Frequently Asked Questions

    • Onsite Ceremony & Reception: Exclusive access to Shell’s Loft for both ceremony and reception.

    • Event Furnishings: Includes tables, chairs, couches, and more (a full list is available in the Shell’s Loft Venue Guide).

    • 12-Hour Venue Access: Enjoy use of the space for your event, with additional time for setup and breakdown.

    • Comprehensive Cleaning: Our team handles full cleaning of the space before and after your event.

    • Garden Lighting: Ambient string lights add a charming glow to the garden setting.

    In-House Food & Beverage Service: Marlow Events, our exclusive catering partner, provides all food and beverage services.

  • The administration fee encompasses all staffing costs for your event, ensuring seamless service throughout your experience. While gratuity is neither expected nor required, any tip given in appreciation of exceptional service is warmly welcomed.

  • To secure a date, please reach out to our Wedding Sales Director, who will prepare a contract for your review. A 50% deposit is required upon signing to confirm your booking. Shell’s Loft Fort Greene accepts payment by check, credit card and wire transfer. The remaining balance is due 30 days before your event, with any additional charges settled after the event.

    • 181 Days or More Before Event Date: You will be responsible for 50% of the contractual obligations.

    Within 180 Days of Event Date: You will be responsible for 100% of the contractual obligations.

    • Event Manager: Our Event Manager assists with logistics, including floor plan creation (excluding seating arrangements), to ensure a smooth flow on the day of your event.

    Amenities: We provide essential amenities such as hair & makeup chairs, rolling garment racks, and steamers to accommodate your preparation needs.

    • Zen Loft (Ceremony): Accommodates up to 130 guests for a seated ceremony.

    • Greene Loft Garden:

      • Up to 80 guests for a seated ceremony

      • Up to 130 guests for a cocktail hour

    • Greene Loft (Dinner + Reception):

      • Up to 130 guests for a seated ceremony or seated dinner

      • Up to 150 guests for a cocktail-style reception

    Rooftop: Ideal for post-ceremony photos with up to 15 people, perfect for the couple or wedding party.

  • Our venue closes at midnight, but we’d be happy to recommend a few great spots nearby for your afterparty. For suggestions, check out the "Vendors We Love" list in our venue packet.

  • While we can’t guarantee access to the ceremony space the day before your wedding, our Event Manager will confirm availability the week of your event if we’re able to accommodate. For rehearsal pricing, please refer to our Venue Guide.

  • You’ll need to arrange for the removal of personal belongings and décor on the evening of your wedding. Our Shell’s Loft team will take care of all venue cleaning before and after your event, including sweeping, mopping, and detailing the bathrooms.

  • You will have 12 hours of access to the space on the day of your event.

  • Yes, we welcome your dog to be a part of your special day! There is a $150 pet charge. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are permitted in our event spaces during the ceremony, with prior approval.

  • Smoking is not permitted in our garden or on our rooftop terrace. However, smoking is allowed streetside, provided it is at least 15 feet away from our front entrance.

  • Wedding couples are not required to provide insurance for their event. However, any outside vendors must supply a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to cover liability or damages while working in our spaces.

  • All vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance. Additionally, you are required to have a Day-of Coordinator/Planner who has been approved by Shell’s Loft Fort Greene. For a list of recommended vendors, please inquire about our Preferred Vendor List.

  • Yes, friends of our wedding couples are welcome to serve as vendors on your wedding day, whether as a florist, DJ, musician, or in another capacity. However, please keep the following in mind:

    • Day-of Coordinators: Must be industry professionals and cannot also attend as guests.

    • Vendor Participation: If your friend is a vendor who will also be attending the wedding, they must complete their vendor duties (such as setup and breakdown) before participating in the celebration. For the safety of our team and venue, it’s essential that they remain sober while performing their duties.

    • Insurance Requirement: All vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

    Additionally, all new vendors to our space must have a walkthrough or conversation with our team beforehand to familiarize themselves with our venue’s guidelines and ensure a smooth experience on your big day.

  • A full Wedding Planner is not required; however, you must have an approved Day-of Coordinator. This can be through our Day-of Coordination program or someone you choose on your own.

  • A Day-of Coordinator is required because their role is distinct from that of the Shell’s Loft Event Manager and Event Captain. Our Event Manager focuses on aligning your event with the venue's logistics, while the Event Captain ensures smooth food and beverage service. The Day-of Coordinator is responsible for managing personal details, timelines, coordinating with vendors, directing the ceremony, and handling any last-minute details. This arrangement ensures your vision comes to life, allowing our team to focus on seamless service while you and your guests enjoy the day without having to manage logistics.

  • Yes, candles are allowed, but they must be placed inside hurricanes for safety reasons.

  • We have a few basic guidelines regarding florals and decor, which can be discussed further with your Event Manager:

    • Florist Responsibilities: Your florist must remove all trash from setup and breakdown, including using their own garbage bags.

    • Cake Florals: Cake florals should have 4-inch stems and will be arranged by our catering team.

    • Wall Attachments: Any objects attached to the walls must be removable without damage. Permanent installations, including wall art that requires drilling or hammering, are not permitted.

    • Balloons: Balloons must be removed by clients and/or their vendors at the end of the event. Helium balloons are not allowed, as they can become caught in the ceiling structure and HVAC system.

    • Prohibited Items: Confetti, glitter, rice, poppers, and streamers are not allowed.

    • Removal of Items: All items brought into our space by you or your vendors must be removed by the end of the event. A cleaning fee of $1,000 will be assessed for any items left behind.

    • Discretionary Authority: Shell’s Loft reserves the right to restrict or prohibit the use of signs, displays, and materials that it deems unsafe or that detract from the space's character. Shell’s Loft will not compensate for the expenses incurred in creating any restricted items.

    Any additional requests must be pre-approved by your Event Manager.

  • Our space does not include any sound equipment. However, we highly recommend Canal Light and Sound for all your AV setup needs.

  • Live music is welcome at our venue. All musical performances must be kept below 90 dB to ensure the comfort of all guests and neighbors. Please note that we limit band sizes to a maximum of 8 pieces, and a Green Room is not included.

  • We do not have onsite parking, but there is free street parking available in our neighborhood. Additionally, we offer a paid private parking option at the corner of Flushing and N. Oxford. Rates can be found in our venue packet.

  • Yes, we offer a luminous client suite that is perfect for pre-wedding glam sessions or mid-celebration outfit changes.

  • Yes, Shell’s Loft Fort Greene is ADA accessible.

  • Unfortunately, we do not allow cash bars where guests pay for their own drinks.

  • Yes, we offer discounted non-alcoholic beverage packages upon request.

  • While we have an in-house caterer (Marlow Events), we do permit outside catering for a surcharge. We can also accommodate a limited number of meals from outside vendors for strict Kosher or Halal diners.

    For other cultural culinary elements, please discuss your needs with your Catering Manager. We are happy to collaborate with you to incorporate your traditions into your special day, and our chef is open to requests whenever possible. Additionally, you are welcome to bring in outside desserts, which many couples choose to add a personal touch to their event.

  • While our in-house pastry team creates delicious and beautiful cakes, you are welcome to bring in an outside cake if you prefer. Please note that there will be a plating and cutting fee for outside cakes, which varies depending on your guest count.

  • Yes, we can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. Your Catering Manager will work closely with you to ensure that meals meet the needs of you and all your guests.