Weddings at 501 Union
Our building dates back to 1916 and once served as a classic car restoration shop. It was transformed into an event venue in 2013 and now provides a unique backdrop for Brooklyn’s most stylish weddings.
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Host a sun-dappled ceremony in the covered atrium, a black-tie cocktail party catered by your favorite NYC food truck, a family-style seated dinner with friends and family gathered around our custom-built tables, or an intimate Sunday afternoon brunch. Do a little, or a lot. 501 Union is transformable, existing as is, or curated to fit your event’s aesthetic.
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Our mission is simple: bring people together to celebrate love ... and to have a good time while doing it. We hope to inspire you to connect and to take a moment to dream a little. What will your 501 Union wedding look like?
Planning Your Wedding at 501 Union
The Details
Paired with our exceptional service, your guests can enjoy three distinct spaces within the venue: a covered atrium, an elegant cocktail lounge, and a light-filled reception hall. Locally-sourced design elements include Modo chandeliers by Jason Miller, customized Flavor Paper wallpaper, and a vaulted skylight that runs the length of the main gathering space. These elements come together to reflect the best of old and new Brooklyn: industrial chic with a touch of modern glamour.
Venue Capacity
We can accommodate up to 160 guests for a seated dinner in the main reception hall, or up to 250 for a cocktail style reception with limited seating, depending on stage and dance floor layout. The venue features a combined 6,000 square feet; the cocktail lounge and covered atrium can be rented separately for smaller weddings, pending no other events are taking place that day.
Wedding Catering
Please review our list of preferred caterers, who have a history of creating amazing weddings at 501 Union. They know our venue intimately, provide stellar service, and of course … delicious food. You may also utilize an outside company, including food trucks and restaurant drop-off, but every vendor must carry a certificate of insurance (COI).
Get Married in Gowanus, BK
It's hard to ignore the energy of Gowanus, a largely industrial neighborhood situated between Carroll Gardens and Park Slope. Stroll the streets and you’ll discover something new around every warehouse corner; bustling storefronts, unique activities like shuffleboard, archery and even kayaking on Gowanus’ namesake canal; studios filled with printmakers and wood workers diligently perfecting their craft.
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Voted ‘2015 Neighborhood of the Year’ by Curbed NY, Gowanus has quickly become a haven for artists, creative makers, and burgeoning start-ups pioneering the new wave of Brooklyn respectfully alongside the neighborhood's longstanding industrial manufacturers.
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Gowanus has many wonderful and unique options for lodging, dining, culture and nightlife. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction.
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501 Union is just four subway stops to Lower Manhattan. Take the F/G to Carroll Street or R to Union Street. We encourage ride share, and the closest parking lot is at 365 Bond Street. We are also happy to make recommendations for valet for your guests.
What’s Included in Your Rental
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Thorough cleaning of the venue before and after the event
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Pre-event support from a Private Events Coordinator
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Event day staff: Venue Coordinator (during setup), Host, and Onsite Manager (during event)
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Use of the coat check room equipped with racks and approximately 160 hangers
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Use of standard in-house event furniture
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A four-part mobile stage; each piece is 4’x8’ and can be set at 7”, 12”, or 24” tall
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Garbage cans (heavy-duty 55-gal garbage bags must be provided by client/caterer)
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Kitchen including commercial-grade convection oven, double-door chest refrigerator, chest freezer, three-compartment sink, commercial-grade glass sanitizer, ice machine, over 100 sq. ft. workable counter space
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Integrated in-house sound system
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Furniture
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501 Union is partially furnished, leaving lots of room for creativity in event design and decor. In addition to these furnishings, basic furniture including 6’ banquet tables, 30” round tables, cocktail tables and chairs are included in the venue rental rate. Custom furniture is also available to rent for an additional fee. Details may be found here.
Audio/Visual Equipment
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501 Union is equipped with an in-house sound system including speakers, two wireless microphones, and a built in projection system. Based upon the needs of your wedding, an in-house A/V technician familiar with our systems may be required at an additional fee.