Can't decide! Onteora Mountain House vs. Glen Island!

josiebella

I know, two very different venues, but both beautiful in their own ways. And each has pros and cons. At Glen Island, we'd only be able to do an afternoon wedding, and they host 2 weddings at a time, whereas Onteora only hosts one. On the other hand, I know Glen Island has a solid reputation and that they offer a lot of food for the money, and I've heard that the food is great. Onteora doesn't give you a lot of food, and the quality has been debatable. I also am not sure which venue is more accomodating....

any advice??

jeanna85

I'm super biased because I'm booked at Glen Island, but have never heard of the other venue so I can't help you there.
I was worried initially about Glen Island possibly having another wedding there at the same time, but:
1) They have two separate entrances for the different weddings from the outside of the building so there is no way people will run into each other. The grandballroom entrance is the main door outside and the terrace room (with the windows) entrance is on the side of the building. Both have separate entrance ways, foyers, bathrooms, hallways etc. so no one will ever see each other even if they do wander around.
2) They stagger the wedding start times by 45 min. I booked the room before anyone booked the other, I chose a 6:30 start time, so the other wedding can only start at 5:45 or 7:15 (or later). That way, no one will even see each other in the parking lot.
Still may not be the right choice for you, but that's at least something to consider.

RamblinRosie

Hi Josie --

I just saw your reply to me below, but I am replying here.  I didn't negotiate price with Bob, but we were supposed to get married there 2 years ago.  We cancelled 2 months before the wedding.  When we re-booked with them this time, he honored 75% of my previous deposit, which I considered incredibly kind.  Nothing in his contract required him to do that.

As far as there not being a lot of food...I'm not sure what gives you that impression or if it is in comparison to the other venue.  Personally, I think 5 passed appetizers, a salad course, 2 entrees plus a veggie entree, plus 3 sides and the cake is plenty of food.  (I also appreciate the open bar of top shelf liquor.  Ask Bob to email you their list if he hasn't already.)  If you have concerns about the portion sizes, contact Blue Mountain Bistro directly and ask them.  I would be frank with them and with Bob about any concerns you have.  They're professionals and should be able to address any concerns you have.

Again, I will be able to say more after July 4th, but so far I think they are great.

I will add, we are local (live about 10 minutes from Onteora) so I don't know if this makes any difference.  For us, it was a no brainer because it is gorgeous and practically in our backyard, and we are very familiar with the caterer.

josiebella

thank you both!! I love both and we will see how the follow up is with each side! and congrats to you both of course! definitely post updates on your weddings!