Rooftop Venues for Rent in New York City, NY

Rooftop Venues Rental Guide

Renting a rooftop venue in New York City is a great way to celebrate a special occasion, or any type of occasion for that matter. Whether you're planning a company retreat, an engagement party, or just want to host a fun event with your closest friends and family, rooftop venues are a perfect event space. You can select an event venue from a variety of options, including restaurants and bars with rooftop seating areas, as well as venues that have outdoor spaces exclusive for special events. Many rooftops also have beautiful gardens and huge glass ceilings which can shelter you from bad weather in case it rains. When booking, make sure to consider some of the venue rental tips and tricks we have listed below.

Rooftop Venues Rental Guide

At Tagvenue, we know that the venue rental process can be quite a tricky one, which is why we created a rental guide and a checklist for you to keep in mind as you go about the renting process. If you still have some questions at the end of the article, then make sure to check out our FAQ section, which covers some of the most popular questions. 

To know which venues you’ll want to eliminate, and which ones to keep on the list during the decision making process, ask yourself the question: what type of event am I planning to host? Are you planning an occasion where the main focus will be the food, or are you renting the space for only a couple of hours because you’ll be enjoying a particular activity, such as a photo shoot or a yoga session? Depending on the circumstances, you’re either going to want to have an open space, or tables and chairs if you’re planning to dine. Of course you can always rearrange the furniture on the rooftop (for example, if you decide on a cocktail party).

Once you know what type of area you’ll be needing the most, you can start thinking about the budget. Are you in need of an affordable space, or are you able to splurge a little on a more expensive location? NYC has a couple of affordable options, but we have to warn you that event spaces in this city ten to be on a more expensive side. Try negotiating a discount with the manager of the venue, or ask if a BYOB option is available if you decide to dine in one of the locales. Despite the corkage fee, a BYOB option should still be less expensive than the original rental fee. And if we can suggest another small tip when it comes to budgeting - try splitting the check with someone else if the situation allows it. The cost for a company event will probably get written off in the company’s expenses, and the cost for a friendly gathering can be split among its participants. 

Once you have the event space and the budget set, you might want to think about how many people are going to join you during the event. Keep in mind that most rooftop venues in NYC have enough space for around 100 people, so make sure your guest list is precise, and that people RSVP if possible. This will leave you with a concrete list and no additional fees for guests who don’t plan on coming, and you also won’t risk overcrowding the area.

Have you thought about the decor (or if you will be needing any)? If you’re planning a wedding, engagement or a birthday party, you might want to fix up the place with some lovely bits and pieces which will make the event even more special. Just make sure to check with the venue manager.

If you have to bring some equipment to the venue, have you thought about how you’re going to carry everything and if it will fit on the rooftop? This point is especially important for themed events and photo shoots. If you plan to carry some larger equipment upstairs, then maybe it would be a good idea to check how you’re going to do that beforehand, in case you need to make additional accommodations.

What about the food and beverage options? If you’re hosting an event which will need catering, are you planning on some special cuisine, or are you trusting the chef with the menu? If you’re not planning to eat out, then perhaps bringing some external catering (just in case) will be a good idea for you and your guests? And of course when it comes to beverage options, think of the types of alcohol you’ll want to serve (if at all).

FAQs about Rooftop Venues in New York City, NY

How much do rooftop venues in New York City cost?

Are you looking to book something affordable? We found some cool options for as little as $150 per hour. There are a few venues in the lower price range (such as this one, for $200 per hour). But this is NYC we’re talking about, so in general, expect an average range of prices between $700 to $1200 per hour. Check with the host if any discounts are possible. (All data from Tagvenue.com)

What are some of the best rooftop venues in New York City?

Perfect for any occasion is the Studio on the roof at Studio 111. This lovely space is ideal for all types of art events, sporty sessions and photo shoots. If you’re a fan of beautiful sunsets and sunrises, this rooftop venue will be perfect for you. But if you’re planning to have a party, and want some delicious catering as well, then make sure to take a look at Rooftop at Fifth Avenue Jay Suites. Featuring great views (you can see the Empire State Building!), you’ll find that it’s a great location for a work brunch, or an evening dinner with drinks.

How many guests can I invite to a rooftop venue in New York City?

Expect to find most locations to be quite intimate, and have enough space for around 20 to 100 people. And while a lot of spaces don’t offer too much room for a huge number of guests, you can still find some spots for bigger groups, such as the Rooftop at Fifth Avenue Jay Suites. With 115 seats, and enough room for 150 guests cocktail style, you can host a big event perfect for a special occasion or a work party.

What types of events can I organize on New York City’s rooftop venues?

Rooftop venues are most commonly associated with rooftop parties. While you can rent venues for some awesome celebrations, events and special occasions, those are not the only ways to spend time on NYC’s rooftops. Use these locations for photo shoots, filming cool scenes, or hosting  a yoga event out in the sun. Depending on the specifics of what you’re planning, make sure to check with the venue if it has all the amenities needed for your day (or evening) event.