I know many Brides who do not want to get married at their reception hall have difficulty finding a ceremony only location. There are also those who are looking to simply get married then go out to dinner with family.

So here are some of my favorites!

Photo above is Argyle, right is Pearsall

Gardens & Museums:

Coe Hall & The Planting Fields - Oyster Bay -They have outdoor and inside the mansion options
http://www.plantingfields.org/facolities/wed_great_hall.htm

Bailey Arboretum - Lattingtown - They have a great outdoor setting, but for smaller indoor ceremonies the mansion has a terrific room with a fire place.
http://www.baileyarboretum.org/

Bayard Cutting Arboretum - Oakdale - There is a little cafe that operates when the museum is open and the lawn behind it with a spectacular water view is where the ceremony is usually held.

Brecknock Hall - Greenport - What a fabulous mansion! Lovingly restored and available for the entire event or ceremony only.
http://www.brecknock.org

Westbury Gardens - Old Westbury - They have a special spot which they offer to tent to protect from rain and sun. I don't believe there is an indoor option here.

Nassau County Museum of Art - Roslyn - A great site, with formal gardens including one with a huge Victorian iron work to frame the ceremony.

Queens & Brooklyn Botanical Gardens - Brooklyn has many locations they hold ceremonies in, Queens has the Rose Garden. One of my couples was so enamoured by this place they went for weekend after weekend watching the other couples, waiting for it to be their turn.

Fire Island Lighthouse - Great for that beach feel but still have grandma walk on a regular surface. Last weekend I had a ceremony at the top, but most couples choose either the front or rear patio depending on the view. COMING SOON - New building next door to house artifacts and events - it's going to be spectacular from what I can see. They're hoping for May of 2011
http://www.fireislandlighthouse.com/

Prospect Park Boathouse - Prospect Park in Brooklyn NY. They do ceremonies before they open and full receptions after they close. There's also a beautiful wooden boat that tours the park's waterways. Having a small ceremony on the boat itself is an option! All you have to do is reserve the seats on the boat for your guests at a particular time and you have just chartered it!

Vanderbilt Mansion - Yes they had a few of these but the one I'm talking about now is Eagles Nest in Centerport or the Vanderbilt Planetarium. The courtyard is great! And so romantic with the view and architecture...

Wereholme / Weeks Estate /Scully Estate / Seatuck - Islip - Pick a name but no matter what you call it this Town of Islip property is another beautiful old mansion. It is available for ceremony only and for smaller weddings.

Gazebos

Argyle Gazebo - This is a Babylon Village location so it's Village Hall not Town Hall to get a permit. On the bright side it is only $100 and there is bench seating provided.

Garden City Gazebo - Right by the Garden City Hotel and Garden City Fire House, this structure is fairly large with good landscaping but bring some chairs for the older folks.

Northport Harbor Band Shell or Gazebo - In the beautiful and historic town of Northport is a park on the harbor. There are more than one structure there to choose from and even a little dock that goes out into the water. Northport has it's own police force so if you have more than 2 witnesses you will want to look into getting a permit from the Village Hall.

Morgan's Park Gazebo in Glen Cove - I have never been here myself but it is located at the mouth of Hempstead Harbor and I hear it's large and beautiful. From the photos I have found it looks more like an uncovered band shell with a panoramic view of the harbor behind. There may be another covered structure in the park (just in case) but a look see might be worth while!

Oyster Bay Gazebo - Audrey Ave right by Town Hall. Very nice and well maintained structure, not huge but not small either. It is used by the Town of Oyster Bay for events and speeches.

Wantagh Park Gazebo - When you enter the park you will go all the way down to where the parking ends and look past the pool area to the left. There it sits, with a great view of the water and reeds. This isn't much in the way of shelter for more than 6 people, but if you want to be at it's entrance with your guests outside to watch.... This may be the place for you!

Nesconcet Gazebo - I found this one through the Chamber of Commerce's summer concert series. It is located at Nesconset Plaza - 127 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset, NY 11767. It looked like a great place to have a quick ceremony!

Pearsall Park - This is a very cute public park in Amityville on Bay Rd, North of 27A & South of Sunrise. Keep your eyes peeled because it's easy to drive right by! but once you enter and explore a little there is a Gazebo and an arch with a well manicured walk way... nice spot for a little wedding or photos.

Westhampton Beach Village Green and Gazebo - At Main Street and the Roads of Mill and Beach. http://www.westhamptonbeach.org/village-green-gazebo.php

Chapels:

Historical Chapel - Woodbury - The building comes with an officiant, and organist, but you can bring your own.

CW Post Interfaith Chapel - This I don't know much about but my first ceremony there will be so I am planning on updating this blog when I go. All the reviews have been very positive for smaller weddings.

St Johnland Chapel - Kings Park on the property of St. Johnland Rehabilitation Center - This is a Great Church Building in a park like setting. If you are having a problem finding a location and you want a church - go see this venue. They don't host too many weddings and it is sometimes hard to find someone for information but it IS worth the effort.

The Islip Grange - Sayville - This is a 'Little House on the Prairie' Style chapel. Very small, very cute, VERY CHEAP. It's $275.00 for non - Islip residents, but you get $100 back if they don't have to hire anyone to clean up after you. Islip residents it's $100 less.

Bating Hollow Congregational Church - Bating Hollow - They are actually now one of Georgio's house vendors. It's a great little building, with or without a minister. I have found 'Congregational' Churches more willing to rent space as they are self supporting.

Hunting Unitarian Universalist Fellowship - This looks like a castle from the outside but inside is modern. There are UUF's all over Long Island and to the best of my knowledge all will rent space.

Old Whaler's Church, 44 Union Street, Sag Harbor. What a great old church! It holds 600 guests, the fee is reasonable, and if you were not thinking of a big reception they have a room downstairs that can also be rented..

Scarsdale Comunity Baptist Church, 51 Popham Road, Scarsdale, NY - An absolutely beautiful church. Wooden pews, stained glass windows, oriental rug runner, are just some of the attributes of this location. If a 'church' is what you are looking for in Westchester this one is well worth a look see.

The gold coast mansions have been receptive lately to ceremony only weddings. Brunch receptions have also been a nice and affordable alternative to the traditional Long Island Wedding. Many couples are choosing a brunch buffet for fewer hours in a more spectacular setting with live musicians and the mansions are PERFECT for this. So always remember it never hurts to call and ask.

That's the best I can do for now, but I will update as I get new locations!

Happy Planning!