While many Gilded Age mansions and ornate Beaux-Arts style buildings around New York City have been lost to time, there are still a few where you can get married or host an event. All but one on the list were designed by renowned architecture firm McKim, Mead & White. Stanford White is even a character on HBO’s The Gilded Age due to his prominence during the time. (And probably the scandal around his death in 1906)
1. Villard Houses (Lotte New York Palace)
Designed by Joseph Morrill Wells of McKim, Mead & White, completed 1883 in the renaissance revival style. With quite a few different sized rooms available, weddings large and small can be accommodated. Not to mention the attached hotel for added convenience of your guests.
Address: 455 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022
2. Payne Whitney House (Cultural Services French Embassy)
Designed by Stanford White in 1902, it wasn’t complete until 1908. The Fifth Ave mansion is in the high Italian renaissance style. There are three ornate rooms that can be rented. Seated dinners up to 80 guests
Address: 972 5th Ave New York, NY 10075
The McKim, Mead, & White designed Italian renaissance revival mansion completed in 1895 was supposed to be the country home of Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt Shepard and her husband, but he died before it was completed. Around 1910, Frank Vanderlip and William Rockefeller purchased the property and formed a country club.
While it still is a private club today, prospective wedding clients can be matched with a sponsor. A grand staircase features a large Tiffany window. Which is a great location for portraits or first looks. In addition to beautiful interior rooms, a seasonally erected tent can accommodate more guests. The beautiful grass terrace overlooks the Hudson River and offers a stunning view of the sunset.
Address: 777 Albany Post Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
4. Williamsburgh Savings Bank – Weylin
Designed by architect George B. Post, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank was completed in 1875. The classical revival style building operated as a bank until 2010. It was purchased by a group of entrepreneurs and underwent an impressive three year long restoration. It is now a wedding and events venue with multiple spaces and built in creative lighting design.
Address: 175 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
The Metropolitan Club is a private social club in Manhattan designed by Stanford White of McKim, Mead, & White. Completed in 1894 and built in the renaissance revival style, the palatial building can host weddings in one of their ballrooms or penthouse.
Address: 1 E 60th St, New York, NY 10022
