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Planning a wedding at Oheka Castle isn’t just about throwing an opulent celebration—it’s about honoring timeless tradition in a setting that feels like it was pulled from a European fairytale.
Perched in Huntington, New York, Oheka Castle blends history, architecture, and a white-glove experience that makes it one of the most iconic wedding venues in the country.
But here’s the question many couples quietly ask: can you plan a luxury wedding there without losing touch with family traditions, cultural rituals, or the personal moments that make a wedding meaningful?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, Oheka makes it easier than most high-end venues.
Let’s walk through how to plan a wedding at Oheka Castle that feels luxurious and grounded in tradition, without getting lost in the glitter.
Key Points
- Oheka Castle blends luxury with tradition, offering a regal yet customizable wedding experience.
- Only one wedding per day ensures privacy and a fully personalized atmosphere.
- Packages are all-inclusive but pricey, averaging $300k–$385k for 200 guests.
- Couples can include cultural food, music, and rituals without compromising elegance.
The Soul of the Castle
Before you pick florals or finalize your guest list, it helps to know the kind of legacy you’re stepping into.
Oheka Castle was built in 1919 by Otto Hermann Kahn, a financier who wanted a home that could rival the grandeur of French châteaux.
The first wedding held there? That same year, for his daughter Maud, in the Grand Ballroom. Over a century later, the castle still honors that original sense of elegance and ceremonial dignity.
It’s not just the castle’s look that channels Old World grandeur—it’s the atmosphere. The sweeping staircases, French-style gardens, and library-sized halls have hosted not only aristocrats but film crews, celebrities, and couples seeking a space that feels both monumental and personal.
If you’re planning a wedding that draws on religious or cultural traditions—whether it’s a Persian sofreh, a Jewish chuppah, or classic Catholic readings—Oheka gives you the physical and symbolic space to do it right.
Choosing the Right Space for Your Ceremony and Reception
Oheka isn’t a one-size-fits-all venue. It offers a range of spaces, each suited to different types of celebrations.
| Space | Capacity | Best For |
| Grand Ballroom | Up to 200 guests | Classic seated receptions |
| Terrace Room | Up to 400 guests | Lavish receptions, live bands |
| Formal Dining Room | Intimate gatherings | Rehearsal dinners or micro-weddings |
| Formal Gardens | Flexible | Outdoor ceremonies, portraits |
A Note on Exclusivity
Oheka only hosts one wedding per day. That means no awkward run-ins with other couples, no background noise from another event, and no shared staff.
You have the entire castle and gardens to yourself—and that’s a big part of what gives traditional weddings their intimate feel, even when the guest list is 200+.
Making Tradition Feel Seamless, Not Staged
There’s a subtle art to weaving in traditional elements without turning your ceremony into a checklist. Oheka’s flexibility and professionalism help with that.
Ceremonial Setups That Honor Ritual
- Outdoor religious ceremonies in the Formal Gardens can be tailored with altars, chuppahs, arches, or custom décor.
- Indoor receptions in the Grand Ballroom still allow for candle lighting, formal toasts, and cultural dances thanks to the room’s scale and layout.
- Custom vows and cultural readings are welcomed. The sound system and staff support make them feel polished and heartfelt—not awkward or rushed.
Attire and Atmosphere
Oheka enforces a dress code that leans formal—think country club elegance. For couples, that often means:
- Ball gowns and cathedral veils
- Black-tie or white-tie dress codes
- Family heirlooms or generational accessories (grandma’s brooch on the bouquet? Always welcome)
- A wedding dress also serves as statement’s piece, capturing not just personal style but cultural meaning and tradition in one unforgettable look.
What You’re Getting, and What It Costs
Luxury always comes with a price tag, but Oheka’s packages are surprisingly comprehensive.
For 2026 weddings, the venue rental alone ranges from $25,000 to $26,100 and includes a lot more than just space:
- 5-hour event window (1-hour cocktail, 4-hour reception)
- One overnight stay in the bridal suite
- Full cocktail hour with butler-passed hors d’oeuvres
- 3-course plated dinner or station-style catering
- Premium open bar with top-shelf liquor and champagne toast
- Custom wedding cake from Executive Pastry Chef Daniel Andreotti
- White-glove staff service: butlers, bathroom attendants, a lady-in-waiting, banquet managers
- Private couple’s dressing room
Let’s Talk Numbers
Here’s a look at what a 200-person Saturday wedding might cost in 2026:
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Venue Fee | $25,000–$26,100 |
| Catering (per person) | $430–$450 ($86,000–$90,000) |
| Sales Tax (8.75%) | ~$7,700 |
| Service Charge (23–24%) | ~$20,500 |
| Room Tax | ~$300 |
| Vendor Meals | ~$1,500 (depending on vendor count) |
| Total (Venue + Catering) | ~$146,258 |
Factor in florals, music, photography, lighting, planner, and miscellaneous rentals, and you’re looking at $300,000–$385,000 total.
Want to cut that in half? Consider an off-peak month like January or February. Average costs drop closer to $75,000–$85,000 without sacrificing elegance.
Personalizing Without Compromising
Even in a historic venue like Oheka, there’s room for personal flair—especially when it reflects heritage or family values.
Food That Feels Like Home
Couples can work with the in-house culinary team to incorporate:
- Traditional family recipes
- Cultural staples (e.g., biryani, spanakopita, knishes, or mole)
- Signature cocktails with family or regional history
Music, Dance, and Celebration
The Terrace Room has the scale for traditional dancing—hora circles, bhangra, dabke, or ballroom.
Preferred vendors like NY Orchestras Entertainment know how to cue traditional music with live bands or fusion sets. DJs can blend cultural sounds with mainstream favorites.
Floral and Decor Customs
Oheka’s partner Flowers by Brian is experienced with large-scale installations—mandaps, hanging florals, candle-lit tablescapes. Bring your inspiration photos, and they’ll help you scale them to the venue without overpowering it.
Practical Planning Advice
Take a Tour (In Person, If Possible)
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There’s no substitute for walking the grounds yourself. If you’re out of state, virtual tours are available, but visiting in person lets you:
- Walk through ceremony flow
- Test sound levels for music
- Review table layouts and guest flow
Hire a Planner Who Knows Oheka
Many couples work with planners familiar with the castle’s policies, like those from Christine Ferguson Events. They’ll help you:
- Coordinate vendors efficiently
- Schedule use of rooms for hair/makeup
- Stay on track with traditional timelines (e.g., ketubah signing, first-look photos, blessing ceremonies)
Lean into Seasonal Advantages
- Spring and summer weddings make the gardens shine—perfect for outdoor rituals and portraits.
- Off-peak months like February or March bring costs down and let you book vendors more easily.
Budget Smartly
Use tools like Tulle Together’s Venue Calculator or Cost Forecast Tool. Make sure to plan for:
- Gratuities for staff
- Ceremony fees (starting at $1,700)
- Valet parking and shuttle service
- Power and lighting for outdoor setups
Final Thoughts
Oheka Castle isn’t just a stunning backdrop; it’s a stage for meaningful tradition. From the moment you walk through the wrought iron gates to the last song on the dance floor, it holds space for old customs and new beginnings in equal measure.
If you’re looking for a wedding that feels grand but not cold, steeped in legacy but still your own, Oheka delivers.
With the right planning, a bit of personalization, and the right support team, you can create a celebration that honors your roots while giving your guests an experience they’ll never forget.
And really, what could be more traditional than that?
