Hamptons Venues on the South Fork

Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club
231 Mid Ocean Drive
Bridgehampton, NY 11932
(631) 537-1180
(212) 883-0606
www.thebtsc.com

The natural light and ocean sounds on a Hampton beach make for the most idyllic setting for weddings and celebrations. Put that together with world class catering, spacious indoor facilities (even in the Hamptons, a little rain does fall!) and you have perfection. Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club is located on the beach in the heart of the Hamptons, has exquisite views, a deep sandy beach, and all the panache that makes the Hamptons world famous. Unless you own a fully staffed, extremely large beach house, this is a fabulously chic alternative. The website only hints at the beauty of this spot as you can't hear the waves, smell the salty air, or taste the exquisite food. You can plan your event from May through November.

Driftwood Farms
35675 Main Road
Orient, L.I., NY
(631) 323-8069
www.DriftwoodFarms.com

It's not often that reality matches fantasy, but that's what you'll experience at Driftwood Farms, a new venue for weddings and special occasions. Located in Orient on the tip of the North Fork, this is a working farm with horses and nursery stock, but it feels like a country manor on the coast of Ireland, with vistas, and beauty usually the found only in dreams. Don't let the North Fork address deter you. This one of a kind location is only a short ferry ride from Shelter Island and the exclusive Hamptons. Lush green sweeping lawns, 140 acres in all, will bring you to the edge of the bluff on Long Island Sound, a perfect location for sunset photos. Expansive vistas of sky and sea, grazing horses in fence lined paddocks and two enormous barns create a breathtaking backdrop for your celebration. The barns can easily accommodate a gathering of 200 guests, and there are two distinctly separate preparation areas for the bride and groom, so traditionalists can be assured of no-peeking before the ceremony! This little bit of magic in Orient is made available by owners Steven and Gretchen Mezynieski who live on the property and are thrilled to share the land's beauty with others.)

Trumpets at the Gate
56 South Bay Avenue
Eastport, New York 11941
(631) 325-2900
www.trumpetsatthegate.com

Trumpets truly is an East End Pearl: of nature, of sea, and of perfection. The cedar shake "Hampton Cottage" design of this waterfront property offers understated elegance, glorious views of the bay, and an intimate soft décor. Guests wandering out onto the bayside decks, sailing into one of the slips, or just enjoying the views through the crystal clear windows experience the feeling of a private estate. White glove treatment prevails for weddings, private parties, and corporate affairs. The food is as superb as you would expect from a Hampton estate with a personal chef, deliciously fresh and beautifully presented.

The Portly Grape Inn & Restaurant
305 North Road
Greenport, NY 11944
631-477-4500
www.theportlygrape.com

The banquet facilities at the Portly Grape encompass the best in ambiance and dining to make your affair one to remember. Celebrate in the simply appointed three-season air conditioned tent situated on 4 acres of manicured grounds. It's a perfect palette to introduce your own personal touches to the setting. The food is grand, the staff is courteous and professional, and the setting is just right for a celebration of any size and style. The main hotel has a wraparound porch, sweeping main staircase in the reception area and the lush lawn, providing a choice of beautiful settings in which to stage your formal photography. It's hard to believe that such a dramatic setting can feel so comfortable and welcoming, but the Portly Grape has managed to find just the right balance to make it so.

The Pridwin Hotel
Shelter Island, NY
631-749-0476 or 800-273-2497
www.pridwin.com

Imagine a crescent shaped beach with crystal clear waters. In the distance sail boats pushed by sea breezes glide on calm waters, and the opposite shores are lushly green. The blue sky is broken by a few puffy clouds and an osprey on wing; music and laughter are the only sounds. Thousands of miles from home? Nope! You're only 2 ½ hours from NYC at the incredibly gorgeous Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island, nestled between North Fork Wine Country and the Hamptons. This complete resort can host up to 250 guests in its glass enclosed banquet room that opens to a huge water view deck. Guests staying in one of the many rooms available can enjoy the pool, tennis courts, and famous crescent beach. Whether for a wedding or corporate event, The Pridwin is perfect. Visit their web site and give their event planner, Alissa, a call. (A little tip: Ask her about rates for the "shoulder season." The island is beautiful in spring and fall).

The Soundview Restaurant
57185 North Road (Route 48)
Greenport, NY 11944
(631) 477-0666
www.SoundviewRestaurant.com

This is one of the nicest spots around. The large "Gold Room" is surrounded by outside decking from which you can view the fabulous sunsets over Long Island Sound. The Soundview Restaurant is family owned and has deep local roots. The food is wonderful, and you couldn't find a nicer person than Rachel, the manager and a member of the family, to help you attend to every detail. It's easy to locate, has adequate parking, and is in the heart of wine country. (See Hotels Motels & Inns and Restaurants)

Vineyard Caterers
978 Main Road
Aquebogue, NY 11931
(631) 722-3200
www.VineyardCaterers.com

If you love the idea of being married in wine country, but really do want an elegant facility with all the amenities, Vineyard Caterers is the place for you. The building is lovely, with a grand staircase leading down to a formal foyer, spacious and beautifully decorated reception areas, and one of the most beautiful outdoor decks on the east end. The second floor holds the bridal suites which can be used to dress, primp, or just relax before your event, the only one held at the given time. A full service facility, Vineyard Caterers combines professionalism with personal attention and your event receives their undivided attention.

Hallockville Farm Museum and Folk Life Center
6038 Sound Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 298-5292
www.hallockville.com

Hallockville is unique natural staging area. The only "flash" is a shooting star across the dark night sky; the only "glitz" is the reflection of sunlight on the open fields. As almost all East End locations require, a tent is necessary to accommodate larger groups, but the beautifully restored barn provides indoor space for a cocktail party, band, and dance floor. The open beams and warm woods of the barn's interior are a designer's dream. Although eminently suited to a country design, skillful designers can turn this space into just about anything! The tent can be erected to back up against the barn so that the wide barn doors provide a natural opening between the two structures. The grounds are populated by historic buildings, many of which date from the 1700's. The location is convenient as it is close to the Hamptons, LIE, and is in the heart of Wine Country. If you prefer originals to copies, nature to fake waterfalls, and space to walls, Hallockville will speak to your inner self.

North Fork Estate
North Fork Wine Country
Southold, NY 11971
www.vrbo.com/256774

Wow! Fit for a billionaire, but you don't have to be one to experience what essentially is this private resort. This gorgeous waterfront home sits on four private acres surrounded by 100 acres of preserve and sports a heated granite pool, private three hole putting greens, and the most spectacular natural views around. And that's just the outside! Inside is a great room with Yamaha player piano, media room, exercise room, gourmet kitchen, and five bedrooms, each with private bath and a master suite perfect for brides and grooms. The house is owned by a long time North Fork resident so you will get a personalized introduction to the benefits of wine country celebrations. You can choose to have the entire wedding here (there's ample parking), or just stay here with friends, family or bridal party and have the reception at a local vineyard. You can not fully investigate weddings on the North Fork without checking out this amazing property.

Shorecrest Bed & Breakfast
54300 Route 48
Southold, NY 11971
(631) 765-1570
www.ShorecrestBedAndBreakfast.com

Shorecrest can be made available for your special occasion such as dinner parties; garden parties; pre-event preparation; rehearsal dinners; photographic sessions and almost any occasion that requires a special venue in beautiful surroundings. Intimate weddings are particularly lovely in this garden environment. Arrangements can be made as part of a package when the whole house is booked or separately priced based on time and use.

The Soundview Restaurant
57185 North Road (Route 48)
Greenport, NY 11944
(631) 477-0666
www.SoundviewRestaurant.com

This is one of the nicest spots around. The large "Gold Room" is surrounded by outside decking from which you can view the fabulous sunsets over Long Island Sound. The Soundview Restaurant is family owned and has deep local roots. The food is wonderful, and you couldn't find a nicer person than Rachel, the manager and a member of the family, to help you attend to every detail. It's easy to locate, has adequate parking, and is in the heart of wine country. (See Hotels Motels & Inns and Restaurants)