It’s usually the first step of your wedding planning process, and it sets the tone for your entire day. Here’s how to find a Long Island wedding venue.
Image by JoVon Photography, courtesy of The Crescent Beach Club
Your venue is such a major wedding decision. Not only will your venue provide the setting and mood for your day, but venue staff will ensure that every detail is carried out to your preferences.
There’s certainly no shortage of amazing Long Island wedding venues, so starting your search may be a little intimidating. Here are the best ways to find the perfect venue for the kind of wedding you want.
Photo by Angel Project Studios, courtesy of The Lannin
Decide on your vibe
No two wedding venues are alike. Some have a refined and elegant feel, and some have cozy and rustic charm. The right venue for you will depend on the overall theme of your wedding. If you envision a black tie affair, some of our area’s Gold Coast mansions may be the perfect setting. If your vibe is more “heightened casual,” a barn or waterfront venue may be calling your name.
Keep in mind that some venues can even fully transform based on what you have in mind. With a little imagination and ingenuity, you can turn Madsion Square Garden into a castle (just ask Taylor).
Search BOLI’s Preferred Venues
Once you’ve decided on your theme, browse through Brides of Long Island’s amazing Preferred Venues!
The venues on our list have been the setting for thousands of weddings within the BOLI community. These are the places and the people that truly deliver when it’s time to say “I do.” From immaculate grounds to professional staff and amazing food, BOLI’s Preferred Venues are vetted by real brides, reviewed by our staff before acceptance on our roster, and continue a legacy of excellence as each year passes. You won’t go wrong with any of BOLI’s Preferred Venues!
Image courtesy of The Meadow Club
Read reviews in the BOLI Facebook group
The Brides of Long Island brides-only Facebook group is one of the best resources you can find for inspiration, ideas, and real feedback. Once a bride “graduates,” we welcome any and all reviews from their day — those reviews are what help future brides in the group find their dream vendor teams.
Scroll through the feed to find recent reviews, or use the search bar to read reviews on a few specific venues you have in mind. They can help you narrow down your choices, give you feedback on things to look out for, and even inspire a few decor choices.
Attend bridal and event expos at a few favorite venues
Once you’ve narrowed down a few venue choices, check to see if any are hosting bridal or event expos in the coming months. Many will host expos twice a year, and some more frequently. This will give you an opportunity to see the space, try the food, and see how other vendors operate within the venue. Who knows, you may even book your photographer or florist at the same time!
Image courtesy of The Old Field Club
Ask friends and family
Recommendations from friends and family are like gold! You may have even attended one of their recent weddings and had an absolute blast. If that’s the case, don’t be shy — ask your newly-married pal for more information about their venue.
Remember though, your weddings may be drastically different. You loved your cousin’s small ceremony and reception at a waterfront venue, but do you think it would be the right place for your 250+ guest list?
Use AI or search engines
We don’t love this option for two big reasons: One, AI is wrong (a lot) and two, anyone can write a good review (or a bad one). There are just too many unknowns and variables when it comes to these venue-shopping options. Venues that show up at the top of the list may not be the “best” ones, but the ones who’ve paid the most money for a higher ranking on Google.
But if all else fails, a quick ask on a search engine or AI prompt can return a few viable options to tour. Just be sure to do your due diligence.