Top 10 NYC Wedding Venues with Outdoor Space
Right now when it comes to wedding planning, flexibility is the name of the game. We’re finding most of our clients are searching for venues with indoor and outdoor options, the potential for cross-breeze ventilation, and of course, space to social distance. We don’t know where the world will be next year or tomorrow, so we’ve been working with our clients in securing venues that have all options for indoor and outdoor experiences. Outdoor space is so coveted in New York City, we put together a list of our current favorite top 10 spots.
Photo Credit: Susan Shek Photography
The Cooper Hewitt garden is one of the most special places in Manhattan. For a few minutes, you might even forget you're in NYC until you look up and see the picturesque street signs and views of Central Park ahead. The backdrop of the famous ivy-covered Smithsonian Design Museum (which, may we add) was Andrew Carnegie's once vacation home, makes for incredible photos. The best part of the garden - it is new in the wedding scene, and is gorgeous whether you're hosting 50 people or 250 people.
Photo Credit: Vicki Grafton Photography
A gorgeous manicured garden overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center...620’s views are so amazing that both NYers and visitors will fall in love with this venue. The loft inside is a great rain plan option (with windows to increase cross ventilation). Plus, there’s a tent in the courtyard that your microweddings can fit in. 620 Loft & Garden is a romantic garden meets NYC rooftop meets modern loft...need we say more?!
Photo Credit: The William Vale
The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn offers one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. There’s tons of additional outdoor options here too - including the Terrace and Vale Park. The William Vale is the ultimate Williamsburg hotel - modern, chic and really cool. Plus, catering by Noho Hospitality Group (one of NYC’s best restaurant groups) is a major plus. Who doesn’t love the idea of a quintessential NYC chef-made meal with epic views - its the NYC dream!
4. Glasshouses
Photo Credit: Glasshouses
For one of the best sunsets in NYC, Glasshouse Chelsea’s outdoor terrace is the place to be. Named accordingly, this is a glass loft space in the heart of West Chelsea’s art gallery district, where you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. It's raw space, but finished; so chic your instagram will love you. Our favorite fun fact: the views in the bathroom are some of the best bathroom views in the city. An elopement or micro wedding ceremony on the terrace during sunset is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Photo Credit: Tribeca Rooftop
Tribeca Rooftop is one of the largest rooftop spaces in the city - also with some of the best views. Overlooking downtown Manhattan’s Freedom Tower and famous Jenga building, this roof is so big you can have a ceremony on one side and cocktails on the other, and still have room to social-distance! You’re also allowed to tent the roof which is a huge bonus in Manhattan. Tribeca rooftop has a connected loft space that is not only really large, but completely windowed to allow for cross ventilation. This is the perfect outdoor venue for 50 - 300 guests.
6. Wythe Hotel
Photo Credit: Wythe Hotel
The Wythe Hotel is so perfect because it is so well designed. The exposed brick mixed with the romantic string lighting and greenery is so lovely you don’t need to bring too much decor in. The open air courtyard has its own entrance and Williamsburg has so many hotels - guests can come from wherever! They’ve also put together wonderful micro wedding packages (especially if you book in the next few months). We love it here - it's like a romantic courtyard in the middle of Brooklyn.
7. Celestine
Photo Credit: Florencia Saav
Celestine is a modern restaurant overlooking the Manhattan skyline, right under the Brooklyn Bridge. The views are amazing, the restaurant is chic, and the menu is incredible Middle Eastern family style. Think grilled halloumi, salads and mezzes, whole branzino...did we mention they have several natural wines on their wine list? It's perfect for a smaller wedding, and also for a rehearsal dinner. We’re all suckers for NYC views, and Celestine has that and more!
Photo Credit: 74Wythe
74Wythe is a unique (and new) venue located in the heart of Williamsburg. Opening in March 2021, 74Wythe is so new on the scene your wedding won’t be compared to anyone else’s on Instagram. 5,000 square feet of pure rooftop bliss, it also has a retractable glass roof cover if needed. The views of the Manhattan skyline are amazing and the best part is the amount of cool hotels nearby (Wythe Hotel, William Vale, The Williamsburg Hotel, etc). Complete your Williamsburg wedding weekend with this gorgeous and brand new rooftop for either your ceremony, reception or both!
9. Wave Hill
Photo Credit: Wave Hill
Yes, its technically in NYC! Even though Wave Hill is in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, it’s a quick 20 minute train ride from Manhattan and accessible from all of your friends and family in the suburbs. Wave Hill is the definition of garden wedding. The grounds are so gorgeous you’ll forget you’re in the five boroughs. With indoor and outdoor options, there’s so much flexibility here for whatever the pandemic brings our way next. Plus, Great Performances provides catering and with their farm upstate, everything is sourced locally and within 100 miles. Talk about farm to table!
Photo Credit: Pier 60
Really, the best part about hosting your wedding in Chelsea Piers is those Hudson River sunsets! These three Chelsea Piers venues can accommodate anything from a microwedding for 50 guests to a large wedding for 500 guests. Plus, proximity to all of the Chelsea and Meatpacking hotels is a huge bonus, (think the Standard, Dream Hotel, Highline Hotel). Chelsea Piers is run by Abigail Kirsch, one of NYC’s most prominent caterers. So, you get the views, the food, and the location. Sounds like a great deal to me!
Planning a wedding during covid-19 brings its own set of challenges and that’s why we recommend hiring a planner. We now need to consider social distancing, covid testing, indoor and outdoor options, indoor spaces with cross breeze ventilation, and also, cancellation and non-refundable contract clauses. We believe that love is not cancelled, and we’re here to help you get to your big day with as little headache as possible. But unfortunately, living during this pandemic brings a whole new set of challenges and we want to help you plan safely.
Our commitment-free planning services offer you assistance, without being bogged down by a large deposit or time commitment...from venue consulting to month-of planning, and everything in between! Contact emlan events today for a free consultation - we’ll find the right package for you - whether its month-to-month planning, hourly consulting, or partial planning leading up to your wedding, we’re here to help you plan your wedding, safely!