Ithaca Yacht Club - Ithaca, NY

I had a lot of hopes for IYC. It is right on the shore of Cayuga Lake (being a yacht club, that might make sense) and the company running the catering (H&J Hospitality) has gotten stellar reviews all over the web. Kelly was our contact and after an initial email snafu (my email address is complicated so I always try to follow up in different ways) Kelly was very accommodating and helpful.

We arrived Thursday night to the club without any problems other than some to be expected traffic in Ithaca itself. The parking was a bit haphazard as there are no guidelines but there is ample parking space for approximately 50, maybe 60 cars depending on a parking attendant.




The club is okay but a bit dated. The main dining area has low tiled ceilings. There are large windows looking out to the lake, a view only partially blocked by the blue patio tent to the left. The bar area is in good condition with vaulted ceilings and the same large windows. Wood paneling and nautical theme throughout but not terribly kitschy.

There are several patios off the main club house, a large playground area, and a roped swimming area into the lake.

The point, or ceremony spot is level, with a nautical style flagpole kind of centered. The flagpole itself is showing the same wear and tear the rest of the club is showing and could use a refresher. For an outdoor ceremony Kelly recommends renting a tent just in case of inclement weather. We would also have to rent chairs which I thought was included in the $ 350 ceremony fee, though looking over the package again it is marked that there was an additional chair fee so that is my fault and not theirs. Despite this, I am still not entirely sure what we're paying for by having the ceremony there.

Ceremony spot

There was a lot of animal feces at the point. Being animal people we ignored it at first, but within minutes the sporadic clusters became landmines. We were fairly certain it was from maybe the ducks wandering around but I couldn't be sure. I assume that they would have a ground crew sort that out before a ceremony. I would absolutely include that in the contract.

View of the club from the point

The firepit area

There was a separate room that had a pool table in it. The lights were off so I didn't get a good look. There was a small lounge area that I was able to get a picture of but realized this morning there was a gentleman sitting right there. I have no problems taking pictures of people, or having people in the pictures, but I try to be courteous and not show faces especially when I'm posting reviews. So no picture of that. Sorry!

The bathrooms smelled like lake water and being you know, on the lake that makes sense. Like the flagpole, it could use a refresher. It was two stalls only and I didn't think to ask if they has another bathroom for use. I'd hope so but it's definitely something to follow up on if we decide to pursue this venue.

The tables sizes and types are a nice mix, though the chairs are definitely dated as you can see in the pictures above. Kelly brought that up in fact as other couples have rented more modern chairs for their reception. I am not sure I'm willing to add that to the overall cost at this point as the way it stands, IYC is just outside the top end of our budget for 75 people. Doable, but it's a stretch.

The food options are really excellent and priced decently - right about the same price point as other places we've looked at. Their presentation is easy to read and understand and their catering packages are explained very well. H&J Hospitality has a couple other venues that they oversee, so they are sounding like a well oiled machine at this point.

The space is ok. I might be able to do some nice lighting, candles. Nothing really with the ceiling as it's so low so the tiles will have to stay. The dance floor is small, and depending on the party size could be in the bar area, out on the patio, or in the main dining area.

Kelly was very helpful - I can't say that enough - and flexible. We haven't ruled it out entirely but we're going to keep looking. Moving the wedding date is helping a bit, though then we're running into Fall rain. We are thinking about checking out the UU chapel in Ithaca for the ceremony itself at this point.

Anyway, we're going to keep plugging on.

- E

Summary: 

Cost: Depends on time of year and space needed. For us, $750 facility charge (66-120 guests), $ 350 ceremony fee, minimum of $ 4700 in food and drinks.

Inquiry: By email and phone

Response: 24 hours initially, phone calls immediate.

Follow Up: We drove out, got the pictures and are still considering it.

Other notes: None at this time.

Edited to correct Ceremony fee and information, add summary - E