“The couple always sets the tone” at this historic property, dating back to the 1700s.
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
Long Island has a rich history, much of it is found in the timeless architecture and Gold Coast-era mansions that populate our shores.
But pre-dating even the Gold Coast properties is a venue tucked away in the Hamptons, where an indelible spirit of hospitality and warmth has existed for hundreds of years. Their walls have seen families grow, celebrities like Lucille Ball and the Roosevelts celebrate, and even Billy Joel and Led Zeppelin perform for exuberant audiences.
Following an extensive restoration, Canoe Place Inn & Cottages reopened in 2022, welcoming a new generation to this historic Hamptons gathering place. Today, couples can bring their wedding celebrations across its gardens, ballroom and intimate dining spaces, with the opportunity to spend the weekend together.
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
“We have something you can’t really manufacture.” – Canoe Place Inn
Canoe Place Inn was once a meeting ground for people traveling across the Island. “We’re a property whose history as a gathering place dates back to 1697,” said Brianna Birtles, Canoe Place Inn’s Director of Events. “There’s documented history of an inn here by the mid-1700s, so there is a fantastic history and soul here that you feel when you walk in. We have something you can’t really manufacture.”
Canoe Place Inn has had many transformations in its 300 years, hosting dinners, parties, dancing, and even famous musical acts as a premier entertainment and nightlife destination. “It used to be a known concert venue, which is the ballroom space that you see now,” Brianna mentioned. “In fact, when I was in college, this was the place I’d go and listen to different bands and DJs.”
After generations of hospitality, it’s common for a few deep-seated memories to resurface during tours. “I love when couples come here with their families, and the parents or older generations tell us that they used to come dancing here, went on dates here, saw a concert here or remember coming here when they were younger. And now we’re getting to see this next generation come back and get married here.”
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
“Today’s couples are among the first to experience this reimagined and elevated version.” – Canoe Place Inn
Canoe Place Inn’s renovations included all indoor, outdoor, and event spaces.
“With the Inn, cottages and waterfront residences, couples have the opportunity to make a whole weekend out of it. Welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, the wedding itself, brunch the next morning—it becomes much more than a five-hour celebration. It’s a chance to actually spend time with the people you love, which is something I think couples really appreciate,” said Brianna.
“One of the most unique things about our ballroom is the sound and overall AV tech capabilities,” she explained. “We have a lighting system that allows us to do things like pin spots on tables, use different color combinations through the dome above the ballroom, and even do full disco or concert experiences. It’s very cool.”
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
“Now we have an amazing hotel and food and beverage component too, which brings it all together. Today’s couples are among the first to experience this reimagined and elevated version.”
“And one of the things I really love about Canoe Place is how the entire wedding can unfold across the property,” she shared. “You can have this beautiful outdoor ceremony on the Great Lawn, move into cocktails in the Pavilion and gardens, and then transition into the ballroom for dinner and dancing. Every space has its own personality, so the evening naturally evolves rather than feeling like everything happens in one room.”
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
“We want every wedding to feel distinctly like the couple celebrating.” – Canoe Place Inn
Brianna emphasized that at Canoe Place Inn, “the couple sets the tone. We don’t want to create the same wedding every Saturday, so we really want to understand how they want the day to feel, how they entertain, what they love to eat and drink, and what traditions matter to them. We want every wedding to feel distinctly like the couple celebrating.”
“I think what really sets Canoe Place apart is that we’re a true hospitality destination, rather than a traditional catering venue,” Brianna explained. “We have this incredible history, beautiful spaces, a really strong restaurant-driven culinary program, and a team that understands how to bring it all together. We want to create an experience where the food, service, atmosphere and all of those little details feel equally important.”
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
“The presentation is beautiful, but what I really love is that the food tastes every bit as good as it looks.” – Canoe Place Inn
Speaking of great food, there’s no shortage of delectable options on the menu. “Our executive chef spent twelve years at the Rainbow Room,” said Brianna. “He has the ability to really think outside of the box.”
“Since we’re by the water, a lot of our raw bar elements are very popular for cocktail hour,” she detailed. “Our chef also creates these delicious lobster doughnuts and we even offer a foie gras cannoli as part of our canape selection, which is not something I’ve ever seen anywhere else.”
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
When it’s time to sit down for dinner, your guests will be treated to an offering of unique culinary delights. “All of our entrees are perfectly-crafted and well-rounded, and the presentation is beautiful, but what I really love is that the food tastes every bit as good as it looks,” Brianna described. “My favorites include our herb-crusted cod with melted leeks, dill beurre blanc, potato and caviar, and we have this fantastic olive oil poached halibut which is accompanied by a clam veloute and sea herbs.”
Staying true to their mission, every wedding menu can be customized to your preferences – including any allergy needs. “We had a wedding this year that was entirely gluten-free,” Brianna remembered. “That was everything – desserts, dishes, cocktail hour – without compromising the quality of the food. Our chef made a beet risotto with cashew crema that was probably one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten.”
Image courtesy of Canoe Place Inn
“Some of the best wedding moments are the ones nobody planned.” – Canoe Place Inn
Brianna’s biggest piece of advice for brides is to simply trust the team you’ve chosen.
“You spend months, sometimes years, planning your wedding and making all of these decisions. So when the day finally arrives, trust your venue, your planner and your vendors to do what you’ve hired them to do. Something might happen a little differently than you expected, but that doesn’t mean anything has gone wrong. Honestly, some of the best wedding moments are the ones nobody planned.”
She also reminds couples to actually enjoy their day. “Eat the food, drink the champagne, get on the dance floor and spend time with the people who came to celebrate you. Your guests really do take their cue from you. If you’re relaxed and having the time of your life, chances are they will be too.”
“At the end of the day, I don’t think couples remember whether every little detail was perfect,” she concluded. “They remember how they felt. And that’s what we want them to take away from their wedding at Canoe Place.”
Learn more about Canoe Place Inn here.