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Updated Mar 06, 202512 Small Wedding Venues in NYC for Any Budget
Here's a list to get started picking the right spot for an intimate New York City wedding.
In the city that never sleeps, it is often hard to find an intimate spot for a wedding amidst the hustle and bustle. Thankfully, there are quite a few small wedding venues in NYC that provide couples a picture-perfect area to tie their lives together. When considering a venue in the Big Apple, couples will have to choose if they want to use a small space within a larger venue or seek out a truly private spot just for them. Of course, the weather should be considered as some venues have both indoor and outdoor space, with many on our list using retractable roofs to keep guests happy in all seasons.
Whether you are looking for a charming and romantic spot or a more dramatic wedding with a purpose, New York City certainly has it all. From rooftop terraces in Manhattan to decadent hotels and even a bookstore whose profits go to a good cause, we've collected a myriad of options for any small celebration. A few of these intimate suggestions also belong to our Unforgettable Venues collection, a curated list of incredible properties that are easily bookable on The Knot Vendor Marketplace.
Housing Works Bookstore
While there are plenty of unique and charming venues in New York City, the Housing Works Bookstore is all that and more. Proceeds from events hosted here benefit the city's homeless population living with HIV and AIDS. A wedding at this bookshop is not just about the charity, though. Housing Works is filled with spiral staircases, rich mahogany shelves and the scent of thousands of books that bring unbeatable charm to any celebration. Swifties may also recognize this as the iconic bookstore that appeared in the music video for "All Too Well: 10 Minute Version." (So, of course, given its massive pop culture significance, we named this one of the most Unforgettable Venues on The Knot.) Nestled in the cobblestone streets of SoHo, this intimate venue can hold up 30 seated guests for a ceremony with additional standing room and up to 114 guests for a seated dinner.
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620 Loft & Garden
One intimate wedding venue in New York City that provides guests and the couple-to-be with an incredible experience from start to end is the 620 Loft & Garden at the Rockefeller Center. Another one of our favorite Unforgettable Venues, this rooftop hideaway has a front-and-center view of Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The 3,300-square-foot space is complete with both indoor and outdoor areas, the latter having a year-round tented gathering spot, reflecting pool and spectacular garden. This venue can hold 75 people seated for an outdoor ceremony and up to 120 people for dinner inside.
The May Room at Carnegie Hall
Most New Yorkers know Carnegie Hall as an unparalleled concert venue, although its May Room is also a fantastic choice for small weddings. The room can hold up to 34 guests for a seated meal or 50 for a standing-room reception. The spot, which appears on our list of Unforgettable Venues, boasts a beautiful fireplace, 19th-century ambiance and modern conveniences. Guests can spend time before and after the food on the 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace attached to the room overlooking Central Park. The rich history of Carnegie Hall is clearly seen throughout the May Room, allowing couples to reflect a bit of this incredible city's story in their wedding.
Deity
Built in the 1860s, Brooklyn's Deity wedding venue is full of old city charm. Since being refurbished by local artists before its opening in 2007, couples have had the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous photo-ready venue with exposed brick walls, expansive wood floors and tall windows. Deity is an all-inclusive venue, so the event staff will provide everything from linens and furniture to a sit-down dinner from the executive chef.
Deity has three floors and can seat up to 150 guests. The top floor has a suite for the bridal parties to get ready before the event with soaking tubs and rooftop access. In addition, the loft space is often where dinner or the ceremony are held, while the lounge is perfect for cocktails and vintage photos. Finally, couples can choose to use the cellar to dance the night away underneath a disco ball.
Robert at the Museum of Arts and Design
At the top of the Museum of Arts and Design lies Robert, a small restaurant and wedding venue overlooking Central Park. This gorgeous space is named after designer Robert Isabell who brought unique decor and sophistication to this Manhattan venue. The mixture of spunky, modern colors with elegant touches creates a one-of-a-kind space.
The Robert can hold an informal ceremony and a seated dinner reception for 75 friends and family. During the festivities, guests will get to experience the restaurant's substantial wine list, as well as Chef Armando Cortes' decadent seasonal menu. From the jaw-dropping view of Columbus Circle to the restaurant's sophisticated design, couples looking for one of the best intimate wedding venues in New York City should certainly consider Robert.
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager Hotel
With numerous rooms and rooftops to host an intimate New York City wedding, PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager Hotel, easily made our list of the best small wedding venues in the city. This lavish venue has an effortless sophistication that is hard to come by. The Ava room and Sunrise Terrace can hold 60 and 80 guests respectively. With a floor-to-ceiling view of the iconic skyline and a custom menu from the chef, this spot is incredible for an intimate ceremony and reception dinner. The Sophia room provides a similar mood and can hold up to 140 people.
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Couples seeking a little more can consider the rooftop bar space that holds up to 50 people inside and out with 360-degree views of the city. The greenery and lavish lounge furniture beckon guests and the newlyweds to truly enjoy every moment spent at PUBLIC.
The Atrium at Sunny Atlantic Beach Club
On warm days, the Sunny Atlantic Beach Club's Atrium on Long Island is a warm, open wooden deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, ready to host any event. However, if cold or stormy weather rolls in, this venue can cover the guests in a fully enclosed glass canopy to keep everyone warm and cozy no matter what. When this one-of-a-kind structure that provides a limitless view of the ocean is combined with the work of Executive Chef John Amitrano's exquisite taste, an unforgettable wedding is possible.
This private wedding venue can hold up to 200 guests for a seated dinner, although if you toss in a dance floor and various other wedding reception activities, that number dwindles, making it the perfect spot to host a small wedding reception following a beachside ceremony.
The Ellington
With a name like The Ellington, it is not surprising that this restaurant is equal parts swanky, sophisticated and charming. The vintage decor and eclectic designs found in this Manhattan restaurant make it a unique spot to host a micro wedding in New York City. The private Straus Room can hold 55 guests for a seated meal. Named after Ida and Isidor Straus, a couple who passed away on the Titanic after Ida refused to leave her husband, the room is perfect for celebrating the commitment of marriage. Its stunning wall murals also provide a photo-ready aesthetic for the big day.
Couples who need more space can buy out the entire venue, including the dining room and bar space. Toss in some live music, signature cocktails and a chef-created menu and you have a hip spot for any small wedding.
Prospect Park Picnic House
Tucked in the middle of Brooklyn's Prospect Park is the Picnic House, which has plenty of natural light from the plethora of windows overlooking the meadows while still bringing the New York charm in through exposed brick and a large fireplace. The venue does seat up to 175 guests for dinner, although it has special rates for weddings with under 50 people, making it a budget-friendly choice that doesn't skimp on style and ambiance. Profits from any event here go directly back into the nonprofit that operates the park.
The View at Battery Park
Finding a spot in Manhattan that blends the charm of New York City while still having a stunning natural backdrop is difficult to find, but that is just what The View at Battery Park on the southern tip of the island does. With views of the Statue of Liberty from the waterfront property, this picturesque venue has plenty of spots for both large and small wedding ceremonies.
As for intimate reception space, the Atrium Dining Room holds 60 people for a seated dinner or 40 with a buffet, while the Park suite can hold 20 guests for a sit-down affair. The historic and classy decor can accommodate a wide range of wedding styles, from glamorous and elegant to those with a vintage vibe.
Midtown Loft and Terrace
Tucked in near the Empire State Building is the Midtown Loft and Terrace, a sophisticated venue with detail-oriented staff ready to oversee all aspects of a wedding celebration. While this venue's loft space is quite large, the Midtown Terrace is a rooftop spot with a retractable roof for year-round events. It can host up to 150 guests, although smaller parties allow for more space to move around and enjoy the mahogany floors, copper light fixtures and noteworthy fireplace.
The Manhattan views and draping greenery found on the terrace provide a photo-ready backdrop for weddings and receptions. With a private elevator to the Terrace, the couple can enjoy a truly intimate event even in the center of Manhattan.
Central Park Wedding Ceremonies by Happenings
Within its vast space, Central Park has many intimate spots to host the perfect cozy wedding ceremony outside surrounded by the beauty of nature without leaving city limits. To make planning such an event straightforward and easy on the budget, designer Tom Noel of Happenings assists couples in putting together ceremonies with between 20 and 100 guests.
Spots like the "Alice In Wonderland" statue and the wooden gazebo known as Cop Cot are popular spots, although those looking for a modern fairytale can have the Belvedere Castle as their backdrop if they have fewer than 25 attendees. With other various gardens, fountains, bridges and terraces to choose from, Central Park Wedding Ceremonies by Happenings makes it simple and easy for an intimate New York City wedding to come to life.
