InterContinental New York Barclay

InterContinental New York Barclay is a grand hotel on East 48th Street in Midtown Manhattan, a short walk from Grand Central Terminal. It has hosted events since 1926, and its ballrooms, chandeliers and sweeping staircase give a wedding a classic New York feel, whether you are planning a 25-guest elopement or a ballroom celebration for several hundred.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

Everything can happen under one roof: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and rooms for your guests. The hotel's wedding team plans with you from the menu through to the after-party, so you deal with one team rather than a string of separate vendors. For something small, the elopement package keeps things simple.

Ceremonies

Three rooms can be set for a ceremony. The Grand Ballroom, with upholstered chinoiserie walls and chandeliers, seats up to 450. The Empire Ballroom, a long room with delicate light fittings, takes up to 300. The Barclay Salon, a junior ballroom on the lobby level with crystal chandeliers, suits up to 150. The elopement package gives you two hours on the Penthouse Terrace for up to 25 guests, with banquet chairs and a champagne toast. The terrace is confirmed two weeks before the date.

Receptions and food

For dinner with a dance floor, the Grand Ballroom holds up to 350, the Empire Ballroom up to 200 and the Barclay Salon up to 80. On the mezzanine, The Gallery is a large foyer linking the event rooms, with a grand staircase and a vast crystal chandelier. It works well for a cocktail hour of up to 300 before you move through to dinner. The in-house team curates the menu with you. The kitchen is not kosher, but kosher events can be arranged with an outside caterer for an extra fee.

Staying

The Barclay can hold blocks of rooms for your guests, and you can stay on site yourselves. Ask about current room block terms when you inquire.

Getting there and the area

The hotel sits between Park and Lexington Avenues in Midtown East, close to Grand Central Terminal and its Metro-North and subway lines. There is no hotel shuttle, but the concierge team can arrange cars. Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue are nearby for photos.

Good to know

• Ceremonies for up to 450 guests in the Grand Ballroom.
• Kosher catering is possible through an outside caterer, at extra cost.
• Elopements on the Penthouse Terrace take up to 25 guests.