Weddings Summer 2008 > Planner

Locations Directory

Except where noted, all of these locations allow outside caterers.

Page 8 of 10

GARDENS & ESTATES

The Barn At Queens County Farm Museum

73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park; 718-347-3276; queensfarm.org

Grazing livestock and a Dutch farmhouse set the scene for a country-style celebration on a 47-acre estate in Queens. Weddings can be held in the reception room of the museum’s two-story 1930s barn ($1,200 for four hours, up to 120 guests). For big parties, you can rent the apple orchard, which runs $2,000 (six hours for the event, plus two days to set up and clean). They also offer a smaller pavilion space, which can be rented on its own or in addition to the others ($500).

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills, N.Y.; 914-366-9606; bluehillstonebarns.com

Located in the scenic Westchester town of Pocantico Hills (near Tarrytown), Blue Hill at Stone Barns is both a working farm and restaurant. The private dining rooms can accommodate up to 64 guests for a seated dinner, and in the warmer seasons a cocktail reception may be held on the outdoor terrace. At the height of the season, 80 percent of ingredients used are grown on-site. Events begin at $170 per person.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

1000 Washington Ave., nr. Montgomery St., Crown Heights, Brooklyn; 718-623-7220; bbg.org

The 52-acre Botanic Garden has numerous sites for ceremonies: the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Italian-style Osborne Garden, and the Cranford Rose Garden. Charles, Sally & Charles will exclusively cater your reception in the Palm House on the Lily Terrace (which can host 400 guests for cocktails and 300 for a seated dinner) for a site fee of $2,000 to $4,000, plus $120 to $170 per person.

Caramoor

149 Girdle Ridge Rd., Katonah, N.Y.; 914-232-5035; caramoor.org

Built in the thirties on 90 rolling acres, Caramoor is a replica of a Mediterranean villa (whole rooms were imported from European palazzos). It’s unavailable for eight weeks in summer, and events must end by the un-Continental hour of ten o’clock. To rent various areas of the villa, the cost runs from $7,500 for an outdoor space to $25,000 for the House Museum.

Central Park

212-360-2766; centralparknyc.org

Central Park has plenty of possibilities for weddings, but you’ll need a permit for a party with more than twenty guests (call 212-408-0226); even for those with fewer people, a permit is recommended. The Bethesda Terrace has a fountain and looks across the boat pond. Cherry Hill has a smaller fountain surrounded by cherry trees that bloom in the spring. The Conservatory Garden’s three gardens, at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street, are in bloom from early spring through late October; a permit for this spot costs $400, plus $100 for photography, and the time must be reserved.

Hudson River Park

Chambers St. to W. 59th St., at the Hudson River; 212-627-2020; hudsonriverpark.org

You’ll likely be forced to deal with some red tape, but it will be worth it. The park includes five miles of waterfront property from Tribeca to west midtown, and includes piers, fields, and boathouses. Prices upon request.

The New York Botanical Garden

Bronx Parkway Fordham Rd., the Bronx; 718-220-0300; abigailkirsch.com

There are two reception sites at this beautifully landscaped garden. For large parties, the Garden Terrace Room, with lush-looking murals on the walls and soft-sconce lighting, will seat 300 guests. Smaller, seated groups of 110 might prefer Snuff Mill, an 1840 tobacco factory with a beamed ceiling and nearby waterfall. Catering is provided by Abigail Kirsch, starting at $120 per person (including alcohol).

The Picnic House in Prospect Park

95 Prospect Park W., nr. 4th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-287-6215; prospectpark.org

The 4,000-square-foot glass-and-brick enclosed pavilion features a wood fireplace, new hardwood floors, and elegant French doors leading out to a rear balcony. It’s available in eight-hour blocks (five for the event, three for setup) and hosts up to 175. Tables, chairs, upright piano, and security are included in the $3,500 fee. Catering is additional and limited to a list of vendors.

Tappan Hill Mansion, Tarrytown

81 Highland Ave., Tarrytown, N.Y.; 914-631-3030; abigailkirsch.com

The signature property in Abigail Kirsch’s coterie, this landmark estate (40 minutes from Manhattan) was once home to Mark Twain. The magnificent stone mansion has lush, fairy-tale gardens that overlook the Hudson River, and the stately staircase entryway is gorgeous for photos and the bouquet toss. Capacity is 500 for a cocktail reception. Prices upon request.

Wave Hill

W. 249th St. and Independence Ave., the Bronx; 718-549-3200; wavehill.org

This mansion is set in a 28-acre public park. The Large Gallery has sixteen-foot ceilings, silk wall coverings, and French doors. The Armor Hall has stone floors, vaulted beamed ceilings, and cathedral windows overlooking the Hudson River. Prices vary by season (around $6,000—$5,000 of which is tax-deductible). Catering is exclusively by Great Performances.