~ Recommended Wedding Reception and
Wedding Ceremony Locations ~
The Historical
Thatched Cottage
One of my favorite things about the Thatched
Cottage is that every time I go there it keeps on
getting better and better. They only do one
wedding at a time. This is important to many
Brides. It ensures that you will get all the
attention that your special day deserves. Located
on Long Island's North Shore in Centerport,
guests are treated to breathtaking sunsets over the
bay, beautifully landscaped gardens, and service
that is second to none. While an indoor chapel is
available for ceremonies, the gazebo - which is
far away from the noise of busy roads and right
on the water - is in use and quite comfortable for
the majority of the year. I also love the presence
of the swans swimming in the background,
because as everyone knows swans mate for life.
Even if you have been to the Thatched Cottage
before so many renovations have taken place that
a second look is needed to grasp how beautiful
this venue is.
Raphael
Vineyards
Long Island's "Wine Country" is the newest alternative to the traditional catering hall wedding
ceremony and reception site. The vineyards themselves are ripe with marriage metaphors. And
that same devotion and attention to detail shows in every event that Raphael hosts. This is
without exception the best of the best, when it comes to Long Island Vineyard Weddings.
Upscale and nature blend seamlessly in the open and airy great hall, while gazing out at the
grounds is reminiscent of Tuscany. Transported for the day or the weekend to the welcoming
world of Raphael you will feel and be treated like family from beginning to new beginning!
The Woodbury
Country Club
Classic Old World styling abounds at the Woodbury Country Club. The atmosphere of grace
and elegance is as present inside as it is outdoors. Upon entering the graceful and sweeping
staircase if the first thing to catch your eye. Marble floors, rich wood, hanging tapestries,
and a grand piano all speak of luxury and romance. Moving to the gardens, the fountain
filled reflecting pool, lakeside gazebo and botanical terraces all make wonderful
backgrounds for the pictures that are only taken once in a lifetime. Ceremonies are held
indoors and out amid fountains and garden spaces.
Click on the Church banner to email me or Call
516-785-4191
anytime!
The Riviera
The Riviera is located in Massapequa on the beautiful Great South
Bay. The inside is rich and warm with glowing wood, hanging
tapestries, sweeping staircase, baby grand piano, balcony and not one
but two fireplaces in the main room. All this gives a "great hall" kind
of feel, yet with the windows offering a panoramic water view, it is
light and inviting. The outdoor gazebo is fresh and new, ideal for
outdoor ceremonies or wedding pictures. The Riviera is a single event
venue, which ensures that you and your wedding get full and
undivided attention. Their professional staff are more than willing to
work with you to help you achieve the wedding of your dreams. The
confidence they have in all that they can provide gives the Riviera a
reputation as a place for "no stress brides"
The
Douglaston
Manor
This 105 year old Spanish Style Mansion has just received a 3 million dollar renovation and as
of April 2006 is once again open for business. The Manor is conveniently located for both
Manhattanites and Long Islanders,and  has been a long time favorite wedding location with
good reason. It is set away from traffic and noise, perched on the highest point of land in
Queens, amid the rolling hills and graceful trees of the Douglaston Golf Course. The
Douglaston Manor offers a spectacular sunset view of the Manhattan skyline which makes for
breathtaking photos, complete wedding packages that serve from 50 to 270 guests, indoor and
outdoor ceremony venues, and a culinary staff that is passionate about the food that they
prepare. History and charm together with decades of experience are at your service from the
moment you enter, till your last guest departs.
Lessings:
The Pavilion at
Sunken Meadow
Lessings:
Smithtown Landing
Country Club
When it comes to quality, longevity, and experience there is no comparison to Lessings.
They have been serving and catering to Long Islands elite and their fabulous functions since
1890. Smithtown Landing Country Club is located on the North Shore, overlooking the
Nissequogue River. It offers three buildings which ensures that your affair have all the
privacy and attention that your special day deserves. The grounds and the building make for
wonderful photos and serve equally well for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.
Are you looking for that laid back and relaxed toes in the sand Beach Wedding without going
all the way out to the Hamptons? If so the Pavilion at Sunken Meadow State Park is a must see
before choosing a venue. Ceremonies can be performed either on the beach itself or they have a
deck that extends over the sand. The site is run by the folks at Lessings which means
professionalism with a staff that is friendly relaxed and truly happy to be there with you on
your day. And just look at the pictures above, those are real couples, the Long Island Sound is
truly that blue and the sunsets are that gorgeous! So if this is your idea of what you want your
Beach Wedding to be like then this is the venue for you.
Lessings:
West
Sayville
Country
Club
Walking in to the West Sayville Country Club is like entering the great house of a country
estate. It is warm and welcoming, charming and inviting. It was built in 1909 by Commodore
Frederick G. Bourne as a wedding present for his daughter, Florence, upon her marriage to
Anson Hard. So the building holds not only the memory of happy events but the longevity of a
long and happy marriage. The glassed in deck brings the natural beauty of the surroundings
which inspired the name "Meadow Edge" right into your reception. This is a single event venue
that comes with friendly, personalized attention, a huge and fully appointed bridal suit, and a
master chef that will delight and amaze the epicurean in all! Ceremonies and receptions there
ALWAYS get rave reviews.
See a slideshow of the West Sayville CC  Photos thanks to Park Avenue Studio
The
Larkfield
Manor
The All New Larkfield Manor is
coming in the Summer of 2013!
Always a leader in the Industry the Larkfield
Manor's standards have always been head and
shoulders above many Long Island Catering Halls.
Now they are going above and beyond with "Ground
Breaking" Renovations that must be seen to be
believed! How if they're still undergoing
construction? Their offices are open and ready to
welcome you right across the street at 503 Larkfield
Rd. Come and see the truly inspired design their
amazing architects have come up with to give you
the perfect place to make your dreams come true!
Light, airy, immaculately clean, and grand beyond
belief, with food is always a culinary masterpiece.
The outdoor ceremony location is tucked away in a
perfectly manicured patio. And even in all this
grandeur you are treated like real people by real
people, who actually care about what you want, and
desire to give you just that rather than pitching their
product.
Milleridge Inn
Cottage & Carriage House
The Milleridge Inn has three venues in one. The Carriage house is warm and intimate a private
building for a private affair. The Cottage is perched on a hill the property's crowning jewel.
With a beautiful atrium, sweeping staircase, and glowing fire place this romantic also a single
event location. The main house has been a Long Island Landmark since 1692. With twelve
exquisitely appointed dining rooms the Milleridge Inn can host weddings from 10 guests to
450 guests. If options are what you are looking for this is the place for them, all with the style
and elegance of a by gone era.
The Harbor Club
Located in Huntington Village overlooking
Huntington Harbor, one of my favorite of this
venue's many attributes has to be the amazing
water view. The entire back of the building is
glass making the separation of indoors and out
almost nonexistent. The upper patio area is
perfect for the ceremony or sipping cocktails,
the gardens are beautifully designed and kept,
but the harbor and the sunsets are beyond
compare. How is the food? You ask! Among
the best on Long Island. Catering to only one
affair at a time you are assured the attention
that your special day deserves.  
Fire Island  Lighthouse
This little known ceremony only location is
ripe with many metaphors for the journey of
marriage. It also has all the benefits of a beach
wedding with easy access for the older folks,
(unless of course you're going all the way to
the top which is on your list of options!) and
an indoor option "just in case". The price is
very reasonable, less than most halls add to
have your ceremony on site. The location
unique, the staff is warm and wonderful, and
they do all the paperwork with the Parks
Department for you. Well worth a look!
de Seversky Center
If you thought a real mansion was out of your price range
GO SEE THIS VENUE
The de Seversky Center is a Grand Old Gold Coast Mansion in
every aspect of the term. White marble greets you in the exquisite
entrance way with the grand staircase ready for the perfect ascent.
The walls are of rich wood. Corinthian columns line the mansions
exterior which looks out on over 100 acres of Old Westbury's
finest landscapes. There is also a brick and glass atrium, perfect
for the ceremony itself. Pioneers of "Mansion Style"  and
"European Style" dining the de Seversky Center is every bit as
opulent as one would expect, but she is surprisingly warm and
intimate. The food is everything you would expect and more as
they gladly cater to your requests, the service is first class and the
staff are skilled, friendly, professional and down to earth. It is also
one of the frw venues where the general manager is an active and
interactive part of your event. This is a Must See if you are
thinking Mansion.
Below is a list of some of the places that recommend my services, the places that I call home.
This page is not here as a requirement of being one of their house vendors but as a resource to
you, because I believe whole heartedly that all of these locations show the same genuine
concern for their Brides and Grooms as I do. They each have a different feel and who knows!
Maybe one of them is just what you've been looking for! If you are looking for a simple
elopement ceremony with just you and two witnesses, you are always welcome to begin your
life together by signing your license at my home. If you want to have a few guests I offer
something similar to my "Just Marry Us" option at Argyle Gazebo in Babylon Village.
Church of Ancient Ways Home ~ Sample Wedding Ceremonies ~ Sample Marriage Readings
& Poetry ~ Our Philosophy ~ Testimonials ~ New York State Marriage License Information
Fees ~  Articles ~  Wedding Ceremony & Reception Locations ~ Contact ~ Newsletter ~ FAQ
Empire State Building Valentines Day Weddings ~ Funerals ~ Videos ~ Site Map

Copyright © 2000 - 2013 Marie April Gismondi
Home ~ Sample Wedding Ceremonies ~ Readings & Poems ~ Our Philosophy
Thank You's ~ New York State Marriage License Info ~ FAQ ~ Contact ~ Fees
Articles ~ Newsletter ~ Site Map ~ Empire State Building Valentines Day Weddings  
Long Island Wedding Reception & Ceremony Locations ~ Videos
The Bailey
Arboretum
Originally built in the 1820's and newly renovated in 2005, the Bailey is anything but the
same old thing. The mansion is perfect for intimate affairs with it's formal dining room, a
spacious double living room, and a large enclosed sun porch looking out over the
gardens. For larger events, the 43 acre property has more than one lawn large enough to
host a tent wedding. The Baily also welcomes photography and  ceremony only requests.
Best of all the price for this Hidden Jewel of Long Island's Historic Homes is far less than
one would expect.
Sky Dive
Long Island
Wedding Ceremonies that are not for the faint of heart! Are you
on the adventurous side? Sky Dive Long Island may be just the
place for you to make your promises. Some make their promises
in the air, and others would rather have their marriage ceremony
performed on the ground and then go up to jump as their first
act as husband and wife. This venue has a house photographer
& videographer who comes with a helmet cam to capture the
moment and share it with friends and family. If the wedding
itself will be a more traditional one another option is to let Sky
Dive Long Island be your Ultimate Jack and Jill
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party!
(No, I haven't jumped yet. Will your wedding be my first?)
photos by Candid
Like Life Photography
Photos thanks to
Park Avenue Studio
Photos thanks to Park Avenue Studio and Thomas Paul
photos by
Candid Like
Life Photography
More photos
North Ritz Club
It is no wonder that the North Ritz Club has been the choice of
industry professionals when it came their time to marry. Both the
outdoor Gazebo and indoor ceremony locations are breathtaking
in this recently renovated single event venue. The gardns photo
opportunities are endless with the lake, cobbled terraces, and
botanical delights taking center stage. Indoors the feeling is
wonderful blend of clean and open warm and inviting, grace and
elegance. The best of modern and classic, natural and design
inspired beauty. If food is your passion the North Ritz is sure to
please. Their award winning chefs "invite you to experience
avant-garde sophistication cultivated by your taste"
The Royalton
Mansion
at the
Roslyn Country Club
The Royalton at Roslyn Country Club is a colonial mansion from the early 1900s, set on 10
acres of wooded arbor and English Garden, it's been completely restored to its timelessness
and glory, combining tradition of perfection and modern sophistication. Upon entrance a
mahogany doorway opens to a two story lobby, adorned by a crystal chandelier, wood floors
dressed in oriental rugs, and a wood carved, curved master staircase. A plush carpeted hall
takes you to a Coventry stone patio and rich wood-paneled rooms, ideal for cocktails with
their two fireplaces. The Grand Ballroom is elegantly decorated with beautiful sconces, hand
carved crown moldings and Brazilian hardwood floors. The Mahogany Library features
floor-to-ceiling mahogany walls and moldings, arm chairs, plush couches, a fireplace and
mahogany barrister bookshelves. The bridal suite is in fact the original master bedroom of
the mansion's first owner Edward Moore; it features a mahogany four post bed, gas burning
fireplace and a luxurious master bathroom. The Conservatory, complete with coffered
ceilings is another perfect setting for your cocktail hour; its large windows offer incredible
views of the English-styled gardens and fountains. With its green Coventry stone walls, a
wrought iron lamp post and a gate, the Ivy Courtyard is perfect for a romantic ceremony.
This is a true Long Island mansion, and even with all this opulence the people there are
warm and friendly, with a genuine desire for your wedding day being everything you could
dream of in their hearts.
If you are looking for a single event venue but are thinking
you do not have enough guests, this is truly a wonderful place
for an intimate wedding. Located in Historic Miller Place,
Miller Beach Surf Club boasts a panoramic view of the Long
Island Sound. It is a single event venue with friendly,
experienced staff and management that is willing to tailor the
entire event to fit your needs. The food, service, private beach
for photos and the blending of spectacular grounds with an
intimate indoor dining room may make this the place of your
dreams.  
Miller Beach Surf Club
Chateau La Mer has long been a Long Island favorite. Located
in Lindenhurst right on the Great South Bay it has a breezy
seaside feel coupled with all the opulence of crystal chandeliers
and imported marble. The multilevel deck is fabulous for both
ceremony and cocktail hour with food that will delight and
amaze your guests. Another aspect that many couples love is
being taken away after the ceremony by private Yacht, not only
to make a grand entrance... but also to have those first few
minutes as husband and wife alone and say to one another "We
really did it!" Thirty years of experience will ensure that none
of the fine details of your special day will be overlooked as
Chateau La Mer combines extraordinary food, superior service
and an elegant atmosphere to turn your wedding into the perfect
dream come true.
Chateau La Mer
Argyle Gazebo is located across
from Argyle Lake on Montauk
Highway in Babylon Village. The
village does issue permits but in
the non prime time days and hours
it isn't required.

Other Ceremony Only Sites
Last 3 photos were taken by Laura Ryan Photography
"It has been said that marriage requires a leap of faith!"
Westbury Manor
The famous mansion has been meticulously restored to recapture its original old world charm.
Set on six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, enhanced by ponds, waterfalls and
gazebos, it offers a stately setting for an outdoor cocktail hour or garden chapel ceremony.
Colorful peacocks, ducks, and perched parrots adorn the expansive grounds. As you enter the
grounds through large brick pillars with concrete finials and enter the manor's driveway lined
with picturesque gas street lamps, you are taken back to a Victorian era of long ago. Plantings
are seasonal and include an incredible display of spring tulips and daffodils as well as a
winter setting of tiny white lights that create a luminous wonderland. The interior is styled in
estate era woods of mahogany, cherry and rose accented by leaded stained glass windows and
detailed plaster ceilings. The decor is plush upholsteries, brass fixtures, and timeless
heirlooms. European trained chefs will skillfully prepare and personally create any dish or
delicacy that is desired. The renowned cuisine that has made the Westbury Manor famous is
evident at every party regardless of budget or menu.

For a better look at the rooms and gardens see
Silverfox's Video Interview with Jerry Scotto,
the most approachable owner in the industry. He understands that you are not just a number
and that YOUR wedding day is a once in a lifetime event.
Ludlow Bistro

Ludlow Bistro Commercial from Steve Sage Productions on Vimeo.

If you are the kind of couple who know that once you are married, it is all about the food! Then
this might be the place for you! Ludlows is my personal favorite when it comes to a well
deserved dinner out or an intimate wedding or celebration of any kind.  Dealing directly with
the owner means you are assured the attention to detail, quality and creativity in your menu and
all that your event deserves at a great rate!
The Crescent Beach Club
Can you see yourself getting married in a place that looks like a
tropical paradise but is conveniently located in Bayville on the
north shore of Nassau County's Gold Coast, the Crescent Beach
Club is the perfect blend of natural and opulent. They have always
been known for their amazing staff and being one of the few true
venues where you are actually on the beach. Yet everything now
just has a fresh new feel. Their new General Manager Matt has
been "breathing new life" into what is already a spectacular
location! He has contacted all the top vendors, hired a new chef to
offer a dynamic cuisine, and has created a buzz that is going to
make the Crescent THE place for a Long Island Beach wedding.