Venetian Yacht Club Vs Huntington Harbor Club

I went to two weddings at Venetian Yacht club when it was known as John Anthony's in 2002 and then again in 2004 and I have nothing but the best things to say about the place. I don't know how much has changed other than the name. But the food was great and if you are having an outdoor ceremony at sunset, it's absolutely spectacular!
I don't know how helpful that was since I was last there nearly 4 years ago... but it is a beautiful place!

Never been to Huntington Harbor Club though.

Thanks for your speedy reply. You've been a great help

Go the The Bride's Review board and scan it for those places


or do a search for Venetian Yacht Club or Harbor Club specifically looking for 'The Bride's Review' and you can see more pics of real weddings at both.

I don't think you can go wrong at either!

There was a thread with this exact question a few days ago. I couldn't find it, but maybe you'll have better luck.

I'm booked at the Venetian, so a bit biased. However, I went to the tasting, and the food was outstanding. The view is incredible, however, there is a small parking lot over to the left side. The pics on the website seem to have their views enhanced a bit, since I didn't see the parking lot on the web pics. Friends and family barely noticed it when we looked there, so I got over it. Also, I don't think you can park there after 6, so for an evening wedding, no prob. Okay, that's the bad. Other than that, I can't really think of anything bad to say. I love it, the food is great, the service is (I hear) second to none, with waiters for each table taking tableside drink orders. I'm pretty excited.

I also looked at the Harbor Club. I liked it as well, but the style is different. More modern. Also, the upstairs room is L shaped, so that was a bit of a problem for me. I want everyone to see everything. Also, there is a parking lot between the room and the water. It's not a big deal, and it's off to the side, but it bothered me as well ( I guess I have a problem with parking lots!). I just didn't think the view in the downstairs room was comparable to the VYC. The view from upstairs is gorgeous, but again, overlooking the lot. If the wedding is in the summer, it would be incredible with all the boats. Also, Matt the BM was pretty knowledgeable.

So I guess, the prices are comparable, but it's just a matter of personal taste. I thought the VYC was a bit more old-world style, with marble and gold fixtures. The Harbor Club, more modern. I have heard the food is good at both.

My advice is, if you have someone you know and trust here in LI, have them take a look. I preferred the Venetian, but that's just my taste. Good luck!

---

Posted by Suzanner

There was a thread with this exact question a few days ago. I couldn't find it, but maybe you'll have better luck.

I'm booked at the Venetian, so a bit biased. However, I went to the tasting, and the food was outstanding. The view is incredible, however, there is a small parking lot over to the left side. The pics on the website seem to have their views enhanced a bit, since I didn't see the parking lot on the web pics. Friends and family barely noticed it when we looked there, so I got over it. Also, I don't think you can park there after 6, so for an evening wedding, no prob. Okay, that's the bad. Other than that, I can't really think of anything bad to say. I love it, the food is great, the service is (I hear) second to none, with waiters for each table taking tableside drink orders. I'm pretty excited.

I also looked at the Harbor Club. I liked it as well, but the style is different. More modern. Also, the upstairs room is L shaped, so that was a bit of a problem for me. I want everyone to see everything. Also, there is a parking lot between the room and the water. It's not a big deal, and it's off to the side, but it bothered me as well ( I guess I have a problem with parking lots!). I just didn't think the view in the downstairs room was comparable to the VYC. The view from upstairs is gorgeous, but again, overlooking the lot. If the wedding is in the summer, it would be incredible with all the boats. Also, Matt the BM was pretty knowledgeable.

So I guess, the prices are comparable, but it's just a matter of personal taste. I thought the VYC was a bit more old-world style, with marble and gold fixtures. The Harbor Club, more modern. I have heard the food is good at both.

My advice is, if you have someone you know and trust here in LI, have them take a look. I preferred the Venetian, but that's just my taste. Good luck!

---

I agree with most of this but have to add.. when I visited VYC I was really put off by a bad musty/mold smell and the walls needed repair in some areas. The view of the bay is great (especially since I grew up there) but the pics on the website are deceiving when it comes to the interior...

The Harbor Club felt claustrophobic to me with low drop ceilings but the outside area is gorgeous, Matt very knowledgeable.

I just had my wedding at the harbor club and it was AWESOME!!! They cater to your every wish and want and the view is very nice- especially in the summer with the boats in the water. You cant even tell that the parking lot is there. To be honest, you will be having so much fun dancing, eating and drinking - you arent even looking at it.

My family and friends are STILL raving about the food and service. They especially loved the frozen drink machine that they had. The cocktail hour food was fantastic and the maitre'd and bridal attendant were the best around. I cant thank them enough for everything that they did.

Matt the BM is so helpful and knowledeable. He made my day what it was. He isnt pushy and makes suggestions to help you- not to get more money out of you (this happened at MANY other halls that we looked at)

As for the L-shape upstairs....they dont put tables there- just a few stations and one of the bars. Your guests will not be away from people. Most of my guests were sitting in the main part or outside enjoying the night.

I thought the low ceiling would be a problem but it wasnt at all. No one was touching it and when everyone was dancing, it was hardly noticed. I wouldnt worry about it.

I cannot recommend them enough. I cant wait to have a family event so we can have it there.

I can go on and on with this!

If you have any questions or want to see pics, FM me!

I've been to both...I went to a wedding a month ago at HHC and I went to a wedding years ago when VYC was Jonh Anthony's, and my school district has retirement parties and our end-of-the-year party there every year. I absolutely love the view at VYC and the room upstairs is beautiful. My only problem is the food there...I find it to be inconsistent...last year at one party it was very good and at another it was terrible-dry and tasteless. At the wedding it was very good and i even took the rest of my dinner home HHC food was very good but I didn't like the low ceilings, and there were not enough chairs and tables at CH for everyone. DH and I thought it was very tight in the ballroom also.

A lot of it is a matter of taste...Iif you can't see the RHs in person yourselves, I would have your relatives take many pics to show you before you make a decision The websites are a little misleading because they serve as advertisements...they will highlight their best points and leave out their not-so-good ones!

I looked at both. Everyone pointed out most of the differences. I thought the water view was a little better at Venetian, but I really liked the people who worked at harbor club. If I remember correctly Venetian was a bit more expensive than harbor club.