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 Bag Painting for Activations and Events

Looking for even more creative ways to bring excitement to your events? Live bag painting is quickly becoming a favorite! I’ll share some details below on what Live bag painting is and how you can book a session for your next event!

What is live event bag painting?: A fun and creative way to customize your guests’ experience and give them a gift they can carry with them (in addition to the memories)!

How does it work?: I’ll create custom illustrated tote bags for your guests live. To get started I’ll chat with each guest about their preferences, favorite colors, and any ideas they have while suggesting some of my own ideas. Then I’ll create their very own bag design based on their likes. The fabric markers I use dry instantly so there’s no wait time.

What are some popular designs?: The NYC skyline, taxis, flowers, and fashion illustrations (of the guest) are some of my most requested designs.

What kind of totes do you use?: I can draw on most light colored types of canvas/fabric bags and can supply plain totes or work with your existing branded totes. *Tote size varies by availability at the time of booking.

Are the illustrated bags waterproof?: I use pre-tested waterproof fabric markers so the bags can safely get wet without the colors running.

How long does it take? That will depend on the tote size selected for your event and the types of designs requested. We’ll work out the details together at the time of booking.

To get more information about booking for your own event fill out the form below!

To see more photos of totes I’ve illustrated live at past events scroll to the bottom of this page!

Two shoppers with their matching totes by Deanna Kei commemorating their twins trip to NYC for the holidays!

Customized shoppers tote for Bergdorf Goodman event

Customized shoppers tote for Bergdorf Goodman event

Here are some photos of totes I illustrated live for Bergdorf Goodman in their NYC store at a past event.

Deanna Kei creating live tote illustrations at Bergdorf Goodman NYC

A shopper holding her custom tote by Deanna Kei inside Bergdorf Goodman

Two shoppers with their custom totes by Deanna Kei at Bergdorf Goodman