The Sanctuary Reviews
Reviews
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Quality of service 4.8 out of 5 rating4.8
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Average response time 4.7 out of 5 rating4.7
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Professionalism 4.8 out of 5 rating4.8
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Value 4.8 out of 5 rating4.8
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Flexibility 4.8 out of 5 rating4.8
Awards
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Featured
Mayroby Sent on 02/22/20265 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Best venue and team hands down!!!
Let me start off by saying that I don’t typically leave reviews, but I needed to leave one for this amazing team and venue! We just had our wedding there this February, and WOW!!!!! I cannot say enough good things about this venue. We were looking for a venue that was affordable and willing to work with us and we came across this hidden gem. I wanted an enchanted romantic candle lit wedding and this was the perfect place for it. The chapel is connected to the tented area, which is breathtaking. They have a beautiful suite on site where my bridal party and us were able to get ready in. They had pastries, coffee, and more ready for us while we were getting ready which I thought was such a beautiful touch.
Arthur and Kat were extremely responsive from start to finish. They answered any questions that we had and were so attentive to everything! As a bride, I had some anxiety leading up to the day of but their prompt responses gave me piece of mind. The day of the wedding their whole team was on it either setting everything up. It made the experience stress free and they made our vision come to life - it exceeded our expectations by far! Our family and friends couldn’t believe how calm I was the day of the wedding and I kept telling the it’s bc they LITERALLY have the best team.
I honestly can’t believe anything less than a 5 star review for this place if I’m honest. All of my guests kept raving about how attentive the staff was and how it was THE BEST service they’ve ever had at a wedding. If any one is in doubt about booking them for your wedding, don’t be! This is the perfect place and has the best team to host your wedding!
All in all if we had to choose again, we’d choose The Sanctuary in a heartbeat! Do yourself a favor and give them a chance. You will not be disappointed! The sanctuary team has become family to us and for that we will always be eternally grateful to them!-
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+3 photos
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Quality of service
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Pamela Sent on 01/01/20265 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Beautiful place and the best staff
We had an amazing experience with the Sanctuary. The service, friendliness and attention to detail was excepcional from the first moment we met the staff. It is very easy to notice how passionate they are about making every event perfect. The food was delicious (I just couldn’t get enough), and the drink selection pretty good. I can’t wait to plan my next event with them! I truly had an amazing time. Thank you so much -
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Maggie Sent on 11/23/20255 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Wedding at The Sanctuary
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!-
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+2 photos
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Jill Sent on 11/02/20255 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
An Amazing Experience
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. -
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Kelly Sent on 11/01/20255 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Excellent Experience
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. -
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N Mu Sent on 10/15/20255 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Absolutely Perfect for Our Wedding!
We had our wedding at The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island, and honestly it was amazing!! All our friends couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the place was. The vibe was so romantic and chill at the same time, with the city view and cozy atmosphere it felt like a little hidden gem in NYC. 💫
The price was super fair for what we got! totally worth it. The facilities were clean and modern, food and drinks were sooo good (everyone kept saying that!), and the staff were just the best, super nice, responsive, and helped us with literally everything.
They made sure everything went smoothly and even helped us with small details we didn’t think about. We couldn’t have picked a better venue.
10/10 would recommend to any couple looking for something special in the city! 🥰💍
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Quality of service
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Donna Sent on 10/13/20255 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
10/10– A Flawless Day at The Sanctuary
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.
From the planning process to the final moments of the night, their 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! -
Quality of service
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Sean Sent on 09/30/20255 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Great Wedding and End-End Experience
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!-
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+2 photos
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Quality of service
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Jenny Sent on 08/26/20255 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Great experience
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! -
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Zach Sent on 07/18/20255 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Amazing Experience
The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island is a gem. From the stunning waterfront views to the intimate, upscale atmosphere, every detail feels thoughtfully curated. The staff is warm and attentive, and the food and cocktails are consistently top-notch. Whether you're hosting a private event or enjoying a quiet evening out, The Sanctuary offers a truly unique and memorable experience.
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Quality of service
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Lizzie Sent on 06/24/20255 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
wonderful venue!
We had a wonderful experience working with the Sanctuary! It's such a fun and unique space, and also very affordable compared to many venues in NYC. The team was very responsive and kind, and we felt like we could really relax and have so much fun on our wedding day because we were in great hands! Amelia was wonderful throughout the planning process, and even stayed on a call with us and our planner way over the time we'd been allotted just to make sure we hammered out every detail of the day. Kat was amazing day of - we brought a bunch of DIY flowers, and her team seamlessly worked with our coordinator to set up our tables with the bud vases, light all our candles, and create the most lovely arrangement out of our ceremony flowers at our sweetheart table! We didn't have to worry about anything day of, and that was such a gift :) also the food and drinks were GREAT! It was also supposed to pour the weekend of our wedding, and it was great to know that our rain plan would have been just as awesome as the sunny day we ended up with thanks to their tent.
We had a fantastic wedding - definitely recommend working with them!! -
Quality of service
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Mario Sent on 03/10/20255 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Employee Event
We hosted an employee appreciation event for our team of 45. Everything was exceptional. The food, drinks, hospitality, and location were perfect. Our team enjoyed the delicious appetizers, fresh pizza, cocktails, and outdoor games. This is our 2nd time at Sanctuary. We look forward to this event every year. -
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Preeti Sent on 01/23/20255 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Quaint and charming nyc venue
We recently had our wedding reception at the sanctuary and it was an amazing experience. This venue is great for a small budget intimate wedding. Amelia and her team helped us plan this event. We planned our event in 3 months without a wedding planner and they worked with us. They were very accommodating to our intercultural family needs and on the day they coordinated everything perfectly. They have special deals and I would highly recommend to try those. There were so many delays from our end to finalize and keep the communication going because of our busy schedules but they made sure to reach out to us when needed and were very patient. We gave them an outline of the day and they ensured to complete the detailed vision. I highly recommend this venue and this team. -
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Gerlim Sent on 01/08/20255 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
We had an amazing experience planning our wedding with The Sanctuary, the day of our wedding went pretty smooth and everyone who attended loved it.
My fiancée and I loved the space since we first walked in, and after finishing the tour we could envision our big day happening at The Sanctuary. Amelia was great since the very beginning and even shared with us a detailed proposal catered to our guest count previous to us touring the venue. We had an amazing experience thought the planning process, and didn't have to be dealing with a ton of different vendors since they offer catering, and our package came with DJ and wedding cake included. Their team was always responsive to all of our questions during the planning process, and our day went really well. We had the ceremony offsite and our cocktail hour was amazing. The food during our reception was more delicious than during the tasting and drinks were flowing all night long. All of our guests had a great time at the party, and I truly can say that I had the most magical wedding at The Sanctuary. -
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Anissa Sent on 10/25/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Incredibly venue ⭐️
Our wedding at The Sanctuary was everything we dreamed of and more! The staff went above and beyond to make our day seamless and unforgettable. Our guests are still raving about how beautiful everything was.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!
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Sydney Sent on 10/08/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
The most magical day of my life!
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!-
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+6 photos
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Leah Sent on 09/29/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Incredible venue, food and hospitality at The Sanctuary
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, Kat 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!-
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+18 photos
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Quality of service
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Alicia Sent on 09/28/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Could not have been more perfect
This is not only a beautiful space but a full service venue. Alfonso the owner is very professional and handles everything down to the last detail. The food was phenomenal and the bartenders are amazing. 12/10 recommend!!!! -
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Christine Sent on 09/25/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Best team ever!
The team at the Sanctuary was truly incredible from start to finish in the planning process and the day of our wedding. We were truly blown away by how stunning the venue is and how versatile the spaces are - from indoor and outdoor options for ceremony to spaces for getting ready to an incredible tent for dinner and gorgeous church for dancing. Alfonso was highly communicative and helpful leading up to the wedding to make sure everything would be seamless and Amelia our day of coordinator knocked it out of the park. she was attentive to every step of the day and thoughtful of our guests and us. The whole staff was truly excellent throughout the event and we got rave reviews from guests about food and drinks! Thanks guys! -
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Julie Sent on 09/10/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
The Sanctuary is the BEST!
If we could give them 6 stars, we would! The Sanctuary was incredibly communicative, helpful, and kind from start to finish. Everything was taken care of for us, including on the day of the wedding when there were multiple capable staff members present.
We very much wanted to get married in NYC, our home for our entire adult lives, but weren't sure we could make it work with our budget. Not only is The Sanctuary incredibly budget friendly, but it is a true unicorn of a place in NYC. No other event space in the boroughs is so spacious, so lovely, so down-to-earth, and yet also one stop from midtown! We received multiple comments from out-of-town guests about how nice it was.
Other highlights include:
-A very full bar, including great non-alcoholic options as well
-DELICIOUS menu; including an extra pasta entree and a great selection of desserts- we didn't need to have a wedding cake due to everything available!
-The getting-ready space- multiple rooms and bathrooms available right on site for the wedding party
Tell everyone you know about this place! -
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Atul Sent on 08/02/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
AG-JG John’s 70th
Sanctuary is really an exceptional event space. Very thoughtfully organized and staffed by extremely attentive, accommodating, competent and pleasant people. Our interaction with Amelia, the event manager, instantly put us at our ease. All the arrangements were taken care of with professional ease and minute attention to detail to items like flowers on every table, sound track selections and lighting. The sightlines of the Sanctury are absolutely spectacular with the East river and upper east side of Manhattan occupying the entire west side. Highly recommended. -
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Renae Sent on 07/31/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Our ultimate fairytale wedding
Such a special venue for our wedding day -it truly was like a fairytale. Gorgeous Manhattan views, spectacular event tent and intimate, romantic chapel. Alfonso was wonderful to work with -nothing was too much trouble (and we had many requests). -
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Vilisi Sent on 07/01/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Highly recommended
The Sanctuary provided an exceptional venue for our Fiji Independence Day celebration! The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, perfectly capturing the spirit of the occasion. The staff were attentive and ensured everything ran smoothly, from the moment we booked with them, to details of the decorations. It was a memorable experience for everyone who attended. Highly recommend The Sanctuary for any special event! -
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Jill Sent on 06/24/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Amazing wedding experience
We had our May wedding at the Sanctuary and could not have been happier with the experience. The venue itself was stunning and we loved all the different spaces within it for creating distinct moments throughout the night. Guests both from NYC and from out of town said what a special place it is, and how it felt like seeing a different side of the city. Alfonso and his team went above and beyond, going over our timeline with us to make sure everything would run smoothly, and were very accommodating with some special requests we had. The food also exceeded expectations: people are still telling us how delicious the sea bass and dessert table were in particular, and I’ve never been to a catered event with such perfectly crisp veggies - don’t know how they did it. It was a magical time, we’re so grateful! -
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Eliana Sent on 06/19/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Great Venue!
We had my daughter’s birthday party at the sanctuary! It was wonderful! Alfonso's coordination and attention to detail were impeccable, ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Kat's culinary skills were outstanding, with delicious food that impressed all the guests. The setting was beautiful and the atmosphere was perfect for our special occasion. Thank you to Alfonso and Kat for making our day truly memorable. -
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Jackie Sent on 06/18/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Wonderful Wedding
We loved our wedding at the Sanctuary, and the team was amazing to work with, always going above and beyond in their communication and desire to make everything perfect for us. The food was great- the venue is just beautiful, and everyone said what a wonderful time they had. Alfonso helped with the preparations and Kat managed everything day of, so that, along with our wedding planner, we had everything taken care of in an organized way and could just enjoy the most magical day of our lives. It is also more affordable than other venues we looked at, and we loved how special the space is. The twinkly lit tent! The red heart! We will remember it and them forever, and we are forever grateful! -
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Brian Sent on 06/17/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Couldn't have asked for a more perfect wedding!
Our wedding at The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island was absolutely perfect. The venue itself is stunning, set in a beautifully restored stone church right on the river. The staff were exceptional in facilitating on the day of. We felt completely at ease, knowing everything was being handled efficiently. Frank and Alfonso were always available to address any questions or concerns, ensuring we were happy at every step. Their dedication and attentiveness made a significant difference in our overall experience.
Our guests loved the bar and appetizers that were passed around. The food was also outstanding, very delicious! We were able to customize our menu during a planning tasting, and everything turned out as we hoped.
One of the venue’s standout features was the attached house, which provided a convenient space for us to get ready, store our belongings, and even have a pre-wedding shot. This added convenience made the day flow much more smoothly.
Throughout the day, we experienced no issues or hiccups. The seamless coordination allowed us to fully enjoy our celebration without any stress. We were able to focus on spending time with each other and our loved ones (which is all that really matters).
We wouldn’t hesitate to book another event at The Sanctuary, whether it be another wedding or a different occasion. Their exceptional service and beautiful venue made our wedding day all we could hope for! -
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Gene Sent on 06/13/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Magical First Birthday Celebration
This was our first child's first birthday, and let's just say we went quite a little bit over the top. The Sanctuary delivered above and beyond any and all expectations. We are looking forward to our #2 and to the next first birthday celebration, as well as many more parties to come.
The staff was super helpful and considerate. The food and drinks great. Our guests were blown away by this hidden NYC gem. We cannot recommend them enough. -
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Debbie Sent on 06/12/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Dinner and Cocktails for 200
We held a dinner for about 200 people attending a conference on Roosevelt Island. The staff was amazing from start to finish. They helped us plan the event and accommodated our needs. The food and cocktails were wonderful! Everyone had a great time at this beautiful venue!
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Jessica Sent on 06/12/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Beautiful Wedding!
What an amazing venue! The location is such a gem, and everyone we worked with really cared about us and helped us every step of the way, especially Frank and Alfonso. Kat and her team in the kitchen crafted a delicious menu and all my guests said how amazing the experience of visiting the Sanctuary was. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to have an amazing event that isn't so typical cookie cutter catering hall - much more personalized, fun, and special!! -
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Martin Sent on 06/11/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Excellent wedding venue
We had a winter wedding, planned five months out. We got a good rate for a Friday wedding, with service and food that matched a full-price day. We brought in decorations, but didn’t need to—the winter seasonal decorations made the venue look festive. The food was tasty according to our guests—we didn’t eat much. The drinks flowed. The younger guests loved the pizza bar. The desserts were very good and well presented. The servers and staff were friendly. The parking was very convenient. We had our ceremony offsite, but for an on-site event, the house would be a great place to get prepared/dressed. Highly recommend. -
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Joe Sent on 06/11/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Our Wedding at The Sanctuary
We recently had our wedding at The Sanctuary, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. From the stunning waterfront location with breathtaking city views to the seamless coordination, everything was perfect.
Frank and Alfonso were exceptional in managing the event, ensuring that every detail was taken care of, allowing us to truly enjoy our special day. Kat, the chef, prepared the most delicious meals that our guests are still raving about. The food and beverage service was top-notch, with a variety of options that catered to all dietary needs and preferences.
What stood out the most was the flexibility and support provided by the team. While their team handled the venue and catering aspects impeccably, they allowed us to bring our own touch to the décor and music, making our wedding uniquely ours.
We highly recommend The Sanctuary to any couple looking for a beautiful venue with outstanding service!! -
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Michelle Sent on 06/11/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
The most magical, pinterest perfect wedding...
Frank, Alfonso, and the entire team at Sanctuary were an absolute pleasure to work with. Their timely responses, consistent communication, and extraordinary efforts to manage my pre-wedding nerves and requests were truly commendable. Kat's culinary skills are Michelin-worthy and will satisfy even the pickiest NYC foodies.
The venue feels like a fairytale escape from the city, perfectly capturing and highlighting the stunning skyline and river views. My wedding vision board came to life effortlessly in such a beautiful setting. We are forever grateful for making our special day so easy, memorable, and magical. Thank you, team! We can't wait to return for future anniversaries and celebrations! -
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Elina Sent on 03/01/20245 out of 5 rating5.0-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
We had the best time
The folks that run The Sanctuary are really great. Alfonso was with us every step of the way to make sure our wedding was exactly our vision. The food was delicious, and we were able to customize some of the options to fit some cultural foods we wanted. Great staff, yummy food, good drinks! -
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Davy Sent on 02/15/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
The Sanctuary Is Wonderful
We feel so lucky that we were able to get married at the Sanctuary. They accommodated all of our requests and helped us have a beautiful wedding. We cannot recommend them highly enough. -
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Martin Sent on 01/21/20245 out of 5 rating5.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Beautiful winter wedding venue with excellent food, service, atmosphere
The Sanctuary hosted our Friday evening wedding in Dec. ‘23. The planning was straightforward; the pricing transparent; and the cost appropriate for an off-season Friday wedding. The venue is very pretty sitting on the East River—the photographic options are lovely. The holiday season decorations made the venue sparkle inside—I don’t know that we needed our own decorations on top of theirs! The venue responded well to our DJ’s inquiries, which helped that process work well. Frank and Alfonso were very hospitable and professional. The food, drinks and service were excellent—the homemade pizzas were a hit with the younger guests. We appreciated that they can offer vegan/vegetarian options easily; and that they think about how to minimize food waste…nice to have an ethical venue! The side house, which is a wedding party suite, is very generously proportioned with lots of room to dress. (We had the ceremony off-site, but if you have your ceremony here, the site inside or on the river is really convenient, lovely and quite a good deal.) Also, while some materials say parking is limited, it was available on our day which made our guests’ experience easy for them to arrive and for them to get home. (Btw…gps directions can be a little confusing but finding the location is a little treasure revealed on the river.) When we visited to check out the venue and for our tasting, we saw some Cornell parties going on—they can handle a variety of events easily, which was reassuring. A positive lovely celebration! -
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Adriana Sent on 10/09/20254.8 out of 5 rating4.8-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
A Beautiful Fall Wedding
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! -
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Chiara Sent on 08/14/20254.8 out of 5 rating4.8-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Two thumbs up!
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!-
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+6 photos
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Courtney Sent on 11/10/20244.8 out of 5 rating4.8-
Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Best. Day. Ever.
We couldn't have asked for anything more from our November 2024 wedding at The Sanctuary. The food was delicious, the staff were accommodating, and the views provided the most magical backdrop to our ceremony and celebration. The best decision regarding my wedding was the man I married, the second-best decision was having the wedding at The Sanctuary. Alfosno, Kat and the whole team went above and beyond to ensure our day went off without a hitch. Highly, highly recommend saying yes to the Sanctuary - you won't regret it.
Photos by the incredibly talented @nadialeonphotography -
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Lily Sent on 05/20/20254.6 out of 5 rating4.6
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Value 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating5.0
Highly Recommend!
The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island was absolutely beautiful — a stunning space right on the water with incredible views. There were so many unique and fun areas, both indoor and outdoor, which made the experience feel dynamic and special throughout the event. The staff was incredibly accommodating and friendly, making everything run smoothly from start to finish. We received so many compliments from our guests and truly could not have asked for a better outcome. We highly recommend this venue. -
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Sara Sent on 09/22/20244 out of 5 rating4.0
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Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Average response time 3 out of 5 rating3.0
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Professionalism 4 out of 5 rating4.0
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Value 5 out of 5 rating5.0
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Flexibility 3 out of 5 rating3.0
August 2024 Wedding
My husband and I got married two weeks ago at The Sanctuary and had the best night! Our guests loved the many features of the venue (the pier, patio, tent, and indoor space), complimented the food and drinks, and we were all extremely impressed by the high quality service provided by the bartenders and waiters. Working with Amelia and Kat on the day was a pleasure and we couldn’t thank them enough for supporting us as we got set up that morning, and throughout the day. Our wedding day was the first time we interacted with either of them, and it was a pleasant surprise to have so much support on our side.
Throughout the planning process we worked closely with Alfonso. Alfonso does a great job selling The Sanctuary and was available to answer our questions along the way. There were definitely some things we needed to dig into a bit more than we thought we’d have to - creating a detailed timeline for the day based a few examples provided, develop clearer floorplans of the venue for our vendors to ensure they understood the space, putting together a table map for our dinner setup, renting/purchasing the sound equipment needed for our ceremony on the pier, finding an alternative rehearsal space, and hiring a day of coordinator to support with decor, set-up, flow, and cleanup. Reading other reviews of the venue was super helpful to ensure we were asking the right questions and following up on pieces that seemed unclear.
If you’re looking for an affordable (relative to the rest of NYC), dynamic, and interesting wedding venue, and you’re willing to put in the work or hire a wedding planner, this is definitely a great contender! -
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Alex Sent on 02/09/20241 out of 5 rating1.0
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Quality of service 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Average response time 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Professionalism 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Value 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Flexibility 1 out of 5 rating1.0
Don’t get married here
I had an overall negative experience getting married here in September 2023 and would advise against it! -
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Taylor Sent on 12/06/20231 out of 5 rating1.0
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Quality of service 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Average response time 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Professionalism 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Value 1 out of 5 rating1.0
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Flexibility 1 out of 5 rating1.0
Save yourself the heartache and avoid this venue.
Save yourself the money and the heartbreak, and book someone else for your wedding.
The entire experience felt scammy, as they offered us a discount and a bunch of extras when we booked to take a less than ideal date, and then tried to get out of providing good customer service after the final payment. Their communication became poor the closer we got to the wedding - at one point, our DJ had to reach out to the venue on our behalf, as they had stopped answering completely. Clearly the communication between the two owners, Frank and Alfonso, was not great either, as Alfonso took over and the promises Frank made to get us to book were no longer a given, especially when it came to money. We had to remind him and fight with him over things we were told would be part of our wedding when we booked, and some of them were not delivered (or ever able to be delivered, and should never have been promised to us by Frank).
The pier advertised for an outdoor ceremony is not their property, but NYS, and therefore wasn’t available to us for our wedding because it was under construction. They never told us that - I had to reach out and ask when I began seeing a different ceremony spot on their instagram. Be aware: it doesn’t seem like the new ceremony spot is their property either. The arch had to be set up inside the venue, then the staff would move it to the new pier shortly before the wedding. They didn’t secure it when they moved it, and our arch broke prior to our ceremony.
Frank and Alfonso promised one of them would be the included day of coordinator. Neither of them showed up for the wedding, nor did they have the decency to tell us they couldn’t make it. After I sent two emails following our wedding, we were told we did have a day of coordinator. It was the chef, who let us in the morning, and gave us our cake at the end of the night, and whom we never saw or spoke to otherwise. This was particularly frustrating, as I had asked at one point via an email [that they ignored] about speaking to the day of coordinator ahead of the wedding, and an included day of coordinator was a main reason we booked them.
They also: left other wedding decor out during our wedding, packed up our decor for the lounge before the cocktail hour even started, didn’t make our signature cocktail [one of the upsells they included during our tour], and used someone’s fourieth birthday napkins during cocktail hour despite us bringing custom cocktail napkin. The firepit was another main reason we booked, as we wanted an outdoor wedding, and they told us it would be included free of charge, both during our tour by Frank and again reconfirmed by Alfonso during during our final walk through in October. Not only was it not included, THERE WAS NO FIREPIT ON PREMISE. The outdoor heaters weren’t lit by the staff, and when my dad tried to light them, they had no propane, so they weren’t even prepared for guests to utilize their advertised outdoor space.
The food was horrendous, overcooked and cold, a total 180 from our incredible tasting back after we booked. The other cocktails were prebatched and gross. And the real kicker for the amount of money they charge: water was not included or served during dinner like it was during the tasting. You had to get up and serve yourself water out of a plastic jug and tiny little cup a la an office.
The entire experience felt like a bait and switch, where they promised us the world to get us to book and then provided us as little as they could get away day of. I highly recommend you avoid this venue if you want to save yourself the stress and the tears for cheap plastic decor and poor service, and just spend the money elsewhere. -
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