The Yale Club at 50 Vanderbilt Ave. is a historic and elegant wedding venue offering an eclectic blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Originally built in 1915 as a club for Yale University alumni, this stunning Beaux-Arts building boasts a rich history and classical architecture that makes it a top choice for weddings in New York City.
Also? It’s just super pretty.
The venue’s grand ballroom is a standout feature, with its 24-foot ceilings, ornate moldings, and crystal chandeliers. The ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner, and its ample space makes it ideal for large-scale weddings.
The Yale Club also offers several other event spaces, including the Trumbull Room. This is a more intimate space that can accommodate up to 120 guests for a seated dinner. The Trumbull Room features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer stunning views of the city.
Another popular spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions is the Rooftop Terrace. With its sweeping views of the city skyline and the Empire State Building, this outdoor space provides a picturesque backdrop for a romantic and memorable wedding day. It’s especially excellent at sunset – that’s where the sunset image above was taken!
Wedding photo locations in the Yale Club
The Yale Club also offers several locations for photo opportunities within the venue, including the grand staircase, which provides a striking setting for portraits – and y’all know I have never met a grand staircase that I didn’t love. The club’s elegant lobby and wood-paneled library (A LIBRARY!!!!) offer additional backdrops for timeless and classic wedding photographs. They’re also lovely, quiet, private spaces which I adore.
Additional wedding photo locations near the Yale Club
The Yale Club’s location at 50 Vanderbilt puts you steps from Grand Central Terminal — which is extraordinary for portraits if you have a permit, and I can help you navigate that. Bryant Park is two blocks away. The New York Public Library exterior is a short walk. Midtown gives you options.
Frequently Asked Questions: Yale Club Weddings
Where is the Yale Club located?
50 Vanderbilt Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, directly adjacent to Grand Central Terminal. More at yaleclub.org.
What is the Yale Club?
A private club for Yale University alumni, built in 1915 in the Beaux-Arts style at 50 Vanderbilt Avenue. One of Midtown Manhattan’s most elegant and historically significant event venues, offering a Grand Ballroom, the Trumbull Room, a wood-paneled library, a grand staircase, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Empire State Building.
What are the event spaces at the Yale Club?
The Grand Ballroom is the centerpiece — 24-foot ceilings, ornate moldings, crystal chandeliers, capacity for up to 300 guests seated. The Trumbull Room is the intimate option, with large windows and natural light, seating up to 120. The Rooftop Terrace has sweeping Midtown skyline views including the Empire State Building, and is particularly extraordinary at sunset. The wood-paneled library is one of the most distinctive portrait spaces in the venue.
What are the best photo locations inside the Yale Club?
The grand staircase for portraits — dramatic, classic, and exactly what you want from a Beaux-Arts building. The library for quiet, intimate shots with beautiful natural light and extraordinary architectural detail. The Grand Ballroom for reception coverage. The Rooftop Terrace at sunset for portraits with the Midtown skyline behind you.
What photo locations are near the Yale Club?
Grand Central Terminal is steps away — the Main Concourse with its soaring ceilings and celestial ceiling is extraordinary for portraits, though it requires a permit. I can help you navigate that process. Bryant Park is two blocks away. The New York Public Library exterior is a short walk. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center are both within easy reach.
Do you need a permit for photos at Grand Central Terminal?
Yes — Grand Central requires a permit for professional photography and they will ask you to leave without one. It’s worth getting. I can help couples navigate the permit process so it’s ready before the wedding day.
What is the light like at the Yale Club?
The Trumbull Room has excellent natural light through its large windows. The library has warm ambient light with beautiful window light during the day. The Grand Ballroom is primarily chandelier-lit for evening receptions — warm and classic. The Rooftop Terrace at golden hour, with the Midtown skyline going warm, is one of the best sunset portrait situations of any Midtown venue.
How many guests can the Yale Club accommodate?
The Grand Ballroom seats up to 300 for a seated dinner. The Trumbull Room seats up to 120. The Rooftop Terrace accommodates cocktail receptions. The venue can handle a range of wedding sizes across its spaces.
Do you photograph weddings at the Yale Club?
Yes — it’s one of the great Midtown Manhattan venues and the library alone is worth the trip. If your wedding is at the Yale Club, I’d love to hear about it. And for more on my NYC venue work, my Manhattan wedding venues guide covers the full landscape.
If your wedding is at the Yale Club, I’d love to hear about it.
