Amarante's Sea Cliff

k the bank. Pros: reasonable pricing, beautiful views of the New Haven harbor and good food. Our Maitre de Susana was also very helpful on the day-of and Grace was helpful during the rehearsal. The decor in the ballroom is also very pretty. We did not like the layout of the Inn because we had a band and it would have made it difficult for folks to see the band. Cons: We had some confusion upon booking and leading up to the date that caused some unncessary stress. We booked our wedding in late August for an October wedding the next year, for an outdoor ceremony and ballroom reception. Typically, the evening ceremony begins at 6:30 pm. However, in October, it would be dark at that time! Amarante's didn't bother mentioning that when we booked, and we only realized when a photographer mentioned it. I realize that's also our fault, but it still felt a little shady. Amarante's said they could potentially push the time back to 5:30, but would at least be able to push to 6:15, depending on events going on in the morning in the ballroom. Which just meant we had to wait until the last moment to order our invites. Not a big deal, but added stress. When following up a few months prior, I was informed that there was another wedding in the Inn, and the ceremony was at 3:30 pm. This was not an option we were informed of. The ceremony times presented to us at the sales pitch we're 11 am for the daytime slot and 6:30 pm for the evening. This impacted us in 2 ways- we couldn't really do first look on the grounds, and it made parking more challenging for our guests. I went into the agreement knowing there was the potential for a second evening wedding on the grounds, but not a second ceremony. So, while I thought it would feel like we were the only wedding for at least the ceremony, that turned out not to be the case. We were also told there would be plenty of parking, but I observed that a few of my guests had to park in the street. We had a fabulous wedding and tons of fun, but I would just suggest that couples be very careful upon booking that you know exactly what the logistics will be. There is definitely something to say for a venue that only hosts 1 wedding each day, instead of multiple- i.e., day and evening slots and 2 buildings. You're just going to pay a lot more if you book at that type of venue. So, the savings was worth it for us but the headaches might not be for another bride and groom.

ir website and their menus were amazing. We had high hopes. The first thing we noticed when we arrived was the small and full parking lot. This is advertised as a handicapped accessible venue (my fiance is in a wheelchair) and not only could we not find a handicapped space, but the only space we could find was way out on the edge of the property. We got up on the porch (not accessible unless someone can help push the chair) and went inside, only to find an event going on. We were quickly ushered back outside and someone went to get Peter. After several minutes, Peter showed up and took us out back to the waterfront. When we asked about going inside, he said they had a event and we couldn't see either building. So what was the point of scheduling a tour? The grounds were beautiful. Imagining the sun setting over the water in May was a beautiful mental picture for our wedding. However, the grounds weren't accessible either. The only way to get down to the waterfront was down a very steep paved driveway that my fiance needed help on. And going back up the driveway was impossible without two people pushing (he only weighs 150lbs and I push him and carry him all the time - it was not his weight that was so tough). We all sat on the deck and discussed our options and asked Peter some questions. He immediately made us feel as though we were not important to him, and it didn't matter if we didn't book with him because he knew other couples would come along. For example, when he asked us how we met, we said online, and before we could elaborate he said, "oh, I've heard better stories." We felt like, we know you have, but this is our story, and it's important to us. When we got to pricing, he looked at the menus I had printed out from HIS email, told me that they were all wrong and he had no idea how I'd gotten them, and gave us new ones that were far out of our budget. We also asked about getting dressed at the venue. He said that only the bride could dress there. The groom, groomsmen, and bridesmaids all had to get ready elsewhere. When we asked about their centerpieces (flowers in vases) and whether we could lean a small photo up on each piece, he said we could either use theirs or ours, but no mixing. Overall, we were so unhappy with this venue, mostly because of Peter and his policies. There was another reviewer on here who mentioned feeling like this place was just a wedding factory, and that's exactly how we felt. The grounds are very beautiful, but I can't even comment on the insides because we weren't allowed in. Everything about Peter was unhelpful, and quite the opposite of where we ended up booking (for a better price and more flexibility - Merlot on the Water). Everything about the venue we chose is what we wanted, and the owner (Victoria) couldn't be more willing to move things around and let us make our day OUR DAY. We made up our own menu, we're moving furniture around to make room for a photo booth, we can use a mix of her centerpieces and ours, and she has let us tour three times with no problems. I wish I could recommend Amarante's because of its setting, but the bottom line is I can't in good conscience wish this place on a couple looking for their own beautiful day.

p. There was a vast array of food (buffet style) and the food was very tasty. The best part. They have you any good left over to take home. I had breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a week

ely asked for pricing, but that's where my excitement ended. While the pricing was great, the response rate has been sub par. I sent an email to Peter on a Saturday with no response, I then followed up by calling the main number in which I received no response. While Peter did end up responding a few days later, it was too late, as my fiance and I had moved on to another venue. We did let Peter know that we would reach out at a later date if we were still interested. After a few conversations, we choose to view this establishment. I sent an email on Friday night (not expecting a response), so Saturday at 10:00 and again at 11:00 and again at 12:00 I tried to call this establishment to schedule a viewing and I got voicemails. I tried calling the the business office and got voicemails, if this is any indication of how I will be treated once I am a customer NO THANKS! I like to speak to people not voicemails. If I can't get a hold of someone as a potential customer. I don't expect it to be any different as a customer. All I ever wanted to do was view this establishment and maybe book my wedding, but the lack of response has been unsettling. Brides to be please don't waste your time. There are venues out there who do want your business and who will pick up the phone on a Saturday.

lanning and wanted nothing more then a perfect day for my husband and I. After our tasting we knew that the food would knock the socks off our guests and boy did they deliver! Everyone complimented them on the taste and tenderness of the beef. Having that myself I can say WOW amazing! Although I missed cocktail hour for photos all of the guests were excited with all the options and the fact that the trays were never empty. I had a personal attendant by my side the whole day who walked me through everything like a trusted side kick! She was amazing and I will never forget her! The ballroom is beautiful and lets talk about the back drop of the sunset through the big windows!! I had the most perfect weather as it clearly "never rains" at Amarante's! I cannot thank them enough for a wonderful day and memorable experience with a fantastic price I would recommend them to everyone and anyone who is willing to listen!!

me the ceremony I wanted. The weather had been somewhat of an issue all day long and she knew tha tmy heart was set on an outdoor wedding. She told me that they "treat every wedding as if it were their own daughters wedding" and that they would do everything they could to get me outside. There was a small window of opportunity and we took it! the staff wiped down all of the outdoor furniture and quickly set up for an outdoor ceremony. The result.... amazing skyline in all of my photos! The food at the cocktail hour and reception were also amazing! My husband also bought some nice cigars that he wanted to display at the reception as a cigar bar of sorts. Amarante's loved ythat idea and not only set up the cigars and humidor but also set up a Cognac station. It was a hit, all of the guys loved it! Amarante's staff also surprised us and our guests with cheeseburger sliders later in the evening which I thought was a really nice touch. I cant help but mention that you really do get the most for your money at this location. I searched through a lot of venues and truly felt this was the most reasonable in cost. I highly highly recommend Amarantes sea cliff.

planning so much simpler! And on the wedding day everything was executed smoothly. The dinner was also delicious, we got many compliments from guests on the entrees.

nsion we ended up booking with Amarante's & in retrospect it was for the better. Amarante's was not only a nice venue but came with a very experienced caterer & was much more affordable. The food was fantastic (never seen a piece of steak that big before my wedding day) & the staff on the day of went above & beyond to help us out & make sure things went smoothly. Probably would give 4.5 stars if half was possible for the lack of tasting and some delay in communication before the big day but everything on the day of worked out wonderfully!

ul with everything. The day of the wedding i did not have to worry about a thing! They took care of everything and I was able to enjoy my reception even that much more. I had soooo much fun at my wedding reception that it did not feel like my wedding! Highly recommend Amarantes!!!! No need to go anywhere else!

organized and didn't miss a beat. I love that it is a family owned business and know they take pride in what they do. Grace, Peter, and Jose were wonderful and answered all my questions and requests during the planning process. For the service and view from the deck you cannot beat the price value! We were married in the ballroom, which personally I like much better then the layout of the Inn, but both are nice. We had great weather and had cocktail hour on the deck, which was amazing! I barely ate but I was told the food was GREAT! I wanted a cigar station outside and they threw in a Cognac bar with it (it's included in the open bar bill). It was a big hit! Downside could be that two weddings can go on at the same time, but I wouldn't have known! Also parking could be an issue, I shuttled my guests so no problems there but something to look out for maybe? Also no bridal suite.. again which I didn't mind at all. But a heads up for any brides that are looking for that :) Overall everything was WONDERFUL! Highly Reccommend!

I was having my pictures done during cocktail hour and kept telling my photographer to hurry up. When I explained to them we need an extra half hour to take pictures and to please stop rushing my photographer. The host then went and got my dad to come and scold me for taking so long. Later, when my Pastor was filing out our marriage cert the host told him the wrong city. This mistake has stopped me from getting our marriage cert. almost two months later and I still haven't changed my name.

don't know what would have happened. The food was perfect, and our guests truly agreed. Our friends and family were commenting on the food,drinks, location and service after the wedding. Peter and Grace were a pleasure to work with as well. We had 190+ guests and the room was perfect for that. We had the photobooth in the room and there was still enough room for everyone to move around and dance.

mmend looking at Amarante's!! Grace and Darlene were extremely helpful in accommodating all of our special requests. They set up our cigar/scotch station and candy bar with minimal guidance. All of my friends and family raved about the food at the cocktail hour and at dinner. We selected the Classic package. With all of the craziness going on around your wedding, Amarante's made it so that you were not stressed out and made it so that you didn't have to think and make decisions the day of. The staff was very professional, the ground are beautiful and the food was out of this world! We feel like every single penny spent with Amarante's was well worth it. I had an incredible wedding day :)

e over the food, the cocktail hour and dinner! Grace and Peter were awesome during the whole planning as well. We loved every detail they provided.

y reasonable. Love this place!!

g for the full reception. While the price per plate is a little expensive, their packages offer open bars, a fully decorated room with floral centerpieces. I was really impressed with the service I received.

Grand ball room was awesome! They were so flexible with us they did everything for us and decorated it beautifully! We had two workers with us the day of the wedding that insured me and my husband had everything we needed drinks, food, etc. They were awesome we loved him! and I recommend to EVERYONE that I know that is getting married!!!!! A++++++++

that the food was above-average, but didn't blow us away. My one qualm is that I was given the impression that I would have use of the bridal suite for the entire event, but as it turns out they had to kick us out in order to accommodate for the bride preparing for her event in the other buidling...a bit of an unexpected inconvenience.

with was disorganized, had lost our paperwork, etc. Plus, the overall manager was incredibly rude to us, almost prompting me to forfeit our money and go elsewhere. In the end, I'd recommend it as a good site, but know that you are paying for the location and the food, not the service. Be organized and on top of all your details, and things will go smoothly. And don't be offended if managment crosses the line -- I am apparently not the first, nor will likely be the last.

as the best wedding they have ever been to. Your staff is attentive, courteous and just all around fabulous!!! Every detail was attended to and the work for the bride and groom during the planning process was minimal! You are all amazing and Amarante’s Sea Cliff is phenomenal!!!! Thank you for making our dreams come true!!!!

or food. The decor makes it easy to put your special touch, and bring in your wedding colors. I highly suggest this reception hall to others.

akes. Third they were super flexible with our plan (might have been because we got married on Halloween) But they let us totally customize our day from the room we choose to the time we had the wedding. They also arranged everything beautifully the favors, table numbers, candy table, card table, and place settings were so classy and elegant. The negatives were minor-they put out the wrong cardbox so we are pretty sure we're missing cards. And they were a bit too quick with the clean up. By the time we had a chance to sit down our table had been cleared. We also held our ceremony here as it's on the water. Some snafues with the ceremony that prevent this from being given a five.