7 Unique wedding and event venues in NYC!

NYC is home to some of the most amazing event venues in the world! If you’re planning an event and are currently on the hunt for the perfect location check these out! I’m sharing 7 of my favorite spots below!

No matter what your aesthetic is, these versatile venues will give your event the perfect vibes!


  1. 620 Loft and Garden - Manhattan, NY (Midtown)

View of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from Loft 620

The rooftop garden at Loft 620

The rooftop garden at Loft 620

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The roof top garden over looks 5th Avenue and has an unrivaled view of St. Patrick’s cathedral. It’s the perfect space to hold a mixer, a cocktail hour, or even a wedding ceremony. The rooftop venue also has a fully indoors, yet airy space that can be transformed to match the event inspiration board of your dreams.

Deanna Kei sketching at a 620 Loft wedding - Photo Credit: Meg Smith Photography

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

Bride and Groom sketch of Tamsen Fadal and Ira Bernstein by Deanna Kei

The rooftop garden at Loft 620



2. The Foundry - Queens, NY (Long Island City)

Bride and Groom sketch by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The Foundry is an 19th century building with a cool, industrial vibe. The brick archways create dividers, perfect for housing different entertainment vendors. The main space opens up to a larger back room and outdoor space (not pictured).


3. The River Café - Brooklyn, New York (Dumbo)

View from the River Cafe’s deck

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The River Café is set right on the water below the Brooklyn Bridge and has a gorgeous view of NYC’s skyline. The out door deck is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city and the window lined indoor dining space has an equally beautiful view.


4. Nobu Downtown - Manhattan, NY (Financial District)

Picturesque bar on the main level

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

The downstairs level has a beautiful dining space

live guest sketching by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The visuals and the level of design inside Nobu’s downtown multi-level dining space are breathtaking. The restaurant serves beautifully plated Japanese cuisine and is available for private events.


5. The Wythe Hotel - Brooklyn, NY (Williamsburg)

 

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

 

Why you’ll love it: Entering the Wythe hotel is like stepping into a story book. The Cooper Room, pictured above, is an adorable brick lined space for more intimately sized parties and gatherings.


6. Gallow Green - Manhattan, NY (Chelsea)

An old train car sits in the open air venue

Live digital sketches by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The dim lit, wooden paneled elevator will whisk you away to Gallow Green’s hidden roof top restaurant, bar, and garden. Lush greenery frames the space overlooking the west side water. The vintage train car and dreamy lighting will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another time.


7. The Loeb Boathouse - Manhattan, NY (Central Park)

live guest sketches by Deanna Kei

live guest sketch by Deanna Kei

Why you’ll love it: The Loeb Boathouse is a landmark restaurant overlooking the Central Park lake at the center of the city. The indoor event space has windowed doors that open to a beautiful lake view.


Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations at special events, private parties, and weddings. She’s available to book for your next event! *Contact deannakei@gmail.com or view her event details page to find out more!

Live Wedding Illustration : A unique and interactive guest experience!

Searching for a unique interactive experience for your wedding or special event? A live illustrator will give your guests the VIP treatment, while transforming them into fashion illustrations on the spot. Think photo-booth, but more personalized!

Having live art at an event is such a special way to thank your guests for coming, while celebrating their personal style. Everyone has a lot of fun posing for their sketches and watching them come to life.

As a live illustrator, my role is to sketch people in the beautiful outfits they put together for the event, and to help them create a lasting memory.My sketches are done in inks and markers. Each sketch’s paper is branded with the event name and date, and is the perfect take home piece.

Live event illustration is becoming increasingly popular and is an creative way to give back to your guests, and provide some extra fun and entertainment for them during your reception.

Submit your event request here!

Here are photos from some of the beautiful weddings, bridal showers, and engagement parties I’ve sketched at in 2021!

 

Tamsen Fadal and Ira Bernstein wedding illustration by Deanna Kei

Tamsen and Ira’s Wedding, 620 Loft & Garden, New York, NY

photo credit: Meg Smith Photography

photo credit: Meg Smith Photography

photo credit: Meg Smith Photography

 

Paige and Kyle’s Wedding, The Ryland Inn, Whitehouse Station, NJ

 

Cindy and Brendan’s Wedding, TPC Jasna Polana, Princeton, NJ

 

Vanessa’s Bridal Shower, Garden, Long Island, Ny

 

Brittany’s Bridal Shower, Molos Restaurant, Weehawken, NJ

 

Jaclyn and Brian’s Engagement Party, Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn, NY

 

Juliet and Ankur’s Wedding, The Imperia, Somerset, NJ

 

Lauren’s Bridal Shower, Cock and Bull Restaurant, Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA

 

Now booking 2022 & 2023 events!

Deanna Kei is a New York based live event illustrator who turns guests into fun fashion illustrations and wedding favors. She’s available to book for live events in NY, NJ, and PA, and is also available for travel upon request. *To book live art for your event contact deannakei@gmail.com , or submit an event request here.