Such a romantic place made it easy to daydream about a wedding with my sweetheart, but when the time comes to put down deposits, how does it level up to reality?!?
I've mentioned three favorable venue ideas a while back, but since I've posted those, Pine Tree Point Resort's website is nothing more than a real estate listing, so it may be out of business, prices have gotten RIDICULOUS for Edgewood Resort, ($125 per person?!? o.0), and prices have gone up the Clayton Opera House, however those prices are still very reasonable for a building rental.
After looking over the local venues again with a fine tooth comb (since I decided I didn't want to go too far from the castle,) the ONLY other venue worth considering was the newly-renovated Thousand Islands Club.
I found a couple more pictures on their facebook page, their reception room is alright, however the bar looks smashing and overall it's a lot better than most in the area. But of course, their wedding packages have not been posted yet :P I messaged them on facebook weeks ago and have not received a response.
*sighs*
So I started thinking, "Do I really want to deal with the frustration of dealing with a destination wedding venue that won't return my messages?!"
And I realized...that I don't.
I realized that it might be too difficult to get out-of-town guests over to a town that's 2hrs away from any major airport.
I realized that it might be difficult to afford venues in the area when there aren't many existing to begin with!
But what helped ease the loss of such a pretty ceremony spot?
Why, another castle of course! :D
I present to you:
<3 Belhurst Castle! <3
This lovely venue my friends, is located in Geneva, NY in the fabulous Finger Lakes area!
Let me tell you, I LOVE THE FINGER LAKES!
There's a reason why Mrs. Locket and Miss Fairy from Weddingbee choose that area for their weddings! Everywhere you go you are going through gorgeous countryside, with so many lake views, you won't know what to do with yourself! :D
And this gem is on Seneca Lake, right on the shore :)
You want to know what else is everywhere in the Finger Lakes? Wineries. Top-notch, quality, wineries. Dozens of them! It's awesome sauce XD
And guess what? This castle is a winery too! Ack I die!
And you want to know what else?! It's a hotel too!
AND it has a spa!
Tell 'em what else they've won Johnny!
A NEW CAR!
(just kidding, I was on a roll XD)
So as you can see, this is what Boldt Castle would be like if it was easier to pull off! XD
It's a stunning one-stop-shop, the girls and I can get ready in the spa, (or my hotel room,) the ceremony would be outside facing the lake, the reception indoors, their tasty wine would be poured for the reception, guests can stay there for the night, and then the morning after brunch could be in their restaurant the next morning! :D
(Best photo I could find of the Meritage Ballroom that's not the virtual tour :P)
I'm definitely starting to think so :)
So, what's the catch?
1) It's two hours away from Buffalo
2) It's a bit pricier than my other options
Both are fixable, however:
1) Geneva, NY is close to the thruway so it makes things mildly easier for driving commuters. For out-of-town guests, Geneva is equidistant from both the Rochester and Syracuse airports, one hour away. Not ideal, but I can get them a reduced group rate for car rentals at one airport to lessen the blow :P I found that Rochester, NY was consistently more affordable than Syracuse for flights, so the special rate would most likely be there.
2) Belhurst Castle does have an absolutely horrible policy of having a minimum of $9000 for Saturday receptions May through October o.0 I don't even KNOW how you would spend that much money, (trust me, I've tried pricing it out!). Solution? Pick a date in the off-season, where there are no minimums, which is totally doable.
So, is two hours an ideal commute?
--No, but it's better than four hours XD
I can't WAIT til we come for a visit!!! :D
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