The Wythe Hotel Venue Guide

About Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a neighborhood in the north-central part of Brooklyn, New York City. It is located on the East River waterfront and is bounded by Greenpoint to the north, Bedford-Stuyvesant to the south, Bushwick to the east, and the East River to the west.

The neighborhood was named after Colonel Jonathan Williams, a surveyor who helped establish the street grid in the late 18th century. Williamsburg was originally part of the Dutch settlement of Boswijck and later home to German immigrants.

In the 20th century, Williamsburg became a center of manufacturing and industry, with factories producing everything from sugar to metal parts. However, as industry declined in the area, many factories and warehouses were abandoned and the neighborhood fell into disrepair.

In the 1990s, Williamsburg underwent a significant transformation as artists and young professionals moved into the area. They were drawn to its industrial charm, affordable rents, and proximity to Manhattan. I even lived here at one point!

The neighborhood has since become known for its vibrant arts and music scenes, trendy restaurants and cafes, and hipster culture.

About the Wythe Hotel

The Wythe Hotel was built in 1901 in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Originally used as a warehouse, the building has undergone significant renovations since construction. In 2012, the building was transformed into a boutique hotel with 70 guest rooms, a restaurant, and multiple event spaces.

The renovations preserved many of the original elements of the building’s architecture, including exposed brick walls, cast iron columns, and timber ceilings. The hotel has also added modern amenities, such as a rooftop bar, and has become a popular destination for tourists visiting New York City.

In addition to its modern-day use as a hotel and event space, the Wythe Hotel has played a significant role in the artistic and cultural history of the Williamsburg neighborhood. In the 1970s and 1980s, the building was home to artists and musicians who used its large, open spaces as studios and rehearsal spaces. The neighborhood has since become known for its thriving arts scene, and the Wythe Hotel has remained a fixture in the community.

Getting married at the Wythe Hotel

Getting married at the Wythe Hotel is an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blends modern, industrial design with historic Brooklyn charm. As a photographer, I appreciate the venue’s unique mix of old and new. I love capturing the moments of the day against the hotel’s stunning backdrop.

The Wythe Hotel offers several wedding and event spaces. Each space has its own distinct style and can accommodate different party sizes and configurations.

The Garden Terrace is my favorite. A distinctly Brooklyn, open-air courtyard framed by original exposed brick walls garnished with climbing greenery. The space has an industrial-style garden gate with a private entrance on Wythe Avenue. It’s really wonderful to see outside space here, something rare at most Brooklyn venues!

Featuring soaring 70-foot exposed pine ceilings, masonry walls, marble-topped wood bars, antiqued mirrors, and massive steel-framed factory windows, the Main Hall is the largest room. Suitable for larger wedding ceremonies and receptions, it can seat up to 140 seated guests.

A seated dinner can be held in the Cooper Room, located on the cellar level of the hotel. There’s an alcove bar, exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and antique crystal chandeliers.

In The Penthouse Loft, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping Manhattan skyline views, and natural light. Whether you’re hosting a cocktail party, a celebratory dinner, an intimate wedding or need a conference room for a small group, the Penthouse Loft is the perfect spot.

The Screening Room is a private theater and speakeasy bar in the basement. There’s no better setting for a social or corporate event than the Screening Room. This theater has an original vaulted ceiling, exposed brick walls, vintage red velvet seats, and a private entrance.

In addition to stunning event spaces, the Wythe Hotel also features 70 guest rooms. These rooms include loft-style rooms with original brick walls, soaring ceilings, and stunning views The hotel’s location in the heart of Williamsburg also offers easy access to some of the area’s most iconic landmarks, making it a perfect place to begin your life together.

Also, can we mention the food? Chefs Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber’s three-star French brasserie, Le Crocodile, is providing all catering at Wythe Hotel. Restaurant-quality meals and service are served in a banquet setting with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Photo locations at the Wythe Hotel

My favorite places to take photos at the Wythe Hotel include the hotel rooms themselves. My favorites are:

• The Wythe Suite – This is the largest and most luxurious room at the hotel, spanning over 1,000 square feet with a separate living area and a king-sized bed.
• The Corner King – This spacious room features a king-sized bed and large windows offering sweeping views of the surrounding neighborhood.
• The Loft – This expansive room is spread over two levels, with a king-sized bed on the upper level and a separate living area on the lower level.
• The Queen Terrace – This room offers a large outdoor terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as a comfortable queen-sized bed.
• The King Terrace – Similar to the Queen Terrace, this room features a spacious outdoor terrace with views of the city, as well as a king-sized bed.

I also love taking pictures of the couple, their families, and their wedding parties at:

• The Garden Terrace
• The Cooper Room
• The Ides Bar, located on the hotel’s rooftop
• The streets outside the Wythe Hotel

Photo locations in Williamsburg

While the Wythe Hotel offers beautiful locations for photos, some couples may want a more diverse photo album with different backgrounds and scenery. Additionally, some couples may want to incorporate certain landmarks or locations in their photos that are not available on the property. This is why many couples choose to take photos at nearby locations in Williamsburg or other parts of Brooklyn or New York City.

My favorite nearby locations include:

1. McCarren Park (776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222): A 35-acre public park located only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The green lawns, lined with mature trees, provide the perfect spot for photos. The park is surrounded by beautiful pre-war buildings, which add to the neighborhood’s charm.
2. East River State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249): A scenic park located a few blocks east of the hotel that offers stunning views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline.
3. Williamsburg Bridge (335 Madison St, New York, NY 10002): A historic bridge that connects Williamsburg to the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The bridge offers fantastic views of the city skyline and is only a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
4. Domino Park (15 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11249): A waterfront park on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery. The park features unique industrial artifacts and stunning views of the Williamsburg Bridge.

As a wedding photographer, I appreciate the Wythe Hotel’s commitment to providing a truly unique experience for each and every wedding. The venue’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a beautiful, one-of-a-kind event is second to none, and I feel privileged to be a part of weddings in such an extraordinary space.

I hope this Wythe Hotel Venue Guide was helpful in getting to know more about this incredible Brooklyn space!