Weddings are my thing and I can talk for days on color schemes, locations and themes, and honestly I can admit I have never been big on the fairy tale weddings. But I am always in love with new fun locations and destination venues!

Today we are taking a trip to the Oheka Castle in New York. I am totally in awe of how beautiful and how seriously “fairy tale” this location is! Some of you might be thinking that this location is a little out of your price range or budget…..but I am here to show you what this facility has to offer. I hope all of you who need that fairy tale dream fulfilled will gain from this article.

Oheka Castle is located in Huntington, NY which is just 1 short hour out of Manhattan (perfect for your guest to do some sight seeing when they come for the wedding!). This castle was built between 1914 and 1919 and is filled with wonderful history! It was built as a family home for the Otto Kahn family and it was inspired by chateaus in France so the vibe is totally European! Imagine all the wonderful gatherings and parties thrown here back in the 20’s! If the walls could talk!

This is a picture of Otto Kahn’s daughter getting married at the Castle.
What a dress!

There is only one wedding held per day at the castle so you are guaranteed your day is set and perfect from the moment it starts! The staff is outrageously friendly and helpful and you will be amazed by the smallest details that they take care of for you. The Bridal Suite is HUGE and you are able to be relaxed and comfortable there all day.

All of the reviews and people I have spoken to rave about the award winning cuisine provided. Cocktail hour can be held outside where the staff will arrange their beautiful cushioned lawn furniture and keep the champagne flowing while your guests are lounging!

Of course the price is going to depend on how many guests you have attending. The castle does accommodate for 400 guests with tables of 12. You also have the choice (for an additional cost) to have a jazz band play in the library after the wedding! How much fun is that!? It will be a late night so the family and friend will most likely enjoy a stay at the castle. There are 32 guests rooms and suites available for rent. The bride and grooms suite is included with the package as well as your beautiful cake!

For the guests that do decide to spend the night on site will get to enjoy a morning after brunch with the bride and groom.

Now the pricing….when I contacted the Oheka Castle they explained to me that the pricing varies depending on what the couple has in mind. From what I have found from my research is the cost is roughly $200 - $500 per person plus the site fee. Really though when you think of all that you get included in the pricing it isn’t as bad as you may think. Living like a princess doesn’t come cheap!

ta – ta!

Kris

images courtesy of Oheka Castle

After the rainy day today I started day dreaming of my Hawaiian vacation last June. Maui is one of my favourite places. I love the weather, the people and the sweet pineapple smell!

My most favourite place for a wedding is on the western end of Maui and is at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua. The hotel is amazing and is perfectly placed on the cliff over looking the Pacific Ocean which provides the perfect photo opts. The groom can play a relaxing round of golf on the morning of the wedding at the Kapalua Golf Course while the bride and her clan can receive massages at the Ritz Carlton Spa. The spa offers Organic Skin Care facials and treatments! I love this!

While speaking with a coordinator at the Ritz she explained to me that they generally host an hour cocktail reception prior to the dinner that will allow the guests to mingle when the bride and groom get some photo’s taken. The Bride and Groom will dive into the party for the remaining 20 minutes where they can get some Mai Tai’s in before the big night begins!

The dinner / reception locations available at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua are spectator!

If you feel you want more of a private reception they suggest the Avenue Room. This room is open yet closed off and very pretty! It has a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean, Kapalua Golf Course and Island of Molokai. This location provides both plated and buffet menus. So cute!

This Plantation Ballroom is super elegant, yet still provides an outdoor private balcony! This room does not have a noise curfew so you can dance and sing all night long! Get your nana out there to show everyone a thing or two!

Personally I love the outdoors so my reception and dinner would be out here on the Beach Lawn! You do have to check the availability 6 months prior as this location is used quite often for corporate events. So if you are interested in dinner under the stars get in contact with the Ritz now! While you are dinning you will hear the crashing waves and view the romantic sunset….not to mention the tiki torches! I love the tiki torches. Unfortunately this area does have a noise curfew of 10:00pm which is a price to pay to have outdoor beauty on your special night.

If you are not interested in a wedding on Maui you should consider it for your Honeymoon!

Aloha!!

Kris

images courtesy of TheRitzCarlton.com

Coming Soon!