The Sanctuary RI

All-inclusive venue

The venue takes care of it all - food and beverage, rentals, the works!

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $15,000 for off-peak dates, and $20,000 for peak dates

Guest capacity

Up to 300 seated guests

About this venue

Nestled in a beautifully restored former church, The Sanctuary RI combines historic elegance with modern charm. The venue boasts stunning original stained glass and a serene, intimate atmosphere. Guests are often impressed by the exceptional service and the breathtaking views of the East River, making it an ideal setting for any special event. The landscaped patio provides a perfect space for cocktail hours, while private rooms offer cozy settings for more intimate gatherings. This venue's flexibility and attention to detail ensure a memorable experience for all occasions.

Best of Zola 2026
Best of Zola 2025

Seated guest capacity

  • 50-300

Venue type

  • Beaches, Waterfront Settings
  • Historic Estates, Mansions

Venue setting

  • Covered Outdoor
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
851 Main St, New York, NY 10044

Our event spaces

The Sanctuary

Historic converted premises to fit your each and every need.

Complete with brand new HVAC, a built out bar, and a stage.

Guest capacity

100-200 Seated

200-300 Standing

Square footage

2,000

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Terrace

Beautiful fully paved and built-out exterior space. 2400 Sq Ft all-weather tent included.

Our 4000 Square Foot Terrace serves as the perfect space for receptions. Sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan’s Upper East Side, your guests will be mesmerized watching the waterfront activity as they enjoy one of our signature cocktails. This space accommodates up to 250 people seated or 400 people standing (with High-Top tables). The Terrace features one of two sculptures by the world-renowned artist, Don Gummer. The Terrace has a dedicated marble bar.

Guest capacity

250-300 Seated

400-600 Standing

Square footage

5,000

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Other

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Patio

The front yard

Our front yard has been converted to a landscaped and manicured space. Featuring our second Don Gummer sculpture and over 75 feet of East River waterfront, this is the space to impress your guests during cocktail hour or for a more intimate event. With immediate access to The Sanctuary & its bar your guests will enjoy mingling & walking the space throughout your entire event.

Guest capacity

200-300 Seated

400-500 Standing

Square footage

3,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Other

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Private Room 1

One of our three private rooms on the second floor of the attached abode.

To be used as you please -- whether as green room for a shoot, private room for downtime and storage, or a bedroom. Each room comes with a pull out couch featuring a full sized Queen bed.

Guest capacity

5-10 Seated

10-15 Standing

Square footage

180

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Private Room 2

One of our three private rooms on the second floor of the attached abode.

To be used as you please -- whether as green room for a shoot, private room for downtime and storage, or a bedroom. Each room comes with a pull out couch featuring a full sized Queen bed.

Guest capacity

5-10 Seated

10-15 Standing

Square footage

200

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Private Room 3

One of our three private rooms on the second floor of the attached abode.

To be used as you please -- whether as green room for a shoot, private room for downtime and storage, or a bedroom. Each room comes with a pull out couch featuring a full sized Queen bed.

Guest capacity

5-10 Seated

10-15 Standing

Square footage

130

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Sanctuary

Historic converted premises to fit your each and every need.

Complete with brand new HVAC, a built out bar, and a stage.

Guest capacity

100-200 Seated

200-300 Standing

Square footage

2,000

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Terrace

Beautiful fully paved and built-out exterior space. 2400 Sq Ft all-weather tent included.

Our 4000 Square Foot Terrace serves as the perfect space for receptions. Sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan’s Upper East Side, your guests will be mesmerized watching the waterfront activity as they enjoy one of our signature cocktails. This space accommodates up to 250 people seated or 400 people standing (with High-Top tables). The Terrace features one of two sculptures by the world-renowned artist, Don Gummer. The Terrace has a dedicated marble bar.

Guest capacity

250-300 Seated

400-600 Standing

Square footage

5,000

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party, Other

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Patio

The front yard

Our front yard has been converted to a landscaped and manicured space. Featuring our second Don Gummer sculpture and over 75 feet of East River waterfront, this is the space to impress your guests during cocktail hour or for a more intimate event. With immediate access to The Sanctuary & its bar your guests will enjoy mingling & walking the space throughout your entire event.

Guest capacity

200-300 Seated

400-500 Standing

Square footage

3,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Wedding shower, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, Other

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Private Room 1

One of our three private rooms on the second floor of the attached abode.

To be used as you please -- whether as green room for a shoot, private room for downtime and storage, or a bedroom. Each room comes with a pull out couch featuring a full sized Queen bed.

Guest capacity

5-10 Seated

10-15 Standing

Square footage

180

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Private Room 2

One of our three private rooms on the second floor of the attached abode.

To be used as you please -- whether as green room for a shoot, private room for downtime and storage, or a bedroom. Each room comes with a pull out couch featuring a full sized Queen bed.

Guest capacity

5-10 Seated

10-15 Standing

Square footage

200

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Private Room 3

One of our three private rooms on the second floor of the attached abode.

To be used as you please -- whether as green room for a shoot, private room for downtime and storage, or a bedroom. Each room comes with a pull out couch featuring a full sized Queen bed.

Guest capacity

5-10 Seated

10-15 Standing

Square footage

130

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Available services that can be provided by The Sanctuary RI

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Catering services
  • Clean up
  • Dance floor
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event coordinator
  • Event rentals
  • Event staff
  • Liability insurance
  • Lighting/Sound
  • On-site accommodations
  • Pet friendly
  • Service staff
  • Set up
  • Transportation
  • Wedding cake services
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 4.8

4.8 out of 5

51 reviews

  • AR

    Annie R.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Oct 31

    The greatest night!

    I can't recommend the Sanctuary more. They were so kind, flexible, and considerate of everything. Arthur was the greatest person we could ever have hoped for to help us plan our special day. The ceremony, reception, and dance party were so perfect. It was truly magical. The whole team is so kind and attentive to detail. We are really over the moon and so happy we found this special, beautiful place. Thank you again to Arthur! We owe you the best day of our lives!

  • AM

    Amy M.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Oct 27

    Fantastic venue!

    The Sanctuary is truly an incredible venue. Arthur was so organized and on top of everything, and every staff member went above and beyond in terms of the service they provided. My partner and I are so happy with how the day went!

  • JR

    Julie R.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Oct 22, 2026

    The Perfect Day

    The Sanctuary RI turned out to be exactly what we needed for our wedding day. From our first conversation, the team was attentive and responsive, answering every question we had throughout the planning timeline. They offered special perks that made our celebration feel personalized, and their full-service approach meant we didn't have to stress about the details. What really impressed us was how budget-friendly they were without cutting corners—this waterfront gem delivered incredible value. Our guests couldn't stop talking about the beautiful setting and how well everything ran. Honestly, I couldn't have dreamed of a better venue for our big day.

  • L

    Laura

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Sep 27, 2026

    Wonderful Evening at the Sanctuary

    The evening went as planned and everyone at the Sanctuary was so accommodating and helpful. They went out of their way to insure that we had a good time. The venue was lovely and we were more than satisfied. This event wasn’t a wedding but we feel that a wedding here would be a magical experience.

  • TT

    Tiana and T.

    Rating: 5
    •Zola
    •Sep 15, 2026

    Best Wedding Ever

    We got married at the Sanctuary a year ago, in September 2025 - and a year later, we are regularly told by multiple guests that it was the best wedding they've ever attended! And we fully agree, not just because it was ours ;) The venue is absolutely beautiful and the team sets it up perfectly - we brought minimal decor of our own because the space really didn't need much else. They were so helpful in the months before with planning (they even gave us advice on what time to have the ceremony based on the timing of the sunset), which let us have breathing room to think calmly about what we wanted, without having to plan every crazy detail on our own. On the day of, the team was so friendly and helpful, and made us feel so at ease. We never needed a third party wedding planner because the Sanctuary team was so on point throughout the whole process, between giving excellent recommendations and having flexibility in accommodating our requests and additions (like our salsa band). The food is absolutely delicious as well, we were thoroughly impressed. We recommend Sanctuary to everyone and anyone that asks, and we are so happy with the memories we have from our wedding!

Real couples who got married at The Sanctuary RI

Show all photos
May, June, July, August, September, October, and November
January, February, March, April, and December
Due to NY SLA requirements, we are required to provide and sell any and all alcohol
There is on-site parking for 10 cars. Beyond that, we recommend Valet services, or using the local Parking Complex.
Yes, all our facilities are wheelchair accessible. We also have ramps at the main and side entrances, hearing-impaired fire alarm lights, and trained staff.

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