Planning Tools, Ideas, & Advice
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For Wedding Pros
I know how hard it can be to find the perfect space for your small wedding! I’ve been there which is why I have created these lists of wedding venues perfect 50 guests or less. I scour the internet to find the places and spaces that lend themselves to be a good fit for an intimate wedding. I look for capacities that are aligned with a micro wedding (50 guests or less), packages and all-inclusive offerings, retreat-style resorts and camps perfect for a weekend wedding, and any other unique spaces in the area that allow weddings (especially the ones you’re not going to find on those other wedding websites), including Airbnb and VRBO venues (don’t miss those at the end!).
There is so much to offer when it comes to small wedding venues in New York, with each area offering its own unique amenities and vibe. Whether you’re looking for a scenic outdoor location, a chic urban setting, or a glamping weekend retreat, New York has something for every style of wedding.
Let’s dive in!
Whether you refer to it as New York, NYC, New York City, or the Big Apple, NYC is an iconic destination for couples looking for a chic, urban wedding. From rooftop venues with breathtaking skyline views to grand ballrooms in five-star hotels, NYC offers no shortage of glamor. Popular options include loft spaces in Brooklyn, rooftop gardens in Manhattan, and industrial-chic warehouses in Queens. Central Park is also a popular choice for small, intimate ceremonies.
Maison Rouge NYC, located in the restored Jonathan W. Allen Stable, a historic landmark, opened in Fall 2024. This property combines historic charm with modern luxury, providing an exclusive space for your intimate wedding. The property features a patio perfect for hosting your ceremony and reception and even has space to sleep 11 of your best friends!
In the heart of Central Park, this 6-bedroom VRBO is the epitome of modern luxury and features a private courtyard with vine-covered stone walls making a perfect outdoor location for your small wedding ceremony or reception.
This two-story restaurant features multiple sections, a spacious bar, and high ceilings. Its extensive selection of drinks and food options can accommodate any event requirement. The mezzanine offers a view of the main bar, and a private room with its own bar and bathrooms can host up to 80 guests. Skylights throughout the space provide beautiful natural lighting during the day.
If you’ve been dreaming of a library venue, this is it! This gorgeous space features mahogany paneling, a wall of books, and an open fireplace, giving off luxurious salon vibes. The Raines Law Room at The William is a craft cocktail bar with a chic retro library vibe within The William hotel.
Of course, we can’t leave out this iconic location. It is totally possible to get married in Central Park and you can even host your reception in certain locations, like at the famous boathouse. There are over a dozen locations for your ceremony, many of them with guest capacities perfect for a micro wedding.
Long Island is perfect for couples dreaming of a waterfront wedding, with many venues offering beachside ceremonies or lush garden settings. The region also features elegant estates and mansions, ideal for more traditional weddings. The Hamptons, in particular, are known for their luxury venues, while the North Fork offers a more relaxed, vineyard feel.
With multiple unique ceremony and reception areas and a micro wedding package to simplify planning, this unique aquarium-style venue is perfect for a glamorous affair among sea life and they even have lodging.
Hello, rooftop venue of my dreams! This incredible space overlooks all of NYC and is a blank canvas just waiting for you to bring your vision to life. They mention micro packages on the site, but I can’t find much info. Definitely worth an ask because this wedding venue is *chef’s kiss*.
One of the more luxurious small wedding venues on the list, The Reform Club is a seaside retreat in the hamlet of Amagansett offers incredible options for your intimate wedding. The property features sunken gardens, walls of roses, hydrangeas, silver maple trees or enchanted nooks and brickwork and plenty of space for your guests to stay overnight. For small weddings, you can rent one of the cottages and host your event in the backyard!
This is a gorgeous VRBO featuring a 1930’s mansion set in front of a terraced, tree-lined lawn. There are so many photo opportunities with gorgeous spiral staircases, a carriage, and a gazebo just to name a few. Plus, it sleeps twenty so for weddings with 20 guests or less, this could be a great spot for a weekend wedding.
This beautifully restored chapel and reception hall right on mainstreet in downtown Patchogue is the perfect place for your intimate wedding in New York. In addition to being a beautiful space, by choosing this venue you're making a positive impact on the town as part of the wedding fees go directly back into the community.
Known for its rolling hills, orchards, and historic estates, the Hudson Valley offers a serene backdrop for weddings. Couples who love nature but want an elegant setting can choose from charming vineyards, barn venues, or luxurious estates overlooking the Hudson River. The region's fall foliage also makes it an ideal spot for autumn weddings.
A modern, minimalist 10-room lodge set in the Northern Catskills, offering sleek, Scandinavian-inspired interiors and a beautiful outdoor space for ceremonies and receptions. They describe the space as “designed to set the perfect backdrop for your mellow, country house-inspired retreat” so it’s perfect for a more intimate celebration. And with a woodfired pizza joint on site, how can you go wrong?
Whether it’s a summer outdoor wedding or an intimate dinner party, our venue, surrounded by orchards and framed by the Shawangunk Mountains, The Inn at Kettleboro provides a great space for your small wedding. Their historic and elegant decor creates the ideal atmosphere for your special occasion and they even have 4 guest rooms for you and your guests to stay for the weekend.
This venue is made for micro weddings offering two packages, one for 10 guests and one for up to 50 guests. Exchange vows on the lawn overlooking the Hudson River for a romantic, garden feel and enjoy a reception in the rustic chic barn complete with string lights and crystal chandeliers.
Reach out to this unique space to inquire about hosting you wedding there. Nestled in a historic church building, Tiny Chapel ceremonies are non-denominational and a unique way to share this moment with 10 friends and family.
This place is absolutely to die for! Think vintage Swiss alpine lodge set on 200 acres of pristine lawn and woodlands in the Catskills. With plenty of options to host your wedding and lodging for you and your guests this rustic New York venue provides the perfect setting to begin your next chapter!
For adventurous couples, the Adirondacks provide a mountainous escape with scenic views, lakes, and forests. This region is perfect for outdoor-loving couples who want a wedding surrounded by natural beauty, with options ranging from lakeside resorts to cozy cabins. It’s an ideal setting for smaller, intimate weddings that have an adventurous or casual vibe.
A perfect fit for your elopement or small wedding up to 16 guests. The Fern Lodge is located in the Adirondacks near Chestertown and many other Adirondack hotspots making it a great location for a retreat-style wedding. The lodge offers plenty of cozy indoor and outdoor space for you and your guests to enjoy.
Friends Lake Inn is a boutique hotel and has multiple packages appropriate for elopements and small weddings (they call them petit weddings) which include a lot of what you need and they also offer the option to customize your day by adding additional services to complete the package. Lodging is also available for you and your guests!
Famous for its wineries and pristine lakes, the Finger Lakes region offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for weddings. Whether you’re envisioning a lakeside ceremony or a reception at a scenic vineyard, this area is ideal for a relaxed, intimate wedding. Many venues offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it a versatile option for couples.
Their cannery space is made for micro weddings with affordable pricing and convenient catering options or go all out with one of their other locations and include a mountaintop ceremony with chair lift rides for a totally unique experience.
Glamping, anyone?! This venue offers a distinctive setting for intimate weddings from May through October, with capacity for up to 125 guests. The "glampground" includes luxurious safari tents, a fully furnished lobby tent, a banquet tent, communal campfire areas, and a bathhouse. Situated near Buttermilk Falls State Park, it provides direct access to scenic hiking trails.
The Catskills are known for their mountainous terrain, artistic communities, and eco-conscious vibe. This region is perfect for couples looking for a bohemian, rustic, or eco-friendly wedding. Whether you're interested in a private estate, a barn wedding, or a retreat-like venue surrounded by nature, the Catskills offer a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.
Foxfire features wild meadows and a lily pool, perfect for intimate and relaxed weddings. I love featuring wedding venues that can accommodate retreat-style weddings because making a full wedding weekend out of your event is the best way to fully celebrate entering into your next adventure.
A stylish lodge with a mix of rustic and contemporary design elements, located near Hunter Mountain, providing scenic mountain views and cozy spaces for intimate weddings. With 38 guest rooms and 11 luxury cabins, there is space for everyone attending your wedding with 50 guests or less! There’s even a farm-to-table restaurant on site making providing food for your guests a breeze.
Located along the St. Lawrence River, the Thousand Islands region offers stunning waterfront views and quaint island charm. This region is perfect for a destination wedding that feels secluded yet picturesque, with venues that range from waterfront estates to castles. The Thousand Islands offer a relaxed, romantic atmosphere for couples wanting a more private affair.
This timeless loft is right in the heart of downtown and provides affordable packages to bring your event to life. What makes this small wedding venue different is that it’s owners own a vintage rental shop which means you get access to over 5,000 specialty rentals and decor items so you can pull together a totally unique event at an affordable price. I’m officially obsessed.
Western New York offers iconic views of Niagara Falls, which provides a dramatic backdrop for couples looking for a unique wedding experience. This region also has several historic venues, such as grand hotels and estates, and scenic outdoor spots for those who want nature as part of their wedding day.
Exchange vows in front of Niagara Falls! Choosing a state or national park for your ceremony and renting an Airbnb for the reception is one of my favorite budget-friendly small wedding ideas.
A historic mansion just minutes from Niagara Falls. Set in one of the nation’s most historic areas, the 1815 Greek Revival estate is a really special place to exchange your vows. The property sits high on a hill overlooking Niagara Gorge and Canada below.
Central New York offers a mix of traditional and university-inspired wedding venues. With elegant ballrooms, classic churches, and historic homes, it’s a great option for couples looking for something more traditional. The region also offers beautiful state parks for couples wanting an outdoor ceremony.
This Inn & Spa in central New York offers elopement and micro wedding packages for up to 30 guests. Located near the quaint town of Skaneateles, consider this a great option for couples looking to host a quiet, luxurious wedding weekend.
A renovated 1835 farmhouse, The Bond 1835 has lodging for up to 12, but the venue can accommodate events for up to 85. Enjoy lake views and exchange vows surrounded by a 200 year old forest. Plenty of getting ready space and amenities to keep you pampered and fed as you prepare for the day.
We couldn’t leave without including a few Airbnb and VRBO hidden gems from across New York! We think renting an Airbnb or VRBO for your wedding venue is one of the best ways to make your wedding venue affordable. We prefer VRBO because their event policy is a lot more lax, but you can find wedding venues on Airbnb too.
Choosing a New York Airbnb wedding venue is a great way to expand your choices when it comes to affordable options suitable for weddings with 50 guests or less. Here are a few of our favorite finds.
Old world elegance meets new world charm in this historic manor house in the Hudson Valley. This historic manor house in the Hudson valley is a gem! Although it is listed on Airbnb, it’s a well-known wedding venue with convenient package offerings.
This Victorian would be a great option for a really intimate wedding. It sleeps 10 and is incredibly spacious allowing room for everyone to relax and enjoy your wedding.
This gorgeous property is set on 7 acres and offers 700 feet of waterfront on the Saint Lawrence River.
You can see that there are some great options when it comes to small wedding venues in New York. Whether you’re planning a full wedding weekend or a simple, intimate event, there’s something for everyone. This is just scratching the surface when it comes to the potential locations for your small wedding so if you don’t find what you’re looking for be sure to check out our helpful guide for finding a unique wedding venue.
I’m always on the lookout for great venues to feature so if you know of one (or are one!), get in touch.
