Now more than ever, planners are seeking out the newest, most novel event settings to wow guests (and maybe create great Instagram bait). Here's a look at some quirky, picturesque venues and event spaces—from luxe glamping sites to gritty urban locations—to keep on your radar.
TreeHouse Point, located 22 miles from Seattle and 30 miles from SeaTac airport, offers an over-the-top events package featuring exclusive use of the property and accommodations in, yes, treehouses. Depending on sleeping arrangements, the bed and breakfast holds as many as 16 people for an overnight stay. The package also includes use of a cedar-lined multi-purpose space known as the Pond Room, which can be rented separately. The room holds 40 and is reserved for set blocks of time (up to 5 hours or up to 8 1/2 hours), starting at $600.
The New York Marble Cemetery, located in New York’s East Village neighborhood, offers a magically macabre outdoor space for a variety of events—except funerals; the last interment occurred in 1937. From weddings and birthday parties to fund-raisers and fashion shows, such as Stella McCartney’s resort collection presentation in June 2012 (pictured), the half-acre garden is available starting at $2,500 for private parties and $5,000 for corporate events, with a maximum crowd of 150 people. The fees help the cemetery's caretakers maintain and restore the centuries-old marble walls, which surround the burial ground.
Built in 1872, the Artists’ Bridge, which spans the Sunday River in the town of Newry, Maine, is one of seven covered bridges remaining in the state and has proven to be a popular spot for saying “I do.” Newry officials maintain an events calendar for the bridge as a courtesy; past entries have varied from duck races to road rallies to weddings. But, since it is a public space, a date on the calendar does not guarantee exclusive use. Plus, dancing and candles or open fires are not permitted, and the bridge holds a maximum of 50 people.
Guests can hop aboard and take a joy ride on one of Chicago's “L” trains, which are available to charter through the Chicago Transit Authority. They can be rented any time, except weekday rush hours, with pricing starting around $2,000 depending on the size and length of the event. Food, non-alcoholic beverages, decorations, battery-operated sound systems, and live music is permitted. Each car holds about 35 people.
Events at Under Canvas’ luxury camping properties come with some true party animals—the local wildlife. With locations across the United States, including Glacier National Park; Moab, Utah; and the Appalachian Mountains, the venues feature a selection of the company’s tents and teepees, along with mountain views, open meadows, forests, and more. Outdoor activities are also available, such as white-water rafting, clay shooting, and guided fly-fishing.
Called “Luna Vista,” the geodesic dome sits atop the Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, on its rooftop deck, offering views of Sundance Square and downtown. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled dome seats 80 guests for a dinner or 100 for a buffet reception. The dome does not require a rental fee, but there is a flexible food and beverage requirement between $2,500 and $5,000.
