Suggestions on Finger Lakes Wedding receptions!

AngelaBlane2012 · March 2011

HI!

I am looking for recommendations/suggestions for a 200 people reception venue on Keuka Lake or Seneca Lake

(and NOT esperanza mansion-- i love that place, but it is too expensive and I've had 2 friends already married there!)..

I'm getting married at Garrett Chapel, so it should be centralized around Penn Yan, but could be on Seneca Lake as well.

If anyone could help me out that would be great!

kevinandmonica2011 · March 2011

Hi. Umm... nice to meet you?

Generally, introductions are a good way to start.

I'm kind of partial to Glenora (my reception will be there), but Ventosa is also beautiful. Are you looking for something indoors or outside? What month is your wedding? Are you looking to go with a vineyard (there are a TON in that area) or stay away from that sort of atmosphere?

Emie is our resident expert on that area... the WNY boards may also turn out some better results as I think Penn Yan falls into that territory.

Welcome and good luck. Look forward to learning more about you, your Fi and your wedding plans.n

emierose · March 2011

yes, great question - do you want a vineyard and are you looking for it to be directly on the lake? There are some less expensive options if you want to save money on the reception by having them in the area but do not neccesarily need them directly on the lake, or at a vineyard.
Bellhurst Castle is another place to check out.
Geneva on the Lake (also probably pricey though)
Heron Hill Winery (on Keuka)
Club 86 (not directly on the lake, in Geneva)
Hotel Clarence is an excellent option a little further off the beaten path on Cayuga Lake.
HTH. And nice to meet you.. sort of!

AngelaBlane2012 · March 2011

Hi, sorry I didn't introduce my self! (I'm new to this.. never wrote on a 'board' before)
My name's Angela, my fiance's name is Blane. We're getting married June 9th, 2012 - got engaged on Chrismas Eve. We're high school sweet hearts, grown up in the area and planning on staying in the area.
When we first started planning, I really was set on Bully Hill Winery - but the only thing with that winery, is that they only seat 120 (which I was alright with - but my future mother in-law wanted to invite at least 100 people) So we had to ditch that idea and it has been hard to find something comparable that seats 200 people.
I am open to an outdoor wedding or a winery or even something on the lake. I've checked out most of those places - but was looking to try to find something different and unique (although, I know thats what everyone wants for their wedding) So, if anyone has any ideas that would be great!
thanks!

kevinandmonica2011 · March 2011

Welcome and nice to meet you
Not sure what to say as far as something unique and different. I'm pretty sure that is what everyone starts out with in mind, but I think that what makes your reception venue unique and different is what you do to it... decor, food, atmosphere, music, YOU...

the building you choose to have the reception in is really just a building... any building or outdoor venue can be transformed into something unique and beautiful....

other than that, not sure what else to tell ya. Unless you want to build your own unique and different building for your reception (which seems silly to me), you might want to be a little more open minded and try to envision what you can do to the reception venue instead of trying to hunt down something daringly different.

Most of the advice given/discussed on these boards is based on experience either dealing with vendors/venues or from past weddings of friends/family... which means the venues have been used before.

HTH Good luck

emierose · March 2011

well, if you haven't visited hotel clarence, it is def. unique and little different. It is themed after "it's a wonderful life" so the decor is a modern take on the 20's (or whatever era that was!)
The bar area is so neat, the suites are really trendy and cool, and the food is tops, gourmet quality. better than alot of other venues! HTH

saswartley · March 2011

You may want to look into Sarrasins on the Lake, I have attended several parties and receptions there that I believe had about 200 people. You could also look into Keuka College. There dining hall, while not your typical reception hall, can be dressed up nicely with drapes and linens, etc... I believe they would also allow you to put up a tent on their lawn over looking the lake. I would also look into Herron Hill Winery or some of the bed and breakfasts in the area, Merrit Hill Manor or there are a few along E. Bluff Drive.

AngelaBlane2012 · March 2011

Thanks for the suggestions "Future Mrs. Whitney"!!

I am probably going to have it at Sarrasins, we've looked into it already. I was thinking Heron Hill too, but didn't want to deal with a caterer.

Where are you going to have your reception??

saswartley · March 2011

We are having our ceremony and reception at Emerson Park in Auburn. We are using Club 86 out of Geneva for the catering.

epag · March 2011

I would try Keuka College too, they also do tented weddings by their beautiful Norton Chapel. There is also a Ramada on the Seneca Lake Front that has a facility for weddings. Geneva Country Club is on the Lake- I had my prom there- but don't remember that much about the facility in terms of how it would be for a wedding. It might be worth looking into Hobart- William Smith College they own a lot of lake front property on Seneca Lake. I also don't know if you have thought about Canadaigua at all? It is about the same distance from Penn Yan that Geneva is but is northwest instead of northeast. I would recommend looking into the Inn on the Lake , Bristol Harbor Resort, etc. If you are thinking of a tented wedding reception there is also a beautiful state park on Keuka Lake. Of course there is also the famous Belhurst Castle in Geneva and Venetosa Vineyards has a large facility.

Suggestions on Finger Lakes Wedding receptions!

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