Looking for luxury wedding venues in the US but don’t know where to start? Here’s a guide of some of the best wedding venues in the US as picked by a photographer with an eye for aesthetics and a love for big celebrations. I will note by saying this list is 100% a biased list of venues on my personal bucket list, so if you are here and planning to get married at one of these venues, please inquire. I’d love to chat more with you about your day. Did a little digging and added starting rental fees for each venue as well.
Big City Faves
Are you a NYC or Chicago gal? Looking for an urban vibe surrounded by sky scrapers and city lights? My top pick for a city venue would be the New York Public Library. It is a premier venue in New York City that can host up to 350 guests for a seating dinner. In 2024, the starting rental fee was $75,000.
Looking for an outdoor rooftop in NYC? Check out 620 Loft and Garden at Rockefeller Center for incredible views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Rockefeller building.
I know Chicago often dwarfs in comparison to these big time NYC venues, but don’t count us out over here. Check out 167 Green, the Field Museum, and University Club of Chicago for some quintessential Chicago weddings.
European Inspired: Best Castle Venues in the US
If you’re looking for a hidden gem with European castle vibes in the Midwest, look no further than Greencrest Manor in Battle Creek, Michigan. I am obsessed with this venue. Partly because it is absolutely incredible, but partly because it’s owner, Jen, is equally as incredible and kind. I met her working a wedding last summer, and instantly connected with her genuinely kind soul. She loves what she does, and her venue is a reflection of that. Single day venue pricing begins at $48,000, but you can also rent it out for a weekend stay.
If you are local to the East Coast and are looking for a similar jaw dropping estate, check out Oheka Castle in Long Island. (Via reddit research, minimum spend on a Saturday rental looks to be around $150,000.) If you are searching for something on the West Coast, I’d look into the Wrensmoor.
Southern Florida Venue Picks
If you’re wanting warm, destination wedding vibes in a grandiose location, The Breakers Palm Beach is for you. Looking for less of a ballroom vibe and something more European? The Vizcaya Museum (base fee starting at $23,000 per their website.)
Honorable mention: The Boca Raton and the Biltmore Coral Gables.
East Coast Venue Picks
Nantucket – The Wauwinet
Gardiner, NY – Wildflower Farms
Asheville, NC – The Biltmore Estate
Wedding Venues in the Mountains
Jackson Hole, WY – Four Seasons Jackson Hole
Salt Lake City, UT – Grand America
Canyon Point, UT – Amangiri
Lake Tahoe, CA – The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe
West Coast Venue Picks
Laguna Beach – Montage Laguna Beach
Los Angeles – The Beverly Hills Hotel
Montecito – San Ysidro Ranch
San Francisco – San Francisco City Hall
Not sure where to begin? Start with a mood board.
If you don’t have a specific venue in mind, I highly recommend starting a mood board of what you want for your day. Think colors, flowers, scenery, artwork, etc. Once you have your inspo for design, you may be able to envision one of the above venues for your dream wedding; or a different venue not on this list! And if you still cannot find a venue that matches your vibe? Highly recommend doing what I did, and have your venue built out. We used Blue Peak Tents and they are the best in the Midwest.
Wedding Venue Shopping is the First Step (or second)
Another way to help you find the venue of your dreams? Hiring a full service planner. Let them help bring your vision to life. But if you are set on doing the leg work for the venue, hope these recs help you get started!
Getting married at one of the above locations in 2026? Inquire here.
