private event venue after an incredibly successful stint as an a la carte restaurant. Guastavino's reopened as a renowned event facility in the center of New York City in November 2005.
Tribeca Rooftop 360
Located on a cobblestone street in a 1920's printing press building, Tribeca Rooftop 360 is a stunning venue that boasts spacious ceremony and photo space!
Tribeca Rooftop offers a stunning and versatile event space in the heart of New York City. With its industrial chic design and panoramic views of the city skyline, it is the perfect setting for a wide range of occasions, from elegant weddings to corporate events. The open-air rooftop terrace provides an exquisite backdrop for any celebration, while the sophisticated interior spaces offer a blend of modern elegance and urban charm. Whether you're planning a grand gala or an intimate gathering, Tribeca Rooftop provides a memorable setting that captures the essence of New York City.
Gotham Hall
At the historic Gotham Hall, you can have anywhere from 250-500 guests. Gotham Hall only hosts one event at a time - so you can be certain that their full efforts will be put towards making your day seamless.
Gotham Hall is a historic event space located in the heart of New York City. Originally built in 1922 as a bank, the venue boasts stunning architecture and elegant design elements that speak to its rich past. With its soaring 70-foot painted ceilings, intricate marble flooring, and iconic Corinthian columns, Gotham Hall offers a grand and timeless setting for a wide range of events, from corporate functions and galas to weddings and celebrations. The venue seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern amenities, making it a versatile and sought-after destination for those seeking a memorable and iconic event experience in the bustling metropolis.
Documentary & Editorial Style Wedding Photography
If you are having a wedding in NYC, I highly recommend choosing a documentary style wedding photographer who offers a mix of editorial & natural posing. When the night is over, your wedding photos are the only tangible piece of your wedding memories that you will have left. Hire someone who will provide you with photographs that invoke a feeling of nostalgia.
Documentary style photographers excel at weaving a visual narrative that tells the story of the wedding - from the tender exchanges between the couple to the candid interactions with family and friends. By observing and capturing real emotions and unscripted moments, documentary photographers bring a sense of realism and depth to their work. The resulting images are not only stunning but also serve as timeless reminders of the joy, laughter, and love that transpired on the wedding day.
My personal approach as a nyc wedding photographer is documentary-style & intentional.
I absolutely guide, pose and prompt you through portraits with an editorial touch, but I allow intimate moments to happen naturally and organically, without interference - capturing your wedding day in an honest way. My signature editing style is bold, romantic, and true to color, with consistent luxurious tones. A little bit of grain, and a whole lot of detail.
Midtown Loft
Midtown Loft can host up to 300 guests and and has the most stunning rooftop ceremony space.
Midtown Loft is a versatile event space located in the heart of New York City. With its expansive layout and modern industrial design, it offers a captivating backdrop for a variety of events, from corporate meetings to weddings and fashion shows. The venue's open floor plan provides ample flexibility for customization, while its large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Midtown Loft's prime location, combined with its contemporary aesthetic and professional amenities, makes it a sought-after choice for those seeking an elevated event experience in the bustling metropolis.
Bryant Park Grill
Bryant Park Grill is located inside the iconic Bryant Park! It is a gorgeous space + the added bonus of being able to take wedding portraits at the NYPL!
Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Bryant Park Grill offers a refined dining experience in a picturesque setting. The restaurant's elegant interior seamlessly connects with its enchanting outdoor garden, providing a sophisticated atmosphere for diners. The menu features a delightful selection of seasonal American cuisine, expertly prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The combination of exceptional food, impeccable service, and a charming ambiance makes Bryant Park Grill an ideal choice for both intimate dinners and special occasions. Whether savoring a leisurely lunch or enjoying a romantic evening under the stars, Bryant Park Grill promises a memorable culinary experience amidst the bustling energy of New York City.
The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is a unique wedding venue located inside a former NYC Stone Church, on Roosevelt Island!
The Sanctuary's church was constructed in the 1920s to serve Metropolitan Hospital, which relocated there in the 1950s. It eventually became Dayspring Gospel Church, which closed in 2019. Frank Raffaele, a businessman from Queens, saw potential in the space and purchased it.
Raffaele first opened the Sanctuary as a speakeasy and beer garden with partner Alfonso Biondi, but it didn’t take off as expected. However, he revamped the idea for his venue after throwing a wedding reception for a young couple from the neighborhood. According to Mr. Raffaele, the Sanctuary is now nearly always booked, and he has inquiries for as far ahead as 2026.
Wythe Hotel
Wythe Hotel is an iconic NYC venue located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. You can host wedding from 150-400 guests.
The Wythe Hotel is a notable establishment that seamlessly blends modern luxury with historic charm. Housed within a converted factory building, the hotel exudes an industrial-chic ambiance, featuring exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, and large factory-style windows that overlook the stunning Manhattan skyline. The guest rooms are elegantly adorned with bespoke furniture, locally sourced artwork, and luxurious amenities, offering a sophisticated and comfortable retreat for visitors. Additionally, the hotel boasts a rooftop bar with panoramic views, a renowned restaurant highlighting seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients, and a variety of event spaces that cater to both intimate gatherings and large-scale functions. Whether visitors are drawn to its architectural marvel or its prime location in the heart of Brooklyn, the Wythe Hotel stands out as a premier destination for an unforgettable urban experience.
The scenery of history throughout the iconic boroughs of New York City is a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern innovation. Each borough boasts its own unique character, from the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood to the bustling energy of Manhattan's Times Square. The rich historical architecture of the Bronx and the cultural diversity of Queens add depth and vibrancy to the city's landscape. Whether it's the iconic skyline of Manhattan or the serene beauty of Staten Island's waterfront, the boroughs of NYC are a tapestry of history, culture, and dynamic urban living.
If you are looking for a NYC wedding photographer who shoots in a documentary style, capturing all of the in between moments and editorial portraits - you can view my work and then contact me here!
Let’s document those fleeting moments and memories in a nostalgic and story-telling way, together.
