New Hampshire

Reception Site Woes

I've lived in NH for less than 10 months. I've been engaged for 2 months. We're not getting married for another 17 months. Yet already, the first step of finding a site for our reception is worse than pulling teeth.

I'm not terribly picky, but I would like to stay near the seacoast. My FI and I are getting married in a local church, and I'd prefer to have our reception within a 30-minute radius of the church (in Dover). And how difficult is it to find an affordable site?!? Is a $10,000+ reception really that common in NH?

Any ideas, usual and outrageous, are appreciated. I'm really just looking for a site that is affordable, simple, and reflects what's so great about NH (fall foliage views a bonus).
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Re: Reception Site Woes

  • dls.1215dls.1215 member
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    How many people are you looking to have?  Under 10K is definitely doable in NH.

    I got married in Candia at Candia Woods, but I think they have sister golf course/country club in the seacoast.  The Oaks I believe its called.  


    This link has a list of venues the NH brides have used.
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  • edited December 2011
    Thanks - I'm hoping to have approximately 125 people, give or take of course. Most sites I've found either accommodate 80-100 or over 200, and too-large spaces can overpower sometimes.

    I've checked out the Oaks, and I liked it, but it too is honestly over-budget. And a smidge too formulaic, I think. Maybe I'm pickier than I think I am? That too could be likely.
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  • clsweetsclsweets member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    For traditional:  the three chimneys inn, Durham NH. Gorgeous setting and very reasonable.

    I just had mine in April at The Chop Shop, we had the whole upstairs and just did cocktails and apps. It is an awesome location if you are doing that type of reception.
  • AllenBakerAllenBaker member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We're having our wedding at Cottage by the Bay in Dover... VERY affordable and cute! I have a friend getting married at Spring Hill in Berwick and they are also very affordable. Good luck!


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  • FireDancer04FireDancer04 member
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    a reception budget of $10,000 is very doable, thats my budget for everything. 

    First I would say to start expanding your radius, look at places in Rochester and Portsmouth.  If you still can't find anything you like, start looking at unique reception sites, you favorite restaurant or just a hall to rent and bring in your own cater. 

    If you still can't find anything start trying to cut your guest list down.  
  • edited December 2011
    My everything budget is less than $10,000 also... I'd love to have a reception for $5-6,000!

    Thanks for the suggestions - I checked out Cottage by the Bay, but it just didn't feel right. Kind of like trying on prom dresses, I guess... Instincts rule my first impressions. I'm definitely interested in Spring Hill... and has anyone heard of the Victoria Inn in Hampton? I like their open-air pavilion. I was a little confused when researching the Three Chimneys... they had conflicting numbers as to how many people they could hold. But hey, I guess it never hurts just to call or go look.

    Thanks again!
    Hard as love can be, love is the only eternal reality." -George Weigel Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • EDK2010EDK2010 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-hampshire_reception-woes?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:101Discussion:637d5ded-5dbc-4910-b3c6-eda4b2b4e42dPost:c7c608a4-3744-44a1-b6ff-08af9b402910">Re: Reception Site Woes</a>:
    [QUOTE] I was a little confused when researching the Three Chimneys... they had conflicting numbers as to how many people they could hold. But hey, I guess it never hurts just to call or go look. Thanks again!
    Posted by KayAy[/QUOTE]

    Just an FYI, I had a horrendous experience at the Three Chimneys Inn in March for my Bridesmaids Luncheon. I had 15 girls there for our luncheon, they were rude, slow and provided awful service. They completely ruined the ($300) meal for us and even after my Mom called the manager to complain they did nothing. I have been there in the past and had no problems, but they were awful that day.
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  • edited December 2011
    Under 10k is absolutely do-able!  Definitely check out the Three Chimneys Inn!
  • edited December 2011

    Off season weddings can help with wedding costs.  Also look at Friday evenings or Sunday's to soften the finaces... 

    The Sheraton in downtown Portsmouth is a great choice - New Social Catering Manager that worked in the seacoast.  Worth a Shot!   Good Luck!

  • kelsnowy3kelsnowy3 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Try the Governor's Inn in Rochester, Zorvino Vineyards in Kingston, there's also a winery out towards Nottingham that I've heard good things about.  You can also try a public park... like Odiorne State Park, or Rye Harbor.  The site fee is minimal but you'd have to arrange for tents, catering etc on your own (if that's what you are looking for) but it can be as casual as you want it with grills and picnic tables.  We looked on the seacoast too, it's pricey if you have a big group of people.
  • nlevesque4nlevesque4 member
    Fifth Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    You can try the Bedford Village Inn, Promises to Keep, Sheraton in Portsmouth. 
    10K is definately doable. That is our budget too. There are a bunch of venues. I searched for mine on google. Hope this helps!
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