Sands Point Preserve

A Gold Coast Treasure

Holds ceremonies and receptions

5.0

Praised by couples for:

Amenities

Quality catering

Guests comfort

I got married here in August, Emily and her entire team made the entire process from start to finish seamless and so easy. There was zero stress leading up to, or on the day of my wedding due to their organization, skill, and care. The food was amazing, energy was amazing, and I 10/10 recommend.

Rena K.

5.0

Wedding of our dreams!! Emily and the team at Hempstead House made our day so special and had our guests talking about the incredible experience for weeks. We felt so taken care of!! We had so many ideas for our wedding and Emily made every single one of them happen. And the food…truly unbeatable and so many amazing options. You will not regret getting married here!

Allsun O.

5.0

Emily Stepancic

DIRECTOR OF CATERING

AWARD WINNER

Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot

Situated on the grounds of the Guggenheim Estate, Sands Point Preserve is a historic wedding venue located in Port Washington, NY. Allow yourself to travel back in time to the Gatsby era and experience a once-in-a-lifetime fairytale wedding. The grounds boast beautiful architecture and landscaped gardens while also offering unspoiled views of the Gold Coast. CulinArt Group Catering Collection is the exclusive catering company for the estate and a dedicated team of professionals is available to help make your vision come to life. The team aims to provide you with incomparable customer service and attentiveness so that you can have a magical wedding day. Sales and Catering Director Mostafa “Moe” Rajraji has 20 years of experience in the catering and hospitality industry. Moe has planned countless events over the years and can help design your wedding by bringing his creativity and knowledge to the table. As there are many different settings on offer in the estate, Moe can help you choose the one that best suits your personality and style. The grounds offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, including Hempstead House and Castle Gould. Hempstead House can become your own personal mansion with an abundance of rooms for entertaining. The location can accommodate up to 300 people for dining and dancing, and in the summer months you may also make use of the gardens looking over the Long Island Sound. This area is ideal for open-air ceremonies, and it provides incomparable views of the beachfront. Castle Gould’s medieval-style refurbished hall boasts a grand stage and cutting-edge sound system. At 7,000 square feet, the space is versatile to fit all gatherings, big or small. The venue also features vaulted ceilings and broad windows, providing unrivaled views of Long Island. Sands Point Preserve offers a variety of packages for couples depending on their needs and budgetary requirements. Some services in the packages include in-house catering, bartending, and event planning. The estate provides on-site accommodation for guests and the grounds are wheelchair accessible. The estate has hosted an array of ceremonial events, ranging from civil unions and interfaith ceremonies to non-religious ceremonies and vow renewals. The team at Sands Point Preserve strives to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly, and is on hand throughout the day to assist you and your guests.

55+ years in business

Speaks English

Small team (2-10 members)

Amenities + details

Amenities

Ceremony Area

Dressing Room

Handicap Accessible

Indoor Event Space

Liability Insurance

On-Site Accommodations

Outdoor Event Space

Reception Area

Wireless Internet

Ceremony Types

Civil Union

Commitment Ceremony

Interfaith Ceremony

Non-Religious Ceremony

Religious Ceremony

Second Wedding

Vow Renewal Ceremony

Settings

Ballroom

Beach

Waterfront

Castle

Country Club

Estate

Garden

Historic Venue

Library

Museum

Park

Tented

Trees

Venue Service Offerings

Bar & Drinks

Cakes & Desserts

Destination Weddings

Food & Catering

Planning

Rentals & Equipment

Service Staff

Transportation

Awards and Affiliations

2023 'Best of Weddings'

Join couples who chose award-winning vendors for their wedding

Meet the team

Emily Stepancic

Director of Catering

Emily joined the CulinArt Catering Collection team in 2018 as an Administrative Assistant at our catering office at the Sands Point Preserve. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Hospitality Management from The New York Institute of Technology in 2014 and “hit the ground running” on gaining experience in the hospitality world. As a Queens native, she was thrilled when she secured a role as a Suites Manager for Aramark at Citi Field. In that position, she managed experiences for major corporate companies visiting the ballpark. She also played a key role in the 2013 Citi Field All-Star Game and the 2014 MetLife Super Bowl. She is so grateful for this opportunity because she was able to grow her love for baseball and catering at the same time. After five seasons, she furthered her career by joining the sales team at The Garden City Hotel where she managed Corporate Meeting groups. Since joining CulinArt, Emily has been a great resource for clients planning their special events at the Sands Point Preserve. She has now grown a love for social events and the “curve balls” they bring!

5.0

out of 5.0

23 reviews

Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Review Summary

This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.

The Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve is a stunning, romantic venue with beautiful architecture and grounds that wow guests. The venue team is organized, responsive, and handled planning and weather contingencies to keep the day seamless. The food and service earned nonstop rave reviews, and couples strongly recommend it.

Search reviews

Rena K

I got married here in August, Emily and her entire team made the entire process from start to finish seamless and so easy. There was zero stress leading up to, or on the day of my ...

wedding due to their organization, skill, and care. The food was amazing, energy was amazing, and I 10/10 recommend.

Allsun O

Wedding of our dreams!! Emily and the team at Hempstead House made our day so special and had our guests talking about the incredible experience for weeks. We felt so taken care of...

!! We had so many ideas for our wedding and Emily made every single one of them happen. And the food…truly unbeatable and so many amazing options. You will not regret getting married here!

Any questions?

Katie C

The absolute best. We had our wedding at the sands point preserve on 06/13/26 and cannot say enough incredibly amazing things about our entire experience. Emily, Mo, and their staf...

f are genuinely amazing people and we’re so lucky to have worked with them. They were incredibly nice, responsive, and flexible. They catered to our every need, ensured we were happy with all plans, and made sure we were on track and up to date on everything. That made the entire process seamless and so smooth. Emily especially. The preserve venue is such an incredible space, and she really made our vision to come together just how we wanted it. Cannot recommend them enough. Our special day was perfect thanks to them!

Randal S

The Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve was probably the most perfect venue we could have imagined for our wedding. Not only because of the building's elegance and history, but...

also because of the team that comes with it. From a venue perspective, the House is a great choice because it accommodates weddings of all sizes and has excellent spaces for both outdoor and indoor weddings in case of weather issues. Our guests could not stop taking photos around the venue, which was a great sign! From a team perspective, Emily runs her operation flawlessly. She was with us from the first viewing through the big night and she supported us no matter what problems popped up from our end. The food was outstanding (we are hearing compliments to this day), and Emily's list of preferred vendors are highly experienced in this specific space, drastically reducing potential complications on the actual wedding day. We will always think back on the Hempstead House and its team as our home and family away from home. Thank you for giving us truly amazing memories!

Tara R

Emily and the Hempstead House team are an absolute dream to work with and the reason our wedding day felt so seamless. Emily is warm, organized, thoughtful, and genuinely cares abo...

ut her couples. From our very first meeting, she made us feel calm and supported, and she guided us through every step of the planning process with ease. On the day of, she ensured everything ran flawlessly so we could simply enjoy our moment. Aside from the breathtaking architecture and landscaping that is Hempstead House, Emily is one of the biggest reasons we chose Sands Point, and honestly, we wish we could get married there all over again just to work with her all over again. She is truly exceptional and incredible person both professionally and personally!

Devon E

If you’re thinking about getting married here — do it! My husband and I had our wedding at Hempstead House this past July, and it truly could not have been more perfect. From the m...

oment we booked, Emily and Julia made us feel so comfortable and supported. They are an incredible team — organized, thoughtful, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure everything is perfectly executed. On the wedding day itself, everything ran flawlessly. The staff was attentive and kind, the setting was breathtaking, and the food was absolutely outstanding — it’s been two months and we are still getting nonstop rave reviews from our friends and family about the dinner, cocktails, and all of the above. Guests also couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful and smooth the entire evening felt, from the ceremony to the dance floor. We walked away not only with unforgettable memories, but with immense gratitude for the team that brought it all to life. If you want a venue where you’ll feel cared for, where your guests will be wowed, and where your day will truly feel magical, look no further. THANK YOU EMILY AND JULIA!!

Sarah Z

I had my wedding here. It was so dreamy and magical. The place is so beautiful. Emily and moe made me feel so special and made the process so easy flowing. The service is top notch...

. Venue speaks for it self. Worth every penny!

Michael H

I couldn't recommend Emily & Mo enough. My wife and I are fortunate enough to have been to some pretty great weddings but ours was out of this world incredible. People who don't ...

hand out compliments easily were extremely impressed with the venue and overall service. I work in sales and I can't put into words how great Emily is. She essentially became a wedding planner and helped us out immensely and never complained. I plan a ton of events for work and over my 15+ years I've never come across someone as confident and willing to get the job done 100% like Emily and Mo. Honestly, don't know what I would have done without them. I've thanked them many times and still doesn't feel like enough. For anyone thinking of Hempstead House, please take this as an enormous endorsement. They hit a grand slam with our wedding.

Mike C

Emily rocked. 10/10 day. Couldn't have been better.

Kylie H

This was the best decision we could have made for our Wedding. Not only are Emily and Mo wonderful, everything ran so smoothly. It rained during the day of our Wedding and then cle...

ared up, but the team had a plan for no matter what happened. Would highly recommend this venue to anyone that was searching. I didn't have a planner until the two weeks leading up who unfortunately had fallen sick before the wedding and Emily stepped in and made sure everything was still amazing! There is little stress with planning when you are working with Emily and Mo. Not to mention, people keep talking about our Wedding 4 months later. A++++

Mariana M

I had the best wedding at the Hempstead house. Every corner is filled with beautiful details that made the wedding So special. The staff were so kind and caring and made the whole ...

experience so easy. Having the ceremony and cocktail hour outside made me feel like I was in a movie. Overall would highly recommend this venue.

Ashley S

The absolute perfect wedding venue!! My guests are still raving at how beautiful and unique the Hempstead House is and how amazing the food was. The mash potato bar was a complete ...

hit!!! This venue is like no other “catering hall” on Long Island; as a bride, I truly felt like a princess in this beautiful castle. I loved the fact that we could get ready there, have the ceremony and reception there, and be the only bride of the day! The process of booking and planning with Emily was so easy. I was so grateful for her throughout my whole wedding process. Any question or thought I had, she was quick and always so helpful. During the party, Julia, Emily & Moe were amazing and made sure everything ran smoothly. The catering staff always had a smile on their face. You truly get what you pay for. Thank you to the Hempstead House for making my husband and I’s dream wedding come true!

Stephanie K

We truly have nothing but wonderful things to say about our experience with Sands Point Preserve for our June 1st, 2024 wedding! Emily was extremely attentive to detail, organized ...

throughout the entire process, and the absolute friendliest. We could not have asked for a better person to work with leading up to and on the day of our wedding. She took all of our requests with grace and did not make us feel like they were an extra burden at any point. I can confidently say that she made my wedding planning experience a million times easier and less stressful - including day of! Not sure how I would've done it without her and all of the others working at the venue. I highly recommend Sands Point for any weddings or events and if I had the chance to do it all over again, would still choose them! They really did make all of our dreams come true.

Lauren (

I was a September 2023 bride at the Hempstead House and truly had the wedding of my dreams!! Emily & Moe are the absolute DREAM TEAM. Emily became a part of the family and we all a...

dored her. I tell everyone I didn't have a wedding planner and feel like I was fine since I had Emily hahaha. Not only are they amazing, but the venue is exquisite and so unique for Long Island in my opinion. HIGHLY recommend working with them and their team. I will forever be so thankful and in awe of my venue!

Julia B

The Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve is the pinnacle of a beautiful, romantic, and magical venue. It made my husband and me feel royal, it made our guests feel special, and ...

we could not be happier with our decision to get married there. Emily and Mo, the two main points of contact at Hempstead House, are simply exceptional. They are kind, patient, and utterly devoted to making your special occasion unforgettable. They were available at all times for questions, and made the planning process as stress-free and enjoyable as can be. They were also laser-focused in the days leading up to our special day/night to ensure that our wedding was nothing short of perfect. And on the day/night of, Emily and Mo were invaluable to say the least. It became quite obvious to us that they pour their heart and soul into every one of the events they manage. Our wedding was absolutely perfect, and we could not have done it without Emily, Mo, their flawless team, and the unparalleled Hempstead House.

Nicole B

Philip Stone Caterers & The Hempstead House did an absolutely amazing job for our wedding!! The venue itself is gorgeous, and such a unique place. Emily and Moe are the best, they...

were super helpful and answered all of our questions. We had no worries leading up to the wedding, as we knew they would knock it out of the park - and they did! The food is excellent, the service is amazing, and the whole team was so great to work with!!

Kayla P

After touring numerous venues on Long Island and NYC, my husband and I walked into the Preserve and knew immediately this was where we wanted to have our NYE wedding. In comparis...

on to other venues we were looking at, the site fee seemed pretty fair considering you get the entire house and grounds for the entire day/night. We sat down with Emily who was an absolute delight to work with. She laid out all of the expenses for us, including rough budgets for the other vendors we will have to hire. She was very transparent with everything, which we really appreciated as weddings are already so expensive. Did not need any surprise fees! For this venue, you need to hire Philip Stone Caterers, which always makes me nervous, being told you HAVE to use a specific vendor. However, they were fantastic! The amount of choices you have for food is incredible. I am talking pages and pages of options. They were so easy to work with. We ended up asking for things outside of what was offered and they worked with us on everything. Guest feedback: food was fabulous! Emily and Moe handled all of our vendors for us. I did not have to worry about a single thing on my wedding day, or really leading up to it. All insurance/load in times/set up etc was handled directly by Emily and Moe. I really just showed up to my wedding... I was worried because we did not hire a wedding planner, but when I tell you it would have been a total waste of money, it really would have been! Moe and Emily handled EVERYTHING. I felt like they went above and beyond in every aspect. When it came to rentals, we met at the rental showroom and chose everything together. Moe dealt with the showroom directly and coordinated with them for every cup, spoon, linen etc. Seamless! I would recommend Sands Point Preserve, Emily/Moe, and Philip Stone Caterers ten times over. Truly the best experience.

Alessandra R

Our wedding day was better than I could have ever imagined. Emily and Mo were very responsive and accommodating throughout the planning process (3 years in the making due to Covid)...

, with multiple date changes, etc. The venue itself is out of a fairytale, a castle and gardens with stunning views of the Long Island Sound. The food was incredible, from cocktail hour in the gardens to dinner. Highly recommend Hempstead House for an amazing wedding.

Marcela R

By far the best and unique venue in Long Island. The views are stunning, the Hempstead House made guests speechless and I continue to receive feedback from friends and family that ...

it was the best wedding venue they have ever attended. My wedding photos are better than I imagine. Emily and Moe were on top of their game the entire wedding day and ran the show like you would not believe. I am happy and blessed that we were able to have a wedding that was unique, gorgeous and out do this world. The cocktail hour outside was a huge hit and the food was outstandingly delicious. Highly recommend!

Sydney S

Not only is the space at Hempstead House incredible, the team is as well. Emily and Mo were extremely helpful and responsive throughout my wedding planning as well as day of. The v...

enue is spectacular and the food was incredible. We're so happy we decided to get married at Hempstead House.

Alexandra C

Everything about this venue is incredible and the staff is the icing on the top. My husband and I had our wedding here in August - from the moment I inquired with Sands Point in 20...

21 they were so attentive. Their professionalism, flexibility and friendliness was so refreshing and made the planning process a breeze. Emily and Moe are simply the best. Emily was always responsive no matter the question and always went above and beyond. They were very hands on the day of - Moe even made me a plate of food at cocktail hour and made sure that I ate! I cannot recommend them enough. Thanks to them, we had our dream wedding.

Elizabeth V

The best venue ever!!! Everything about The Hempstead House was incredible! Moe and Emily were wonderful to work with and made the entire wedding process so easy. We could not be h...

appier with our choice. The food was incredible and our guests continue to tell us that they have never seen a cocktail hour like that before. Hands down an incredible place. Service , views, ambiance all 10/10. Thank you for everything!!!

Nicole V

Everyone says that their wedding day was “the best day ever” and you wonder how sincere it is if everyone is saying it, but when I tried to find another way to describe it, there r...

eally wasn’t. It really was the best day ever! The weather was perfect, the venue was so unique and absolutely stunningly decorated, the DJ kept everyone up and moving, our specialty cocktails were a hit and the food was mouth-watering. We enjoyed every second of the day and are still getting compliments regarding how much fun people had, how beautiful the place was and how amazing the food was. That’s all we could have asked for. From the first day I reached out to inquire about possibly having our wedding at the preserve to the moment the doors closed at the end of the night on September 27, 2019, the Event Coordinator, Emily Stepancic, was literally superwoman. It’s not that I didn’t expect greatness when we chose to book with the preserve, but what I got in Emily was more than I could have ever even imagined was possible. Throughout every step of the way, she was ALWAYS available to answer every question or concern I had, big or small, in even less time than what you would consider “a timely manner.” I definitely had my fair share of questions, so she was extremely patient with me, too. If she didn’t have the answer, she would find the answer and I was never disappointed with the response. She always aimed to please. When it came to the day of the wedding , Emily continued to shine. She set up all of our decorations exactly how I envisioned them AND THEN SOME! She was very attentive throughout the day. Even with something as minor as my sister’s necklace breaking, Emily came to the rescue with superglue. Wedding planning can be an intimidating process, but Emily basically held my hand the entire way so I never felt like I was alone. It was a very personalized experience that I know I would not have gotten anywhere else. In a nutshell, every bride wants to feel like the only princess on their big day and that’s exactly what Emily and the Preserve did for me.

Service area & Contact info

127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY

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(516) 304-5365

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Sands Point Preserve

Emily Stepancic

Director of Catering

Sands Point Preserve's photos

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Sands Point Preserve

About this venue

Review Summary

Service area & Contact info

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