Weddings Winter 2009 > Planner

LOFTS & RAW SPACES

Abigail Kirsch at Stage 6, Steiner Studio

15 Washington Ave., nr. Plymouth St., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-237-1919; abigailkirsch.com/stage6

The newest addition to the Abigail Kirsch family of venues includes a glass-enclosed rooftop terrace overlooking the East River, as well as a huge ballroom featuring two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows. The space can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 600 guests; catering is provided by Abigail Kirsch. From $110 per person.

Denise Bibro Fine Art Gallery

529 W. 20th St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-647-7030; denisebibrofineart.com

The walls of this 3,500-square-foot fourth-floor space are mostly unbroken—save a few niches and inlets that make for romantic nooks and a removable partition dividing the exhibits. The gallery can seat up to 135 people; the twelve-foot-high walls are dotted with abstract and representational art that can be removed for a fee. From $1,200 to $5,000.

Divine Studio

21 E. 4th St., at Lafayette St., Ste. 605; 212-387-9655; divinestudio.com

Divine Studio’s 3,100-square-foot room can accommodate up to 100 guests for a sit-down dinner and 200 guests for a cocktail reception. The all-white interior allows the bride and groom to customize their event to their specifications, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular views of the city. From $4,000 for a reception, or $4,500 for a ceremony and reception.

George Billis Gallery

511 W. 25th St., at Tenth Ave.; 212-645-2621; georgebillis.com

This cavernous Chelsea space features two 735-square-foot ground-floor galleries and a smaller back room that’s ideal for caterers and other vendors during setup. The square-shaped front room works well as a wet bar or lounge area for the D.J. From $1,500.

The Glass Houses

545 W. 25th Street, nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-242-7800; theglasshouses.com

These two spaces are more polished than most lofts, with floor-to-ceiling Hudson River views, shiny concrete floors, and a state-of-the-art, iPod-compatible sound system. Glasshouse 14 is 3,600 square feet; Glasshouse 21 is a bit smaller, but has a terrace. Both can fit 200 for cocktails, 150 for a seated reception. Prices upon request.

Hudson Terrace

621 W. 46th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.; 212-315-9400; hudsonterracenyc.com

Located along the water on Manhattan’s West Side, the Hudson Terrace features incredible river views and both indoor and outdoor reception options. The bi-level 10,000-square-foot venue is divided into an enclosed salon with attached outdoor patio and a serene rooftop garden. There is also a stage for live bands and two D.J. booths. Prices upon request.

Loft Eleven

336 W. 37th St., nr. Eighth Ave., eleventh fl.; 212-871-0940; lofteleven.com

This sunny party venue features gleaming wood floors, huge wraparound windows, arched doorways, and a 300-square-foot outdoor terrace. A working fireplace gives the somewhat blank space a more lived-in feel. The loft can comfortably seat up to 150 guests. Prices upon request.

Manhattan Penthouse

80 Fifth Ave., at 14th St.; 212-627-8838; manhattanpenthouse.com

Located on the top floor of a historic building near Union Square, this bright 8,000-square-foot space lined with ficus trees can accommodate up to 225 seated guests (with dancing). Arched twelve-foot windows yield north and south panoramic views stretching from Wall Street to Times Square, and a striking stained-glass bar completes the effect. From $75 to $200 per person.

Metropolitan Pavilion

125 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-463-0071; metropolitanevents.com

The Metropolitan Pavilion has a variety of spaces that couples can transform into their ideal party venue. Most start out as bare lofts with high ceilings, but deck it out with votive candles and sheer drapes to section off the room and create a soft, elegant effect. Celebrations can include up to 500 guests and beyond for a seated dinner, ranging from $175 to $210.

91

91 Horatio St., nr. Washington St.; 212-691-4570; tucnyc.com

This warm, exposed-brick loft space in the West Village is exclusive to the Upper Crust catering company and provides an ideal blank canvas to create an elegant, intimate wedding in whatever style a couple prefers. The space holds 200 for cocktails, 175 for a supper buffet, and 150 for a dinner dance—it’s fully wired for a D.J. or live band. Rental of the loft space is included in the cost of catering and event planning. From $150 per guest.

Ramscale Studios

55 Bethune St., nr. Washington St.; 212-206-6580; ramscale.com

This thirteenth-floor studio offers the most breathtaking views of the city with full southern, western, and eastern exposures. The space can accommodate 150 guests spilling out onto the terrace. Prices start at $5,500 (catering not included).

Smack Mellon

92 Plymouth St., at Washington St., Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-834-8761; smackmellon.org

This stunning, under-the-radar nonprofit art gallery sits in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. The 4,500 square feet of industrial loft space consists of 25 windows overlooking the East River, brick walls, dramatic ceilings that rise up to 35 feet, and massive industrial pillars. Average rate is $5,000, but can vary substantially based on date and other factors.

Splashlight Studios

75 Varick St., nr. Grand St., third fl.; 212-268-7247; splashlightstudios.com

For couples looking for versatility, Splashlight’s new location might be the ticket. This venue is the go-to site for editorial photo shoots, and its crisp, clean studios serve as the perfect backdrop for creative minds and innovative concepts. The spaces vary in size from 2,300 to 11,600 square feet. From $5,000.

Studio 450

450 W. 31st St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-290-1400; lofteleven.com

This two-story loft fits 320 for cocktails, or 220 for a seated dinner. Sweeping views of the Hudson River through floor-to-ceiling windows, and from the upstairs terrace, soften the otherwise stark-white interior. Movable walls make it flexible as a space for intimate gatherings as well as big parties. From $6,000.

Union Square Ballroom

27 Union Square W., nr. 16th St.; 212-645-1802; unionsquareballroom.com

Though a few unobtrusive features like recessed-floor lighting give it a modern feel, this two-room, 4,000-square-foot ballroom is a great blank canvas that couples can tailor to their style. The venue can host up to 150 seated guests for weddings at a cost of $160 per person. A swank lounge connected to the ballroom can host a cocktail hour.

Westside Loft

336 W. 37th St., nr. Eighth Ave.; 212-871-0940; loft11.com/the_westside_loft

Located in the same building as Loft Eleven, this is the more classically decorated of the duo, marked by fireplaces, chandeliers, and a garden room with slate floors. The space holds 200 for dinner or 350 for drinks. From $5,000 to $7,500 (the building’s other venue can be rented simultaneously).

From the Winter 2009 New York Wedding Guide