Affordable reception sites around New York

I write this with the full understanding that the only people who'd possibly be interested are the 1 in 100 looking for NYC wedding/event spaces (which wouldn't be so bad if we had 100 readers)...but hey, what can you do. I've spent so long researching receptions sites, I have to tell someone.

These places have two things in common: a) they're among the best deals we could find in the city and b) we've ruled them all out. The prices listed below are just for renting the space; food, tables, chairs, dishes, etc. usually aren't included.

WOMAN'S CLUB OF MAPLEWOOD
$900 (7 hours) + incidentals
Woman's Club of Maplewood
60 Woodland Road
Maplewood, NJ 07040
(973) 762-9119

A friend told me about this beautiful reception hall with a high, arched ceiling. Of the places we've looked at, this was the only one that was architecturally interesting. It has a small but nicely secluded outdoor space. And the hall can seat up to 180. I loved it and, for the size, it was by far the cheapest raw space we could find. (There's also an upstairs room that you can use for the ceremony but it's a bit dank, with old carpet sticking up in places.) Ultimately, we ruled this one out for geographic reasons. Though only 2-3 blocks from NJ Transit, it's too far from New York for out-of-town guests and for the old folks in Long Island.

QUEENS FARM MUSEUM
$800 for Barn Complex (four hours)

Another affordable place. We ended up not visiting this one because the indoor space can only seat 110 (we need at least 120), but friends say the orchard makes for a beautiful setting and that the barn is a nice, clean space. If we were doing something smaller we probably would have done it here.

BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN
$1,000 for 4 hours (for the outdoor park/garden)

Our friends Joe and Anita got married in the Beer Gardens (after meeting at a Stay Free! party, I'll have you know....) and it was great, but for one thing: it rained like hell. Fortunately, they rented a tent that was much larger than they needed, but it was still a bit cold and damp and the tent alone was $5,000, making the affordable catering deal not so affordable. Still, I like the unpretentiousness and non-glitziness of the place. And the rental fee includes tables and benches (I think).

You must use the restaurant's food, but that too is a real bargain - as little as $8 per person (and it's not bad). Unfortunately, we want to do something kosher-friendly and this place is a bit too aggressively non-kosher. I think they even butter the sausage.

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UPDATE (11/11/05): And the winner is... Gary's Loft in Manhattan. We thought this was the nicest space large enough, for the best price.

Comments

[Michelle]

I don't know if they still do weddings, but Van Cortlandt Manor is absolutely beautiful, and only a few (like, 3) minutes from the Croton-Harmon stop on Metro-North.

My sister got married at Crystal Bay in Peekskill. (also near the train) It was beautiful, but I have no idea what the cost was.

Good luck.

[Libby]

Hope you find what you're looking for eventually - it must be very frustrating at the moment.

[rach]

Cuz Jersey Rocks!!!

[Yukiko]

I went to a wedding at the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. It's in Park Slope and cute, but might be too small.

Frankies 457 in Carroll Gardens has an interesting party space out back.

I don't know how much either of these cost. Just some thoughts.

[sam]

Charles -
Ill look back at what I saw when I was planning my wedding that never happened. We actually looked at the Brooklyn Ethical Culture place - which is a big mansion on Prospect Park West. We just happened upon it and walked in on a whim. It may be too small, but its really nice, and it has a nice garden.

[sam mosenkis]

Charles -
Ill look back at what I saw when I was planning my wedding that never happened. We actually looked at the Brooklyn Ethical Culture place - which is a big mansion on Prospect Park West. We just happened upon it and walked in on a whim. It may be too small, but its really nice, and it has a nice garden.

[Charles Star]

Sam and Yukiko -

We haven't been inside, but we agree that BSEC is a beautiful space. Unfortunately it also has a really high site fee and IIRC it was also too small. It's a shame because the location is perfect.

[Stacey]

Came across your blog through DH - have you thought about catering halls? There are those that you pay per person. There is a beautiful one in Brooklyn (Dyker Heights area) called Sirico's and the staff is fantastic. I had mine there and had to have Kosher, Puerto Rican and Vegan food and they were so accomodating (and no extra cost either). I have also been to a beautiful one at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (they have their own caterer). I have been to a few cocktail parties and weddings at the place on 18th Street (I think it is between 7th Ave and 6th Ave) in Manhattan.
Good luck and enjoy!

[Charles Star]

What is DH, Stacey? Daily Heights?

I love the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but it was also too expensive (particularly the catering).

[Stacey]

Sorry yes DH=Daily Heights :)

There are also many churches/synagogues that have spaces that they rent most of these places have working kitchens for caterers.

[Stacey]

Sorry forgot to add - did you check with the Mariott (on Adams Street) - I know they also give you a bridal room for free and a discount to any guest attending your wedding.

[Ruby]

I'm amazed to see how affordable those venues are! I'm getting married next year and we are looking at $1000 for the Durham Armory, which is not even nice to look at.

I would have expected the NYC area to be *way* more.

[Amanda]

There is a great spot in DUMBO that does mostly photo shoots, but also is available for weddings:
http://www.pochronstudios.com/

Look under Rental Studio. Room for ~150, their rates are pretty reasonable and you can bring your own caterer, etc.

[amanda]

I might be your 1 in 100, but this has become my gospel, this site. I can't tell you how many time's I've said "uh, well, Another Fucking Wedding says that the BBG is freaking expensive. If you want to call them, I'm open to new information."

[allison]

it's a small world wide web after all...
Just came across this site in a mad late night readtoomanyweddingmagazinesinarow freak-out google search therapy session. and what do my eyes see but the Beer Gardens and mention of Joe and Anita. Why, I was there too! Simpatico!
We are currenlty madly hunting for affordable fun ways to bless our mighty love for eachother.
do you do work for hire? you seem to have it all under your belt already.
xoxo
Allison & Noah

[Selina]

I am looking for an avordable space to rent in the Bronx for March 24 of next year 2007.

[Jonathan]

Thank you for the site. I was wondering if in your event space searching you found an affordable place for as many as 375 people. Thanks again

J

[carrie]

Hm, I don't know that "375 people" and "affordable" is realistic on any level, unless you're planning on having a picnic or a fairly unconventional affair. I would look at public outdoor spaces and just hope it doesn't rain.

[Terri-ann Henry]

Hi if anyone is interested look into the Harvest Room in Queens for 150 people and $925 for 4-5hrs parking right next door and you get the chairs and tables its really nice with a kitchen and nice bathrooms also a coat room and outside patio. their number is 718-297-4708. They don't have a website but their address is 90-40 160th street 11432.

[Virginia&Antonio]

My fiance and I are looking for an affordable reception hall for about 200 people, Please help I am going out of my mind. I am about to become the ULTIMATE BRIDEZILLA!!!! lol

[Virginia&Antonio]

Sorry I failed to mention where, I am a Jersey girl, the ceremony will be at my mothers church in Bayonne, NJ so anywhere around that area

[janis mccarthy]

My daughter is planning her wedding for March 2010 and wants to have her reception in the NYU area/village for about 120 with a sit down lunch. Any ideas out there????

[Rosemary Guzman]

Hey so Ive been going crazy trying to find a location for my oct 2010 wedding. I fell In love with russos until they told me it was 18,000 for 150 ppl. I'm looking in Brooklyn & queens any suggestions?? I'm driving myself crazy looking online. Rosemary&Antonio

[amaz]

Me & my Fiance are looking for a inexpensive space with 150 ppl capacity to have ceremony and reception. We plan to use an outside caterer and only serve finger food.
P.S. has anyone looked into www.202east.com ? nice space holds up to 120 sitting.

[Nina and Eric]

Looking for an affordable CATERER!!! I never thought it would be SO dificult to find someone. We already have our venue booked in Manhattan at ML & T... but we really need to find a caterer for our July wedding that will be a simple Cocktails & Hors d'Oeuvres reception. Anyone with ideas?????? Thanks!!