There are so many things to consider when planning a wedding. Which photographer should we hire? Should we hire a band or a DJ? Where should we get our cake from? One of the most important choices, however, is which venue to have your reception at. There are so many to choose from and it is not cheap. We have been to them all and know them quite well. To get the biggest bang for your buck, we have listed the top ten wedding venues in Buffalo that we consider the best investment. We hope that we didn’t leave anyone out!
10. Pearl Street Brewery
If you like the industrial chic look, Pearl Street is your choice. With several venues available, the brick and steel beams are the theme in this stylish arena. Plenty of space for dancing and a wide variety of beverages at the many bars available make this an accessible and relatable choice. Take a breather from dancing on their open air balconies and enjoy the view of a sunset while you enjoy the night air. The location of this venue is also a plus being downtown. You are only a short walk away from Canalside or Cobblestone district for some memorable photos or just to take it all in. The catering staff is experienced and professional as they serve your choice from a variety of meals your guests will enjoy before hitting the dance floor.
9. 500 Pearl
If you are interested in one of the newer wedding venues in Buffalo, consider 500 Pearl. The large facility houses some very trendy hotel rooms which make it the perfect place to get ready and also crash after your greatly anticipated party. There are several venues to choose from inside of this building including one that was once a theater of sorts. The uniqueness of each room is impressive and a different style to suit your taste. Explore the grounds to find several bars, a swimming pool and even a trendy after hours bowling alley in the basement. The rooftop bar also makes a fantastic spot for the after party and the view of the city is amazing. Hold your wedding here and get VIP access to the rooftop bar while the general public waits behind the velvet red rope to get a chance to rise to the top.
8. Hotel Lafayette
One of the older buildings in Buffalo to hold your wedding reception is Hotel at the Lafayette. Designed by the first professional woman architect in the country, Louise Blanchard. Right across from the public library and Lafayette Square in downtown, this venue has several options to hold your event. See the classic charm of the hotel and how beautifully they decorate it for weddings as you impress your guests with a classy and historic venue. If you are one for architecture and history, Hotel at the Lafayette is for you. You can even get ready in the salon on the first floor before your wedding and extend your stay the next day in their restaurant near the lobby. Having the reception in a hotel is always convenient for having a place to stay at the end of your exciting night.
7. Rich’s Atrium
Rich’s Products is one of the biggest companies in the Buffalo area. Their facility also has a very large wedding reception area with a gigantic fireplace and lots of unique lighting. The food is great and the atmosphere is big. This just feels like you are at a notable event when you are there. Plenty of space and a separate area on the other side of the grand fireplace for cocktails make this an elegant spot to hold any reception.
6. Babeville AKA Asbury Hall
If you are a music fan, you should know that this beautiful historic church was converted into a multi purpose facility and is owned by none other than Ani DiFranco. Not only can the Buffalo venue hold concerts and other events for up to 1200 fans, it is a beautiful wedding venue. The balcony can be accessed for a birds eye view of the night and the stage can be used for additional seating or performances. The ambiance from the string lights sets an elegant mood while your guests dine on some of the most delicious food in all of Buffalo. There is something special about this venue and anytime I hear the name, my mouth starts to water thinking about the delectable food choices.
5. Spring Lake Winery
If you are looking for something a bit more countryside, check out one of Buffalo’s wineries with Spring Lake Winery at Varallo Vineyards. This open air facility is very classy in an outdoorsy kind of way. Get your pictures taken among the vineyards after you have your wedding ceremony out in nature. As you dine, enjoy the beautiful view of the small lake a stone’s throw from your table. Take a walk and enjoy the view on their patio as you look down into the water. When you finish eating, dance on the dancefloor or take a stroll down the stairs to the fire pit where you can roast marshmallows for some smores or just enjoy a drink or a cigar with friends.
4. The Sterling at Arrowhead
The latest addition to Timberlodge at Arrowhead Golf Club is the facility they call The Sterling. Located in Akron, New York it is a beautiful venue with a gigantic window for the back wall. Walk across the gangway above your guests as you make your grand entrances into the reception and get some of the most amazing photos of the day. If you need a spot to get ready, there is a beautiful room for the bride to get dressed and take stunning photos and video. You can also get married on the man-made island just outside and walk across the trendy bridge over the water to meet your better half. While it is located on a golf course, you will have many opportunities to get a variety of fabulous photos on your wedding day.
3. The Avanti Mansion
One of our favorite venues is the Avanti Mansion just outside of Buffalo. Whether you want to have a classic indoor venue or an elegant outdoor affair, the Avanti can deliver. Both venues have a spot for you to hold your wedding ceremony outside. Get married outside of the historic mansion on a coy pond island in organic stadium seating with an incredible view of the grounds. The outdoor tent is renovated to the extent that you won’t feel like you are in a tent at all. Hop inside for your event and have a cocktail hour in the library while you wait to be seated for one of the tastiest meals you have ever had. Chef Leo really knows his way around the kitchen and will not disappoint. If you like, you can get ready in the upstairs area that was elegantly decorated for any bride to get ready. The staff is highly professional and will cater to your every need.
2. The Admiral Room
Ever want to have a party on the inside of a bank? The Admiral Room in Downtown Buffalo is a gutted out bank that was built for the grandeur of finance. The venue is absolutely breathtaking and impressive. As soon as you walk in, you will feel like royalty. The atmosphere of this location is unlike any other venue in the area. Take a quick walk outside and you are directly downtown for any photos you would like to take. Ask the management to take you to the basement where you can get photographs by the old bank vault. If you have a large number of guests on your list, this place can accommodate them.
1. Hayloft at the Grove
If you like the rustic look, Hayloft is the way to go. The grounds here are abundant and there are many things that will be able to suit your needs. The two houses on property are available to get ready for the big day and have plenty of room for everyone. Have your photos taken by the corn fields, the gardens or even on the custom staircases down to the pond. There are multiple locations for you to get married and then have your reception in the renovated barn. Have your dinner catered and sit in the farm themed basement for dinner, then come upstairs to the main barn area to dance the night away and enjoy some adult beverages. If you need a breather, take a walk outside or sit down by any of the umbrella and canopy tables. Take it all in surrounded by beautiful landscaping and the night air.
