Are you getting ready to start planning your New York City wedding reception? The process can be a little overwhelming sometimes, which is why we’re here to make your venue renting process a lot easier. Don’t miss out on our selection of fabulous event spaces, ranging from restaurants and bars to hotels and cultural centers. New York City’s wedding reception venues are truly one of a kind spaces in which to celebrate the unforgettable moments of your special day. And when the time comes to celebrate your “I do's” with friends and family, you can feel confident that everything will go off without a hitch!
With wedding venues coming in all shapes and sizes, you can expect different prices according to the offer of the venue. Some locales will offer food, and others will expect you to bring external catering. However, on average you can expect to pay around $100 per person, or a minimum spend of around $5000 per evening. (All data from Tagvenue.com)
In NYC, you can expect to find a lot of dining rooms that are perfect for big weddings of 100 guests and more. For a wedding reception, one of the most popular options is renting an entire venue, which may include an outdoor space in the offer, as well as an indoor one. And of course, we couldn’t exclude options which offer a view of the NYC skyline, or at least a view of New York City from above. Those venues make an evening party a truly unforgettable experience.
New York City offers venues in small sizes, and you’re bound to find the perfect intimate venue for your wedding party. If you’re a fan of striking spaces taken straight out of the movies, then you’re bound to love The Hawthorne Room + Terrace at The Raines Law Room at The William. This mysterious, yet comfy looking space is perfect for up to 40 seated guests, making it the perfect small wedding reception venue. An outdoor terrace adjoining the main dining room offers a perfect space to grab a breath of fresh air during dinner. Make sure to check it out!
Our list of unique wedding venues is an extensive one, so make sure to scroll through it, but for now we can recommend you check out Cornucopia Destiny or Cornucopia Majesty. These stunning ships are certainly not a venue you’d consider mundane! With its striking views of NYC, beautiful decor, and enough space for up to 1200 guests, each of these ships are sure to impress both you and your guests! The Destiny offers the finest catering and beverage options which you really shouldn’t miss. From $5,000 per session, it really is a fantastic deal. And if you'd like to bring your own catering, the Majesty will be a great option!
Looking for wedding reception venues in New York City? You’re in exactly the right place. From skyline rooftops and historic townhouses to raw lofts and modern dining rooms, NYC gives you every kind of space imaginable, no matter your guest count or aesthetic. And with borough-specific quirks, noise ordinances, and travel concerns in the mix, getting the right venue matters.
Timing is everything in this city. Late spring and early fall are wedding hotspots, so if you’re aiming for those dates, it pays to book early. Most venues will have minimum spend or time block requirements on weekends, and don’t forget: places with outdoor space may require weather contingency plans, especially for rooftop receptions. Permits aren’t usually needed for private venues, but if you’re looking to host something in a public park or space, you’ll need approval from NYC Parks.
If your guest list is tight, explore Brooklyn or Queens for bigger value and more flexible policies. Want Manhattan views? Go for a rooftop or penthouse spot but expect to pay a premium. And if you’re after something less traditional, NYC’s got converted warehouses, private bars, and even event spaces in working studios.
Here’s a breakdown of the best options, sorted by the kind of experience you're after.
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Garment District, Manhattan
A glass-lined stunner with panoramic views of Midtown and the Hudson, this rooftop cocktail lounge is perched high above the city. It’s a popular pick for evening receptions and has a dedicated events team used to managing private bookings. The location makes it easy for guests traveling in or out of Penn Station.
Penthouse Six Rooftop South Village
This indoor-outdoor space comes with retractable glass doors, stylish décor, and a view of downtown Manhattan. Its open layout is ideal for a reception-style event, and it's known for flexibility with furniture setups and catering.
Loft39 Garment District
This penthouse venue offers 360° skyline views from the rooftop and a sophisticated indoor layout. It's commonly used for wedding receptions, cocktail-style parties, and ceremonies with city backdrops. Bonus: elevator access and fully private floors.
Vanilla Skies Event Spaces Journal Square, Jersey City
Just across the Hudson, this is one of the best-value venues near NYC. With space for over 300 guests and a completely customizable layout, it’s ideal for large receptions on a budget. You can bring your own caterers and vendors, which keeps costs flexible.
Atmosfera Steinway, Queens
This no-frills space gets the job done without high rental fees. Known for hosting receptions, birthday events, and dinners, it features a basic banquet layout that you can tailor with your own décor and vendor team.
Event Venue NYC Manhattan 22nd Floor Garment District
A small but modern venue with wraparound windows and views of Midtown. Perfect for intimate wedding dinners or after-party receptions. The in-house AV system makes it easy to run playlists or speeches, and the space works best for under 40 guests.
Renaissance Event Hall Astoria, Queens
This full-service venue includes high ceilings, chandeliers, and a formal banquet room setup. With space for large weddings and traditional receptions, it’s often used for family-style meals, full-course service, and dancing. There's an onsite team to help with coordination.
Da Mikelle Palazzo Queens
One of the largest reception halls on this list, it can accommodate over 2,000 guests. Known for lavish interiors, stage setups, and plated meal service, it’s suitable for very large weddings and cultural celebrations.
Carroll Hall Bushwick, Brooklyn
Tucked behind greenery and garden walls, Carroll Hall feels more like a private estate than an event venue. It has indoor and outdoor spaces and can be configured for seated meals or standing receptions. This is a strong choice for couples looking for something more private without leaving the city.