We want to be married somewhere special in New York City, empire state bldg unavailable. Only 4 guests, age 32-70yrs and us (30's). Budget under $1000 for ceremony and dinner. We like American cuisine, live music would be nice for dancing, a fireplace, a view. We want a big city experience. No boats, we live on the Gulf of Mexico. We are staying at Avalon Hotel 32nd near 5th, I think. My research has only produced restaraunts like March, 1 by Land...,but I can't tell if I would really want to be married there. What about museums or other buildings? There are too many places to research. Your ideas would really help.

When is this event taking place? Weather could play a huge part in this. I was going to suggest Tavern on the Green. Not the BEST food, but terrific atmosphere and decor, located in Central Park, and you could do a carriage ride afterwards. The museums will not allow you to have a wedding inside, even for 4 guests. You would have to make a huge donation in order to use the space, if they did make a concession. Events at museums and other similar spaces (Ellis Island) usually require a minimum donation of $25,000.

I have 2 ideas that come to mind: the (non-denominational) International Church Center at the United Nations located at 777 United Nations Plaza. The telephone number is (212)661-1762. Riverside Church on Riverside Drive is also non-denominational and they have 3 very lovely small chapels. A candlelit ceremony here in the early evening when the sun is setting is incredibly pretty. It's architecture was inspired by a 13th century gothic cathedral in Chartres, France. The telephone number is (212)870-6700. I have attended weddings at both locations and they were so very lovely and unique. You could contact a limo service that has access to different types of luxury vehicles to drive you to the ceremony, restaurant, and hotel. Maybe a classic style Rolls Royce or the like. As for a restaurant, The River Cafe under the Brooklyn Bridge offers a spectacular view of the city especially at night with all the lights. The food is also very good. There's a restaurant in the vicinity of Riverside Church named The Terrace. I think it's one of the best kept secrets in the city. It's located atop a Columbia University building on West 119th Street. It also offers a fantastic view of the city and the tables are spaced comfortably apart to give you privacy. It's a classy and elegant setting and the table settings are beautiful. There is soft dinner music. The food is as good as the atmosphere, too. Their telephone number is (212)666-9460.

I attended a Christmas service at Riverside Church when I was in New York City last year and not only was the service beautiful with the all the music, but the church is gorgeous. I can only imagine how lovely a wedding would be there. The little chapels were so charming. I remember from a brochure I had from there that there are many different ministers, men and women, who can perform the ceremony and that you can customize it to suit yourself.

If you are Catholic, get married at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

If you decide you want to get married at St. Patrick's cathedral, you should be aware of the following:
they won't open the big front doors facing 5th Avenue unless you have the right name and of course, the right amount of money. You'll enter one of the side doors.
you will have to marry amidst all the tourists although they do keep the aisle clear for you.
the lady's chapel behind the main altar is a better option and probably what they will suggest to you. Again, they don't throw the tourists out for a wedding.
most important is that the catholic church won't marry you unless you attend what is know as pre-cana classes with your fiance.

You haven't replied back as to whether or not you like some of the replies, but I'm going to ask a question. How formal do you want to go? What type of wedding attire are you planning to wear? A "big city experience" takes on a different meaning with different people depending on their tastes. My fiancee is a wedding planner and I've learned a few things from her.

I'm not sure I'm understanding your post correctly. You mention checking out being married at a restaurant, and then you say there will be only 6 of you and you want to keep the entire budget under $1000. The only way you can married in a restaurant is if they provide you with a separate room or close down for you, and I seriously doubt you can do that for under $1000. I mean, it's not like the preacher can stand by your table in the middle of dinner time and whisper "do you take this man . . ." while everyone starts on their ceasar salads. So is it possible you mean to go one place for the ceremony and then another place for dinner?

Thank you all for suggestions. I'm checking into Merilee's as they sound fabulous, romantic, and unique. I thought of Tavern, but I'm quite the little cook and would be disappointed if the food wasn't as good as the atmosphere. I am catholic, but he isn't and I don't want to pressure him with pre caana classes.

Gregg, my fiance is wearing his tuxedo and I have a wedding dress without a train. I think outside would be too cold, I shiver when it hits 70 here. I love architecturally beautiful places. I love Christmas, so any place with classy decorations would be nice. Not being from a big city, I wasn't sure about a restaurant wedding. Madge has clued me in that it doesn't fit our situation. Thanks. I really appreciate all the suggestions.

You might try some of the smaller churches in the city like "The Little Church Around the Corner" on 29th St, just off 5th Ave. Beautiful church and chapel. Also you want to go big, try St. John the Divine, 110th and Amsterdam, beautiful HUGE church, the largest cathedral in the world, when completed. (They have been building it for more than 100 years).

If you want some music, let me know, I can sing or I can find a singer and organist for you.

How about the Rainbow Room, for after the ceremony. Good food, amazing view and dancing. That would be romantic and would cost less than your budget.

Hope this helps a bit and let us all know if you need any more suggestions.

Thanks Tweedy, I don't think we will have live music, but I will discuss it with my fiance. I love saying "my fiance" we have been together almost 6 years and I love him more all the time. I will check your other suggestions tomorrow. Thanks for helping this be a wonderful time for us.

Actually, there are restaurants that would probably accommodate a very small wedding. For example, Le Bernardin, which has excellent food, has a room (the "kitchen") that seats 8 people, where you could probably have the ceremony. I'm not sure if you have to guarantee 8, but it's worth calling. If they can't help you, maybe they can recommend other places. Congratulations!

Topping for sal ([email protected]) - maybe there is some information on this thread that can help.

Opt for Riverside Church over St. John's and you won't regret it. St. John's is beautiful but it is still undergoing major construction that will continue for many years to come. Also, a section of the church housing the gift shop and other areas nearby were destroyed by a fire last year. Riverside will please your taste for unique and beautiful architecture. You'll also have a gorgeous view of the Hudson River, the Palisades along New Jersey, and the George Washington Bridge. My brother-in-law proposed to my sister at The Terrace and it remains their favorite romantic spot for food and atmosphere. It's also true that it's still a wonderful little secret.

FLbride whatever you do please let us know! Best wishes!