Good venue for a medium-sized, indoor wedding reception?
Joanna emails:
My sister is planning her wedding for this December and is looking for a venue for the reception that is on the smaller side, where she can entertain approximately 80 guests. She is not bound by area -- we've been looking for places in Saratoga, Troy, Albany, Schenectady, etc. I didn't know if you've posted about this topic in the past or maybe if your readers might have some suggestions.
We've had a question before about finding a place for a small wedding. That was a few years back, though, and many of those spots were outside.
Of course, there aren't any shortages of places to hold receptions. But we're curious about places that are maybe unexpected, or non-traditional. You know, the sort of place that makes you say, "That wouldn't have occurred to me, but it could be cool." (Or, this case, warm, for December.)
So, have a suggestion Joanna and her sister? Please share!
Earlier on AOA:
+ Ask AOA: Where to get a wedding dress cleaned, preserved?
+ Ask AOA: Interesting wedding spot in downtown Albany?
+ Ask AOA: Where to have a small wedding?
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Comments
I'm not a 100% sure the size of the venue but I am going to a wedding at the New York State Museum in Albany in November. The bride has shared some of the details and it seems really interesting and unique. Plus the reception area is supposed to be gorgeous with a nice view of the plaza!
... said kait on Jul 25, 2013 at 11:24 AM | link
Malozzi's has an upstairs room for smaller receptions. Its a beautiful room and you get the guarantee of some pretty awesome food and service.
... said Kim on Jul 25, 2013 at 11:24 AM | link
The University Club in Albany is a great historic location for an event that size.
... said Chris on Jul 25, 2013 at 11:33 AM | link
Held me second, smaller wedding (75ppl) at The Century House in Latham. It's a traditional wedding-type place, but the food is fantastic and they treated everyone like royalty.
I'd hold my third wedding there in a minute. Kidding.
... said WendyV on Jul 25, 2013 at 12:09 PM | link
Along similar lines as other posters, the Albany Institute has awesome spaces available for events too!
... said AnotherAmanda on Jul 25, 2013 at 12:19 PM | link
My wife and I got married just over a month ago at Davidson Brother's in Glens Falls. We had around 75 guests, and it was amazing. The big room upstairs has vintage arcade games, exposed brick, nice wood floors, and great ambiance. The staff were incredibly helpful and professional, and the prices are pretty reasonable (as weddings go). We did the ceremony in the city park gazebo across the street (for which there is no site fee, all you have to do is fill out an application with the city and make sure the date you want is available).
... said Tom on Jul 25, 2013 at 12:26 PM | link
The Gideon Putnam hotel, their smaller room at the back of the hotel is a great place. We had about 90 people attend our wedding at that location and it was perfect across the board. The room looks out onto the park and has a great patio. I'd very seriously consider this location for a smaller wedding.
... said Catfood on Jul 25, 2013 at 12:51 PM | link
Check out Rev Hall (next to Brown's) in Troy. We went to a great wedding there recently.
... said Valerie on Jul 25, 2013 at 12:51 PM | link
Taste in downtown Albany could work, Brown's Brewing Company in Troy, maybe the Albany Distilling Company would hold a reception? Long fellows in Saratoga would be an option, too!
... said Elisabeth on Jul 25, 2013 at 12:52 PM | link
Just got married this past June at Revolution Hall in Troy (next to Brown's Brewing). We had about 100 people. The space is amazing really old school feel with great food (on premises no need to call a caterer), and drinks (All Brown's Brewing Co. beers makes for a unique open bar). The best part was the staff was awesome and helped us every step of the way and compared to many reception venues in the area it was very affordable. Highly recommend this place.
... said Ben K. on Jul 25, 2013 at 1:06 PM | link
The Inn at Saratoga did a beautiful job with our December wedding, where we had 60 guests. We held both the ceremony and reception there. We didn't have to buy table decorations because they already had some gorgeous greenery and holiday decorations up for the holidays.
... said Jo Ann on Jul 25, 2013 at 1:48 PM | link
I am part of a Wedding that is happening at the Pruyn House in Latham. They look to have a couple of options available.
... said Dan on Jul 25, 2013 at 2:20 PM | link
I recommend The Edison Club in Rexford (just off 146 West from Clifton Park). Sandy & staff were great, inexpensive, had my wedding & reception in same room.
... said Trevor on Jul 25, 2013 at 2:24 PM | link
Definitely check out the Appel Inn in Altamont. We got married there in the summer but it is probably really nice in winter too!
http://www.appelinn.com
... said Kris on Jul 25, 2013 at 2:28 PM | link
My fiance and I are having our reception at Waters Edge Lighthouse in Scotia next year (approx. 100 people). The space is only a few years old, and the prices are VERY competitive. Rit, the events manager, is very flexible to work with, and he has excellent reviews all over Wedding Wire, and more. We will have a smores bar since they have a fire pit in the back, and the location is amazing right next to the Mohawk River.
... said Moe on Jul 26, 2013 at 9:43 AM | link
The Woman's Club in Albany sounds like it would be a great option! It's super affordable ($300 for 4-6 hours, only $200 for 4 or less) and it's a really charming old building on Madison Ave. in Albany with a beautiful ballroom on the top floor that's probably best suited for 70-80 people. (My fiance and I love love loved it, but expect to have just over that, so it wouldn't work, which was really disappointing).
We ended up going with Century House, which someone else mentioned and is definitely kind of a wedding factory -- but they're really flexible and accommodating and take care of everything, which is great for people like me who tend to get a little overwhelmed with coordinating details like catering and vendor logistics. I think they would do a really wonderful job handling a wedding your size.
The Crossings in Colonie probably would also have some good space. I think Pat's Barn in Rensselaer is good for that number of people, but it's a little pricey just to rent the space (at least $3k, which is pretty standard, compared to the state museum, 11 N. Pearl, Preservation Hall, etc. -- I know Joanna didn't ask about price and I don't mean to be tacky -- I only mention it because I felt so clueless about how much stuff costs when I started planning, and also because there are really good, much less expensive options available for under-100-guest weddings around here). The State Museum is REALLY neat (it's a super cool, original space and they'll provide a carousel operator for an additional fee), but a little cavernous for a smaller wedding.
... said Andie B. on Jul 26, 2013 at 10:09 AM | link
We had our small-ish wedding 3 years ago at Birch Hill in Schodack. We had it in their conservatory room, which is just beautifully lined with windows. Our few small tables for 60 people weren't lost in the space, but it would easily accommodate your 80 people. We had an afternoon reception there and were blessed with a sunny day that lit up the room with lovely natural light. If I remember correctly, the evening reception prices were much higher, but our modest budget was able to handle the afternoon price.
... said Amanda on Jul 26, 2013 at 11:35 AM | link
The Corning Tower Observation Deck is available to rent for private functions. For more information.
http://www.ogs.ny.gov/esp/CT/Tours/OBdeck.asp
In college I went to a fraternity formal there, and it was quite cool.
... said Jessica R on Jul 26, 2013 at 3:21 PM | link
I went to a few events at the Saratoga Museum of Dance and it was great.
... said Carolyn on Jul 28, 2013 at 10:06 AM | link
Our wedding is going to be at the Kingsbury Parish House in the Hamlet of Kingsbury in Washington County. It's my home, it's a place of my childhood, it's a small building and fits about 85 with tables and new chairs on site. Cost is well, you feel bad for how low cost it is, so we're donating a little more. It's beautiful old building, former church that was moved from the next town 100 years ago. Now the gathering, dining, and activities hall for the baptist church next door. It's great for couple looking for a wedding in sweet, romantic setting, old school small town style. Big kitchen, dishes, serving dishes and small backyard for a ceremony. We're having a non-religious wedding and they're more than okay with that. Perfect for weddings that could be, low budget, country, intimidate, hipsters might like it too, I know people hate that idea but its a generic term at this point.
... said Joe on Jul 28, 2013 at 10:32 AM | link