Weddingbee

A NYC wedding for less than $200 per person, is it possible?

My Criteria:
-a city wedding
-no cake cutting or wine corking fee
-no enormous site fee
-less than $150/pp (or as cheap as possible)

I briefly looked into the surrounding New Jersey, Brooklyn and Staten Island areas thinking they would be more affordable, but it turns out they were at least $150/pp + up. I had to weigh out all the pros and cons. We have a lot of OOT guests, so a “convenient” location would be best. I looked into a brunch, cocktail or lunch reception, but ultimately that didn’t work out because we had so many OOT guests that we felt the need to “give them dinner.” I even checked out “less traditional” venues such as a large room in a restaurant.

The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, Staten Island. See Map.

The Pros: It is a gorgeous gorgeous venue! The Chinese Scholar’s Garden was my heart’s desire. I basically had no budget and would’ve created my budget around this place. I loved the fact that it was a *Chinese* garden and would represent my culture. In the same garden was a tent, and I’ve loved the idea of a tent wedding ever since I watched My Best Friend’s Wedding. We just wanted to get married outdoors in nature. There’s parking nearby. Very intimate and private.

The Deal Breaker: It had no “walking down the aisle” feel. (see photo) It’s a rectangular structure with a pond in the middle. I wouldn’t be walking down ‘the aisle” but just out of the room where we were getting married. Your guests are standing the whole time watching from across the way. No chairs on the lawn either. The event staff were difficult to reach. If they can’t be bothered with me then I can’t be bothered with them. At the time (3-4 years ago), the garden was still “affordable.” Since then, the price has sky rocketed ($175 +). In addition, there is a $3000 site fee and 13% set up fee (tent and chairs), on top of the tax and gratuity. That made it unbearable for us to afford.

The Final Verdict: If it’s within your budget, go for it! It’s gorgeous and not as expensive as a loft in Manhattan. You have the option to just have the ceremony there for a lesser fee and they will even cater a small finger food brunch (good for small weddings). We considered this but with all the OOT guests, we didn’t want them to drive to an additional catering hall for a reception.

2. The Algonquin Hotel, Manhattan 59th between 5th and 6th

I began searching hotels in the city to see if they had better packages. I had to stick to small, under the radar venues in order to avoid huge site fees and prices. If I had to go with an expensive(>$150) place, then I might as well stay in the city and “have something to show for it”.

Pros: Gorgeous hotel with lots of history and character! Harry Connick Jr. started here in the Blue Bar and you know how much we love HCJ! The Blue Bar! I pictured our bridal party going to the Blue Bar after the reception to continue drinking and partying. I imagined this Utopian wedding weekend we would all spend together with our friends and family staying in the same hotel.

The Deal Breaker: The reception room is incredibly small. It’s long and narrow and doesn’t fit a reception comfortably. It’s much better as a cocktail reception or 50th anniversary party.

The Final Verdict: A fantastic place for people to stay in NYC on vacation! It was a lot more expensive than originally advertised - about $145-$185/pp (2 years ago). At the time, the event planner was new and couldn’t answer many of my questions. She was lovely but had no experience with a wedding there. The reception room just wasn’t enough for a wedding.

3. The Riverview - Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.

I visited this place for my MOH’s wedding. This place sells itself by having a 5% gratuity because it will hold up to 4 weddings at once and they really push for it too. Not only are you sharing your wedding with another that day, but the ceremony can only be 15-30 minutes long. The place went under renovation so it looks updated now. There is a large parking lot across the street which is good. However the drive is horrendous because it’s located at the bottom of a winding hill along the water. Not good for drinking guests. They offered a huge selection of food though! The owner/chef was very pushy for a date. The focus was to find a venue with a great Fall backdrop for the ceremony, but the view really wasn’t that great.

4. Ultimately, my MOH had her wedding at The Clubhouse at Patriot Hills and I highly recommend them. It was affordable ($85-$125) and a beautiful venue. Located in Stoney Point, NY. The service was impeccable and the food was divine!

5. Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, Manhattan
Mr. Snow Pea really wanted to get married on the rooftop gardens after seeing Spider Man. When we were searching, they weren’t doing weddings. Only recently did they start doing weddings. It looks gorgeous!!! I might have to go visit this place just for the heck of it. We’re considering giving tickets as wedding favors to Top of the Rock and taking night time wedding photos here.

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