Why Small Industrial Venues Offer Unique Value for Intimate Weddings and Special Events

By Andrew Bishop, Marketing Strategist at High Line Car House

When it comes to weddings and special occasions, the fascination with grandeur and luxury frequently takes the spotlight. Nevertheless, the growing trend toward small industrial venues is defying these conventional norms, moving towards intimate settings that radiate distinctive charm. 

High Line Car House demonstrates the exceptional value that a small industrial venue can bring to weddings and special events. Furthermore, the intimate ambiance of High Line Car House provides a practical setting for cost-saving strategies, ensuring that your event stands out without any compromise on quality. 

A bride and groom stand with their heads leaning together at their altar in an intimate reception hall with high beamed ceilings and tall windows.

At small industrial venues like High Line Car House, every space serves as a beautiful photo backdrop. Photo by Storyteller Adams.

The Allure of Intimacy in Small Industrial Venues

A bride and groom share their first dance in a small industrial wedding venue as rustic chandeliers glow above and their wedding guests watch.

From first dances to cake cutting, high ceilings and rustic chandeliers accent intimate moments. Photo by Storyteller Adams.

Distinctive Charm

Small industrial venues are characterized by their raw and historic aesthetics—exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and industrial beams. These elements are brought to the forefront at High Line Car House to create a distinctive charm that sets the stage for an intimate and cozy ambiance. Unlike larger, more traditional venues, the smaller size of industrial spaces fosters a sense of togetherness, allowing guests to feel more connected and engaged in the celebration. 

Versatile Aesthetics 

The versatility of High Line Car House allows couples and hosts to personalize the space to align with their unique vision. The neutral backdrop of the warm bricks that make up our walls serve as a blank canvas, enabling creative freedom in decor choices. Whether it's a vintage-inspired theme, modern minimalism, or an eclectic mix, small industrial venues provide the flexibility to bring any vision to life. 

The High Line Car House Specialty: Small Venue, Big Value

A bride and groom share a kiss next to a gray brick wall outside High Line Car House, their wedding party cheering around them and holding bouquets in the air.

Choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue means you get to spend your energy getting excited for your special day. Photo by Courtney Wilder Photography.

When people search for cost-effective venues, they might land on a smaller venue with a low minimum, without knowing the cost details of extra event necessities that pile up: catering, linens, table and chair rentals... the list goes on (and so will your budget!)  

At High Line Car House, all these elements are included in our minimums and final contracts, so you’re not surprised by a necessary expense down the road. This makes for a cost-effective event overall because you can allocate your budget towards other elements of the event, such as entertainment and décor, and not have to make last-minute sacrifices or go over budget.  

Additionally, because High Line Car House has an in-house caterer, Together & Company, we eliminate the need for you to worry about additional coordination of catering services for your event. And as a bonus, our team of Event Designers will be with you from the time you sign a contract to the day of your event, making sure every detail is perfect for your day. Who knew big things come in small venues!  

 

Cost-Saving Strategies for Small Industrial Venues 

We know part of looking for a smaller venue means you have an interest in cost-saving strategies when hosting your event. Here’s how you can host an event at a small industrial venue on a budget without compromising on quality: 

Feel at ease knowing you stuck to your budget with our Event Team’s help. Photo by Courtney Wilder Photography.

Early Planning and Budgeting 

Kickstart your event planning process with early and detailed budgeting. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of costs and ensures that you can allocate funds strategically. Our Event Designers at High Line will help guide you through the planning, budgeting, and execution process of your event.  

Prioritize Must-Haves

Identify the key elements that are non-negotiable for your event and allocate a significant portion of your budget to these priorities. This ensures that the essential aspects receive the attention they deserve. At High Line Car House, we offer versatile space reservation options, accommodating not only varying guest sizes but also diverse budget ranges depending on the time of year and day of the week you host your event.  

Flexible Timing 

Consider hosting your event during off-peak seasons or days. Many small industrial venues offer discounted rates during these times, allowing you to benefit from quality services at a more budget-friendly cost. High Line Car House provides versatile event spaces suitable for any season, whether your event is on a warm summer night or a chilly winter evening. Our venue caters to both indoor and outdoor events, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the year. 

DIY Elements 

A wedding reception seating chart made of papers with table numbers clipped to string tied between two industrial iron poles.

Even the most important elements can be executed in simple ways. Fun fact: Our Venue Manager, Kate, put this seating chart stand together last-minute when the original one didn’t arrive in time! Photo by Courtney Wilder Photography.

Infuse personal touches into your event by incorporating do-it-yourself (DIY) elements. From handmade decorations to custom signage, these additions not only save costs but also add a unique and personalized touch to your celebration. Event planners at High Line Car House have coordinated many distinctive styles of decor and can help provide fresh ideas for your vision board. 

Utilize Natural Elements 

Leverage the inherent aesthetics of an industrial venue. Minimalist decor often complements the raw beauty of exposed brick and industrial beams, reducing the need for extravagant decorations. Consult with your Event Designer at High Line Car House to request photos of previous events. You’ll be inspired by the different decoration and color schemes people have used in the past to enhance the warm ambiance of our space with lesser amounts of additional décor.  

The view above a wedding reception in full swing in the Main Hall at High Line Car House.

A space that naturally speaks for itself. Photo by Courtney Wilder Photography.

 

Unique Aspects of Compact Industrial Spaces

Intimacy and Connection 

A bride stops at a table during her reception to chat with a wedding guest, who is smiling.

In smaller venues, you get to spend less time running around and more time socializing with loved ones. Photo by Courtney Wilder Photography.

The smaller size of High Line Car House fosters an intimate atmosphere where guests feel more connected to the event and each other. This creates a sense of shared experience that is often more challenging to achieve in larger spaces. 

Flexible Event Flow 

High Line Car House provides more flexibility in organizing the flow of the event. Transitions between ceremony, reception, and other activities can be seamless, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for guests. 

The Main Hall is often used as a ceremony space, a bar, and finally a reception hall, all in one night. Photos by Hailey Lauren Photography.

Unique Photo Opportunities 

The distinct aesthetics of small industrial venues offer unique and captivating photo opportunities. High Line Car House provides a diverse range of photographic opportunities, capturing everything from candid shots against exposed brick walls to romantic moments bathed in ambient lighting. This venue promises to be the setting of a visually stunning and unforgettable photo album for you to look back on in awe of your day. 

Tailored Guest Experience and Menus 

A server smiles as she offers a platter of hors d'oeuvres to several guests.

The concept of a tailored guest experience at High Line Car House extends far beyond the mere number of attendees. With the advantage of a smaller guest list, hosts gain the opportunity to meticulously craft a personalized and intimate atmosphere, ensuring that every guest feels valued and connected throughout the event. 

Also, High Line Car House offers the flexibility to curate menus that cater to the attendees' specific preferences and dietary needs. From delectable appetizers to mouthwatering main courses and delightful desserts, the culinary experience becomes a bespoke journey designed to delight the taste buds of each guest. 

Furthermore, the smaller guest list allows hosts to go beyond the conventional and offer personalized touches that make the event truly special. High Line Car House provides the canvas to weave in unique elements, such as custom decorations, individualized favors, and thoughtful surprises, ensuring that every guest feels like an integral part of a carefully crafted celebration. 

A selection of curated menu items served by our exclusive catering partner, Together & Company.

The Value of Our Custom Experiences

The experience at High Line Car House is not just about attending an event—it's about immersing oneself in an atmosphere where every detail reflects the hosts' commitment to creating meaningful connections. From the moment guests arrive until the final farewell, the intimate setting of High Line Car House allows for a level of personalization that transforms the entire event into a memorable and cherished experience for each attendee. Explore High Line Car House with one of our event planners today and see the versatility of small industrial venues—the hidden gems that promise a truly extraordinary event experience. 

 
A bride is escorted down the aisle at High Line, her family and friends smiling as the sun streams through the window and lights up her face.

Kristen is escorted down the aisle, lit by the afternoon sun streaming through tall windows at the High Line Car House. Photo by Storyteller Adams.

Personalize Your Wedding At High Line Car House

Our Events Team can’t wait to hear all about the vision for your wedding day!

Andrew Bishop is a marketing strategist and client experience manager who has led teams in the digital marketing space for over 13 years. He is enthusiastic about translating the High Line Car House Team’s expertise to provide the most relevant content that will make readers the best event hosts in town. You can find him on LinkedIn.

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Embracing Intimacy: The Rise of Cozy Industrial-Chic Wedding Venues