This 35-acre sculpture park and gardens has both indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring the work of both established and emerging contemporary sculptors including Clement Meadmore, Anthony Caro, George Segal, and Magdalena Abakanowicz.

The surrounding gardens also are works of art. The park is home to more than 2,000 trees, representing more than 100 species and countless other plants and flowers. The grounds are also home to several peacocks—including a rare white peacock—that roam freely and add a shock of color to the serene seen. (A note to April brides—the peacocks are in heat that month, so watch out!)

“Grounds for Sculpture is very, very different than any other venue in that it is a clean canvas,” says Roxanne Klett, the facility’s rentals associate. Aside from the sculpture and views of the gardens, the reception spaces are blank and ready to be dressed up to match whatever ambiance or theme a bride can dream up. “Most of our clientele are people who have a creative eye and want to control every aspect of their wedding,” she adds.

While the ability to hand-select every detail is appealing, it does come at a price. Because reception tables and chairs, linens, silverware, cocktail stations, and everything else required to host a party must be rented through your caterer or other vendor, the grand total can add up quickly. Also note that the caterer you choose should be willing to function as a wedding coordinator, as Grounds for Sculpture does not provide that service. They do provide a list of preferred caterers who know the venue and have experience with this expanded role. However, because Grounds for Sculpture does have a liquor license, all alcohol must be purchased though them, and no outside liquor can be brought in.

The main reception space, the Seward Johnson Center for the Arts, can host 75 to 150 guests for a sit-down dinner. The rental fee ranges from $2,250 to $5,250, depending on the time of day and day of the week you choose. For smaller weddings of 40 people or less for a sit-down, the West Lounge is available for $1,450 to $2,250, again depending on the time of day and day of the week. These prices include the dance floor rental and a one-year contributor level membership to Grounds for Sculpture.