5.0
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Guests comfort
Helpful staff
Expertly Curated Weddings on Central Park South
New York City
Service area
Holds ceremonies and receptions
The Essex House was the first venue tour we did, and we felt pretty quickly in our gut that this was our venue. The Grand Salon is such a beautiful room. The staff was incredible to work with, and our guest raved about how good the food was. Our guests from out of town loved staying at the hotel and the hotel has the most perfect NYC location by Central Park. Highly recommend!
Rachel B.
5.0
We were absolutely thrilled with our experience at Essex House. Jocelyn and Sarah did an incredible job executing on our dream wedding. They were helpful, organized, and such a pleasure to work with from the very beginning and helped us with our many questions all the way through the prep phase, wedding day itself, and beyond. The space was stunning, from the ballroom to the cocktail reception lounge and the lobby and hotel facade. It was exactly the vision for our black tie, classic NYC Saturday night wedding. The ballroom was so luxurious and well-decorated that we barely needed any florals or decorations. The food was also phenomenal - each and every bite was delicious, and the menu of possible selections was bigger than we had thought possible. The cake that came included as part of our package was also both visually appealing and delightful to eat. Danny and the banquets team were wonderful to work with as we planned our menu, even taking our signature cocktails to a level of customization of how sweet we like our drinks. We felt as though each and every member of the Essex House team went above and beyond to make our wedding day special, and we were totally blown away by the way they worked in such lovely surprises to make our day even more magical. Down to having a pair of slippers ready just as I was feeling too tired to stand in my heels any longer, it was a level of service I have never seen before. It was also very seamless to be able to coordinate our signature touches and items, which we dropped off ahead of time, as well as the many different vendors who were able to easily work with Essex House. We are so grateful to Jocelyn, Sarah, Danny, and the whole group!
Maria G.
5.0
JW Marriott Essex House New York is a hotel wedding venue overlooking Central Park and the iconic New York, NY skyline. This historic Manhattan setting welcomes you to celebrate your love in the lap of luxury. From its glamorous ballrooms overflowing with gold detailing to the swoon-worthy newlyweds' suite with a view of Central Park, an unforgettable day awaits you. Just beyond the doors lies the natural splendor of Central Park, as well as the excitement of NYC for the days leading up to your nuptials.
JW Marriott Essex House New York is perfect for both intimate and grand events with up to 200 seated guests. Begin your day getting pampered in your luxurious complimentary suite, feeling positively royal. You can even upgrade to a suite with a terrace overlooking Central Park, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your couple's portraits later on. After a last-moment touch-up and a toast for the nerves, you'll lead the way to your ceremony spot to exchange your vows. The venue's Grand Salon can play host to both your ceremony and reception, allowing you to hold each milestone of your day in one setting. After its evening transformation, the salon is ready to host a beautifully lavish celebration that will leave each of your guests breathless. Its Beaux Arts-style aesthetic is made even more timeless with hand-painted murals, crystal chandeliers, and detailed craftsmanship. This ballroom also opens up to the Petit Salon, which is ideal for an elegant cocktail hour or mingling in between your favorite songs on the dance floor.
Upon booking your celebration at this one-of-a-kind venue, their expert catering team will get to work bringing your wildest dreams to life. The hotel also boasts an exceptional in-house culinary team, known for their delicious American cuisine and sophisticated presentation, curating the best possible menu for your event. Your wedding package includes catering, drinks, wedding cake and of course, a dedicated team to bring it all together!
95+ years in business
Speaks English
Small team (2-10 members)
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
On-Site Accommodations
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Ballroom
Historic Venue
Hotel
Park
Venue Service Offerings
Bar & Drinks
Cakes & Desserts
Destination Weddings
Food & Catering
Planning
Rentals & Equipment
Service Staff
Any questions?
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.016 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help
you make those big decisions with ease.
Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Reviewers were overwhelmingly positive about the Essex House as a wedding venue, praising the stunning Grand Salon and exceptional service from staff like Jocelyn, Sarah, and Danny. Guests were impressed with the luxurious space, delicious food, and personalized touches that made their experience truly magical. The staff's attention to detail and effort to accommodate special requests, such as surprise upgrades, custom menus, and even including the couple's dog in the celebration, were highlighted as exceptional. Overall, reviewers highly recommended Essex House for a memorable and stress-free wedding experience.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 4
Rachel B
5.0
10/04/2025
The Essex House was the first venue tour we did, and we felt pretty quickly in our gut that this was our venue. The Grand Salon is such a beautiful room. The staff was incredible t...
o work with, and our guest raved about how good the food was. Our guests from out of town loved staying at the hotel and the hotel has the most perfect NYC location by Central Park. Highly recommend!
Maria G
5.0
6/09/2025
We were absolutely thrilled with our experience at Essex House. Jocelyn and Sarah did an incredible job executing on our dream wedding. They were helpful, organized, and such a ple...
asure to work with from the very beginning and helped us with our many questions all the way through the prep phase, wedding day itself, and beyond. The space was stunning, from the ballroom to the cocktail reception lounge and the lobby and hotel facade. It was exactly the vision for our black tie, classic NYC Saturday night wedding. The ballroom was so luxurious and well-decorated that we barely needed any florals or decorations. The food was also phenomenal - each and every bite was delicious, and the menu of possible selections was bigger than we had thought possible. The cake that came included as part of our package was also both visually appealing and delightful to eat. Danny and the banquets team were wonderful to work with as we planned our menu, even taking our signature cocktails to a level of customization of how sweet we like our drinks. We felt as though each and every member of the Essex House team went above and beyond to make our wedding day special, and we were totally blown away by the way they worked in such lovely surprises to make our day even more magical. Down to having a pair of slippers ready just as I was feeling too tired to stand in my heels any longer, it was a level of service I have never seen before. It was also very seamless to be able to coordinate our signature touches and items, which we dropped off ahead of time, as well as the many different vendors who were able to easily work with Essex House. We are so grateful to Jocelyn, Sarah, Danny, and the whole group!
Any questions?
Chandra G
5.0
8/15/2024
If you have the opportunity to book this venue for your wedding, DO!! Essex House is absolutely beautiful, the food is still being talked about by our guests, and the service you w...
ill receive is impeccable. Jocelyn and her team will literally bend over backwards to make your dream wedding come true! Jocelyn is a delight to work with and goes out of her way to make sure you feel as special as you should throughout all the planning and on your big day. She is accommodating, knowledgeable, calm, and always accessible. Essex House exceeded our expectations in every way!
Maureen C
5.0
11/22/2023
Jocelyn, Sarah and the Essex House team are by far the most warm, professional, pleasant group of people to work with for your wedding. We could not have imagined a better experie...
nce - they went above + beyond from the start, in every way, constantly outdoing themselves throughout the process. It became overwhelmingly great!
The EH staff took care of everything, and then some, for not only us, but ++also+++ ALL our family, the 130 out of town guests (even assisting in finding cheaper room block options for those who wished to stay elsewhere!) AND our other vendors. This took away the majority of stress that weekend and allowed us to enjoy it to the max...we had been warned by others this would not be possible at our own wedding, but it truly was a perfect experience.
As someone who is painfully type A and a natural stresser, I am still in awe over the fact I was comfortable, and 100% please with results, in trusting someone else with the reigns. Best decision ever to sign with this team/venue :-)
The entire staff's extreme attention to detail, and efforts to deliver creative solutions to our (admittedly, sometimes crazy) requests, allowed our guests to have the true "Essex House experience" (classic elegance of Old NYC), with a touch of our own personal flair (bit more rowdy/party vibes), throughout. Guests were tastefully unhinged, in the best way possible, all night!
>> Aside from the overall beautiful accommodations, what really sets EH apart is the unbelievable thoughtful attention to detail and efforts to make the weekend special. Everywhere I turned, there were amazing little (huge!) surprises and fine touches around for us.
******Just a few examples of the stops they pulled out******- Gifted a huge dream worthy Central Park terrace suite (not affordable in our lifetime, otherwise)- Surprise upgrades upon arrival and random champagne + chocolate drop offs to my parents and sisters
- Made exceptions and helped spearhead the execution of late night Shake Shack at the wedding
- Set us up to work with RBI Cakes on a custom funfetti creation
- Real time customization at our tasting with the chef to refine menus as our tastes prefered- Extensive creative thinking that allowed to amp up the room's party vibe (larger dance floor, added bars etc) without sacrificing elegance in the room....... AND, the true icing on the cake:....- Rolled out an absolutely insane red carpet for our beloved pooch, Ms. Helen, officially spoiling her more than we ever had on our own! ha (A custom ice luge sculpture in the shape of her at reception, super luxe personalized setup upon arrival to room && even left an insanely thoughtful gift in our room for our return from reception - custom bathrobes for all three of us!)
All in All..... The Essex House is in a league of its own, with everything and everyone there making for a perfectly unforgettable, 100% positive and ultimately just comfy cozy experience.
If you want to really WOW guests with a classic Old School NYC 5 Star night out, without having to deal with condescending/difficult venue personnel (like many of the others have, from what I saw), AND still manage to enjoy your engagement / have fun at your own wedding.... this is the spot :-)
Sarah R
5.0
11/03/2022
Jocelyn and Sarah at the Essex House made all of our wedding dreams come true! They were always responsive to our emails but more than that, came up with valuable ideas from their ...
years of experience, that we would not have thought of otherwise. They were so personable and made the whole wedding process as stress-free as possible and added little personal touches that made us feel taken care of. The food and special cocktails we created came out perfectly, thanks to the amazing food and beverage staff. Plus, the location on Central Park South and the beauty of the ballroom at the Essex House cannot be beaten for a classic NYC wedding.
Jennifer H
5.0
9/07/2021
Elizabeth was incredible and so helpful during the entire process. The rooms we got were amazing and her service was top notch.
Kirsten C
5.0
6/12/2019
The Essex House was simply a dream venue for our wedding. It was everything we could hope for - beautiful, elegant, whimsical and hopelessly romantic. So many of our guests said it...
was the most beautiful setting for a ceremony and reception they had ever seen, and we couldn't agree more. Our day-of wedding squad, Cecilia and Sarah, were both wonderful to work with both leading up to and on the big day - addressing all of our concerns, making sure we got everything we wanted and always having our best interests at heart. They were also extremely impressive, professional and efficient on the day of the wedding - truly the A-team! The food tasting and bridal suite, in particular, were beyond our wildest expectations! Kristin the chef is amazing and did everything we asked. Everyone raved about the food and said it was some of the best wedding food if not THE best wedding food (and cocktail hour food) they'd ever had. I only wish we'd gotten to enjoy more of it as the bride and groom!
Mark W
5.0
6/26/2018
We recently (June 16th) held our daughter’s wedding at the Marriott Essex House Central Park. Cecilia DeAngelis, Director of Catering, and her assistant Sarah Gray we fantastic to...
deal with. They choreographed a truly perfect event/night. The room and décor was spectacular, the service provided to our guests was top notch and the food was superb throughout the entire evening - from a greeting / pre-ceremony beverage, cocktail hour, reception and after party. Cecilia provided great referrals to vendors that we utilized. Cecilia and Sarah took care of our daughter from when we arrived on Friday all the way through to the After Party late Saturday night; making her feel like a princess at her fairy tale wedding at all times. Not only are our guests still raving about the wedding telling us, “Best wedding ever!” but we are being asked to make sure we have our youngest daughter's wedding at the Essex House also. Short and sweet, if you are planning any event and you want a spectacular evening, then you are crazy if you do not have it at the Essex House handled by Cecilia. Additionally, Cecilia and Sarah were a pleasure to work with from the first meeting at the Essex House all the way through till the wedding reception ended and the After Party began (just down the hall from the reception room).
Lindsey T
5.0
12/09/2016
We hit a few bumps along the road to booking our venue, but The Essex House team pulled through for us in so many ways. Cecilia DeAngelis is a dream to work with and her team over...
-performed in every way imaginable. Contracting, planning & day-of were seamless. I had so many guests comment not only on the quality of the food but the level of service they were receiving. Needs were anticipated, expectations were met and everyone in the room felt like they were the guest of honor. One of the bartenders even took to the dance floor with a tray at the end of the night with waters & energy drinks. Haha. It was an outstanding event - I'd do it all over again if I could!
hilary c
5.0
12/30/2014
My husband and I were so lucky to find this absolutely stunning venue on Central Park South. If you want an elegant wedding in NYC, look no further than the Essex House.
One of...
the myriad great things about the Essex House is that it can accommodate an intimate wedding from 2-80 guests up to a 300 person wedding, and it is all done seamlessly. All of the rooms used for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, including the Grand Salon, the Petit Salon and the Art Deco room are drop dead gorgeous. Although everything is brand new due to a recent multi-million dollar renovation, all of the old New York historical charm is beautifully displayed.
The best thing about the Essex House is JASON KWINTNER, WEDDING PLANNER, CATERING MANAGER AND RENNAISANCE MAN EXTRAORDINAIRE. I would sing Jason's praises from a rooftop if I could, that is how amazing this guy this. From the second we walked through the Essex House doors on our first meeting until the night of our wedding, Jason's professionalism and his ability to make ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING completely PERFECT never ceased to amaze me. He made the entire experience a true fairytale and I can't thank him enough. Jason alone makes this venue worth booking.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, who works at the Essex House could not have been nicer and more accommodating to me (the bride) and all of our guests. The service was phenomenal, not just on the night of our wedding but the entire weekend.
The food was exceptional. My husband and I are foodies, so we had high expectations which were definitely exceeded. The appetizers are truly gourmet and the entire dinner was top notch. The fish was the best I've ever had and I know my Husband thoroughly enjoyed his filet.
There was NOTHING that I would change about my experience with the Essex House. It was a true fairytale wedding thanks to Jason and all of the staff at the Essex House. My husband and I will cherish our memories of that weekend forever.
Wendy J
5.0
10/29/2014
We celebrated our daughter's wedding at the JW Marriott Essex House two weeks ago, and we are so happy that with all the venues available in Manhattan, we chose Essex house.
From...
beginning to end, every aspect of the wedding was at least as wonderful as we had hoped/planned. Thanks to the expert staff working with the amazing wedding coordinator Jason Kwintner, the ballroom was flawlessly transformed after the beautiful ceremony into a magnificent reception hall . Food: Everything, from passed hors d'oeuvres to appetizer stations to the plated dinner was fresh, delicious, and plentiful. Guests with dietary restrictions were easily accommodated. Staff: Could not be more attentive and helpful, quietly and efficiently taking care of all requests. Hotel: Rooms, were lovely, clean and spacious, and check-in and check-out a breeze.
We wouldn't change a thing about our daughter's wedding. Essex House more than delivered; they provided the perfect setting for our wonderful celebration
Jillian K
5.0
10/22/2013
This was the most perfect venue for our wedding
Susan O
5.0
8/08/2013
Just had my daughters wedding here and it was amazing! The ballrooms are beautiful! The food was great and plentiful!! And Jason Kwintner ,the director of catering and events ,is ...
the absolute best!!!!!!! He made sure everything went perfectly..he coordinated all our vendors so the event was smooth..All my vendors loved him and said he was terrific.. We had the most wonderful weekend...Jason made sure we had the most perfect rooms and that the service all weekend was special...We loved Essex House and would follow Jason anywhere!!
Caroline H
5.0
9/17/2012
They put on fantastic wedding. The ballroom is gorgeous -- it's on par with the plaza or St. Regis but without the hefty price (not that it's cheap). The food was awesome. We w...
orked with Amy who was amazing throughout the whole process. On the night of everything ran so smoothly. Our only complaint was that they screwed up on the groom's suite and didn't have his room ready in time and they had to give him a regular room. I'm not deducting a star because the catering department was amazing and I think the rooms are a different department that was apparently in transition because of the recent buy out by Marriott.
Anonymous
5.0
8/10/2012
The suite of rooms Jumeirah Essex House have for weddings, in my opinion, are unrivaled in the city. It's very private all night and the ballroom is beautiful. The food was fantast...
ic and the service was phenominal.
The real star of this venue, though, is Jason Kwintner - the event planner we worked with. He was so much more than an event planner - he was more like a wedding planner. He helped us with every wedding concern, was always available and really cared. The day of the wedding he was onsite and helping out - and he stayed with us until the very end of the night. I had guests tell me how helpful and kind he was. He was much more like a wedding planner and made our day even more fantastic!
Sylvia S
5.0
10/02/2007
Want to book a visit?
Start the convo
*=Required
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
Wedding vendors in New York
JW Marriott Essex House New York
Why use The Knot to message vendors?
Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure. Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place. Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go. For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.