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Weddings

About

A beautiful destination for your special event

Chautauqua Institution has everything a couple needs for a perfect wedding in one place… one 750 acre place!

Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 and hosts a 9 week summer season from late June through late August.

Chautauqua weddings take place during the pre and post seasons which include May, early June, September and October. You can rely on the Athenaeum Hotel’s professional staff and impeccable service to assist in taking care of every detail for you and your family— from room reservations to dinner menus, rehearsal dinners to next day brunches.

We are dedicated to making your wedding a beautiful occasion that you and your guests will cherish forever.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,000

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,000

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$26

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Open Bar
Premium Liquor

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Historic Building
Hotel

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Valet
Wheelchair Access

Reviews of Athenaeum Hotel of Chautauqua Institution

T
Tina Sent on 06/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect wedding weekend

We couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our wedding weekend! Everything, from the setup to the cleanup, was executed to perfection. We felt like we didn’t have to worry about any of the details, including specifics on decoration and dietary restrictions, because the Athenaeum handled everything so professionally. Working with Gloria was a breeze–she was super responsive and considerate about our unique wedding needs. Her experience and recommendations also elevated our wedding so beautifully. Many of our friends flew in from across the country, and from the welcome party on Friday evening, to the wedding on Saturday, to the farewell brunch on Sunday, the Athenaeum’s hospitality was unparalleled. We received countless compliments on how amazing the weekend was.

We highly recommend staying at the Athenaeum–with all our wedding guests on site, it felt like the perfect weekend retreat. The scenery is stunning in the early summer. We were also amazed by the quality and quantity of food and drinks. It exceeded our expectations on what a hotel kitchen could deliver. The chef, Carrie, worked closely with us in formulating the perfect menu. We couldn’t be happier with the result!

The personalized level of service is what we would experience at a 5-star hotel. We were blown away by the professionalism of the hotel and how smoothly they handled the logistics. The weekend was highly personalized, so we especially appreciated the level of flexibility and individualized care from the Athenaeum. The staff were amazing and there was always someone available to help, before we even anticipated the need!
J
Jean Sent on 09/04/2018
5 out of 5 rating
The Athenaeum was the PERFECT place for our wedding. Carrie Gifford and her staff went above and beyond. They made an unforgettable weekend seamless for us! I could not recommend Carrie and the Athenaeum enough! We loved every minute. As for pricing, they were reasonable in every area and honored their contract despite a few small hits the hotel itself took. Best. Weekend. Ever. You will not be disappointed.
D
Denise Sent on 12/13/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Carly was amazing. Everything was outstanding.
A
Alexa Sent on 11/30/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Carly Davis, Apryl, and the staff of the Athenaeum were an absolute dream to work with for my wedding. They were extremely professional and responsive throughout the whole process, and were able to adeptly juggle all requests from myself and my mother-in-law. From start to finish, they did a great job and I was completely at ease on my wedding day. They known what they are doing, but also transparent about any limitations. I highly recommend this venue!
D
Denise Sent on 10/05/2016
5 out of 5 rating
Carly Davis was amazing to work with. She had to deal with a variety of personalities in my family, which can be a challenge. She went above and beyond our expectations in every aspect, and made my wedding day a truly enjoyable experience. The venue was beautiful and very accommodating to each unique need our guests had. My only advice for anyone with guests staying overnight would be to have the guest welcome bags (if you choose to have some) at the front desk, because in our case, we chose to have them delivered to the rooms, but many of our guests never received them. Also, I would encourage guests to call the hotel instead of using the online booking system. The staff is super friendly, whereas the online booking system had errors, which resulted in about 10 of our guests thinking the hotel was full and reserved a room elsewhere.
J
Jaime Sent on 10/02/2016
5 out of 5 rating
From the time I was a little girl, I've always dreamed of having my wedding at the Athenaeum Hotel, and it was exactly what I imagined. Everything was absolutely perfect! Carly Davis, the wedding coordinator at the hotel, was incredible to work with and made everything, (from the initial contract to my wedding day) run so smoothly.
My guests raved about the history and beauty of the hotel. They loved having a glass of wine on the porch rocking chairs during cocktail hour and taking in the view of Chautauqua Lake. The food and service were also great. It truly is a one of kind venue and it was the perfect location for my wedding reception.
K
Kate Sent on 10/28/2015
5 out of 5 rating
I cannot say enough about how wonderful this place is. The grounds alone are breathtaking, you could not ask for a more peaceful or beautiful location for such a special day. Carly (the special events coordinator) was very responsive to every email my mom and I sent. She was so helpful in getting every detail just right. The staff was amazing from the servers to the bartender, and the food was out of this world. My guests would not stop raving about how much they loved the food. If your torn over this location, my only advice would be do it, you won't regret it.
D
Diana Sent on 06/21/2015
5 out of 5 rating
Our wedding planner Carly was amazing! I cannot say enough about how she took care of us an our wedding. From the day we first met with her she was always available for any questions we had (and there were plenty). She was extremely flexible with our out of the ordinary ideas. She took care of our wedding day and our breakfast seamlessly. I can't say enough about how amazing the food was! It was the best truffle ravioli I have had anywhere, not just for wedding food! Our guests included many foodies and they were impressed. Of course the location is gorgeous and historical, but everyone was friendly and helpful including Alexis the bell person who was at the bridal party's service throughout our trip. Scott the AV specialist was also great meeting with us at the rehearsal and flawlessly pulling off the tech for the ceremony. Request Carly and you will not be disappointed.
Patrick
Patrick Sent on 09/14/2021
4.8 out of 5 rating

The best place in America for a wedding!

The staff (Apryl , Kristan and others) were fantastic. The venue is perfect and charming as can be. The food was the best we ever had at a wedding. My daughter and son in law had the best day ever.
L
Lynn Sent on 12/14/2016
4.6 out of 5 rating
We had a wonderful experience! Carly was extremely professional, very helpful, and responsive to our needs. My daughter's wedding reception was just fabulous thanks to great food, service, and perfect attention to every detail.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

11
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Clifton Sound Clifton Sound Wedding DJs

Not only one of the most Romantic spots in the Chautauqua County, but will deliver you the most memorable experience for your very special day! The food is fantastic, the service and staff very friendly as well as accommodating to any of your needs. The Chautauqua Institute provides great nostalgic ambiance as well makes also for the perfect get away just over an hour drive from the city, you'll ask yourself .. Why didn't we come here before. You'll have to experience this at least once.

The Pure Stylist - Andrea Pincoski The Pure Stylist - Andrea Pincoski Wedding Hair & Makeup

As a hair and makeup artist it can be frustrating trying to make a bride happy on such a big day. The athenaeum hotel is very accommodating and provides the room for the bride and bridal party to feel comfortable and stress free, as I transform her every day look into a stunningly beautiful bride!

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