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Located in Geneva along Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle offers a historic and romantic venue for your wedding ceremony and reception. It is one of the highest-rated wedding venues in New York and has won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for the past two years. We love the outdoor ceremonies on the lawn overlooking the lake, which can also be utilized during cocktail hour with an outdoor bar. We also like to walk down to the water for pictures on the pier. Belhurst has two ballrooms, and has a bridal suite in the castle for getting ready.
If you want your wedding to be surrounded by history and natural beauty, this might just be the perfect location for you.
Brief History
The land on which this castle stands today was previously known as Bellehurst, meaning beautiful forest. Carrie Harron Collins acquired this beautiful land in 1885, and had the Romanesque-style Belhurst Castle constructed between 1885 and 1889. The materials used in the castle’s construction were especially imported from Europe.
After Collins passed away in 1926, her grandson sold the house to Cornelius Dwyer, who used these premises as a speakeasy during the Prohibition. He also ran a supper club and a gambling casino within the castle but shut them down in 1951. Dwyer’s restaurant is known today as Edgar’s Restaurant in the Castle.
Robert and Nancy Golden bought this property in 1975 and converted it into a hotel in 1984. They also added the Castle Ballroom which overlooks Seneca Lake. Today, the property is owned by the Reeder family who further expanded it to add the Meritage Ballroom and a winery.
Despite more than a century of history, the beautiful forest still surrounds the estate. The castle is on the National Register of Historic Places and was named the world’s best wine hotel by the Wine Enthusiast. But this was only a brief overview of the castle’s history. If you’re fascinated by it, you can read all about it here.
Aesthetics
Surrounded with immaculate views of nature, Belhurst Castle is one of the most romantic places to get married. Couples have the option to hold their wedding ceremony either indoors or outdoors. On the stunningly green lawns and across the crystal blue water of Seneca Lake, you will get to share your vows and say, “I do.” The breathtaking landscape makes capturing beautiful moments with your family effortless.
In the presence of its rich history, Belhurst Castle holds beautiful wedding ceremonies. The modern interior mixed with the Romanesque architecture reflects elegance and warmth. The castle ballroom not only includes enough space for guests and vendors, but also for a dance floor. The atmosphere guarantees that you’ll have a very memorable day.
Noteworthy Features
- Unique lodgings: The Chambers of Belhurst Castle consist of various suites and rooms, each of which was uniquely designed and built during the construction of this castle. Connected to these chambers is the Vinifera Inn, which was a later addition and has 20 modern rooms with king-size beds, Jacuzzis, fireplaces, and walk-in showers. A little far from these two is the White Springs Manor, which is another hotel with its own unique suites and rooms. All of these hotels’ different rooms can be viewed on the Belhurst Castle’s website.
- Amazing environment: As mentioned before, Belhurst Castle is rich in history and surrounded by nature all around. Together, they make for a very unique wedding venue both indoors and outdoors.
- Mesmerizing views: The spectacular views aren’t only limited to the premises of this property, they extend far beyond it as well. The wedding venues inside Belhurst Castle overlook Seneca Lake, which means the views outside are just perfect.
- Specialized wedding staff: Belhurst Castle also has a specialized team of wedding planners to assist you in your preparations. They’re professionals and would suggest things to enhance your plans as well.
- Full-service spa: The Isabella Spa & Salon here offers body treatments, massage, facials, hair and nail care, and a full range of spa services. It has pre-bridal and wedding-day spa services to accommodate the bride and groom, and all the guests and family members on-site.
- Wine and craft beer testing: Belhurst Castle is well-known for its winery and craft beer. As such, it has group wine tastings where you can walk in with your guests to taste wines and craft beers. (Reservations are required for groups larger than 8 people.)
- Lake and dock access: The castle doesn’t only offer views of Seneca Lake, it also has dock access. Boaters can dock there and enjoy the lodgings. Guests of the hotel can also visit the lake and spend time by the lakeside.
Accommodations for ceremonies and receptions
Belhurst Castle has a total of three wedding venues, each of which is a unique and elegant space designed to make your special day even more special.
Castle Ballroom
The largest of the three venues in Belhurst Castle, Castle Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests comfortably. The venue has a dance floor, an indoor-outdoor extended bar, and additional space for vendors/special arrangements. It also offers the guests access to a lawn, with handicap facilitation as well.
Meritage Ballroom
If you want higher ceilings with wooden beams and chandeliers, and bigger windows offering full views of Seneca Lake, the Meritage Ballroom of Belhurst Castle has them and many more things. It can accommodate up to 160 guests, and has its own lobby area, handicap accessible restrooms (separate for ladies and gents), and a patio and lawn area.
Edgar’s Restaurant
Edgar’s Restaurant comes in handy for smaller gatherings. It has six different portions—The Library, The Center Room, The Porch, The Parlor, The Music Room, and The Solarium—and you can book any one of them for your event. The rooms can accommodate 15-40 guests each, and except for The Porch, they are all handicap accessible.
Pricing
Since Belhurst Castle has a “no venue fee” policy, the pricing varies depending upon the menu you select along with additional services. Belhurst has a $14,000 minimum including food, beverages and services (before taxes and service charges) that is required for the ballrooms on Saturdays during peak season. For Fridays the minimum is $12,000 and for Thursday and Sunday events during peak season it is $8,000. To get an estimate of costs based around your personal wedding plans, refer to Belhurst’s Wedding Banquet Menu.
All in all, Belhurst Castle is a pleasant wedding venue with historic and natural richness. Check out more of our favorite Rochester Wedding Venues, with real weddings that we have shot on our Rochester Wedding Venue page.