Small Wedding Venues: Intimate Settings, Big Memories

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to finding the right venue. If you're looking for a small and intimate setting for your big day, there are plenty of options to choose from. From restaurants and bars to unique outdoor spaces, here are some ideas to get you started.

If you're located in or near New York City, you're spoilt for choice. The Big Apple offers a range of venues, from the classic, such as the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, to the quirky, like a boutique hotel or a restaurant with a view. If you're looking for something more scenic, why not consider a waterfront venue like Sunset Harbour in East Patchogue, New York, or a venue with a view of the Hudson River, like Lamb's Hill?

For those seeking a more non-traditional space, you could opt for an Airbnb, a brewery, or even a golf club. If you're set on a particular theme, there are venues to match, such as The Bailey Arboretum for a farmhouse-style wedding or The Loft by Bridgeview for a rustic, waterfront celebration.

Of course, your choice of venue will depend on your guest list, budget, and personal preferences. But with a little creativity and flexibility, you're sure to find the perfect spot to exchange your vows.

Small wedding venues in New York City

New York City is a great place to host a small wedding, with a variety of venues to choose from. Here are some options for small wedding venues in the city:

Housing Works Bookstore

This unique and charming bookstore in SoHo is a great option for couples looking for an intimate wedding venue. The spiral staircases, rich mahogany shelves, and the scent of books create an unbeatable atmosphere for your special day. The space can accommodate up to 30 seated guests for the ceremony, with additional standing room, and up to 114 guests for a seated dinner. The proceeds from events hosted here benefit the city's homeless population living with HIV and AIDS, making it a venue that gives back to the community.

620 Loft & Garden

This intimate wedding venue, located at the Rockefeller Center, offers a front-and-center view of iconic landmarks such as Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The 3,300-square-foot space includes both indoor and outdoor areas, with a year-round tented gathering spot, a reflecting pool, and a spectacular garden. It can accommodate 75 people seated outdoors and up to 120 people for dinner inside.

The May Room at Carnegie Hall

The May Room is a fantastic choice for small weddings, offering a beautiful fireplace, 19th-century ambiance, and modern conveniences. It can accommodate up to 34 guests for a seated meal or 50 for a standing-room reception. The attached 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park provides a wonderful space for guests to enjoy before and after the meal. The rich history of Carnegie Hall is reflected in the room, adding a touch of New York City's story to your wedding celebrations.

Deity

Located in Brooklyn, Deity is a refurbished venue that opened in 2007. It features exposed brick walls, expansive wood floors, and tall windows, providing a gorgeous and photo-ready space for your wedding. Deity is an all-inclusive venue, providing everything from linens and furniture to a sit-down dinner prepared by their executive chef. The venue has three floors and can seat up to 150 guests. The top floor includes a suite for bridal parties to get ready, complete with soaking tubs and rooftop access.

Robert at the Museum of Arts and Design

Named after designer Robert Isabell, this small restaurant and wedding venue atop the Museum of Arts and Design offers stunning views of Central Park. The space combines spunky, modern colours with elegant touches to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Robert can accommodate an informal ceremony and a seated dinner reception for 75 guests. The venue features a substantial wine list and a decadent seasonal menu by Chef Armando Cortes.

The View at Battery Park

The View at Battery Park offers the charm of New York City along with a stunning natural backdrop. With views of the Statue of Liberty from the waterfront property, this venue has both intimate reception spaces and larger areas to accommodate different wedding sizes. The Atrium Dining Room holds 60 people for a seated dinner or 40 with a buffet, while the Park Suite can accommodate 20 guests for a more intimate affair. The historic and classy decor can suit a range of wedding styles, from glamorous and elegant to vintage-themed celebrations.

Midtown Loft and Terrace

The Midtown Loft and Terrace is a sophisticated venue located near the Empire State Building. While the loft space is quite large, the Midtown Terrace is a rooftop spot with a retractable roof, making it ideal for year-round events. It can accommodate up to 150 guests, but smaller parties will have more space to enjoy the venue's features, including mahogany floors, copper light fixtures, and a noteworthy fireplace. The Manhattan views and draping greenery provide a picturesque backdrop for your wedding celebrations.

Small wedding venues in Long Island, New York

Long Island, New York, offers a plethora of stunning wedding venues amidst its charming surroundings. Here are some options for small wedding venues in Long Island:

The Rooftop, Long Island

Located in Long Island, New York, the Rooftop is an ideal, intimate location to celebrate the most romantic day of your life. It offers breathtaking views and a unique setting for your special day.

The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow

On the North Shore of Long Island, the Pavilion at Sunken Meadow is the perfect location for a small, beachfront wedding. It offers a combination of a seaside ceremony and a memorable experience.

The Inn at Great Neck

The Inn at Great Neck is situated in the centre of Long Island's stunning North Shore. It is a beautiful and inviting space perfect for a small wedding ceremony and reception, accommodating 50 guests.

The View at Oakdale

The View at Oakdale, located on Long Island's magnificent South Shore, offers a waterfront restaurant and wedding venue. It is nestled on the water, providing a memorable setting for your special day.

The Chateau at Coindre Hall

The Chateau at Coindre Hall, located in Huntington, NY, is a medieval French-inspired haven built in 1912. This enchanting venue offers a slice of European elegance and is perfect for those seeking a fairy-tale-like setting for their small wedding.

The Old Field Club

The Old Field Club, situated in the historic Three Village area of Long Island, was founded by the Melville family in 1929. It offers a seafront wedding venue with captivating views, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a combination of history and natural beauty.

These venues provide a range of options, from rooftop terraces to beachfront locations and intimate spaces, ensuring that you can find the perfect setting for your small wedding in Long Island, New York.

Small wedding venues in Hudson Valley

If you're looking for a small wedding venue in the Hudson Valley, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

Arrow Park

Arrow Park is a private estate in Monroe, Orange County, surrounded by acres of protected forests, native foliage, and wildlife. The property includes a historic mansion, gardens, a beach area, Arrow Lake, and a banquet hall. They offer two smaller-scale celebrations: an elopement package for up to four guests and a micro-wedding package for up to 25 guests.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, Westchester County, is a refined farm-to-table cuisine venue. They offer elevated picnics, perfect for micro-weddings, with three different location options on the farm: the Dooryard Garden, the Terrace, and the Courtyard.

Saint Hubert's Lodge

Saint Hubert's Lodge in Marlboro, Ulster County, offers the look and feel of a 1900s Adirondack Great Camp with modern luxuries. Set on 165 acres, they host a limited number of weddings per year to ensure exclusivity and seclusion. There are six suites on the premises that can accommodate up to 18 people, making it perfect for a micro-wedding.

The Chapel Restoration

The Chapel Restoration in Cold Spring is a historic landmark that lines the Hudson River. Built in 1833, it was the first Catholic church north of Manhattan. With an intimate interior adorned by a colossal candelabrum and double doors opening onto a portico overlooking the river, the chapel accommodates approximately 100 people. An adjacent chancery offers a changing area, restrooms, and kitchen facilities.

FEAST at Round Hill

FEAST at Round Hill in Washingtonville is an early 1800s Greek Revival manor that has been restored to its original grace and grandeur. Set on 12 acres, it offers a unique and intimate setting for weddings. The venue can comfortably seat more than 200 guests in one spacious room, and guests are free to stroll through the parlor rooms and outdoor areas.

The Kaaterskill Inn

The Kaaterskill Inn offers picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains and features over 40 acres of plush lawns and spectacular scenery. There are multiple venues on the property for ceremonies and receptions, including the Red Barn, which can accommodate up to 150 guests, and the Pond House, which is perfect for after-party celebrations. The Dutch Barn Inn offers luxury accommodations for guests, with six suites featuring Jacuzzis, private patios, and fireplaces.

Small wedding venues in Manhattan

Planning a small wedding in Manhattan? There are plenty of venue options to choose from.

If you're looking for a hotel venue, you could consider the following:

• The InterContinental New York Barclay: A historic hotel in the heart of Midtown with a Penthouse Terrace offering views of the Chrysler Building.
• The Peninsula New York: A historic and iconic hotel in Midtown with a variety of intimate event spaces, including a rooftop terrace and the Tribeca Room.
• Hotel Giraffe: A unique hotel with a chic and sophisticated style, featuring a rooftop garden and Piano Suite for intimate receptions.
• The James New York Soho: A convenient hotel venue in SoHo with options like the Penthouse Loft, the Studio, and the Urban Garden.
• Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan SoHo Village: A trendy SoHo hotel with an event space at the San Marino Restaurant that can host up to 50 guests and offers a lovely outdoor area.
• 3 West Club: A historic hotel in Midtown with six event spaces, including a rooftop solarium, grand salon, and historical library. It offers wedding packages with audiovisual support, coat check, and more.

For couples seeking a restaurant or food-focused venue, these spots might be a good fit:

• Haven's Kitchen: A Manhattan cooking school located in a converted Carriage House, featuring artwork by renowned artists and accommodating up to 40 or 80 guests depending on the space.
• Frankies 457 Spuntino: A charming Italian-American restaurant in Brooklyn's Carroll Gardens with a rustic, historic garden space. It can accommodate up to 80 guests outdoors or 40 guests in a private indoor space.
• Humboldt & Jackson: An American tasting room and event space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, with a private room for 55 guests. It offers a warm and welcoming ambiance, reminiscent of a historic NYC home.
• Le Fanfare: An authentic Italian restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, specialising in small weddings of up to 70 guests. The space has a rustic-romantic feel with wooden details and warm lighting.
• Victory Garden Café: A Greek restaurant in Astoria, Queens, featuring its own outdoor garden. The space can accommodate up to 100 guests and is ideal for a brunch wedding or bridal shower.

Additionally, there are unique venues that offer something different:

• The Farm Soho Rooftop: A chic and stylish venue atop a historic building in SoHo, offering breathtaking views of downtown Manhattan and accommodating up to 50 guests.
• The Love Shack - A Little Palace in Brooklyn: A bold and unique venue in the vibrant Bushwick community, transformed from a raw industrial space into two live-in dollhouses, accommodating up to 22 seated guests.
• The Standard, East Village: A luxurious and eclectic venue tucked away in the East Village, offering various event spaces like The Garden and the Penthouse to suit different seasons and vibes, accommodating up to 50 guests.
• Library Hotel: A convenient midtown Manhattan location with a rooftop terrace showcasing views of the NYC skyline and the New York Public Library. The Poetry Garden and outdoor terrace offer an elegant experience for up to 30 guests.
• AKC Museum of the Dog: A unique venue in midtown Manhattan for dog lovers, featuring a fine art collection dedicated to man's best friend. The space can accommodate up to 40 guests.
• Loft 29: A stunning industrial venue in Central Manhattan with hand-restored vintage doors, bronze and gold brushed walls, and custom-made furniture. It offers audiovisual capabilities and accommodates 50 to 75 guests.

Small wedding ideas for an intimate affair

Small weddings are a great way to create an intimate atmosphere and focus on personalisation, allowing you to connect more with your guests. Here are some ideas to make your small wedding extra special:

Venue

The venue is a key part of creating the right atmosphere for your wedding. You could opt for a restaurant, a unique space that has everything in one place. Alternatively, you could host the wedding at a family home, creating a cozy and low-maintenance setting. If you're looking for something different, consider an Airbnb venue, which can be cost-efficient and give you the flexibility to move between spaces.

For a more traditional option, you could choose a ballroom or an industrial loft, or if you're feeling adventurous, a rooftop garden or a venue by the water.

Guest List

Creating an intimate atmosphere is about more than the venue, it's also about the people you invite. A small wedding allows you to be strategic and thoughtful about your guest list, only inviting those closest to you. This ensures that you create a comfortable and meaningful experience for everyone.

Decorations and Details

With a smaller guest list, you may have more room in your budget for decorations and details. You can go bold with statement floral arrangements or suspend a hanging installation from the ceiling to create a unique and memorable experience. Customised details, such as handwritten invitations or place cards, will also add a special touch.

Food and Drinks

When it comes to food, you have endless options. You could organise a live demonstration with a chef, creating an immersive culinary experience for your guests, or opt for single-serve appetizers distributed to each attendee. For drinks, you could set up an interactive cocktail moment, such as a bartender smoking glasses over an open flame.

Photography

Capturing the memories of your special day is important, and with a small wedding, you can focus on finding a talented photographer who will capture all the emotional moments and intimate details.

Activities

To keep your guests entertained, consider including some activities beyond dancing. You could set up lawn games, hire a live painter, or even have a karaoke session!

Frequently asked questions