Weddings, Family Gatherings and Special Celebrations at
Geneva On The Lake

A Personal Note:

My wife and I can attest to the utter beauty of Geneva On The Lake for a special family occasion.  On a beautiful afternoon in early September, we celebrated our daughter’s marriage to a wonderful young man.  As you read on you will see that with 185 guests, we stretched the numbers limit a bit but had a glorious time!

With our great staff’s skill and capable help, I am sure we can help make your anticipated gathering very special and rich in memory.

As I think of you perhaps being here, the thought of St. John Chrysostom comes to mind: “Where love rejoices, there is festivity.”

We hope to meet you soon,

Bill Schickel

Amidst an ambiance of Italian Renaissance architecture, classical sculptures and Stickley furnishings, guests from around the world enjoy wedding receptions, family reunions and special celebrations.  Geneva On The Lake provides the gourmet cuisine, personal service, friendly hospitality, and the coordination needed to make such occasions a joy for you as the host and a pleasure for all of your guests.

Indoor, Year-Round: The facilities accommodate about 20 to 45 guests depending upon your particular needs and the room reserved.  

Outdoors, Summer: The South Lawn Tent Pavilion accommodates up to 150 guests from May 15^th to September 15^th.  

AL FRESCO COCKTAIL RECEPTION BEFORE DINNER

The Furnished Terrace with the Colonnade Pavilion overlooking the formal gardens, pool and Seneca Lake offers an elegant setting to begin your celebration. 

The Tall Pines in the South Lawn adjacent to the formal gardens provides a sweeping view of Seneca Lake, the villa and the formal gardens. 

AN ELEGANT RECEPTION DINNER

The South Lawn Tent Pavilion - Wedding receptions, dinners, anniversaries and reunions, and parties of as many as 150 are held in this romantic outdoor location. Beautiful flowers, the magnificent lake view, gardens, the fountain and towering shade trees create an elegant setting for these special occasions. A festive, white 3-peak party tent shelters you from the elements and is placed on a paved surface with an inlayed decorative pattern in brick. Transparent side walls are available as needed. Candlelight, as well as floor lamps and plants create a romantic mood for your afternoon or early evening celebration. There is an 18’x15’ parquet wood dance floor.  Stand-by heating is provided if needed. Two ceiling fans provide air circulation in warm weather. 

INTIMATE PRIVATE DINING YEAR-ROUND

The Lancellotti Dining Room - This elegant room, once the main room in the center of the villa, offers seating for 30 to 45 guests. You’ll experience the European grandeur of French doors overlooking the formal gardens and Seneca Lake. The hand-stenciled coffered ceiling, combined with the marble columns and an elaborately carved mantelpiece create a magnificent backdrop for the delicious cuisine, music, and candlelight. This room may be reserved from 1-5 pm for a reception or a special dinner. 

The Leonardo da Vinci Suite - The marble, hand carved, wood-burning fireplace and coffered ceiling makes this room ideal for serving dinner to 13 to 30 guests or hosting a cocktail reception for up to 45 guests.  

The Parlor - Offers an elegant living room setting with a window view of the gardens and Seneca Lake. The Parlor can comfortably seat 15 for dinner or accommodate 25 for a cocktail reception and has both hardwood flooring, and oriental rugs. The plush sofas, wing back chairs, chandelier, marble columns, and arched cathedral ceiling lend a romantic, old-world air to this intimate room that was once the south portcochere of the mansion. 

The Library - This handsome room was the Nester family’s library and was retained as such by the Capuchin monks. The Library features black, walnut bookshelves and paneling, a coffered ceiling, a terrazzo floor and a marble, wood-burning fireplace. This room is ideal for private dinners of 7-12 guests or a cocktail reception for 15. 

 

OUTDOOR LOCATIONS AND SEATING FOR A CEREMONY

The Semi-Circle at the Bluff - A semi-circular walk lined with pedestals on the lakeside is naturally suited for flower arrangements. On the side away from the lake, the semi-circular lawn for guest seating may also accommodate a 65’ white aisle runner if you wish. The breath-taking view of Seneca Lake is a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony.

The Shrine - A rather secluded setting on the bluff overlooking Seneca Lake. The carefully preserved shrine has a crucifix scene with life-size statues, a pieta on the right side, and an angel on the left.  These beautiful statues were placed on the grounds by the Capuchin Fathers when Geneva On The Lake was a monastery. A paved walk serves as a natural aisle for the bride’s entrance.

Ceremony - The Reservation Fee for ‘The Location and Furnishing for a Ceremony at Geneva On The Lake is $25.00 per guest. The arrangement and coordination of the ceremony, including obtaining the officiant, the program, and the music is the responsibility of the party reserving. 

Tent and Aisle Runner - Additional fee: $132.00 if you wish to include the aisle runner and $1260.00 for a 30’x40’ white tent for the ceremony. This tent is required if you have greater than 90 guests; however, if two days before the ceremony the weather forecast is favorable, then by mutual agreement, the tent can be cancelled with an $840.00 credit.

Regarding Pictures:  The family holding the wedding reception at Geneva On The Lake may use the gardens and grounds, which offer beautiful settings for pictures. Others interested in using the grounds for a picture session must obtain permission beforehand from the General Manager.

LUXURIOUS GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Geneva On The Lake offers a choice of 29 unique, air-conditioned suites and studios. The suite or studio you choose will be unique and beautifully furnished with Stickley. Each suite and studio offers a living room, dining area, full bath or bath and a half, and a ready kitchen. Suites have one or two bedrooms. Studios have a queen size bed, which may be folded down from the wall at anytime – and by housekeeping at turndown. From most suites you can enjoy views of the sun rising over Seneca Lake and setting in the west; however, some views are obstructed by trees. Some suites have a fireplace, a furnished patio, or a romantic balcony.

For Wedding Celebrations, we ask that you reserve two suites so that the family and the wedding party have a place to gather prior to the celebration.

Reserving a “Room Block” of Suites for Your Guests - Families often wish to send a “save the date” announcement, allowing guests ample time to reserve accommodations for the planned occasion. Upon request, after the celebration date is reserved, Geneva On The Lake will set up a “room block” for an agreed upon time so that your guests may call to reserve from the block.

A Wedding, Family Gathering, or Special Celebration at Geneva On The Lake 

Each Offering Includes:

• A beautiful facility for your special celebration amidst the Italian Renaissance architecture, formal gardens, lawn, and lakeside setting of Geneva On The Lake. (Does not include ‘The Location and Furnishing for a Ceremony’)

• Consultation with and the assistance of our experienced special occasion coordinator

• Seating and table arrangements in our 3-peak white tent or other unique architectural setting with beautiful plants and natural lighting

• A parquet wood dance floor: 15’x 18’ in the tent

• A wireless, handheld microphone for toasts in the tent

• Floor lamps, plants, and 5’ round tables in the tent

• Two heaters in the tent for more warmth at a moment’s notice

• Two ceiling fans for air circulation

•  Linens, Baroque bone china, elegant stemware, and candlelight

• Guests welcomed and directed by our bell staff

• Expert and felicitous servers

• The opportunity to take pictures in the ambiance of the splendid gardens and grounds

• The friendly hospitality of our entire staff

Renaissance Offering

(includes the following)  

~ A One-Hour Open Bar Cocktail Reception with Hors d’oeuvres Served in Stations and Butlered ~

•  Shrimp Cocktail

• Tomato, Basil and Fresh Mozzarella Crostini

• Assorted Cheeses, Fruit and Crackers  (station)

• Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canape

• Portobello Mushroom Purse

• Figs Wrapped with Prosciutto

   ~ A Champagne Toast                                                  
                                          to the Bride and Groom ~ 

Dinner 

~ First Course   ~

• Geneva On The Lake’s Tomato Bisque Soup 

~ Second Course  ~

• Mixed Green Salad - Baby greens and Romaine with tomatoes, fruit, shredded carrots, pine nuts, a bit of feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing 

~  Entree Course   ~
 (a pre-order count of entrees is needed)

• Chicken Jacqueline - Breast of chicken with Red Jacket Orchard apples and toasted almonds finished with a Finger Lake’s Port Wine Sauce (as featured in Bon Appetit).

•   Filet Mignon  - A grilled beef tenderloin finished with a Wagner Winery cabernet franc reduction

•  Salmon - A roasted salmon filet with a smoked paprika rub, finished with tomato chutney

 All entrées served with vegetables, and potatoes or rice

• Delicious Special Cake

Customized to your picture and directions. An additional charge will be added for fondant, filling, or special requests)

~ Open Bar After Dinner ~
(for two hours)

 
Price: $191.00 * per guest  

* Price does not include tax, other alcoholic beverages, other special arrangements, a 12% gratuity (for food server staff), and an 8% administrative fee (entire amount for non-server resort staff).  Price is subject to change without notice.

Classic Offering
 (includes the following)

 ~ A One-Hour Open Bar Cocktail Reception with Hors    
                     d’oeuvres Served in Stations and Butlered ~

•  Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
• Assorted Cheeses, Fruit and Crackers (station)
• Garlic Hummus Crostini 

Dinner

• Mixed Green Salad - Baby greens and Romaine with tomatoes, fruit, shredded carrots, pine nuts, a bit of feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing

• Chicken Veronique - Breast of chicken with a classic white wine sauce and garnished with grapes
• Filet of Sirloin - USDA prime grilled and finished with a sauce chasseur
• Summer Vegetables and Chevre - Baked in puff pastry and served with a creamy basil pesto

 All entrées served with vegetables, and potatoes or rice

• Delicious Special Cake

(Customized to your picture and directions. An additional charge will be added for fondant, filling, or special requests)

 
~ Open Bar After Dinner ~
(for two hours)

Price: $144.00 * per guest  

* Price does not include tax, other alcoholic beverages, other special arrangements, a 12% gratuity (for food server staff), and an 8% administrative fee (entire amount for non-server resort staff).  Price is subject to change without notice.
 

Lancellotti Offering
(includes the following)

 
~ A One-Hour Open Bar Cocktail Reception with Hors d’oeuvres Served in Stations and Butlered ~

• Assorted Cheeses with Fresh Fruit and Cracker Station
• Spanikopita
• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Bacon Wrapped Scallops

~ A Champagne Toast                          
                           to the Bride and Groom ~
 

Dinner

~ Served First Course   ~

• Fresh mixed green salad with Mesclun and Romaine, carrot, tomatoes, candied pecans and fruit, garnished with blue cheese and finished with French mustard vinaigrette

~ On the Buffet ~

• Caprese Salad
•  Farfalle Antipasto Salad
• Salmon with Lemon Thyme Buerre Blanc
• Grilled Chicken with Fresh Lime and Cilantro
• Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus (carved)
• Summer Vegetables
• Herb Roasted Potatoes

• Delicious Special Cake

(Customized to your picture and directions. An additional charge will be added for fondant, filling, or special requests)

 

 
Price:   $170.00 * per guest  

* Price does not include tax, other alcoholic beverages, other special arrangements, a 12% gratuity (for food server staff), and an 8% administrative fee (entire amount for non-server resort staff).  Price is subject to change without notice.

REGARDING SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

A Special Cake  ~ Geneva On The Lake’s “Renaissance Offering,” “Classic Offering,” and “Lancellotti Offering” include a special cake.  We request that you provide a picture of the cake you would like and that all of your decisions regarding flavors and fillings be made two months ahead. There is an additional charge for fondant, fillings, and special details. A cake tasting may be arranged if you wish, and the charge depends upon the number of variations to be tasted.

Music Arrangements  ~ Beautiful music by gifted performers have made weddings, family gatherings and special celebrations at Geneva On The Lake especially festive. Because of the location of Geneva On The Lake, and in consideration of neighbors and other guests, music may only be played until 9:30 p.m. The contract for music played at Geneva On The Lake must be made directly between Geneva On The Lake and the musicians. Three outstanding bands that have played here in the past include Johnny Russo’s “East Hill Classic Jazz Band,” which plays swing/broadway and traditional jazz from the Golden Era of American Popular Song (available from Trio to Sextet), Maria Di Santis Band and Cindy Miller Band.

Aisle Runner ~ A 65’ white fabric runner is available to rent for $132.00.

Flowers  ~ Geneva On The Lake is happy to provide the centerpieces for your tables and an estimated price after discussing the floral arrangements and flowers requested. Geneva On The Lake provides the floor plants and fica trees inside the tent at no charge.

Table Linens  ~ White or maize-colored linens are included in the price of your event. Many other colors, styles and fabrics can be ordered for your event at an additional charge.

Tables ~ Geneva On The Lake uses 5’ round tables which seats eight guests very comfortably (with nine people, space is not quite as ample). A final seating chart is needed seven days before the event along with the pre-order and final guest count.

Chairs ~ We provide white folding chairs with a white, padded seats. For an additional charge, Chavarie style chairs in gold or white, along with chair covers are available.

Parquet Wood Dance Floor ~ (15’ x 18’) Included at no charge.

Wireless Handheld Microphone with Amplification ~ Provided for toasts and speeches.

Limousine contacts are available upon request.  

Special Rental & Arrangements such as renting special lighting, chairs, linen, hangings, staging, and flooring adds the cost plus a 25% handling fee.

 

Hors d’oeuvres To Select

                                         (Price is per person)

Shrimp Cocktail                                                                       $10.00   

Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella Crostini                                             6.00    

Bacon Wrapped Scallops                                                          8.00

Melon Wrapped with Prosciutto                                                5.00    

Cheese and Fruit Bites                                                              6.00    

Assorted Cheeses, Fruit and Crackers (station)                         7.00    

Chicken Satay with Thai Peanut Sauce (station)                         8.00    

Stuffed Mushrooms                                                                   7.00    

Cheese Quesadillas with Fresh Santa Fe Salsa                           7.00

Crab Cakes with Caper Sauce                                                 10.00  

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canape                                          7.00    

Duck Confit in Phyllo Shells w/Apricot Chutney                        8.00    

Guacomole Dip with Assorted Chips                                        4.00

Vegetable Crudité (station)                                                       6.00    

Lamb Chops with Rosemary Demi-Glaze (station)                   11.00  

Spanikopita                                                                              7.00    

Garlic Hummus Crostini                                                            5.00    

Andouille Sausage En Croute with Dijon Sauce                         7.00    

Portobello Mushroom Purse                                                     8.00    

Mini Clams Casino                                                                   9.00

Cocktails, Wine and Refreshments

Cocktail Hour Premium Pour: First hour is $15 per guest. If offering wine and beer only, then $13 per guest. For second and third hour, add $9 per guest per hour.

Specialty Drink Served Butler Style: For Apple Martini, Apricot Sour, or champagne add $5 per guest in conjunction with other cocktail service.

Refreshing Punches with Cocktail Reception:  Punch for children is  $37 per gallon; champagne punch is $69 per gallon; non-alcoholic Harvard Punch is $53 per gallon.

Wine and Cheese Tasting with Fruit and one butlered hors d’oeuvre for one-hour with 5 Finger Lakes Wines is $35 per guest.

Alcohol-Free Reception: $12.00 per guest per hour

A Champagne Toast:  $7.00 per guest using Glenora Wine Cellar’s brut.

Geneva On The Lake’s “Wine List” offers an exceptional selection of wines from the Finger Lakes and around the world that are available for dinner. The charge is based upon the number of bottles served times “Wine List” price less $8.

Cordial Table offered after dinner. Price per drink varies with selection.  A tab is kept on the number of drinks served.

The bar may be open for up to three hours during your celebration and will usually be closed for an hour during dinner service (as wine will usually be served with the meal).  We do not offer a cash bar.

 Other Delicious Menu Items To Select

~ First Course   ~

One of Geneva On The Lake’s Famous Soups:

• Tomato Bisque
• Puree of Carrot and Ginger
• Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato
• Consomme Celestine
• Cream of Asparagus or Mushroom
• Butternut Squash
• Fresh Melon Balls (in season) Marinated in Honey and Ginger

 
~ Second Course  ~

~ Entrée Course  ~

• Chicken Jacqueline - Breast of chicken with Red Jacket Orchard apples and toasted almonds, finished with a Finger Lake’s Port Wine Sauce (as featured in Bon Appetit).

• Filet of Sirloin - USDA prime grilled or pan-seared and finished with sauce chasseur

•   Salmon - A roasted salmon filet with a smoked paprika rub, finished with tomato chutney

•  Baked Tilapia - With a lemon caper beurre blanc sauce

•  Filet Mignon - A grilled beef tenderloin finished with a Wagner Winery cabernet franc reduction

•  Chicken Veronique - Breast of chicken with a classic white wine sauce and garnished with grapes

•  Rack of Lamb Dijonnaise - Brushed with a Finger Lake’s red wine, chevre and dijon sauce, and then breaded and finished with rosemary bordelaise *

•  Roasted Cold Water 6 oz. Lobster Tail - Served with a drawn butter *

• Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass - With a Pumpkin Cider Jus *

• Summer Vegetables and Chèvre - Baked in puff pastry and served with a creamy basil pesto

•  Pasta du Jour - Chef’s pasta creation using fresh herbs from our garden

           
 * Adds $10 per guest ordering (unless already in offering)

 
All entrées served with vegetables, and potatoes or rice

 

~ Other Desserts ~

• Fresh Seasonal Berries Marinated in Finger Lakes Ice Wine

• One of Geneva On The Lake’s Famous Cheese Cakes

• Chocolate Decadence with Raspberry Coulis

• Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Truffles for each Table

 Assorted Olives, Proscuitto, Salami, Parmesan, Provolone, Roasted Red Peppers, Artichokes, Peperoncini, Pepperoni and Focaccia
 

 Salad Table
As dinner station  - $25.00

Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, Caprese Salad,

Mixed Greens with Toppings
 

Seafood Table
As dinner station  - $43.00

Oysters on the Half Shell, Poached Side of Salmon,

Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Newburg, Calimari

(2 oz. Beluga Caviar - add $100)
 

Pasta Table with Chef
As dinner station - $25.00

Fresh-Cooked Penne with Assorted Sauces and Vegetables

Carving Table
As dinner station - $47.00

Freshly Roasted Turkey, Slowly Baked Bone-In-Ham

Prime Rib of Beef Au Jus

 

Crepes Table
As dessert station - $21.00

Fresh Berries, Oranges, Nuts, Chocolate Sauce, and

Whipped Cream

 

Viennese Table
As dessert station - $25.00

Assorted Mini-Pastries, Truffles and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Ice Cream Sundae Table
As dessert station - $17.00

Two Flavors of  Ice Cream with Fresh and Crushed Berries, Sprinkles, Nuts, Chocolate Sauce or Hot Fudge, and Whipped Cream