Planning a wedding on the smaller side in the Big Apple? Well, lucky for you there is no shortage of amazing small wedding venues in NYC. From rooftops to gardens to historic hotels, this city has it all.
As an NYC wedding photographer, I’ve had the chance to capture weddings at so many different venues. While everything can seem bigger and better in NYC, sometimes it’s the smaller venues that take your breath away.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect small wedding venues in NYC, here are a few of the top picks!
Best Small Wedding Venues in NYC
620 Loft & Gardens
Starting out strong, we have 620 Loft & Gardens. This venue is located right in Rockefeller Center and you honestly can’t get much better than this for your small wedding. The venue has a rooftop garden that is absolutely stunning, but also has indoor spaces that you can use as well.
Once of the best things about this venue is the amazing views that you get of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Rockefeller Plaza tower.
An outdoor wedding here can host up to 75 guests and you will be surrounded by beautiful greenery throughout. If you need something just a bit bigger, the indoor space connected to the rooftop can accommodate over 100 guests making it the perfect option for any small wedding!
The Picnic House at Prospect Park
Another amazing outdoor wedding venue in NYC for a small wedding is the Picnic House at Prospect Park. This blank canvas not only gives you and your partner so much flexibility when it comes to the design, but it also has amazing views of the surrounding Long Meadow.
While the venue can accommodate up to 175 guests for a seated dinner, they also have special “petite event” packages that are perfect for anyone looking to have a wedding with no more than 60 guests.
Not only will you get the amazing views of the park as your backdrop for your ceremony, but you also have the actual Picnic House with exposed brick and massive wooden beams to add a bit of charm and uniqueness to your wedding!
Deity Events
Located in what used to be a Synagogue, Deity Events is a dream space for your wedding. With everything from wedding suites to get ready in, a loft area, a rooftop, and a cellar with a dance floor, Deity has everything you need for your dream wedding.
Plus, they also offer all-inclusive wedding packages meaning you don’t have to worry about a single detail being missed. In addition to the all-inclusive package, they also have specific packages for micro-weddings and a “minimum spend” package as well.
These allow you to have smaller weddings (of 50 people or less) or curate your package to fit exactly what you are looking for to fit your dream wedding day.
Whatever options you choose, you’ll have so many amazing options for your wedding, from exposed brick and stained glass to their famous “Brooklyn Love” neon sign!
Merchant’s House Museum
If you and your partner are looking to infuse a bit of history into your wedding, Merchant’s House Museum is just the place. This 19th-century building has been incredibly preserved and gives you a glimpse into what life was like in old New York.
This is one of the smaller wedding venues on this list. With a maximum accommodation of just 30 guests, this is the perfect spot for a micro-wedding or elopement.
However, you do have two different options for your ceremony, an indoor and an outdoor location. The outdoor location is in their beautiful garden where you will be surrounded by luscious greenery and flowers.
If weather isn’t on your side on your wedding day, you can head into their Greek Revival Double Parlor to say I do!
Dumbo Loft
The Dumbo Loft is another amazing venue that is a black space for you and your partner. Built in the early 1890s, the building has so much charm and history ingrained into it with massive wooden beams and exposed brick throughout.
The great thing about this venue, besides the views of DUMBO, is how flexible the space is. There are very few restrictions when it comes to decorating the venue meaning you can take it and transform it into whatever you and your partner are envisioning.
The loft can hold up to 140 guests for a seated reception, but it is still amazing for smaller weddings. Plus, you have quick access to the Brooklyn Bridge Park giving you and your partner the perfect place for portraits on your wedding day!
Brooklyn Grange – Navy Yard Farm
A seasonal rooftop farm with stunning views of the surrounding Manhattan skyline, you can’t ask for much more than the Navy Yard Farm. As a fully outdoor space, this venue is only open to weddings about half the year, but if you can snag this venue, it will not be a wedding you or your guests forget.
Whether you are looking to have a mini wedding with less than 25 people, or a smaller wedding under 100 guests, Navy Yard Farm has everything you need for your wedding. You’ll find yourself saying I do surrounded by greenery and with the NYC skyline as your backdrop.
While this is a fully outdoor space, there is a covered pavilion that is the perfect place for your reception. You can then dance the night away under the stars and see the city come to life in the distance!
Refinery Rooftop
If you are looking for the best rooftop venue in New York City, the Refinery Rooftop should definitely be at the top of that list. This venue is on top of the amazing Refinery Hotel and has some of the best views you could ask for.
With indoor and outdoor spaces, this venue has everything you could need regardless of the weather. The exposed brick indoor area is balanced out with floor to ceiling windows that allow so much natural light to come in.
There is also a retractable glass roof atrium and the terrace itself is stunning. You get amazing views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline! The venue can hold anywhere from 80-100 guests depending on which area you are in so it is perfect for smaller weddings!
The Beekman Hotel
Are you going for a more old school New York vibe for your wedding? The Beekman Hotel is just that and so much more. Located right in Manhattan, this historic NYC building is the perfect mix of classic NYC glamor and luxury.
The hotel can accommodate up to 90 guests for your wedding and is filled with stunning locations for your ceremony and reception. You can opt for an outdoor ceremony on one of the three private rooftop terraces at the hotel.
While the reception spaces are just as amazing with exposed brick and beautiful florals, the real gem to this venue is the balconies inside the hotel. They offer the perfect spot for you and your partner to take portraits and give you a truly one of a kind memory of your wedding day!
The Skylark
Last but not least, we have The Skylark. This is one of the more modern venues on this list and can accommodate up to 80 guests for a seated wedding.
Not only do they have an indoor space with amazing views of the surrounding area (including the Empire State Building, Times Square, and more!), but there is also an outdoor terrace for the warmer months!
Both options give you an amazing backdrop for your wedding and that is only just the beginning. With an in-house chef and drink specialists, you can be sure that the food and drinks at your wedding will be just as amazing as the views!
Final Thoughts on Small Wedding Venues in New York City
While the city itself may be big, there are plenty of small wedding venues in NYC that will make any wedding unforgettable. Whether you are looking for that classic old New York vibe or a breathtaking view of the city below, these venues have you covered.
Now all you need is a photographer to capture these moments. If you are still looking for that perfect person, I’d love to chat! You can click here to learn more about my wedding photography services or head over here to get in touch!
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