Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Original post by otherme

Mar 18, 2005 11:38 PM

I'm newly engaged (only a week) and completely overwhelmed! I definitely know that i DON'T want the usual 'wedding factory' type of place that everyone has their weddings at. I want something unique and different, someplace where we can just throw a big celebration and not worry about the traditional stuff. Don't get me wrong, i'm still a sucker for the romantic part of it and i'll be in a beautiful dress with bridesmaids and all that. I just want a location that will be fun and something different that will help everyone remember. Something on the water? A castle? A mansion? AAAhhhh!! I need some guidance please. Any help on where to look will be greatly appreciated.
I guess the 'when' will depend on the 'where' also.
Thanks!

Wow - the responses are great - thanks so much and keep 'em coming! btw - Nassau is preferable i think (i live in RVC).

DrBeLLaRoSe Posted: Mar 19, 2005 12:12 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

i also wanted a reception venue that was not the typical catering hall. i think westbury manor was pretty unique. Harrison house in glen cove is a big mansion/hotel. I also went to see the Bourne mansion...but that is in suffolk. It really depends on your price range...

Good luck and congratulations!!!

marymoon Posted: Mar 19, 2005 12:21 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Vanderbilt masnion is beautiful, but it was too small and too expensive for me..

Riviera is a lower price range, and very homey, nice and on the water.

i LOVE North Ritz CLub, like the others it's one wedding at a time, and it's GORGEOUS. I don't think it's your typical wedding hall at all.

marc_rai Posted: Mar 19, 2005 12:28 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Posted by WedHead

Congrats! How many people are you having. I think the Metropolitan is beautiful. One event at a time, food is wonderful and I don't think it looks like your 'average wedding hall'.

I was going to suggest the same thing. The inside is definetly beautiful, we were just concerned about the outside appearance. We really liked the way you can ANYTHING you want at the Met.

teany Posted: Mar 19, 2005 12:37 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I am getting married at one of the vineyards in the Hamptons (most are on the North Fork) so FM me if you'd like any more info.

My wedding will be split, depending on weather, between the vines, a covered stone terrace and a Tuscan-style 'mansion.' The event coordinator there is very laid-back, so although we have just started planning, I don't think the wedding will be as formulaic time-wise as most catering hall weddings. If some guests are more apt to wander around and not just sit or dance, it seems like a good place for that.

Nov1106 Posted: Mar 19, 2005 12:44 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I would suggest the aquarium in Riverhead too! My cousin is getting married there & it sounds great!

Danielle2207 Posted: Mar 19, 2005 01:57 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I am biased to the crescent beach club in bayville. You can have a beautiful ceremony on the beach, they have a beautiful sunset, and YES you are the only bride.

jg Posted: Mar 21, 2005 06:47 AM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

we are getting married at areca, its on this site, it is absolutely gorgeous and soo different!

anjerandunder Posted: Mar 21, 2005 07:08 AM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

i second carlyle on the green but carlton and crescent are very nice places also.. good luck!

shamrock12472 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:53 AM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Hi there - I got married at the Atlantis aquarium in Riverhead and it was wonderful. It is a completely unique experience for your guests. The food and service were above and beyond anything that I expected. FM if you want more info.

cjik Posted: Mar 21, 2005 03:53 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Try the Milleridge Inn. They do a lot of weddings, but you have a choice of the inn (if you have a small group), the cottage, and the carriage house. You can do as much or as little as you like. I really don't think they would bug you to do things a certain way, or to hire certain vendors.

Good luck!

no stress bride Posted: Mar 21, 2005 03:57 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I also got married at Atlantis Marine World and it was great!!

Bunnymonkey Posted: Mar 21, 2005 04:11 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I am biased - but I was adament in the same way as you and ended up at Raphael. Not a wedding hall - it's an actual working vineyard and tasting room with catering capabilities. We are having a 'gatsby style' reception.

Sweetpea130000 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 04:18 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I also would have to say the Riviera, definitely not your 'typical catering hall'

laborday06 Posted: Mar 21, 2005 04:27 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I'm a Big Giorgio's fan. It's out east on the north fork.

www.giorgiosatfoxhill.com

micmar Posted: Mar 21, 2005 07:28 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

I second Timber Point. Very elegant, yet not your typical 'wedding factory' with 4 weddings at a time. Reasonable prices, beautiful grounds - country club on a breathtaking piece of property!!

akaMrsT Posted: Mar 21, 2005 07:52 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Posted by Sweetpea130000

I also would have to say the Riviera, definitely not your 'typical catering hall'

I vote for Riviera. I have seen about 25 catering halls and so far, Riviera is the most 'different'. It reminds me of a ski lodge.

lobby

bridal suite

deck off bridal suite

Outdoor cocktail set up

ceremony area

dance floor from balcony

indoor cocktail area

back of cocktail area - vienesse set up

view of balcony

from lobby looking outside

bridal suite and bathroom - both upstairs and side by side

inside bridal suite looking at deck

outdoor cocktail area

grounds

view of ceremony area from reception room

jesslangen Posted: Mar 21, 2005 08:12 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Arberitum is unique and different!

CandiceM Posted: Mar 21, 2005 09:03 PM

Re: Help, I need a location that isn't the usual catering hall!

Try the Eagles Nest also known as the Vanderbilt MUSEUM in Centerport. It is on the water in Centerport. Its a Spanish style mansion with a beautiful cobblestone courtyard. Only problem is that it is outdoors ONLY. You have a choice of the courtyard or the lawn. Site fee depends on location. Courtyard is $5000 and lawn was $7000 (prices may have changed since '02). It really is a spectacular location. If you want more info on it let me know.

Also try the Hay Barn at Planting Fields Arboretum. It's different and rustic and Coindre Hall in Huntington (overlooks Huntington harbor)