The Riverside Church

Ahh the church. The best part of the whole wedding and the reason you got involved in this adventure to begin with ( the vows).

The Riverside Church is an interdenominational (American Baptist and United Church of Christ), interracial, international church in New York City, famous not only for its elaborate Gothic architecture — which includes the world's largest carillon — but also as a center for the promotion of progressive causes. It is situated in Morningside Heights between Riverside Drive and Claremont Avenue and between 120th Street and 122nd Street. The tallest church in the United States and the 26th tallest in the world, it was described by The New York Times in 2008 as "a stronghold of activism and political debate throughout its 75-year history...influential on the nation’s religious and political landscapes".

There are 3 chapel options:

The main space called the Nave is styled in the tradition of Chartres Cathedral and was built in both France and the United States. Measuring 96 feet in length and 64 feet in width it has a capacity of approximately 1,900.

The Second option is called The Christ Chapel. The chapel is patterned after the eleventh century Romanesque nave of the fortress church of St. Nazaire at Carcassonne. This one seats about 145 to 150


There is also a much smaller third chapel which seats 15 called the Meditation Chapel.


It is also one of the only churches that has its own event space (that doesn't look like the elementary school gym) and exclusive caterer ( madeline catering). Many options are available for party rooms depending on the number of guest and whether or not you will be having a cocktail hour. My personal experience with this site was wonderful. I was able to order custom chairs/linens etc. from the caterer directly and the couple in charge was super attentive and extremely helpful.

The wedding coordinator on the other hand could be hard to reach sometimes ( she also coordinates religious services for the church) and wasn't all hearts and flowers if you get what I mean. She definitely wasn't mean, but she didn't give the gushing emotion most brides start to take for granted after booking the gazillionth vendor. .

They also include an organist and a reverend if you do not have your own.

Please email me if you have any other questions regarding this vendor ( I have a lot of extra tidbits)

All pictures are originally from the riverside church website.