The Yale Club

The Yale Club of New York City is a private members' clubhouse at 50 Vanderbilt Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, next to Grand Central Terminal. It hosts ceremonies, cocktail receptions, dinners and dancing under one roof. Weddings are open to members and to events sponsored by a member, so you will need a connection to the club to book.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

The club keeps the whole day in one building, with one events team running it. Your event manager and the banquet staff look after everything from the rehearsal to the last dance, and a private suite gives you somewhere to get ready and take a breath. GLW recommends it for couples with a Yale connection who want a classic, well-run Manhattan wedding without moving guests between venues.

Ceremonies

You can hold your ceremony and reception in the same event room, or use separate rooms for each part of the day. The club includes a rehearsal an hour before the ceremony, so everyone knows where to stand.

Receptions and food

All food and drink comes from the in-house catering team, and a menu tasting can be arranged two to three months before the wedding. A custom wedding cake is included. Named rooms include the Saybrook and Trumbull Rooms, and the Roof Dining Room on the 22nd floor is a good choice for a rehearsal dinner or a brunch the next day. The club also shares a list of preferred suppliers to help with planning.

Staying

The clubhouse has guest rooms, offered at a discounted rate for out-of-town wedding guests. Guests also have use of the club restaurants, fitness center and spa, plus free wireless internet.

Getting there and the area

The club sits directly beside Grand Central Terminal, so guests can arrive by subway, Metro-North or taxi with ease. Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue and the rest of Midtown are a few minutes away on foot.

Good to know

• Weddings are for members and member-sponsored events.
• Catering is in-house, with a custom cake included.
• Discounted guest rooms are available for out-of-town guests.