Unique Event Spaces for Rent in New York City, NY

Unique Event Spaces Rental Guide

The space in which you host your event can truly make it or break it. Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, hosting a wedding reception or organizing a photoshoot, every occasion deserves a venue that rises up to the standard, or better yet: exceeds your expectations. If you’re looking for something a little extra, something with a character, New York is definitely up for the challenge! With neighborhoods that can feel a world apart despite their close proximity, the city is filled with quirky and unusual spaces ready and waiting to be discovered!

Wondering where to start? Our venue specialists have already done most of the homework for you and combed through the city in search of the most unique event spaces – all you have to do is browse our listings and see if there’s anything that catches your eye. If you’ve already got something more specific in mind, use Tagvenue’s smart search engine and filters to find your match fast and easy.

How do I choose a unique event space for my event in New York City?

Okay, but what do we mean by unique? Well, to be honest, it’s up to you to decide! It’s your event and you get to design it from start to finish. Apart from a few concrete things you need to keep in mind, such as your budget or the number of guests, remove the word “impossible” from your dictionary! We want you to really use your imagination and think of all the features that your perfect venue should have to make your event stand out! To give you some inspiration, we’ve come up with a few suggestions:

• Rent a venue with extraordinary interiors - An elegant space with a shiny, sleek and modern design or perhaps a converted warehouse with exposed brickwork, corrugated walls and beamed ceilings? New York is filled with venues that are full of personality and one of a kind. Whether you’re searching for a unique wedding venue with a boho vibe or a distinguished space for a corporate event, we’ll help you find a place with just the right ambiance.
• Marvel at spectacular views - Sometimes the view can do all the job. How about renting a rooftop bar and hosting your event against the backdrop of the city skyline? And if you’d like to take a break from the bustling city, why not look for an outdoor venue set among peaceful and verdant surroundings? If the weather’s not so great and you’d rather stay indoors, book a room with floor-to-ceiling windows that will give you the feeling of almost being outside! We can recommend the Rooftop Patio at Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co., or the spacious Ballroom at Stepping Out Studios, with panoramic views over Midtown Manhattan.
• Go for the unconventional - Try to look in places where you usually wouldn’t even think to look and you might just find exactly what you need! We’re talking museums, libraries, historic sites, cultural institutions, amusement parks… New York boasts a multitude of those! Perhaps you’ve got a favorite museum or movie theater? Why not ask if they have a room that can be rented out for private events? You might get to enjoy your beloved location from a completely new perspective!
• Think outside the box - You know what they say about rules. You can make your own! Or at least flex a little bit. “Wedding venue,” “photo studio” or “meeting room” are mere suggestions! Most venues will usually be open to your ideas! That’s how a dance studio can turn into a great birthday party venue, and a movie theater room could be an awesome space for a corporate event! So get creative and don’t be afraid to host your event in a space that’s usually used for a different purpose.

What to keep in mind when planning your unique event in New York

We’ve mentioned there are a few concrete things you should remember about while looking for your unique event venue in New York. Let’s go over them briefly:

• Budget - We’d be lying if we told you there were no limitations to your imagination. First and foremost, you should settle on your budget, after all, it’s usually the most expensive item in every event budget. Once that’s out of the way, it will be much easier to create a dream vision of your event and stay realistic. Our platform makes it super easy to browse unique event spaces that match your budget – all you have to do is set your price range and you’re ready to go!
• Number of guests - Next item on your to-do list when planning any type of event is considering how many people to invite. Doing so early on will help you locate a perfectly sized venue. Once you’ve got your estimated number of guests, enter it into Tagvenue’s search bar, which will allow you to filter venues by capacity. 
• Layout - Now that you know how many people you’re expecting, it’s also useful to think about the layout. Will you be hosting a standing event or do you need enough space to comfortably seat your guests? Tagvenue’s filters enable you to pick your preferred layout and easily find venues that suit your needs.
• Location - Choose a convenient location for your event. While scouting the area, try to think about the general vibe evoked by the given neighborhood. Would you prefer a hip and energetic area or perhaps somewhere more quiet? Remember to pick a place that’s easy to get to. See if there are any subway stations nearby, and, if any of your guests are arriving from different cities, consider the distance from popular train stations, such as Penn Station, or make sure there’s an easy airport transfer.
• Catering - Food and drinks can be just as important as the right surroundings, so pay attention to the catering options offered by your chosen venue. Make sure they can cater to any dietary requirements your guests may have. Alternatively, you can opt for external catering – just check with your venue manager to get a green light for bringing your own food and drinks!

FAQs about Unique Event Spaces in New York City, NY

Why should I rent a unique event space for my New York event?

A great space sets the right tone for your event, creates the right atmosphere and provides the perfect backdrop to your occasion. Renting a unique event space can take your event to another level! So if you want to make your occasion truly unforgettable, wow your guests by choosing an extraordinary space. It can be something unconventional, such as a museum or a movie theater. Don’t limit yourself to the original purpose of a given space! Hosting a wedding reception in a dance studio or a birthday party in a movie theater is a surefire way to stand out.

How much does it cost to rent a unique event space in New York City?

Prices for renting a unique event space in New York City can range widely, depending on the type of space you’re looking for. Rental fees can fall anywhere between $74 and $2000 per hour. Renting out a space for an entire day can cost you around $15000 per day. Alternatively, some venues offer dedicated event packages, which typically include food, drinks, plus other options. Package deals range from around $58 to $85 per person. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What kind of unique event spaces can I find in New York?

Take a look at some of our top picks:

• Stepping Out Studios - A renowned dance studio located a stone’s throw away from Madison Square Park. Not only a fantastic space for dance classes and rehearsals, but also a flexible event space! Weddings, birthdays or corporate parties – Stepping Out Studios is perfect for nearly every occasion!
• Velvet Brooklyn - This Williamsburg-based venue offers moody and atmospheric interiors, including a bar area and a private lounge, as well as a patio for small outdoor gatherings. The unique vibe and fabulous cocktail selection make Velvet Brooklyn the perfect place for a wide variety of events.
• Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. - Situated in the very heart of Greenpoint, Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. is a restaurant/brewery that will spoil your palate with an amazing selection of food and drinks and provide a unique atmosphere for your event! Enjoy the indoor space or rent out the rooftop, with its stage area for live performances and premier views of the Manhattan skyline.

Where in New York City can I find the most unique event spaces?

You can find true hidden gems (and some not-so-hidden) all over the city! You’ll find the best choice around Manhattan and Brooklyn. For example, explore areas such as bohemian Chelsea, thrilling Hell’s Kitchen or the lively East Village. If you’re looking for hip and artsy vibes, check out neighborhoods such as Bushwick, DUMBO or Greenpoint. These formerly industrial areas now boast converted warehouses and old factories that hide trendy cafes, vibrant bars and art studios.