Weddings Summer 2009 > Planner

GARDENS & ESTATES

The Barn At Queens County Farm Museum

Grazing livestock and a Dutch farmhouse set the scene for a country-style celebration on a 47-acre estate in Queens. Weddings can be held in the reception room of the museum’s two-story 1930s barn ($1,200 for four hours, up to 120 guests). For big parties, the apple orchard is available for rent, which runs $2,000 (six hours for the event, plus two days to set up and clean). They also offer a smaller pavilion space, which can be rented on its own or in addition to the others ($500).

Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Located in scenic Westchester, near Tarrytown, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is both a working farm and restaurant. The private dining rooms can hold up to 64 guests for a seated dinner, and in warmer seasons a cocktail reception may be held on the outdoor terrace with a view of the Stone Barns farm. At the height of the season, 80 percent of ingredients are grown on-site. From $195 per person.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The 52-acre Botanic Garden has numerous sites for ceremonies: the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, the Italian-style Osborne Garden, and the Cranford Rose Garden. Charles, Sally & Charles are the exclusive caterers for receptions in the Palm House on the Lily Terrace (which can host 400 guests for cocktails and 300 for a seated dinner) for a site fee of $2,000 to $5,000, plus $130 to $210 per person. Much of the site fee goes toward the preservation of the garden.

Caramoor

Built in the thirties on 90 rolling acres, Caramoor is a replica of a Mediterranean villa (whole rooms were imported from Italian palazzos). It’s unavailable for eight weeks in summer, and events must end by the un-Continental hour of ten o’clock. Renting various areas of the villa runs from $7,500 for an outdoor space to $25,000 for the Rosen House.

Hudson River Park

Couples will likely encounter some red tape and are required to obtain a written permit from the Hudson River Park Trust, but this site is worth it. The park includes five miles of beautiful waterfront property from Tribeca to west midtown, and includes piers, fields, and boathouses. Prices upon request.

The New York Botanical Garden

There are two reception sites at this beautifully landscaped garden in the Bronx. For large parties, the Garden Terrace Room, with lush-looking murals on the walls and soft-sconce lighting, will seat 300 guests. Smaller seated groups of 110 might prefer the charm of Snuff Mill, an 1840 tobacco factory with a beamed ceiling and nearby waterfall. Catering is provided by Abigail Kirsch, starting at $140 per person (including alcohol).

The Picnic House in Prospect Park

The 4,000-square-foot, glass-and-brick-enclosed pavilion features a wood-burning fireplace, hardwood floors, and elegant French doors leading out to a rear balcony. It’s available in eight-hour blocks (five for the event, three for setup) and hosts up to 200. Tables, chairs, an upright piano, and security are included in the $4,250 fee-much of which goes back to the park for maintenance and preservation. Catering is additional and limited to a list of vendors.

Prospect Park Boathouse

Tranquil views out over the Lullwater complement the elegant Beaux Arts style of the boathouse. The two-floor venue can fit 110 guests for dinner and dancing, and 200 for cocktails. The Moveable Feast handles both the catering and the rental of the Boathouse. Prices upon request.

Tappan Hill Mansion, Tarrytown

The signature property in Abigail Kirsch’s coterie, this landmark estate (45 minutes from Manhattan) was once home to Mark Twain. On seven acres in Westchester County, the magnificent stone mansion has lush gardens that overlook the Hudson River, and the stately staircase entryway is gorgeous for photos and the bouquet toss. Capacity is 500 for a cocktail reception. Prices upon request.

Wave Hill

This mansion is in a 28-acre public park. The Large Gallery has sixteen-foot ceilings, silk wall coverings, and French doors. The Armor Hall has stone floors, vaulted-beamed ceilings, and cathedral windows with views of the Hudson River. The cost is $6,500, but $5,000 is tax deductible. Catering is exclusively by Great Performances.

From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide