Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

Hey girls, I meant to post this two weeks ago, but have been so busy with work stuff! I went and took a tour of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor, below is a review of both places. This is just my opinion of what I saw at each venue. In no way is this meant to discourage anyone from booking these places. If interested I strongly suggest going to visit for yourself.


Chateau La Mer:

Building/Location/Manager: Found the place with no problems, and it was easy to find. I pulled up to the building and was instantly in love with the backdrop! The water was beautiful, the sun was shining. The building is off set from any major street which I loved! Walked in and met with Lou, the site manager. He was so sweet, and willing to discuss every detail of the place and event with me.

Cocktail hour, outdoor grounds, and Ballroom: Cocktail room was beautiful. Very spacious, large windows provided an amazing view of the water and lots of light. The decor through out the room is very rich with ivorys, golds, tans, whites and beiges. Party has indoor outdoor access through out the evening. The deck was a nice size and had maybe 8 tables so guests could enjoy cocktail hour food outside. Beautiful flowers, a waterfall, and a beautiful ceremony area. Im planning on a church ceremony, but the area was beautiful. Large lamp posts provide lots of lighting at night.
The main ballroom which holds about 300 people, 175 minimum, also has the rich decor of the cocktail room and the same large widows overlooking the water. It has a large dancefloor in the center of the room, a plus in my book.


Yaght Arrival: Ok, for those of us that don't already know, CLM is the venue that gives the bride and groom their very own yaght to arrive in for their cocktail hour. They take you, your husband, and your photographer out into the water, and then ask your guests to come out on deck, they then sail you in as your guest are on the deck cheering you on. As me and my maid of honor listened to Lou explain this we both started to cry, we could invision it! This is such a unique touch.


Positives: The food choices where extensive! They give you so much! Premium open bar, and great options. The setting is beautiful and the yaght arrival is something guests will always remember for years. CLM has partnerships with local hotels so that if you block your rooms with them, the hotel will provide a shuttle to and from CLM! I thought this was perfect since half my guest list if out of towners and may be flying in.

Negatives: CLM is in need of renovations. You can tell the building is a little older, maybe built in the mid to late 80's. I am not a picky person by any means, but, their was large brown water stains in the ceilings in the ballroom and through out the building. Their was large scratches on the bathroom doors. The drapes in the ballroom were stained and in need of cleaning. When I asked Lou if they were planning any renovations, he mentioned building an elevator, and planting more flowers. The bridal suite was very small. Even though I don't see myself in thier for very long, I could only imagine how cramped it will feel in there with the food, my dress, my FH, and the bridal party popping in and out.

Costs: For peak season May-Sept 09
Fri 95 Sat 120 Sun 85 Thurs 75
Maitre D fee 300
Service 18% and tax
1000 deposit at contract signing and 1000 due every 6 months afterwards for four payments. Kids 5 and under are free (up to 10 kids) kids 6-10 are half price, vendors are half price, and in house vendors are free. All after minimum is met

Overall Grade B (points taken off because building is in need of repairs)

Larkfield Manor:

Building/Location/Manager: Place is easily accessible to 347, the northern state, and the southern state. Not too far from Walt Whitman Mall. Found it really easy. The building is on a major street, lots of stores, starbucks across the street, etc. Although the front enterance door is turned away from the street, so the stores area not really in the backdrop. Front was beautifully landscaped with a pond, bridge, and gazebo. The manager, Harry was also real sweet! Very kind, and willing to explain details with me. He didn't rush me and let me aske 1million and one questions. Was already willing to throw in free extras to make me happy!

Cocktail hour/outdoor and indoor/ballroom: I walked in through the large glass doors and was instantly in love with the amount of light the place had. THere was a large skylight in the froyer and a large floral centerpeice on a round table,in the center of the room, which Harry said that they provided. The decor was simple, yet beautuful. Clean lines, lots of light, beiges, golds. Me and my MH both agreed that any color would work well with the neutral tones. The cocktail room was breathtaking. Large glass windows, and large doors lead out to an amazing patio. THe room was very spacious, and they give you chivari chairs! Lots and Lots of food, ice scuptures, and fruit carvings! The Patio was my favorite part. IT was amazing. Lots and Lots of flowers, beautiful patio furniture, couches, outdoor stone bar. It was very tropical mediterrean. It had a very south beach feel to it. Large Gazebo, which could also be used for a ceremony as well, a great spot for a band or dj for cocktail hour! The main ballroom was also beautiful. Same neutral decor through out. Also could hold 300. 150 minimum. Long rectangular dance floor and two fixed bars on either side of the room. So pretty!

Positives: The place is amazing! I loved it! Beautiful decor, lots of natural light. Great little touches such as waiters serving strawberries and champagne in the froyer as guests arrive, little pasteries and cookes, cappocino also in the lobby as guests arrive. The patio was amazing. Gives guests a totally different feel during the cocktail hour. Place was simple, clean and, beautiful. I mentioned to Lou that we wanted a few foods from our different cultures in the cocktail hour. He said we could take care of that and gave me a list of Haitian and Nigerian dishes they could provide. I loved it! Cakes where amazing. The chivari chairs! I always wanted chair covers, but I'm really loving the look of those chairs instead.

Negatives: Lou was a great manager, but turned me off a bit when he began to bad mouth CLM. I don't like when sales people put down one place to hype up theirs. They were setting up for an event, and the chair covers they were putting on were stained, and the bow on the back of the chairs where attached with velcro, rather then a sash tied with a bow. It was very noticable. The website says choice of linen color, but they really mean napkin color. THe linens are ivory and beige. Still a nice color.

Cost: I only asked for July -Aug which he told me would be cheaper then May, June, or Sept.

Fri 75-85 Sat 110 Sun 75-85

500 deposit and 500 due every six months for 4 payments. Kids half price, vendors full price. After minimim is met. Service 18%.

Overall A: I really love this place and so far this place is well up there on my list.

I hope this helps out everyone who like me is still looking. I will doing another visit in a month with my wedding planner. We plan on booking in July!

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

OMG I thought I was going crazy with being the only one who saw the CLM negatives. I asked Lou whether he was going to fix the broken glass that is on top of the main ballroom and he said he could not guarantee it would be fixed for an 08 wedding!!!!!

Definitely not giving a hall 30K to have it dirty and broken!!!!!

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

I WENT TO CLM YESTERDAY LOU WAS GREAT BUT THE PLACE NEEDS RENOVATIONS BADLY. THE MARBLE FLOOR HAS CHIPS AND CRACKS AND THE CARPETS ARE NOT THAT GREAT. IT HAS GREAT POTIENTIAL BUT THEY NEED TO FIX IT UP.

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

I know I already booked my RH but this is awesome that you posted this!! It's so detailed and I know a lot of people are going to find it extremely helpful!

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

Thank you

Just trying to help my 09 sisters out! I know a lot of us still have not booked yet!

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

thanks so much for this post! its so helpful. i havent officially started looking at halls yet but larkfield manor is first on my list so im glad to hear that overall it seems really nice

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

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Posted by ellyoxox

thanks so much for this post! its so helpful. i havent officially started looking at halls yet but larkfield manor is first on my list so im glad to hear that overall it seems really nice

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i booked larkfield manor and i love it there!!!!

Re: Review of Chateau La Mer and Larkfield Manor with price quotes for 09 very long!

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Posted by DiamondPipa

OMG I thought I was going crazy with being the only one who saw the CLM negatives. I asked Lou whether he was going to fix the broken glass that is on top of the main ballroom and he said he could not guarantee it would be fixed for an 08 wedding!!!!!

Definitely not giving a hall 30K to have it dirty and broken!!!!!

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I dont understand the hype over CLM...b/c you can come in on a boat....oooooo ......that place is so run down its ridiculous and they wont do anything about it b/c people just keep booking there regardless....I dont get it....

Without a DOUBT Id go with Larkfield....Ive met Harry and hes a true professional and very sweet and hospitable to boot...I dont think there are really any negatives to that place.