10 New York Ballrooms That Aren't Boring

Bourne Mansion

500 Montauk Hwy., Oakdale;

(631) 277-7800; Lessings.com

This lavish Long Island ballroom looks straight out of a European mansion, with tall ceilings, stately columns and a majestic skylight. One of our favorite features is the countless French doors that allow guests to explore the venue's other rooms and the outdoor area; this way, guests (up to 300 of them) don't feel tied down and get a taste of regal living for a night.

Brooklyn Museum

200 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn;

(718) 638-5000; BrooklynMuseum.org

Treat your wedding guests to a timeless celebration at Brooklyn's historic Beaux-Arts Court–an expansive, two-story ballroom in the museum that spans 10,000 square feet. With a glass-tile floor (that dates back to 1927!), original archways, a single brass chandelier and one dramatic glass skylight, there's no shortage of unique details to turn your reception into one seriously sophisticated fete.

Capitale

130 Bowery, New York City;

(212) 334-5500; CapitaleNY.com

The former home of the Bowery Savings Bank, this New York City landmark exudes 19th-century grandeur. Neoclassical architecture, Corinthian columns and an impressive glass skylight all add to the glamorous vibe. Host an over-the-top bash in the 15,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can fit up to 700 guests for a seated dinner. The upper level offers private rooms—perfect for a more intimate affair.

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Gotham Hall

1356 Broadway, New York City;

(212) 244-4300; GothamHallEvents.com

Some things must be seen to be believed, and Gotham Hall is one of them. The 91-year-old former bank was modeled after the amphitheaters of ancient Rome. The awe- inspiring Grand Ballroom, with its high elliptical gold-leaf ceiling, stained-glass skylight, Corinthian limestone columns and gilded chandelier, is arguably the building's most stunning feature. Invite guests to mingle on the mezzanine while enjoying incredible views of the party below. The best part? The Hall hosts only one event at a time, so you'll have the entire place to yourself.

Guastavino's

409 E. 59th St., New York City;

(212) 980-2711; Guastavinos.com

It's safe to say Guastavino's is one of the most architecturally impressive sites (wedding venue or otherwise) in New York City. Interconnected tile archways are held up by massive granite columns—thanks to its location beneath the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. And a stone-framed, tunnel-like window makes for an incredible ceremony backdrop. The 15,000-square-foot interior space adjoins a picturesque outdoor garden that looks out at the bridge and the East River (hello, cocktail hour!).

JW Marriott Essex House

160 Central Park S., New York City;

(212) 247-0300; Marriott.com

The Grand Salon at JW Marriott Essex House takes you back in time to the 1800s, thanks to a gilded aesthetic reflective of Beaux Arts architecture. Details like hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers and tall archways are a nod to that era, while the room's blue and gold color scheme will enhance any reception. The adjacent Petit Salon is ideal for cocktail hour and even features a private entranceway, ensuring an intimate experience despite its location in the heart of Manhattan.

Music Hall of Williamsburg

66 North 6th St., Brooklyn;

(212) 582-6600; BoweryEvents.com

An indie-music lover's dream, the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn hosts private parties too. Say "I do" on the same stage where you saw your fave band; then get down with your closest friends and family for cocktails and dancing, or a full-seated dinner, in the venue's soaring, multilevel ballroom.

The Plaza

5th Ave. at Central Park South, New York City;

(866) 770-8229; ThePlazaNY.com

Ah, The Plaza—talk about timeless sophistication! Make your way to the intersection of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue for a taste of old-world New York and one of the greatest ballrooms ever. Every inch of this iconic spot (think: Eloise and The Great Gatsby) has been restored to all its original French Renaissance–style splendor. The hotel's crown jewel is the gilded 4,800-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can seat up to 500.

Trump SoHo

246 Spring St., New York City;

(212) 842-5500; TrumpHotelCollection.com

The Trump SoHo brings chic, downtown style to each of its unique reception spaces. With 20-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Hudson Square Ballroom accommodates up to 90 guests and features a private Spring Terrace, while the hotel's SoHo Ballroom offers a sophisticated space that comfortably holds up to 400. Looking to plan a more intimate fete? Nestled 46 stories above the city, the venue's modern SoHi Wedding Space features 13-foot windows, unparalleled views of the Hudson River and enough space to accommodate 80 for receptions or 150 for rehearsal dinners.

Weylin B. Seymour's

175 Broadway, Brooklyn;

(718) 963-3639; WeylinBSeymours.com

The last former bank on our list is Williamsburg's hottest event space. Located under the Williamsburg Bridge (and across the street from Peter Luger Steak House), this historic venue was once the Williamsburgh Savings Bank but was reborn as an ultra-luxe wedding venue in 2014. From the original 110-foot-high cast-iron dome and mosaic marble floors to the intricate murals, this historic building has been painstakingly restored to its original 19th-century opulence.

Don't settle for a boring ballroom! Find one that will stand out here!