90 MINUTES OR LESS
Updated: Mar 11, 2020
In the 2020 Edition of Sophisticated Weddings Magazine,
we explore fabulous wedding venues just outside New York City,
bringing a world of options that much more within reach.
The Legacy Castle
Legendary Grandeur Fit For Royalty
Otherworldly in its beauty, The Legacy Castle is aptly named for the memories it passes down through the generations. Just like a fairy tale right out of a storybook, the experience begins as one enters through the gated property and winding driveway, up to the wrought iron embellished doors of the castle. Met with white-gloved doormen, and a personal team of staff to ensure an everlasting cherished memory, every detail at The Legacy Castle is designed to be unforgettable. With ceilings that soar 55 feet high, and hand-painted gold detail to be discovered at every turn, the majestic architecture of the palace is truly celestial in every way. White swans naturally inhabit the grounds surrounded by 17 acres of freshwater lake, offering a picturesque landscape in the peripheral. A majestic venue fit for every celebration, the Mayfair Room and Bristol Room accommodates up to 125 guests, and the Windsor Room and Kingston Room up to 350. The Grand Legacy Ballroom lavishly hosts as many as 1500 guests seated across its 14,000 square foot expanse. The signature and elite creations by The Legacy Castle’s esteemed executive chef impresses upon even the most discerning of palates, indulging each of the five senses with every bite. Where a unique love story needs to be told, The Legacy Castle is primed to set the scene.
The Location: Pompton Plains, New Jersey
Capacity: 50-1500
The Vibe: A Royal Palace in the Lap of Luxury
The Cuisine: Customized Menu
The Décor: Winding Staircases, Marble Floors, Chandeliers, Cascading Fountains, White Swans, Manicured Gardens, Fireplaces, Balconies, Rooftop Event Spaces, Eco-Friendly Design
OHEKA Castle Hotel & Estate
Fairy Tale Castle
One of the most coveted wedding venues in the world, OHEKA Castle inspires the very notion of romance and royalty in what remains to be the second largest private residence ever built in the United States. The palatial mansion of the Gilded Age features a Grand Ballroom, Terrace Room, library, and spiral staircases for spectacular photographic moments. Just like a fairy tale right out of a storybook, the property is exclusive, with winding roads leading to the estate, and is adorned with manicured lawns, hedges, and courtyards across the property. Award winning cuisine and an attentive creative team see that brides and grooms, along with their guests, relish an experience fit for kings and queens.
The Location: Huntington, NY (Long Island)
Capacity: Up to 400 for Seated Reception, 1000 for Gatsby-Style Events
The Vibe: Historic, Opulent, Regal
The Cuisine: Eclectic, Continental
The Décor: Early 20th Century French-Style Chateau
Perks: Exclusive book-out of the castle, overnight accommodations in 32 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites, valet parking, in-house coordinator,
on-site spa services, fitness center
Flowerfield
Hidden Gem of the North Shore
Sprawled across 12-acres of natural splendor along the prestigious North Shore of Long Island, Flowerfield offers a wide range of indigenous wonders. The magnificent atrium brings the great outdoors inside a climate-controlled setting, featuring a koi pond with an overlooking ceremonial bridge, and is filled with tropical plants, flowers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. A mahogany dance floor, antique credenza, farm tables, and lanterns adorn the ceiling to create a whimsical, exotic atmosphere. Within the Grand Ballroom, twinkles of strategic lighting emit a warm glow between the high ceiling and surrounding windows. The gazebo at Pond Island is where harmony meets matrimony, accessed by a charming wooden bridge amidst the scenic water fountains, manicured sloped lawns, and vibrant floral landscape. The vineyard adjacent to the fruit orchard, and graceful swan pond makes for wonderful photographic captures, as the well-seasoned event team ensures in creating a most memorable experience.
The Location: St. James, NY (Long Island)
Capacity: 350 for dinner and dancing
The Vibe: Earthy and natural, organic tranquility
The Cuisine: American Continental
The Décor: Ethereal elegance
Perks: Reflecting ponds, vineyard, fruit orchard, baby grand piano, outdoor ceremony space, on-site coordinator
The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Rustic Farmhouse Elegance
The newest addition to the Lessing’s family, The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration brings authentic farmhouse scenery closer to home. With over 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, weddings twinkle and glisten amidst exposed wooden beams and sprawling country fields. Personalized menus and unrivaled hospitality consummate the experience for a wedding dream come true. Ceremonies and receptions at The Barn lend a calming bucolic atmosphere that for an elegant canvas to become your own. Inventive culinary creations by the Lessing’s Hospitality Group impresses upon guests with superior taste and keen attention to detail. Paired with expansive pastoral grounds, The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s picturesque setting awaits as the foreground for an exquisite and enchanting affair.
The Location: Old Bethpage, NY (Long Island)
Capacity: 300
The Vibe: Rustic Farmhouse
The Cuisine: Continental
The Décor: Wooden beams, country fields, high ceilings
Perks: Outdoor space, valet parking, in-house party planner, terrace, air-conditioned
Harbor Club at Prime
Gold Coast Sunset
Surrounded by the calm waters of Huntington Harbor, luxury yachts, and Gold Coast mansions, Harbor Club at Prime blends modern waterfront design and impeccable hospitality. Resting on the prestigious Bohlsen Restaurant Group name, attentive restaurant style service ensures a delectable culinary experience. Each wedding is met with superior amenities including a bridal suite, dedicated attendant, and sommelier for custom wine selections at this luxurious North Shore venue. State-of-the-art sound and lighting capabilities complete the ambience for dancing and décor. Open-air balconies and landscaped grounds are met with flavorful cuisine, fine wines, and unparalleled service, inventing an exceptional and memorable celebration.
The Location: Huntington, NY (Long Island)
Capacity: 200
The Vibe: North Shore Chic Meets Waterfront Tranquility
The Cuisine: American
The Décor: Modern and Sleek
Perks: Harbor views, distinctive cuisine, valet parking, state-of-the-art sound & lighting capabilities, sommelier, bridal suite, bridal attendant, on-site coordinator
Whitby Castle
Majestic Turn-of-the-Century Castle
Set on 126 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound, Whitby Castle in Rye, New York bears a striking similarity to the details of the original Whitby Abbey in England. Adorned with some of the original Abbey stones, this exquisite venue blends old English architecture with elegant modern touches. Although conveniently located and in close proximity to the five boroughs, Whitby Castle casts an air of sophistication that is worlds away. A grandiose ballroom, two private receptions rooms, and outdoor terrace spaces offer the perfect backdrop in a most majestic setting.
The Location: Rye, NY
Capacity: 250
The Vibe: Private royal castle with expansive views and manicured greenery
The Cuisine: Continental
The Décor: Beaming natural light, large windows, antique fixtures, classical and modern touches
Perks: Valet parking, outdoor ceremony space, in-house planner, bridal suite
Park Château
French Estate & Gardens
The newest venue outside the city to grab our eye, Park Château rests atop 15 rolling acres, emanating the magic that classical romance novels are made of. Breathtaking architecture, unforgettable cuisine, meticulous hospitality, and expansive manicured grounds capture the essence of passion and adoration. The interior of the estate is carefully adorned with classic French Antiques, each one exceptionally unique and chosen specifically for the Château. The domed ceiling of the Grand Ballroom with a drop crystal chandelier creates a focal point of beauty in the regal and stately salon. If you wish to highlight the glorious nature around the estate, garden weddings are ideal in the Château’s manicured garden alongside the pond, with the sun on the water glistening as you recite your wedding vows. Moments later, imagine yourself sipping cocktails on the flagstone patio as you and your guests take in the panorama of the view beyond the Château’s gardens and feast on an cocktail hour menu so elaborate and extensive that it would awe even a 17th century king or queen. Take away Park Château’s impressive catering expertise and make this comely estate your own as the special events professionals handle the logistics for a magnanimous affair.
The Location: East Brunswick, NJ
Capacity: Up to 400
The Vibe: Versailles-Inspired French Romance
The Cuisine: French, Eclectic
The Décor: European countryside manor with elaborate and detailed moldings and white, gold, and black accents, a winding staircase, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers
Perks: On-site private chapel, “Over The Top” culinary enhancements, on-site coordinator, valet parking, bride-and-groom suites
Bourne Mansion
Historic Vanderbilt Mansion
A turn-of-the-century work of art that offers both a traditional and classic setting for weddings and events, the Bourne Mansion personifies luxury and grandeur just ninety minutes outside of the city. Weddings at the Bourne Mansion draw inspiration from the elaborate celebrations of Long Island’s Gold Coast, absorbing its timeless classical atmosphere. A long driveway dramatically leads up to the stately mansion, quietly set on 205 impeccably manicured acres along the Great South Bay. Grand French doors lead out on to a column-trimmed courtyard patio, while the mansion’s interior encompasses gilded plasterwork and a 40-foot vaulted ceiling and decorative glass dome. In 1895, the wedding reception of Vanderbilt’s daughter, Conseulo, and the Duke of Marlborough was held here and considered to be the event of the year. An estate that is truly fit for a royal, the Bourne Mansion lends its rich history and opulent beauty to one’s most memorable day.
The Location: Oakdale, NY
Capacity: 400
The Vibe: Romantic classicism meets refined grandeur of the bygone era
The Cuisine: Continental
The Décor: Ornate fireplace, elegant wooden staircase, crystal lighting sconces
Perks: Valet parking, outdoor ceremony space, in-house planner, bridal suite, white-gloved butler passed hors d’oeuvres
Nanina's In The Park
Picturesque Cherry Blossoms
Nestled in cherry blossoms across 360 acres of lush greenery, Nanina’s In The Park lies upon the historic grounds of Branch Brook Park. With undulating hills, scenic vantage points of the lake, and gurgling streams meandering through the woodland glades, Nanina’s has become synonymous with blooming beauty. The venue’s beaming grand ballroom is complemented by an early 20th Century library trimmed in mahogany with a neoclassic fireplace. Distinguished weddings benefit from the splendor of the sparkling ponds, garden terrace waterfalls, “Juliet” balcony, and a starlit patio. Exceptional cuisine celebrates Italian tradition, as the seasoned event staff strive tirelessly to cast unrivaled service in the name of excellence.
The Location: Belleville, NJ
Capacity: 400
The Vibe: Historic landmark
The Cuisine: Italian
The Décor: Tuscan style villa, hand-painted cathedral ceilings, winding marble staircases, crystal chandeliers,
Perks: “Over The Top” culinary enhancements, bridal suite, on-site coordinator
Park Savoy
Historic Mansion
19th Century elegance meets creative culinary abundance at the Park Savoy’s exquisite historical estate. Nestled in a historical garden setting, the venue’s timeless mansion and gardens offer you the picture perfect and uniquely elegant site for your wedding day.Conveniently located in the heart of New Jersey, luscious greenery is a vision to be seen in the backdrop of a transcendent occasion. The mansion captures turn-of-the-century charm and grandeur with crystal chandeliers and soft-lighting wall sconces in the ballroom, and sweeping landscape views from the gardens. The beautifully ornate bridal suite extends a timeless space to get ready in private as the Park Savoy weddings staff ensures the affair dreams are made of. Attention to detail is of highest priority in providing special service for every guest. In addition to the enticing signature selections from the cocktail and dinner options, Park Savoy’s “Over The Top” menu offers inventive and delectable feasts to be savored. From start to finish, a wedding at Park Savoy is nothing short of a masterpiece.
The Location: Florham Park, NJ
Capacity: 400
The Vibe: Old world elegance with a sweeping landscape
The Cuisine: French, Eclectic
The Décor: Classical antiques, immaculate gardens, wall sconces
Perks: “Over-The-Top” culinary enhancements, on-site coordinator, fireplaces, reflecting pool, manicured grounds, gazebo, multi-tiered veranda, bridal suite
Crystal Plaza
Sparkling Chandeliers & White Glove Service
Originally built in the late 1800s as a stately residential mansion, Crystal Plaza is a reincarnated venue beloved for its 19th century grandeur and air of sophistication. Earning of its name, white-glove service begins the moment you arrive to the crystal-clad palace and lush blooming gardens. The glistening Grand Ballroom is adorned with more than 30 chandeliers, spanning across the 5,000 square-foot stretch. Gold details, ornate columns, and a large round wooden dance floor sweep the space, overlooking the immaculate 5-acre garden just outside. The legacy of Crystal Plaza rests upon an elevated standard for cuisine and hospitality being paramount. Uniquely catering to both Glatt kosher needs and non-kosher fare in separate kitchen facilities, a supremely one-of-a-kind wedding day boasts flawless detail where the sky is the limit.
The Location: Livingston, NJ
Capacity: 400 for dinner and dancing
The Vibe: Luxurious jewel-toned interiors with flowery outdoor gardens
The Cuisine: Continental and Eclectic
The Décor: Sparkling chandeliers, hardwood floors
Perks: Glatt-Kosher ready, one event at a time, “Juliet” balcony, gazebo, gardens, private bridal suites, valet parking, outdoor ceremony space, LED lighting, on-site coordinator
The Mansion at Oyster Bay
Gatsby-Era Mansion On The Bay
Home to rural farms and small seaport villages until the turn of the twentieth century, The Mansion at Oyster Bay is one of the few grand estates of its kind to maintain its glorious beauty to this day. Spanning across 120 acres in Woodbury, Long Island, this beautiful home sold in 1928 to well-known industrialist Andrew Mellon for his daughter Alyssa, blends gracefully into its surrounding landscape. The house façade, surrounding garden walls, entry, and staircase halls are just as they were in the 1920s. In the present day, weddings at The Mansion at Oyster Bay is given the undivided attention it deserves, ensuring every detail is met with a seamlessly professional and courteous experience.
The Location: Woodbury, NY
Capacity: 600
The Vibe: Roaring ‘20s charm adorned with antiqued fixtures and modern amenities
The Cuisine: Continental
The Décor: Black and white marble flooring, winding marble staircase, working fireplaces, brick patio, woodland gardens, rolling green lawns, decorated wood accents, sparkling chandeliers, second floor balcony
Perks: Valet parking, outdoor ceremony space, in-house planner, bridal suite, Kosher cuisine available
Land's End
Serene Coastal Seclusion
Situated on Brown’s River overlooking Fire Island, Land’s End is a coast side mansion with breathtaking views, unparalleled cuisine, and gracious hospitality. Just some of the amenities of this majestic venue include a large dance floor, comfortable bridal suite, private cocktail lounge, large canopied outdoor deck, and several mahogany bars. A true paradise for weddings, panoramic views of the Great South Bay from the grand ballroom make for an exquisite backdrop from within, as the smooth beach sands are ideal for a private outdoor ceremony. Take a pastoral stroll through the colorful gardens, and enjoy a drink by the outdoor fire pit; the subtle breeze at sunset followed by the moon’s light reflected on the water makes Land’s End a wholesome romantic retreat.
The Location: Sayville, NY (Long Island)
Capacity: 350 Seated Reception
The Vibe: Beachy and refined
The Cuisine: American Continental
The Décor: Historic accents boasting mahogany walls, rich leather sofas, a grand staircase, fireplaces, copper ceilings, French doors
Perks: Gazebo, baby grand piano, private patio, gardens, on-site coordinator
Hilton Pearl River
Historic Hotel in the Rolling Countryside
Resting on 17 wooded acres just 20 minutes outside of Manhattan, the Hilton Pearl River is reminiscent of a grand country French mansion. A uniquely memorable setting that leaves a lasting impression, the ornate spaces within lend the perfect backdrop for elegant affairs. The Conservatory features an exquisite hand-painted sky motif domed ceiling, lush carpeting, marble trimmed flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for romantic ceremonies. Crystal chandeliers sparkle against gilded moldings and expansive windows in the Grand Ballroom, where receptions are catered with innovative catering amidst an elegant setting. Send off guests from the wedding weekend with a delightful celebratory brunch at Le Jardin, the garden room that looks out on to the hotel’s terrace and Blue Hill Golf Course. Among the most celebrated venues in New York for more than 30 years, the Pearl River Hilton is consistently held in high regard for its unparalleled standard of hospitality and outstanding attention to detail. The perfect blend of old-world elegance meets modern-era amenities, it is here that one finds harmony in a truly matchless experience.
The Location: Pearl River, New York
Capacity: 750 for Seated Dinner; 1,000 for Cocktail Reception
The Vibe: Romantic French Style Chateau
The Cuisine: Customized Menu
The Décor: Vaulted Ceilings, Floor-to-Ceiling Windows, Crystal Chandeliers, Marble Trimmed Floors, Gilded Moldings, Hand-Painted Sky Motif Dome Ceiling, Manicured Gardens, Fountains, Outdoor Terrace
Perks: Outdoor Space, Overnight Accommodations, Valet Parking, On-Site Event Specialists, Bridal Suite, Menu Tasting, Indoor Pool and Whirlpool Spa, Fitness Center, Kosher Ready
"90 Minutes or Less" appears in the 2020 Edition of Sophisticated Weddings.