The Ultimate Venue Guide

• By Rachel Wolff
• Published Summer 2011

Governors Island   (Photo: Gerard Lawton/Alamy)

Recovering Jet-Setters

Brooklyn Winery
If Napa nuptials are out of the question, this may be the next best thing—especially given that this Brooklyn wine-making center sources many of its handpicked varietals from California. The venue’s industrial façade gives way to a warm, wood-paneled interior. The wine bar can seat 100 for dinner at picnic tables, with room to spare for a band and dance floor. Basic packages include a selection of house wines, but if you plan eight to ten months ahead, you can whip up your own blend expressly for the occasion. In-house catering is available for parties of 50 or fewer, and a new courtyard will be up and running later this year. Price upon request. 213 N. 8th St., nr. Driggs Ave., Williamsburg; 347-763-1506; bkwinery.com

Governors Island
This long-forgotten urban oasis is well on its way to becoming the city’s buzziest green space. Get in while you still can. The folks behind Water Taxi Beach helm functions on the island; while they won’t privately rent any of those majestic old buildings, you can finagle a wedding there (try a weekday when the island is empty); tents and space heaters are also available at the beach. The island is open May through September and is accessible only by ferry, so be prepared to charter private Water Taxis after-hours. Price upon request. 212-440-2200 for midweek events; govisland.com; 212-896-4600 for a Water Taxi Beach event; watertaxibeach.com