Long Island Wedding Venues:
Everything You Need to Know
Beautiful beaches, historic sites, close proximity to the Big Apple—there’s a lot to love about Long Island, making it a can’t-go-wrong locale for your wedding. What’s more, Long Island wedding venues vary widely in size, cost, and configuration, meaning there’s an option to suit nearly any vision. Because the area is so big and has no shortage of options, it can feel challenging to narrow down the Long Island wedding venue that’s best for you and your partner. This guide will offer insights into the various options for Long Island wedding venues, the right vendors to make your celebration extra special, and much more.
Our extensive directory of photos from real weddings can provide ample inspiration and information to help make your own wedding something truly special. If you are in the early stages of looking for Long Island wedding venues or are interested in finding all inclusive wedding packages on Long Island, Carats & Cake can point you in the right direction to help you create the celebration you and your partner have always wanted.
This guide will also provide you with ideas for things to do on Long Island to share with guests. (That way, they can maximize their trip and see the local sights before and after your big day!) We’ll also go over the importance of a wedding website to help communicate travel plans, provide directions, and offer additional information about your celebration. And of course, if you’re looking for the right vendors or wedding venues on Long Island, this directory will help narrow down the (many!) great options.
What's the best time of year for a Long Island wedding?
Because the New York area has four very distinct seasons, choosing the right time to book your Long Island wedding venue can make it much easier for you to manage issues with transportation, crowds of tourists, and weather concerns. In general, spring and fall offer the most consistently pleasant temperatures on Long Island. That said, booking a Long Island wedding venue during the winter or height of summer may help reduce the steep competition for venues during more traditionally popular times of the year.
Early summer or fall are often the most-demanded times for wedding venues on Long Island. Winter, by contrast, can be cold and snowy in the New York metropolitan area. While you may think this would reduce the appeal of some of the more rustic wedding venues Long Island has to offer, it allows you and your partner to take advantage of wider availability and lower prices for wedding venues on Long Island—win!
Holiday weekends and the summer months are among the most popular times for tourists to visit New York and Long Island. While these weekends can be a great time for your celebrations (hello, time off work!), it may impact your experience and that of your guests when making your way to your Long Island wedding venues. For instance, airline tickets may be a bit more costly and crowds in the city may be larger. That said, if you plan far enough in advance, you can ensure that any weekend (holiday or not) is smooth for both you and your loved ones.
If you are also planning to honeymoon in Long Island, keep in mind that tons of beaches and golf courses are located close to many of the best wedding venues on Long Island. These attractions, however, are usually best seen during spring, summer, or fall and may not be accessible or enjoyable during the colder winter months. This could influence your choice of season and date when booking your Long Island wedding venue.
What are the different types of Long Island wedding venues?
Long Island wedding venues are as varied and unique as the couples who choose them. Whether you are looking for the best micro wedding Long Island can offer or are seeking an elegant experience for hundreds of guests, you can find many of the best wedding venues on Long Island by checking out the Carats & Cake directory of real weddings above. With that said, here are some of the most popular types of Long Island wedding venues for your upcoming celebration:
- Hotels: For extra convenience and easy planning, hotels offer all the amenities you and your guests need, from venue space to catering accommodations to lodging. This can streamline the planning process for you and your loved ones while simultaneously allowing you to enjoy some of the most popular wedding venues on Long Island.
- Event spaces: Many museums and public buildings offer event spaces that can be used as Long Island wedding venues. In some cases, lighting and furniture (like chairs at your ceremony or tables for guests at your reception) may be part of all inclusive wedding packages on Long Island, while other times, you’ll need to arrange for rentals to be brought in.
- Restaurants: If catering is a concern for your plans, choosing a restaurant for your Long Island wedding venue can eliminate the worry about food arriving cold or not being delivered on time while also providing a backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. Choosing a favorite restaurant or a new hot spot as the Long Island wedding venue for your reception can help you to enjoy delicious cuisine with minimal fuss.
- Ranches and farms: If you are looking for the most beautiful, rustic wedding venues Long Island has to offer, ranches and farms in this area can offer scenic views and an unforgettable experience for you, your partner, and all those invited.
- Beaches and waterfront venues: Long Island wedding venues on the water may be located on the beach, in event spaces,or even on yachts and other watercraft. Finding the most beautiful Long Island wedding venues on the water can allow your photographer to take timeless pictures that will serve as tangible reminders of your special day.
- Golf courses: For golf enthusiasts, planning a wedding at these outdoor venues can make it easy to combine fun in the sun with the wedding of your dreams—as well as offer epic views.
- Castles and estates: From castles that will create the perfect fairy-tale backdrop for the photos taken by your team of Long Island wedding photographers to estates overlooking the water, you can find the rustic wedding venues Long Island couples love in this eclectic and vibrant area.
- Religious institutions: Churches, synagogues, and other religious buildings may offer meaningful Long Island wedding venues for you and your partner. You may want to touch base with the institution to determine whether you will need to find your own officiant or if one of the organization’s leaders will lead your ceremony.
- Backyards and private residences: When looking for small wedding venues on Long Island, don't overlook the appeal of your own backyard or that of close relatives or friends. With the addition of flowers and decorations, backyard celebrations can be a great option for couples seeking the best venues for micro wedding Long Island has to offer.
- Wedding chapels: These spaces are often more affordable options for a micro wedding Long Island style. If cost is a concern, some wedding chapels offer all inclusive wedding packages on Long Island that may suit the needs of you and your partner.
Some of the most important features to look for in Long Island wedding venues include the capacity of the venue, the accessibility of these areas, the venue’s availability in your chosen timeframe, and a backup plan for outdoor wedding venues. Just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate with beautiful sunshine and warm weather the day of your ceremony, making sure you have an alternative if rain or inclement weather threatens your outdoor wedding can allow you to enjoy greater confidence when selecting from the rustic wedding venues Long Island offers. By planning ahead, you can make sure your Long Island wedding venue offers the best experience for you, your partner, and all your invited guests.
What are the different areas of Long Island?
Long Island comprises several different areas in the New York area. Kings, Queens, Suffolk County, and Nassau Counties make up this island, which spans more than 1,400 square miles and is home to millions of people. Some of the most popular areas that offer Long Island wedding venues include:
- Kings County: Kings County in New York City is home to Brooklyn (one of New York’s five boroughs) and is also technically part of Long Island. The urban nature of this area offers backdrops for any type of vision, from rustic wedding venues on Long Island to more modern, industrial locales. If the fast pace of city living is more to your taste, some of the most unique wedding venues on Long Island can be found throughout the many bustling neighborhoods of Brooklyn.
- Queens County: Like Kings County, Queens County is part of Long Island and, as its name hints, home to another New York City borough: Queens! This sprawling neighborhood offers diverse options for wedding venues on Long Island. If you and your partner are considering Long Island wedding venues in Queens, you may want to book your selected venues early. Like other venues in the greater New York area, some popular Queens wedding venues on Long Island can be booked months and even years in advance.
- Nassau County: Long Island wedding venues on Oyster Bay, Glen Cove, Long Beach, and Great Neck are among the most popular options for couples in this area. If you are seeking elegant Long Island wedding venues on the water, Nassau County wedding venues are a great option for you and your partner.
- Suffolk County: This area is filled with tons of popular towns ideal for your bash, from North Fork to Huntington to Cold Spring Harbor, among others. Selecting a Long Island wedding venue at North Fork, for instance, is a great way to find the best waterfront options for your celebration. North Fork is a peninsula that spans 30 miles of territory in the northeastern part of Long Island. It runs parallel to the South Fork peninsula and offers a number of Long Island wedding venue options for couples. If you are seeking Long Island wedding venues on the water, both North Fork and South Fork in Suffolk County are home to tons of beautiful options.
- North Shore: With stunning views of the Long Island Sound, North Shore is a great place to find unique wedding venues on Long Island. If you and your partner want stunning pictures with a waterfront backdrop, your Long Island wedding photographer can capture moments of your celebration along the North Shore.
- South Shore: The Atlantic Ocean borders the South Shore of Long Island, and also offers epic waterfront views. While some of the most beautiful small wedding venues on Long Island can be located in this area, it’s also home to some celebrity wedding venues on Long Island.
Whether you are looking for the most unique wedding venues on Long Island or planning an intimate event with just a few friends, our directory can help you narrow down your search. We offer real photos of wedding venues on Long Island and information on the available facilities and amenities to make your quest for the best venues easier for you and your partner.
How much does a wedding cost on Long Island?
As of 2020, the average cost of a wedding in the state of New York is $27,533, but of course, it varies from celebration to celebration and couple to couple. Due to its popularity and proximity to the Big Apple, Long Island weddings might come with higher price points than other areas in the state—but again, it’ll depend on everything from the size of your guestlist to your list of must-haves for your big day.
The cost of your Long Island wedding venue will play a major role in the overall cost of your event. For instance, if you have your heart set on one of the many rustic wedding venues Long Island has to offer, you may pay more for waterfront options or for venues with tons of amenities. By contrast, all inclusive wedding packages on Long Island can sometimes streamline the planning process and may help reduce the overall price point of the celebration.
In general, Long Island wedding venues designed for smaller groups will cost less than more expansive properties. If you are planning a micro wedding Long Island style, you may be able to reserve an area in one of the many beaches or parks for your ceremony. This can allow you to enjoy the beauty of Long Island wedding venues on the water while minimizing your overall spend for your wedding day celebration. Small wedding venues on Long Island may also be significantly easier to book than those designed for larger celebrations.
The cost of your Long Island wedding venue will also depend on the season in which you and your partner plan to wed. If you are planning a wedding during popular tourist seasons (like early summer or fall, for example), you can expect to pay more than weddings scheduled in the winter. If you are looking for the most unique wedding venues on Long Island, you may also pay a premium for these modern options. Be sure to factor in gratuities and to leave some cushioning for costs you may not have anticipated when planning your celebration.
How do you find Long Island wedding vendors?
Finding the best vendors for your chosen Long Island wedding venue can allow you to create the perfect atmosphere for your nuptials, whether you are opting for a micro wedding Long Island style or have selected a larger location. Ensuring that all the necessary services like catering, decor, and florals are in place ahead of time at your Long Island wedding venues can allow your day-of plans to go smoothly. In many cases, working with a Long Island wedding planner or opting for one of the available all inclusive wedding packages on Long Island can make the process of choosing vendors easier for you and your partner.
Here’s a quick low-down on everything to know about assembling your vendor team for a Long Island wedding:
- Wedding planners do much of the heavy lifting when choosing vendors for your upcoming celebration. Your Long Island wedding planner may also be able to provide you with guidance on venue options and catering suggestions to suit the theme of your event. In some cases, your planner may even have some helpful hints on how to book one of the unique wedding venues on Long Island without an extensive wait for an available date. Choosing the best Long Island wedding planner can make many aspects of your soiree much easier to manage.
- Caterers can provide plated dinners, buffets, or serve snacks and meals out of food trucks. If you are considering a beach wedding or one of the small wedding venues on Long Island, make sure you plan for where your guests will sit to eat during the reception. Casual and rustic weddings can showcase some of the unique wedding venues on Long Island while allowing you to be more creative with your options for catering. Check with your Long Island wedding venue before deciding on catering, however. Some of the most unique wedding venues on Long Island may restrict which catering options will work for your event.
- Long Island wedding photographers offer essential services for your upcoming celebration—they document your event to create timeless pictures to look back on your event for decades to come. Because the job feels so important, it can put additional pressure to select the right Long Island wedding photographer. Perform initial consultations with different Long Island wedding photographers to get a sense for whose artistic vision and style you align with most, as well as who will be available to photograph your ceremony and reception. That way, you can feel confident on your wedding day knowing that your photographer is capturing all the beautiful moments you want to cherish for years to come.
- A Long Island wedding videographer can work together with your photographer to capture footage of the special moments of your big day. Your Long Island wedding videographer can compare shot lists and work with you to figure out which parts of your wedding are most important to capture on film and video. By working closely with your Long Island wedding videographer and photographer, you can enjoy unique perspectives on some of the unique wedding venues on Long Island where your celebration is held.
- Wedding cake bakers can create Long Island wedding cakes that suit your theme and your personal taste. Scheduling tastings of Long Island wedding cakes can allow you and your partner to find a beautiful dessert that lives up to your expectations. You can explore the numerous types of Long Island wedding cakes and bakeries to find the best options for your upcoming nuptials.
- Long Island wedding dresses typically show off the personal style of the wearer. If you are looking for Long Island wedding dresses to match your theme or to suit your celebration’s vibe, your wedding planner can often provide guidance on the right boutiques or designers to consider for you. Carats & Cake also offers photographs of Long Island wedding dresses in our directory, which can inspire your search for the perfect dress, suit, or other wedding outfits for you, your partner, and your wedding party.
- Wedding flowers are a great way to transform your space. Finding floral arrangements and wedding bouquets that complement your Long Island wedding venue will create a cohesive look for your entire celebration. Long Island wedding florists can work from a color palette you provide, or they can offer suggestions based on your wedding venues on Long Island. If you need a little extra help in finding the best Long Island wedding florists, our directory can help you find the right vendors for you.
- Music for your wedding is another key element that can be easy to overlook. Wedding DJs can spin the best songs for dancing at the reception, while bands can provide an exciting live element to the reception. You can also look into classical music performers, including string quartets, and other musicians who can provide the perfect atmosphere in your Long Island wedding venues. You can also work with your wedding venues on Long Island to see if they have any recommendations for musicians who’ve performed there previously. Keep in mind that some of the smaller Long Island wedding venues may have limited room for live musicians to perform.
- Rental companies can offer decor for your venues that will enhance the beauty and functionality of these environments. If you are planning a beach wedding in Long Island, for instance, you may need to rent portable bathrooms, a power generator, or furnishings to dress up these outdoor venues. Your wedding planner may have a lead on the best local rental company for your decor and lighting needs. You can also look to Carats & Cake to find rental firms and other vendors to make your wedding even more special and unique.
- Wedding officiants are qualified to perform ceremonies and do the honors of marrying you and your partner. If you plan to marry in a wedding chapel, church, or synagogue, the wedding officiant may already be arranged for you. If, however, you’re getting married and want to use your own officiant, you can sometimes call on a friend who is an ordained minister to do the honors at your wedding.
At Carats & Cake, we make it easier to find the best Long Island wedding florists and other vendors for your upcoming wedding. Whether you are planning an intimate wedding at one of the small wedding venues on Long Island or working with a wedding planner to handle all aspects of your upcoming ceremony, our directory can provide added insights into the best options for you and your partner.
What are some things for guests to do on Long Island?
Many of the best Long Island wedding venues are located close to sightseeing opportunities and other activities for you and your guests. Letting your loved ones know about popular Long Island attractions is best accomplished through your wedding website or invitation suite.
Check out some of the most popular activities and landmarks in Long Island here:
- The Queens Museum serves as an educational center and features high quality art exhibitions and collections. Founded in 1972, this museum has one of the largest collections of Tiffany glass in the world, including lamps and windows that will delight the artistically inclined on your guest list. If you are looking for an experience that will appeal to history buffs as well as art lovers, Queens Museum is located close to many of the top wedding venues on Long Island and can provide hours of entertainment for your guests.
- Beaches and boardwalks are located along the coastline of Long Island and offer the opportunity to relax, enjoy the fresh sea air, and to soak up the sun’s rays. While these attractions may not be as appealing during the winter months, weddings planned for spring, summer, and fall can afford your guests the opportunity to experience these peaceful elements of life on Long Island. What’s more, if you have chosen waterfront wedding venues on Long Island, you may be within easy walking or driving distance of these popular attractions.
- Sports fields and stadiums on Long Island include Citi Field (the home of Mets baseball) and the Arthur Ashe Stadium (which hosts the famous U.S. Open Tennis Championships). Golfers will enjoy the numerous public golf courses, which include the public links at Bethpage State Park, Montauk Downs, and the Lido Golf Club. Bethpage is especially appealing thanks to its five separate courses. The Black Course is especially challenging and is world-renowned for its level of difficulty. (It’s been the home to several professional golf championships, from the U.S. Open to the PGA Championship.) Less experienced golfers can take on the Green, Blue, Yellow, or Red Courses to test their skills against these public golf courses.
- State parks that may be located close to your Long Island wedding venues include the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, Valley Stream State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park, and Belmont State Park. On the northeastern side of Long Island, the Hallock State Park Preserve offers hiking, nature walks, and bird watching. Jones Beach State Park is a popular concert destination and a perfect retreat for beachcombers, families, surfers, and sun-seekers alike. Avid hikers will enjoy the opportunity to take on Trail View State Park. Meanwhile, Islip Grange is a popular destination for history buffs.
- Botanic gardens are a must-see for gardeners and those blessed with green thumbs on your guest list or in your wedding party. Some of these locations are Long Island wedding venues in their own right, while others offer opportunities for photoshoots and are located close to some of the other best wedding venues on Long Island. The Planting Fields Arboretum is a popular estate that features beautiful gardens and a Gold Coast mansion that is sometimes open for touring. Clark Botanic Garden is located within easy reach of many popular wedding venues on Long Island, which makes it a perennial favorite among wedding guests and couples getting married. Meanwhile, Old Westbury Gardens features a historic mansion as well as formal gardens that will appeal to history buffs and nature lovers alike. Finally, the Queens Botanical Garden offers beautiful florals and pathways that could be the perfect backdrop for stunning and memorable wedding photos. No matter where your Long Island wedding venue may be, you should be able to find a local garden spot nearby.
- Farm activities located near popular wedding venues on Long Island may include apple picking and pumpkin patches during the fall. You can also schedule a tour at one of the working farms or ranches in the area. Horseback riding, pony rides, and other activities are available as options that can make the trip to your Long Island wedding venue even more memorable for guests.
- Boating on the Long Island Sound can double as a fun activity for your guests and an added Long Island wedding venue for you and your partner. These wedding venues on Long Island can provide stunning views of the water while allowing you to dance the night away after your ceremony.
- Trips to the heart of the Big Apple are easy from Long Island, thanks to a relatively easy commute to the bright lights of Manhattan. If your guests are looking to experience the ultimate nightlife scene or the many attractions of New York City, providing train and driving directions from your Long Island wedding venue to the city could be a thoughtful gesture that will make their trip even more meaningful.
By adding this key information to your wedding website or invitation suite, you can provide your guests with added help in planning a trip they will always remember. Your wedding website can also include maps to these local attractions and to your Long Island wedding venues, as well as information on accommodations and transportation arrangements. By offering this information to your loved ones, you can ensure the best experience for everyone invited to attend your celebration. Your website is also the best way to communicate any changes in your Long Island wedding venues or plans after your invitations have been sent, should they pop up.
How do you get to Long Island?
Depending on where your guests live and their transportation preferences, you may need to provide information on train routes, car directions, or nearby airports on your wedding website. In general, there are four airports within easy reach of many Long Island wedding venue options. These are John F. Kennedy Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Here are more details on these popular air travel options:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport: Located in Queens and known locally as JFK, the John F. Kennedy International Airport is close to many of the most popular Long Island wedding venues and is home to over 70 airlines. As a busy, popular airport located close to Long Island, JFK is an ideal choice for wedding guests flying into New York from overseas.
- LaGuardia Airport: Also located in Queens, LGA primarily offers service for domestic flights. LaGuardia Airport is a great option for guests who are making their way to your Long Island wedding venue to celebrate your upcoming nuptials. (Plus, much of the airport is newly renovated, making for an aesthetically pleasing welcome to your guests.)
- Long Island MacArthur Airport: Originally known as Islip Airport, Long Island MacArthur Airport is still referred to by the call letters ISP. Located in Ronkonkoma on Long Island, this airport is operated by the town of Islip and may be a convenient alternative to JFK or LGA. MacArthur Airport has fewer delays and cancellations, which distinguishes it from many of the other airports in the New York area. Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines operate out of Long Island MacArthur Airport, which is located close to many of the most popular venues for weddings in this area.
- Newark Liberty International Airport: For wedding guests who want to arrive at an airport that is close to the attractions of New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport (aka EWR) is a popular option. It offers international travel to and from Europe, Asia, South America and is close to major highways like Interstate 78 and Interstate 95. This centrally located airport is another popular choice for guests attending weddings on Long Island or the surrounding communities in New York, New Jersey, and other areas in New England. Just keep in mind that while still convenient, EWR is a bit geographically farther away from Long Island than JFK or LGA.
For those flying in on these airlines, rental cars are available to provide added help in managing transportation requirements. There are plenty of mass transit options as well, including several local buses. Taxis are also easily available for new arrivals to the area and can provide quick and convenient transportation from the airport to your Long Island wedding venue.
For those who prefer rail travel, the Long Island Rail Road (or LIRR) is the busiest commuter railroad in North America and carries over 300,000 people every weekday. Both Pennsylvania Station and Grand Central Station in New York are served by Amtrak, which goes across the United States and can deliver your guests to the area in comfort and style. By traveling via train, your guests can sightsee from the comfort of their train berth and can arrive in New York City on time to share your special day with you (plus have a unique traveling adventure!). The LIRR is a great way to get from the airport to your Long Island wedding venue as well.
You can share information about available transportation options, blocks of rooms reserved for wedding guests, and up-to-date information on your Long Island wedding venues through your wedding website. This can make it much easier for your guests to manage their own travel and lofing plans to attend your wedding. Ultimately, your website is a wonderful and convenient option for staying in touch with your guests during the lead-up to your Long Island wedding day.
At Carats & Cake, we help make the wedding planning process easier with access to our gallery of real weddings. Our photos and info on vendors can help couples find the inspiration they need to create the ideal celebration for them. If you’re planning a wedding in Long Island in the near future, browse through our directory for inspiration and information to dream up your big day.