The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine Overview
Best for: Cocktail Parties, Forums & Seminars, Fundraising & Non-Profit, Gala, Receptions, Seated Dinner, Weddings
Venue Type: Historic, Natl. Reg. of Historic Places
Features: Ceremony Area, Handicap Accessible, Outdoor Space, Tall Ceilings
General Capacity: 2500
Discover
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a 131-year-old global landmark and the largest gothic cathedral in the world. The Cathedral’s distinctive architecture, with its detailed facade, great bronze doors, and grand staircase, towers over Amsterdam Avenue and extends a full avenue block east to Morningside Drive.
The Cathedral and its surrounding gardens and buildings form a 11.3-acre complex collectively referred to as the Close. Every area within the Cathedral and surrounding gardens delights and inspires.
While the Cathedral primarily serves its diverse communities, its history, architecture, and capability to seat more guests than many Broadway theaters makes it a highly desirable New York City event and performance venue, with guest count capacities ranging from 100 to 800 for seated dinners and up to 2,500 for receptions. When not in use for its own programming, the Cathedral is pleased to consider requests for public and private events.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine Spaces
Nave and Crossing
Capacity Seated Dinner: 800, Cocktail Reception: 2,500, Theater Style: 1,500
The entire Church measures a record-breaking 601 feet in length and its ceiling soars 124 feet high. The Nave and the Crossing together make up the largest available space to rent for a fundraising gala, wedding reception, live performance, or funeral.
Crossing Only
Capacity Seated Dinner: 450, Cocktail Reception: 850, Theater Style: 600
At approximately 10,000 square feet, the Crossing sits under the largest freestanding dome designed by Rafael Guastavino. The Crossing is the perfect space for a graduation ceremony, seated dinner with speakers, and live performances.
The Chapels
Capacity Seated Dinner: 25, Cocktail Reception: 60, Theater Styler: 45
The chapels of St. Columba, St. Saviour, St. Martin, and St. Ambrose may accommodate between 25 and 60 guests, depending on the set up of the space. Organ music is available in these chapels via our portative organ.
Chapel of Saint James
Capacity Seated Dinner: 70, Cocktail Reception: 125, Theater Style: 97
A perfect intimate chapel for a wedding ceremony, reception, or a conference. St. James Chapel comfortably seats 70 for a seated dinner, 125 for a cocktail reception, or theater style seated concert.
The Great Choir
Capacity Pew Seating: 100, Pew & Chairs: 250
The Great Choir is 170 feet x 56 feet. The Choir Stalls, rising in four tiers on either side of the Choir proper, are of carved American oak. The Great Choir area can be used as a stage for performances or for a wedding ceremony.
Synod Hall
Capacity up to 250 guests
And by early 2024 Synod Hall will be available as the quintessential wedding reception venue for cocktails, seated dinners, and dancing. Synod Hall is a neo-Gothic styled building just steps from the Cathedral. In addition to wedding receptions, it is perfect for a fundraising gala, a birthday or anniversary celebration, or an off-site meeting.
Cathedral House
Capacity 50 Guests
Completed in 1914, these rooms are used regularly for board and conference meetings. A perfect off-site location for your team with views of the Cathedral Gardens and architecture to make your meeting feel like a retreat.
Outdoor Spaces on the Close
Capacity No Capacity Limit
The Close features numerous carefully tended landscapes such as the Pulpit Green, the Biblical Garden and the Rose Garden. With stunning sculptures and fountains, these lush outdoor spaces offer a dramatic background for photo sessions and outdoor events.
Location
of
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue,
New York, New York
10025