Weddings Summer 2013 > Planner

MUSEUMS & PUBLIC VENUES

American Museum of Natural History

Central Park W., at 79th St.; 212-769-5350; amnh.org

For many, holding a wedding at this beloved museum is a childhood dream come true. Museum members get access to the Powerhouse, which accommodates 300 guests for a seated dinner (a higher fee applies for use of the exhibition halls). The 6,195-square-foot loft-like space features French doors that open onto the Arthur Ross Terrace, offering dramatic views of the Rose Center for Earth and Space. Pre-event receptions can also be held in the glass-walled North Galleria. Restaurant Associates provides catering. Prices upon request.

Angel Orensanz Foundation, Inc.

172 Norfolk St., nr. Houston St.; 212-529-7194; orensanzevents.com

Built in 1849, this impressive building is the oldest synagogue in New York, though couples of all denominations choose to marry here. With its unique combination of quirk and glamour, it’s a venue that is guaranteed to awe all of your guests. The exterior of the building was designed to replicate the Cathedral of Cologne. The interior, however, was inspired by the Sistine Chapel, with Gothic-style windows and arch, and a dramatic, rib-vaulted ceiling. The space fits 300 for a seated dinner and up to 700 for cocktails. Prices upon request.

Apella

450 E. 29th St., nr. First Ave., second fl., in the Alexandria Center; 212-706-4100; apella.com

Guests arrive through a tree-lined circular driveway and are greeted by a dramatic spiral staircase and expansive East River views. With ten beautifully designed event spaces to choose from, this venue can accommodate both a chic cocktail-style reception or a larger multiday occasion. It fits up to 100 guests for a ceremony and dinner and dancing, or 300 for cocktails. Catering is by Riverpark, the restaurant of Top Chef host Tom Colicchio. Prices upon request.

Asia Society and Museum

725 Park Ave., at 70th St.; 212-327-9322; asiasociety.org

Patrons can rent one of two spaces in this red-granite building: the glass-enclosed Garden Court Atrium, which is a popular choice for the ceremony or reception, or the eighth-floor penthouse, which offers sweeping city views and is dominated by a 42-foot arched window. The spaces can accommodate 150 guests with dinner and dancing. From $6,000 for one space or $8,000 for both.

Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center

10 Lincoln Center Plz., nr. 63rd St.; 212-875-5003; lincolncenter.org

The iconic home to the New York Philharmonic makes for a luxurious wedding setting. With an indoor promenade and outdoor terrace, as well as a 2,738-capacity theater, it has plenty of spacious options for cocktails, the ceremony, dinner, and dancing. In-house catering by Restaurant Associates is also available. Prices upon request.

The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

895 Shore Rd., nr. Orchard Beach Rd., Bronx; 718-885-1461; bpmm.org

Nestled in the heart of Pelham Bay Park, this nineteenth-century Greek Revival stone mansion makes a stunning backdrop for weddings. The museum’s large formal garden (the site’s main venue option) is open year-round. Rental fees begin at $3,500 for a maximum of 125 guests. (good value)

Bronx Zoo

2300 Southern Blvd., at E. 182nd St., Bronx; 718-741-3836; bronxzoo.org

Start with a ceremony in the most historic part of the zoo, Astor Court’s expansive gardens. Then sit down with 200 of your closest friends and family members in the recently renovated Schiff Family Great Hall. The hall shares a building with the Madagascar exhibit, so there’s always the option of hosting a cocktail reception within spitting distance of lemurs and fifteen-foot crocodiles. Site fee is $5,000; ceremony fee is $2,500; and exclusive in-house catering runs from $140 to $250 per person.

Brooklyn Academy of Music

30 Lafayette Ave., at Ashland Pl., Fort Greene; 718-636-4198; bam.org/rentals

This popular performing-arts center has been around since the Civil War era. The artsy BAMCafé, located above the Grand Lobby, holds up to 350 for a cocktail reception. Great Performances is the in-house caterer. A five-hour ceremony-and-cocktails event starts at $9,500 (catering not included).

Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Pkwy., nr. Washington Ave., Prospect Heights; 718-501-6408; brooklynmuseum.org

One of the largest art museums in the country, the Brooklyn Museum provides a majestic backdrop for any wedding. The Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, overlooking the welcoming plaza, features a dramatic sheer-glass atrium and can accommodate up to 300 guests for the ceremony. The beautiful Beaux-Arts Court features historic archways and an elegant brass chandelier and accommodates up to 700 for cocktails or dinner. Restaurant Associates is the exclusive caterer. Rental fees from $10,000.

Center for Architecture

536 LaGuardia Place, nr. Bleecker St.; 212-358-6111; cfa.aiany.org

Design and architecture enthusiasts can now tie the knot in this three-floor 15,000-square-foot venue. The main event space, Tafel Hall, boasts high ceilings, a mezzanine, and tons of natural light; smaller gallery spaces are also available for couples who would like to create photo displays. The venue accommodates up to 200 guests for a seated dinner or 160 guests for dinner and dancing. Space rental starts at $3,500. (good value)

Central Park Zoo

830 Fifth Ave., nr. 64th St.; 718-741-3836; centralparkzoo.org

This iconic landmark is available for cocktail-style receptions for up to 50 people in the penguin exhibit ($10,000) and for sit-down dinners in the garden during the warm-weather months (from $30,000). For an extra shot of animal-loving fun, couples can book live sea lion demonstrations and guided tours. Proceeds benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society. (ecofriendly)

Columbia University Faculty House

64 Morningside Dr., nr. 116th St.; 212-854-1200; facultyhouse.com

Dating from 1923, this building contains 38,000 square feet of event space and is popular with couples getting married at nearby St. Paul’s Chapel and St. John the Divine. Bookable areas include the Presidential Ballroom, which accommodates up to 400 guests for dinner and dancing, and the Skyline Level, which fits 150 and offers vaulted ceilings and an outdoor terrace. From $2,000. (good value)

Grand Central Terminal

89 E. 42nd St., at Park Ave.; 212-340-3404; grandcentralterminal.com

Looking to impress your out-of-town guests? Vanderbilt Hall, the terminal’s 12,000-square-foot historic waiting room, is decorated with chandeliers and pink marble and can be rented for weddings after 5 p.m., when the space can be privatized with draped curtains and stanchions. Rental fees start at $25,000. The space is unavailable in November and December.

Harold Pratt House & Peterson Hall

58 E. 68th St., at Park Ave.; 212-434-9576; pratthouse.com

This turn-of-the-century mansion features a marble staircase that connects the ballroom to a variety of smaller spaces, from the library, complete with fireplace and wraparound balcony, to the dainty drawing room and sitting room. The rooms can hold up to 180 for a seated dinner. Prices start at $5,500.

The House of the Redeemer

7 E. 95th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-289-0399; houseoftheredeemer.org

This sixteenth-century wood-paneled library in an Italian-style palazzo was imported from Europe by Cornelius Vanderbilt’s great-granddaughter during the First World War. The first floor of the landmark house is available for a 100-person sit-down dinner; the second floor can hold up to 125. Rental fees from $800 to $5,000; in-house catering, by Bread & Circus, is additional. (good value)

Hudson Theatre

145 W. 44th St., nr. Broadway; 212-789-7848; millenniumhotelnyc.com

This circa-1903 landmark theater is one of the city’s oldest showplaces, marked by backlit, Tiffany stained-glass ceilings and gilded box seating that makes a dramatic backdrop for the cake-cutting. For weddings, banquet tables are matched to the burgundy stage curtains and draperies. The space can seat 300 for dinner. From $175 per person.

Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall

Broadway at 60th St., in the Time Warner Center; 212-258-9535; jalc.org

Weddings at this New York City landmark are few and far between (they are usually booked for concerts), but this is nonetheless a standout venue. The grand Rose Theater is a perfect choice for a ceremony, followed by a reception in the Allen Room, an atrium that holds up to 600 (standing) and features first-rate views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. Catering is by Great Performances. Prices upon request.

Merchant's House Museum

29 E. 4th St., nr. Bowery; 212-777-1089; merchantshouse.org

This immaculately preserved, nineteenth-century brick-and-marble row house is a real stunner. Its features include a granite-tiled garden filled with lush plants and cast-iron furniture. The ground-floor dining room, period kitchen, and Greek Revival parlors can accommodate up to 50 people for a seated dinner. All rooms are decorated with their original furniture. Prices upon request.

Museum of the City of New York

1220 Fifth Ave., at 103rd St.; 212-534-1672. ext. 3327; mcny.org

The walls of this museum’s galleries are fortified by dramatic Greek columns, and arched hallways connect the various rooms where current exhibitions are installed. There is also the Marble Rotunda, which features a grand spiral staircase and two outdoor terraces. The first and second floors (as well as the auditorium) are available for rent. The second-floor landing provides a dramatic space for a large rehearsal dinner. Prices upon request.

New Museum

235 Bowery, nr. Prince St.; 212-219-1222, ext. 254; newmuseum.org

This contemporary-art hub has three event spaces. The popular all-white Sky Room seats 120 for dinner and 200 for cocktails, and guests love mingling on its wraparound terrace. The lobby-level Marcia Tucker Hall holds up to 350 for cocktails; the theater seats 120 for dinner. Catering is by Creative Edge Parties and City Bakery. Space rental ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, plus an individual donation of $5,000.

New York Hall of Science

47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Corona; 718-699-0005; nysci.org

With more than 400 interactive exhibits, this space will entertain even the most jaded guests. Couples can have their wedding and reception (up to 250 people) in the colorful, high-ceilinged Viscusi Gallery. The exhibition halls can host cocktail parties for up to 1,000 guests. Space rental starts at $7,000. There are no restrictions on caterers, florists, and other vendors.

The New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

476 Fifth Ave., at 41st St.; 212-930-0730; nypl.org/spacerental

For grandiosity and sweeping drama, this cultural landmark is virtually unbeatable. Its recognizable front steps set the scene for a dramatic entrance, especially when lit up with hundreds of flickering votives, and inside, couples have a number of impressive spaces to choose from: the Celeste Bartos Forum, Astor Hall, and the McGraw Rotunda. Prices upon request.

From the Summer 2013 New York Wedding Guide