Lisa Ivler
10 Showstopping Northeast Event Venues
10 Showstopping Northeast Event Venues
Your venue sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a wedding or a corporate conference, you’ll want a destination that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
After planning several celebrations, from special occasions and mitzvahs to social affairs, I’ve witnessed how a great event space can tie everything together. And fortunately, there’s no shortage of spectacular venues in the Northeast.
If you’re searching for a location, keep reading for our list of event venues in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania!
Selecting the Perfect Venue Requires Careful Consideration
Before bookmarking recommendations from this guide, use the following checklist to ensure you find the perfect match for your celebration.
1. Consider the Theme and Vibe.
Set aside time to explore your overall theme and feel. Do you want an extravagant or laidback gathering? You can create a mood board to clarify the details and find an ideal venue.
2. Consider the guest list and capacity.
Your guest count goes hand in hand with your event space. Finalize your list and search for venues to accommodate your group and activities.
3. Clarify venue expenses.
It’s no secret that some event spaces fall on the pricier side. To avoid overspending, confirm the total costs of your ideal location and see if it’s within your budget.
4. Check out the floor plan.
If group activities are in the cards, you’ll want to ensure your event venue can support them. Review the floor plan with the venue coordinator to determine if they have enough space to execute your vision.
5. Assess your team relationships.
Speaking of coordinators, reflect on your conversations and interactions with them. Then, decide if you feel comfortable with your venue coordinator leading your event. If you’re uncertain, discuss your concerns with them.
6. Tour event spaces and take notes.
While exploring venues, ask questions and take notes on the pros and cons of each location. Then, compare your favorite spots and decide which one aligns with your upcoming event.
7. Understand the regulations.
Get familiar with your venue’s guidelines so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about overstepping any restrictions.
8. Select a date for your event.
Say it with us: Set the date! Before reserving your dream space, finalize your event’s date. Doing so will give you a clear preparation timeline and a list of available venues.
9. Scan the reviews.
Testimonies are like a compass guiding you toward your final destination–your ideal event space. Read through online reviews and pay attention to any good and poor remarks.
10. Support your guest experience.
Keep your friends and family in mind as you sort through venues in the area. Consider accessible locations that accommodate your activities and make the experience even more memorable.
No matter where you host your special event, we recommend hiring an event team to help you execute your unique vision. At Lisa Ivler Events, we manage weddings, mitzvahs, social events, and corporate celebrations across the Northeast. Let us know how we can support your upcoming event here!
10 Stunning Event Spaces in the Northeast – New Jersey Venues, New York Event Venues, Connecticut Venues, and Pennsylvania Event Spaces
1. Crossed Keys Estate
Impress your guests with the 30-acre Crossed Keys Estate in New Jersey. This historic property offers a modern farmhouse, garden, glass conservatory, getting-ready areas, and an outdoor space. Soak in the natural scenery of 200-year-old trees and vibrant gardens.
The farmhouse features beautiful wood beams, modern chandeliers with pillar candles, and a full bar. While the conservatory allows plenty of natural light to pour in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Whether you’re planning a wedding celebration or a social event, you can expect a warm experience from this family-owned event venue.
Address: 289 Pequest Rd, Andover, NJ 07821
Phone: (973) 786-6661
2. Atrium on the Brook
A home away from home, Atrium on the Brook is a contemporary event venue in NJ with a mid-century touch. The tranquil property includes a greenhouse, lush plants, sculptures, an amphitheater, a boathouse, and a pool. Initially built in the 1960s, Atrium on the Brook retains characteristics of the times while incorporating a newer, eco-friendly design.
Couples can host a beautiful ceremony in the outdoor amphitheater among the Stonehenge-inspired sculptures or inside the modern atrium with a capacity of 50 people. Some amenities include getting-ready suites, parking, dining tables, and WiFi.
Address: N/A
Phone: (714) 470-0666
3. Patent Pending
Patent Pending is a New York event venue perfect for weddings, social engagements, and corporate events. With a jazzy, speakeasy aesthetic, people who love the Roaring 20s will enjoy hosting an experience here. This event space has many charming characteristics, from the exposed brick and plush seats to the classic bar and industrial light fixtures.
An intimate indoor space ideal for 40 guests, The Lab features bartending stations, bronze mirror panels, a dance floor, and more. Consider booking the Patent Pending and The Lab if you have an extensive guest list.
Note: Reservations secure the Patent Coffee Cafe, the Patent Pending Cocktail Bar, and The Lab.
Address: 49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 689-4002
4. Capitale
Looking for an elegant place to host mitzvahs and social events? Capitale is a stunning event venue in New York City known for its luxurious look. Originally a bank built in the 1890s, the historic building has since been updated to accommodate various events.
Step inside and prepare to be wowed by the grand architecture, glass skylight, gold moldings, Corinthian columns, and soaring ceilings. At 15,000 sq. ft., the Grand Ballroom can host up to 700 guests. But if you want a smaller space, consider reserving one of the private rooms on the upper level.
Address: 130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 334-5500
5. Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is an event venue in CT with many unique exhibits. Enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of marine life while celebrating with your guests. This aquarium is ideal for corporate events, parties, mitzvahs, and weddings.
They have multiple indoor venues, such as Newman’s Own Hall, Ocean Beyond the Sound Gallery, and the Cascade Café. Newman’s Own Hall is a spacious option with a maximum capacity of 1,000 guests.
As for Ocean Beyond the Sound Gallery, visitors can expect appearances from the aquarium’s sand tiger and sandbar sharks. You can also see seals and stingrays from the Cascade Café. The aquarium offers an onsite caterer and additional amenities for parties.
Address: 10 North Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: (203) 852-0700
6. Keeney Memorial Cultural Center
History buffs will appreciate Keeney Memorial Cultural Center, a charming museum wedding venue from the 1890s. As you enter the property, you will see a brick exterior, an arch-top window, and a fountain.
This CT event space includes the Keeney Ballroom, the Sherman Room, the May Classroom, and the Rotary Room. While the last three spaces are quaint and ideal for small celebrations, the Keeney Ballroom is memorable for its chandeliers and grand piano.
Some amenities include audiovisual equipment, projectors, parking, air conditioning, setup and takedown, and more.
Address: 200 Main St, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Phone: (860) 529-7161
7. The Fillmore Philadelphia
Inspired by the famous Fillmore in San Francisco, The Fillmore Philadelphia is a unique venue with a great atmosphere and long music history. The Fillmore is known for hosting musical icons, such as Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead. If you’re planning an event here, you can host an experience at the Ajax Hall showcasing an industrial style and American flag mural, the Music Hall, and The Foundry, a cozy indoor space with a small stage and uplights.
The Fillmore Philadelphia has partnered with Wolfgang Puck Catering. Visitors can expect a delicious menu featuring crowd favorites, like Bistro Cut Fries, Sichuan Popcorn Chicken, and Tavern Pepperoni Pizza. You can view their menu here.
In addition, their amenities include an event specialist, pre-paid parking, VIP access, and coat check.
Address: 29 E Allen St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Phone: (215) 309-0150
8. Wonderspaces Philadelphia
Wonderspaces Philadelphia will wow your guests with its spectacular art installations and exhibits. With a unique lineup and signature cocktails, you can enjoy artwork that elevates the atmosphere and your experience. Every event is different as Wonderspaces changes the exhibits throughout the year.
Some of the latest installations include Submergence, a lighting experience; Erupture, an inflatable sculpture; and MICROMONUMENTAL MAPPING, THE ESSENCE OF CREATION, a projection of France’s Opéra de Lille. Discover which installations will be available during your event.
Address: 27 N 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: N/A
9. Grounds for Sculpture
A beautiful blend of nature and art, Grounds for Sculpture is an event venue in NJ with 270 sculptures and 42 acres of lush property. The spacious museum is perfect for year-round weddings and social events.
Note: They are available for events from Tuesdays to Sundays.
After a romantic ceremony, let your guests explore the exhibits during cocktail hour and reception. It’s an immersive environment that will take your special occasion to the next level. In addition to the indoor gallery, visitors can expect a locally sourced menu from the Constellation Culinary Group.
Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Phone: (609) 586-0616
10. Atlantis Hall
NY has captured our hearts again. Those searching for event venues in New York City should consider visiting Atlantis Hall. Located in Queens, Atlantis Hall is a banquet space just a few minutes from Brooklyn and Long Island. The venue has a dance floor, modern drapes, flexible prices, and a great location.
Some amenities include a DJ booth, dance lights, a bar, air conditioning and heating, and recommended vendors.
Address: 91-42 Lefferts Blvd, Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 501-9988
Host a Memorable Experience at a Northeast Event Venue
New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania offer a diverse lineup to host your special occasion. Whether you want a touch of history, a unique atmosphere, or a blank canvas, you can expect to find everything you want in a venue and more!
Once you select the perfect backdrop for your event, you can rely on Lisa Ivler Events to deliver a stellar planning experience from start to finish. Our focus is crafting captivating guest experiences you’ll remember forever. We specialize in weddings, mitzvahs, corporate events, and social affairs across the Northeast.
Get in touch with us today and prepare for an extraordinary event!
A fabulous Lisa Ivler Event featured in Party Slate
We want to thank Party Slate for featuring our New York, NY Baseball Themed Bar Mitzvah. Guests were treated to all of the classic baseball accoutrements including Cracker Jacks, jumbo pretzels and Big League Chew. Special thanks to Kristine Foley Photography for capturing this home run of a day.
Amplifying the “Wow” Factor at Your Next Event
When planning an event, small details can truly stand out and become the “wow” factor that will resonate with your guests. These can include aspects of your event that no one will expect and that become what stands out the most. If you’re looking to leave that lasting impression on your guests at your next event, here are some ways that will seal the deal:
- Re-creation of a unique venue. Barns, warehouses, wine cellars are anything but your typical event venue. Hanging a chandelier in a barn and beautiful floral stands out even more in a traditionally rustic space. If they are walking into an amazing decorated party at a barn, the wow factor decor is unexpected and a pleasant surprise for your guests. However, it is important that you communicate the dress code to your guests so they know that they aren’t showing up to a backyard party, but rather an elegant and stunning event.
- Living centerpieces are not only unique, but they are also a fun surprise! A big cylinder with beautiful live fish swimming around topped off with colorful or white florals will make your guests “ooh” and “aah” all night long. The sky’s the limit with your centerpieces, make sure you make them your own!
- Brand the bathroom with your own personal touch for your event. Add your logo or names/initials on the doors, windows, mirrors, or walls! Any customized aspect will stand out to your guests and tie your theme together.
- Live, exciting entertainment that goes beyond your typical DJ or band. Think outside the box here, and provide an experience for your guests at your event. Fire breathers, stilt walkers, or aerialists will add the intrigue that would be impossible to forget for weeks to come!
- Bars made out of ice are a unique touch that are the definition of “wow” factor! Try a martini ice luge that not only stands out but provides a fun interactive experience for your guests. For especially cool inspiration, look at the stunning ice bars used by the Crystal Plaza in Livingston.
- Elevate your late night treats to a new level. These days, everyone expects a snack on the way out of a party after a long night of dancing and celebration. Whether it’s a sweet candy bar or a warm, salty pretzel, it’s always there and waiting to replenish guests at practically every event. Treat your guests with a new surprise such as a beautiful patisserie, a news stand, a live person wearing a candy dress are to name a few. Use your imagination and have fun with it!
- Have one or two beauty assistants that stay in the ladies room the entire event for quick hair or make-up touch ups for all your guests. This is yet another way to make your guests feel pampered and at their very best, and they’ll surely appreciate it!
- Adding live music along with your DJ revolutionizes your event’s party atmosphere. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? Mix it up from the typical DJ set with a live band that will get your guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor all night long.
- Push outside the box with the entrance to your event. Whether it’s a wedding or a mitzvah, a unique grand entrance will always excite your guests and set the tone for your event! The first impression is not to be overlooked when ensuring that your event nails that desired “wow” factor.
There are always countless ways to elevate your event and create a stunning impression that your guests will never forget! Let’s figure your own set of “Wows”!
Specialty Entertainment to Stun Your Guests
Event entertainment for a wedding, mitzvah or corporate event has grown far beyond having a DJ or live band. Specialty entertainment not only is dazzling but transforms a party into a one-of-a-kind experience that your guests will never forget. If you’re looking to take your guests to the next level of entertainment, uniqueness is the way to go. When it comes to specialty entertainment, the sky’s the limit. It also helps quench the thirst for your clients desire for their event to have its own stamp of uniqueness.
Keep your venue in mind when thinking of what entertainment options will work for your event. If you have a big, open space, use it! Try some stunning aerialists, stilt-walkers, or even fire breathers that will utilize the venue to the best of its abilities. If you have a lower-ceiling venue, not to worry. Consider specialty dancers or a magician to take your guests into another world!
If your event has ties to a special culture or a unique theme, don’t be afraid to tie it all together with your choice of specialty entertainment. Creating a unified, personalized experience will impress and stand out to your guests. This will take your typical ballroom or venue and transform it to become something that is entirely your own.
One way to unify your event’s theme is requesting that your guests dress in a special dress code, such as black/white attire or perhaps all white and the guest of honor stands out in a themed color. If you do not want to ask your guests to dress up, you could have body glitter artists present at your event to glam up your party goers!
Specialty entertainment doesn’t always have to be an exotic specialty act; even having both a band and a DJ will take your event to the next entertainment level! Having the best of both worlds avoids the typical set list for an event and provides a musical experience that will keep your guests dancing the night away for hours. If you’re looking for a musical act that is more unique, try an electric violinist or drummers to make your party’s atmosphere entirely energetic.
Go for a sweet addition to your event’s specialty features such as strolling candy or other treats that provide a tasty snack for your guests as well as the “wow” factor! You can also tie in alcohol to specialty entertainment such as champagne aerialists that also have a double purpose within your event. These options are a whimsical addition that will take treats and drinks to an entirely new level.
Think outside of the box when it comes to your choice of entertainment options for your event. Specialty entertainment is limitless, so do not feel like you are restrained in any way when choosing what will work for your event. There are countless ways to impress your guests and transport them to a new world of unique party entertainment. Let’s brainstorm!
Planning My Own Daughter's Bat Mitzvah
One of the biggest challenges for me as an event planner was when I recently planned my own daughter’s Bar Mitzvah in January at The Crystal Plaza. Yes, I was my own client and so many things going through my mind. I understood my guests had high expectations. I wanted to honor my daughter’s input and her own vision. And while I wanted to impress I did not want it to be about showcasing my talents. And at the same time, I wanted to be a Bat Mitzvah mom, kvelling over my child and being able to engage with all my family and friends. So while I want my clients to know about my own event, I thought it would be better from a more third-party perspective. Hope you enjoy this article written by Mitzvah Market.
