The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island in
New York (NY)

We absolutely loved our wedding at The Sanctuary! We initially worked with Amelia and then with Arthur and Kat towards the end of our planning process. Every contact at The Sanctuary was very responsive and accommodating. We loved the space, especially having multiple different areas for guests to enjoy (the chapel for dancing/desserts, the tent for dinner/conversation, and the outdoor patio for smores!) and the beautiful NYC skyline in the background. The bridal suite where we all got ready was spacious and comfortable. I was a little nervous about the temperature in the tent during a November wedding, but it was very comfortable! We will always be grateful to The Sanctuary for our beautiful wedding!

Hollywood Smile Photo Booth: cool venue with some beautiful views of the city. You get a feeling of a castle. Photo Booth was a great addition to the wedding reception.

A great wedding venue and one I’d happily recommend for my friends and family. The food was good, the lighting and ambiance was excellent. The staff were kind and professional, and we really enjoyed the wedding we attended here!

I can't speak highly enough how much my wife and I loved our ceremony at the Sanctuary. We chose the Sanctuary for a November 2025 wedding. We loved every minute. The views were great, the staff wonderful, the drinks were great, and I wish I had been able to eat more of the food. It was wonderful for our out of towners who had never been to New York City, especially because there was so much open space. Highly recommended to everyone looking for a medium-large size venue at a decent price point.

We had an amazing experience working with The Sanctuary. We could not believe how accommodating the team was in making our dream day come to life. Each step along the way felt luxurious, from the glass of wine we enjoyed as we toured the venue, to delicious food tastings, to the attention and care we received on the day of the wedding as we got ready in the comfortable adjoining house. We loved the that there were separate spaces for the celebration each more beautiful than the last. We ceremony on the pier over looking the Manhattan skyline was absolutely the stunning. The outdoor patio with a firepit for making late night s'mores was a lovely touch. The indoor chapel area with the beautiful bar and lively dancefloor was a hit as was the tented dinner and bar areas. The staff was accommodating and experienced and made our day feel effortless. We highly recommend.

I spent a year planning my wedding with The Sanctuary. They were extremely accommodating and patient with all of my requests and questions. I had no trouble communicating with them throughout this process and they were extremely helpful every step of the way. This was the exact kind of venue I was looking for - something a little different than the stereotypical catering hall and that was actually affordable according to today's wedding standards. There was a Nor'easter on my wedding day and they were fully prepared. They easily altered our plans to still make the day go by smoothly. The guests had nothing but positive things to say. They loved the venue, thoroughly enjoyed the food and loved dancing in a separate location from the reception area. I could not be happier to have had the most important day of our lives thus far at The Sanctuary. It will always hold a special place in our hearts. The only thing I did not like was that for 9 months I was in constant communication with a wedding coordinator that we had come to know and love. At the time of my 3rd payment, I felt like something was off and had to ask quite a few times before I was told that she had "taken some time off but might be back for my wedding day". I had come to find out that she had stopped working there a couple of months before. I completely understand that things happen but this was the only person I had spoken to for 9 months and I would have appreciated being told by the head that she was no longer there. With that being said, we worked with Arthur for the remainder of our planning period as well as the day of and had an absolutely wonderful experience with him.

Important note: ours was a queer wedding, so it was very important to us to find queer-friendly vendors. The Sanctuary was very welcoming to both us and our many queer and trans guests - highly recommend to any other queer folks out there looking for a venue! Everything about our experience with The Sanctuary at Roosevelt Island was perfect. From the first time we contacted them, they were far more transparent about their pricing and offerings than anywhere else we looked, which remained true throughout our touring and contracting process. Their pricing was very fair, and they included lots of bonuses for signing before the year ended. Their staff were all incredibly kind, thoughtful, and helpful - shout outs to Amelia, Arthur, and Kat! They were easily reachable when we needed them and did not overwhelm us with information. Their communication about their needs were clear and very helpful in our planning process. We used their in-house catering and everything was delicious. The tasting was wonderful, and our bartender did a fantastic job helping us figure out our signature drink, which got rave reviews from our guests. The venue itself is a true hidden gem - off the beaten path of busy Manhattan with skyline views across the river during the ceremony on the pier. We and our guests loved having access to multiple different indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the evening, so folks could dance as long as they wanted to and find a quiet/cooler space when needed. Many of our guests told us it was the coolest wedding venue they had been to. We had boats honking at us as they sailed by during the ceremony, which added a special New York flair that we loved! One prime example of the care with which The Sanctuary staff work was on our wedding day. One of our guests, normally an excellent dancer and life of the party, had torn her ACL the week before and was very sad to not be able to participate as much as she wanted to. The Sanctuary staff kindly let us borrow the rolling chair from their offices so that she could roll around the dance floor and still have a ball! It was so helpful and led to some fun pictures. The Sanctuary at Roosevelt Island is a truly one-of-a-kind New York venue with a staff that goes above and beyond!

As two people who work in events, we came into wedding planning with a clear vision and high expectations — and The Sanctuary exceeded every single one. Not only is the venue absolutely stunning, but the team behind it made the entire experience seamless and stress-free. Cat and Arthur truly stepped up to make sure everything ran smoothly, allowing us to actually enjoy the day and just have fun. That’s not something we take for granted, especially knowing all that goes into producing events like this. We also want to give a big shoutout to Steve the bartender, who was part of our initial tastings and ended up being a total hit with our guests. His energy, professionalism, and cocktails added so much to the experience — people are still talking about him! From the planning process to the final moments of the night, the entire team’s professionalism, care, and attention to detail were evident. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the space was and how effortless the whole celebration felt. We’re so grateful to the team at The Sanctuary for helping create a day that was meaningful, joyful, and completely us. If you’re considering this venue — go for it. You’re in the best hands.

Really nice place is an old church turned into a venue on the Hudson great food ( but not the pizza which tasted frozen) great for pictures and any events.

We recently got married at the Sanctuary and had a fantastic experience. We’d been a little nervous based on some early reviews, but the Sanctuary team really seems to have figured it out. The venue coordinator, Arthur, was responsive and easy to work with, happily accommodated all our requests, and worked well with our vendors and wedding coordinator. Our guests kept complimenting the food and specialty cocktails - my BIL is a drink snob but approved of our Manhattan and espresso martini. The location and vibe (where else can you get married on a pier and then have a dance party in a church) is truly unique in New York, and was perfect for us. We highly recommend, no notes.

We chose The Sanctuary Roosevelt Island for our Oct 2025. We loved the venue when we toured it, the balance between indoor and outdoor areas, and the fact that the ceremony would be held on the pier outside. Another reason we chose them was because their pricing was straightforward and quite reasonable for our budget; they also threw in a few extras for us at no additional charge. One of the highlights was their attached suite for getting ready. It was more of a small apartment than a suite, with ample space for both bridesmaids and groomsmen, and it also served double duty as a kids' area during the wedding. Arthur and Kat were great to work with. They and the rest of the Sanctuary staff made sure everything ran smoothly. Ours was an "easy-peasy" wedding according to them, but they still handled everything to perfection. We had signature cocktails that we provided the recipe for, and they executed them wonderfully. The food for the cocktail hour was delicious as expected, and even though everyone says reception food is never good, the dinner was also delicious. We danced the night away in the chapel, and made sure to capture some beautiful late night shots to capture the venue and the city in all their glory. Can’t wait to visit them again!

We just had our wedding at The Sanctuary and are still glowing about it. I am struggling to think of any constructive criticism, so I will just list the things we loved about the experience. 1. Planning/Coordination: Wedding planning is no one's favorite activity, but Kat and Arthur and the rest of the staff made it as painless as it could be. They were quick to respond to any questions we had, flexible when we had custom requests and last-minute changes, and were very transparent about costs and what is/isn't included. No last-second surprise charges either. We had a few on-site visits to talk through details, and each time we were offered prosecco. :) 2. The venue itself: NYC locals and out-of-towners alike loved the location and ambiance. We had a late September wedding, and the combination of indoor/outdoor locations with Manhattan as the backdrop made for a stunning setting. The pier location for the ceremony was great (with cooperating weather, of course) and could seat 150 guests (although it was a bit tight). Guests could lounge on the patio if they needed a break from the action and get a view of the city, and the indoor former church grounds area made for a cool dance area. The lighting and aesthetic were already so pretty on their own that they needed little additional decoration. The only things we needed to provide were signage, table decorations, and miscellaneous things like guest books/card boxes/etc., which we handled. The getting-ready area was very nice and spacious, and was available for use 6 hours before the ceremony, with the staff ready to serve you a drink. 3. The food/drinks: Guests commented on how the venue-provided food was not only great but incredibly plentiful. We got treated to a tasting months before the wedding; although we couldn't taste-test every item on the menu, it gave us a good idea, and the quality was consistently high (even with the items we chose that weren't available for testing). The staff handled a plethora of dietary restrictions with ease. Guests were treated to a four-course meal (not to mention the pizza oven they got going after dinner for late-night snacks). The open bar package was great, even at the basic level (which we got). 4. Staff: Every member of the staff was professional, nice, and made us feel at home. 5. Community integration: The Sanctuary are responsible citizens of Roosevelt Island—adhering to all noise ordinances (limit outside noise after 10 p.m., which didn't put a damper on the party at all)—and they also hold an annual event for the residents of the island. 6. Pricing: Weddings aren't cheap and this wasn't either, but it was very reasonable compared to the other NYC venues we toured. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at The Sanctuary and we can only hope that we come back as guests for another wedding!

When we stepped into The Sanctuary for the first time we knew we had found a hidden gem. The venue is right on the water but tucked away in Roosevelt Island, creating an amazing combination of city views with a quiet setting. They provided excellent service from start to finish during our planning process. Our guests had an amazing time, food was great and we loved our wedding so much!

We had our wedding at The Sanctuary on August 2nd 2025. Choosing this as our wedding venue was honestly the best decision we made! For a venue in NYC, this is surprisingly affordable and includes a lot more than you would expect. The whole planning process was a breeze. The Sanctuary team is great with their communication and was very helpful with tips to finalize our timeline and layout for the day. Everything was organized so well, that we were able to truly relax and enjoy our wedding day as if we were guests too. Big shout out to Kat, Arthur, Amelia, and Frank who were all wonderful to work with and made our wedding unforgettable! On top of all this, the food and drinks are absolutely amazing. We received tons of compliments from our guests on the beautiful venue, the food & drinks, as well as the service. I have nothing negative to say, and would highly recommend this venue!

We had our wedding at The Sanctuary, and it was truly the most incredible experience! From start to finish, the team made everything so easy for us. They handled every detail from the flowers and vases to the menus and table settings and everything was absolutely beautiful. The coordinators and staff were amazing to work with. They were so helpful, organized, and made sure the entire day ran smoothly, which allowed us to just relax and enjoy every moment. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how unique and stunning the venue was, we heard so many compliments throughout the night. We absolutely loved our wedding day at The Sanctuary and can’t thank the team enough for making it so special. Highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for a beautiful, unique space with a team that truly goes above and beyond!

We booked The Sanctuary as our venue back in 2023 when they were just re-opening, and we have zero regrets! Every New Yorker should have this place on its radar! The very first day we were there with Fonsi, we knew we were in good hands! Everything was perfect: the pier set-up for the ceremony, the open bar, grazing table and passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour and finally the dessert table and pizza stations for the after party. The food was AMAZING and cooked on-site so it was as fresh as it can be! And then they seamlessly cleared out the cocktail area and transformed it into the dancefloor while we were all enjoying our dinner buffet in a separate tented pavilion. Shout out to Amelia, Frank, Artur, Cat, and the rest of their wonderful team!

Last SummerI I had the pleasure of attending the summer event, organized by our organization at Sanctuary Roosevelt Island, and up to date I am thoroughly impressed with this stunning venue. Nestled in a picturesque location, the Sanctuary offers breathtaking views that create an enchanting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The venue itself is beautifully designed, combining modern elegance with historic charm. The spacious interior, complemented by the serene outdoor spaces, provides a versatile setting that can accommodate a variety of events. Whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, or social celebration, Sanctuary Roosevelt Island offers the perfect backdrop. What truly sets this venue apart, however, is the exceptional staff. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and professionalism. The team was attentive, accommodating, and went above and beyond to ensure that every detail of our event was executed flawlessly. Their dedication to providing outstanding service did not go unnoticed and greatly contributed to the overall success of our event. Special Thanks to Frank (a.k.a. Turtle), the owner of the venue, who personally greeted us with a warm smile upon arrival, making everyone feel genuinely welcome. At the end of the evening, he was there once again, thanking each of us individually and even offering to package up anything we wished to take home. His personal attention and gracious hospitality truly set the tone for the event and reflect the pride and care that go into every detail at Sanctuary Roosevelt Island. Additionally, the venue's amenities and facilities are top-notch, offering everything needed to create a memorable experience. From state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment to comfortable seating and exquisite décor, every aspect of Sanctuary Roosevelt Island is designed with the guest's comfort and enjoyment in mind. In summary, Sanctuary Roosevelt Island is a true gem. The combination of its breathtaking location, beautiful design, and outstanding service make it an ideal choice for any special occasion. I highly recommend this venue to anyone seeking a memorable and extraordinary event experience.

We are a wedding planning and decor/floristry company. As the vendor for a wedding that took place here in June, it was the perfect month and weather for a wedding here. The sanctuary’s history is expansive and it’s an architectural beauty in all its glory. The ceremony space taking place in the piers was idyllic. More importantly, the various spaces (the tented outdoor space and the indoor sanctuary lounge), combined with numerous outdoor areas makes the space feel quite large and yet somehow manages to stay intimate. The staff members here are beyond helpful and friendly. They were a pleasure to work alongside.

Long overdue but better late than never… Look up hidden gem in the dictionary and you will find The Sanctuary. Hosted a baby shower for my brother and his girlfriend, and I can’t say enough about how amazing the experience was. From start to finish, Alfonso was incredibly helpful, making the entire planning process seamless. On the day of the event, Kat and the staff were fantastic. Can’t beat immaculate views, great ambiance and good food and drinks. 10/10 recommend booking for your next special event, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

The Sanctuary will forever have a special place in our hearts. We had the most magical wedding there on 11/2/2024. The views, the food and the hospitality were absolutely top notch. We heard over and over from our guests how amazing they thought the venue was. Ceremony on the pier with beautiful views of Manhattan and the east river, scrumptious meal in the gorgeous clear tent, and an epic dance party in the old church with a modern bar. Alfonso, Kat and the team both know exactly how to throw a great event in that space AND offer options and are willing to work with you to make the event right for you and your vision - there are just enough choices that you can make it what you want and also a thought through flow for the day so that you don't have to start from scratch. Do yourselves a favor and have your wedding (or other event) here - and enjoy every moment as much as we did! Photos by the fabulous @nadialeonphotography

Our wedding at The Sanctuary was everything we dreamed of and more! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how stunning the venue is. The grounds are meticulously maintained, the decor is elegant yet welcoming, and every space—from the ceremony area to the reception hall—was picture-perfect. It truly felt like something out of a fairytale. The staff went above and beyond to make our day seamless and unforgettable. They were incredibly attentive, professional, and always one step ahead, making sure every detail was just right. We felt genuinely cared for, and our guests are still raving about how beautiful everything was and how well they were looked after. A heartfelt thank you to Alfonso, whose guidance and support made this experience enjoyable from the very beginning. He was with us every step of the way, answering our questions, helping with our plans, and offering his expert advice on how to make our day perfect. We couldn’t be more grateful for everything The Sanctuary did to make our wedding day so special. It was an absolutely perfect experience, and we wholeheartedly recommend this venue to anyone looking for an exceptional setting and an outstanding team for their big day!

The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island provided the dreamiest backdrop for our wedding last month! Their entire team went above and beyond for us on our big day. Our friends and family raved about the location, the ambiance, the food, the service. About an hour before our ceremony started, it began to pour outside- and we were meant to have an outdoor ceremony! My husband and I sat in our vintage taxi parked out front of the venue, and watched The Sanctuary staff run around in the torrential downpour to save our ceremony and move everything indoors- and the fact that the rain only put us about 15 minutes behind the original schedule?! I’m still not sure how they managed it. Would also like to send a special shout out to Amelia, who more recently joined the Sanctuary team as event coordinator- she was not part of the team when we first signed out contract, but she proved to be an invaluable resource to us on the day of the wedding. She is a fabulous addition! Alfonso gave us our first tour of the venue that made us fall in love with the space. Frank was so patient and kind and answered all of our questions- and even helped us accommodate a last minute addition guest who was originally too ill to attend our wedding but who luckily recovered well enough to be able to come. Thank you again to the Sanctuary team from the bottom of our hearts for helping make our wedding the most magical and special day of our life!

My husband and I had our wedding here in September and we were blown away by the entire experience. All of our guests – from NYC locals to out-of-towners – commented on how magical the venue and the setting were. Alfonso, Kath and Amelia were thoughtful, attentive and SO thorough. They are total pros, and also just lovely people. In addition to all of the beautiful decor, food and ambiance, I have included a photo of Alfonso hand delivering a cocktail to me because he wanted to ensure I enjoyed myself while chatting with the guests. Not pictured: when he brought plates of food to my husband and I to make sure we got to eat! Cannot recommend it more highly!

We couldn’t have been happier with the experience we had when our daughter (Demartini/Goldstein) was married at The Sanctuary in April. The venue was amazing, both for the ceremony out on the pier, the outdoor cocktail hour, and the indoor (under a tented glass roof) reception. We were given the equivalent of a small apartment in which to get ready , which was much appreciated. As the mother of the bride, we also appreciated the price, by far less than any other equivalent venue. The only quibble is that parking could have been better handled- too many people tried to park right at the venue as opposed to the overflow areas. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

My mother and I had a joint celebration of our birthdays around late September last year. The venue was everything we could have dreamed of. Since it is situated in Roosevelt Island, it was the perfect venue to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and yet still get a beautiful view of the Manhattan Skyline. Frank and the team were also very friendly and supportive to all of our requests and questions. They made sure that our event will go accordingly to what we have envisioned. To top it all off, the food was amazing!!! It is so rare for the celebrants to eat during the event itself but I personally couldn't contain myself. Every dish that was offered during our event was impeccable and there wasn't any miss. There is not one bad thing that I could honestly say about this venue and the team behind. I highly recommend this to everyone!

What a unique and cute church. I had the privilege of photographing my friends Bram and Esther's wedding there on a wintry January afternoon. The church was transformed into a space that fit their wedding just perfectly. Even on a colder January saturday, we still had plenty of spaces to create some magic. I can't imagine just how beautiful this venue must be during the spring, summer and fall!

The best. The absolute best. Frank, Alfonso and the entire staff are fantastic. The venue is gorgeous and spacious, the views of NYC are spectacular, the food and drinks are delicious and the whole team at The Sanctuary are eager to help you have the best time, whatever the occasion. Cannot connot cannot recommend this venue enough.