Formerly known as the Brentwood Country Club, Essex Club can create your dream day on nearly any budget.
Image courtesy of Essex Club
It goes without saying that Long Island weddings can get very expensive, very quickly. While that may not be such an issue for some, for others it can mean choosing their dream day or settling for something in their budget.
Essex Club, a BOLI Preferred Venue, merges beauty, affordability, and professionalism in a perfect union. After completing floor-to-ceiling renovations and a name change shortly before the COVID pandemic, this Lessing’s property quickly became a popular and much-loved choice for many Brides of Long Island.
Image courtesy of Essex Club
“We just wanted a fresh start.” – Essex Club
In 2019, the Lessing’s-owned Brentwood Country Club underwent major renovations and a name change in order to honor the town’s namesake – a suburban enclave called Brentwood, Essex in England. “We just wanted a fresh start,” said Jessica Dobbins, Essex Club’s general manager. “We completely renovated the whole building.”
They unveiled the updated Essex Club in January 2020. Two months later, the COVID-19 pandemic halted the local wedding industry.
“With Covid, so many people had to postpone their weddings and needed a new place to go. When things opened up again, couples wanted small, intimate weddings and we were able to give that to them.”
Image courtesy of Essex Club
“You can customize as much as you want.” – Essex Club
The updates have transformed Essex Club into a totally versatile and customizable space. “You get the whole building to yourself, so you can customize as much as you want,” Jessica detailed.
“Our cocktail hour space has an enclosed tent with retractable walls,” she continued. “It’s year round no matter what the climate, so if it’s raining, snowing, or freezing cold, your cocktail hour won’t have to be moved inside.”
Image by Claudia V Ayala Photography, courtesy of Essex Club
That cocktail hour space is adjacent to a picturesque gazebo that can be used for your ceremony. “We do seasonal flowers from April until December. And even when the flowers aren’t in bloom, the trees are still all green. It’s a really nice view, and if there’s inclement weather, your ceremony can take place inside in front of our fireplace.”
When it comes time for the party, Essex Club will open their stunning ballroom that holds up to 215 people. “It overlooks the patio where the tent is, so it could be used as one continuous space. If your guests don’t want to be inside with the music, they’re more than welcome to hang out outside in the tent area. A lot of our couples will do after parties there, or add a cigar roller that can work outside.”
Image courtesy of Essex Club
“Everyone wants to do something different, and we can definitely do that for them here.” – Essex Club
Essex Club sets itself apart from a host of gorgeous Long Island venues for two reasons: affordability and customizability. “A lot of couples that come here may be paying for everything themselves or they’re already supporting a family, so they want to have a nice, affordable wedding,” Jessica said.
“We also do one event a day, so we can personalize your event ,” she added. “Everyone wants to do something different, and we can definitely do that for them here. We can customize everything from the time your ceremony starts to packages and decorations. Working directly with a couple, our team will tailor to your style and needs, because no two weddings are the same. It’s nice that we have that flexibility.”
Image courtesy of Essex Club
“If they get a piece of pizza or hot pretzel when they’re on the way out, they’ll remember that the most.” – Essex Club
Of course, Essex Club offers the delectable cuisine that Long Islanders have always associated with the Lessing’s brand.
“Our most popular menu option for cocktail hour is our Mulberry Street station, which includes eggplant rollatini, sausage and peppers, penne alla vodka, and garlic breadsticks,” Jessica described. “For dinner, it’s our braised short rib and the teriyaki glazed salmon.”
She also offered an alternative idea for wedding favors: a to-go station. “Unfortunately, half the guests always end up leaving the physical items here. But if they get a piece of pizza, a hot pretzel or White Castle when they’re on the way out, they’ll remember that the most.”
Image courtesy of Essex Club
“I like when people bring those customizations here to show their love story.” – Essex Club
Personally, Jessica enjoys when couples incorporate their ideas and inspirations into their wedding days. “I like when people bring those customizations here to show their love story,” she explained.
She went on to remember a special wedding from this past summer. “When you walked into the lobby, they had pictures of them when they were first dating. When you moved to the cocktail hour, it was the next chapter of their lives. Then in the ceremony space it was a timeline with pictures and memories of their relationship together, which was really unique. Each room had a different table explaining that chapter of their life, and I’ve never seen that done before.”
Image courtesy of Essex Club
“Make it about yourself.” – Essex Club
Jessica had a few words of advice for brides of Long Island. “Make it about yourself,” she suggested. “It’s not about what your family wants. This is your special day so you should do what you want to do. Add those personal touches or go crazy with decorations, get everything you want. Couples can really do that here.”
Image courtesy of Essex Club
Plan every moment of your ideal day at Essex Club, a Brides of Long Island Preferred Venue!
