Maybe you love architecture and Buffalo history; maybe you just want an unusual/out-of-the-ordinary location for your wedding. Either way – here are 5 locations within the Buffalo and Western New York area that just may be the perfect location you are looking for to dazzle your guests beyond the typical church aisle and a ballroom at the Marriott.
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1. The Mansion on Delaware, Buffalo, NY
The Mansion on Delaware was built in 1866 as a home for prominent businessman Charles F. Sternberg and his family. A generation later in 1888 it was sold and turned into a hotel and renovated into a luxury boutique inn in 2001. In its former years it was dubbed the “Victor Hugo Wine Cellar” where in the 30’s and 40’s great entertainers of the day, including Tony Bennett and Liberace, would give impromptu performances lasting late into the evening. (Just imagine!)
2. Van Horn Mansion, Lockport, NY
Built in 1939, Kleinhans Music Hall is designated as a National Historic Landmark with an international reputation as one of the finest concert halls. Kleinhans is considered one of the “most acoustically perfect halls” in the world, and guess what? You can get married here! There are three notable rooms within Kleinhans: the Main Auditorium, Livingston Hall (named in memory of Mary Livingston, mother of Mr. Kleinhans), and the Mary Seaton Room (a memorial to Mr. Kleinhans’ wife, Mary Seaton Kleinhans).
In 1989, the hall was designated a National Historic Landmark, the highest designation of significance a site or structure can receive.
For a wedding with real class and one your guests won’t soon forget, visit Klienhans’ website for contact information.
4.) Tonawanda Castle
Not really a castle at all – but a historic National Guard Armory, The now named Tonawanda Castle boasts beautiful woodwork, thousands of square feet of hardwood floors, chandeliers and luxurious fireplaces – not to mention a drill and mess hall, shooting range and swimming pool. The castle’s spacious parlor room was once lit by ornate handcrafted chandeliers imported from France; some of which still remain. It was inaugurated in 1897 at a cost of $86,000 – or 6 million dollars today.
In 2003, the ill-used and outdated Armory hit the auction block and was privately purchased for $71,000. Extensive renovations have been completed and the venue can accommodate large weddings and receptions in the main drill hall.
Ok, it’s actually a newer structure, but by a very cool historic designer. An interesting design for a row club boat house was left behind by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Plans were drawn in 1905 for a row house to be built in Wisconsin, but was not seen to completion. The idea was revisited in 1939 but later abandoned again. For the total of nearly a century the design collected dust. That is, until an avid rower, Ted Marks, brought back to life the plans that were shelved long after Wisconsin had lost interest. The plans were purchased for a small fee, and construction began on the 5.5 million dollar project. In 2007, the Frank Lloyd Wright Fontane Boathouse was completed and brought to life. The result is a funky throwback to the realm of FLW and his ingenious flair for form, function and those iconic graceful lines. The space can accommodate 50 – 100 guests and has a reception area.