Opened in the fall of 2020, this upscale hotel in the heart of historic New Hope offers gorgeous sweeping views of the Delaware River and Lambertville. As a River House at Odette’s wedding photographer that’s preferred by the venue, I love its sophisticated, romantic, and elegantly edgy vibe. A vibrant jewel-tone color palette mixes with natural reclaimed materials and curated furnishings in the 36 guest rooms and ballroom for up to 200 guests and a large dance floor and full-length glass doors showcase an unobstructed view of the river. There is a private outside veranda and an outdoor riverfront ceremony space where I love to take photographs.
You’ll get ready in lavishly decorated rooms with either a river or a mountain view.
With two entrances the Bridge suite has a large bedroom and extra bathroom, which is perfect for getting ready. The privacy makes for an easily arranged first look even though partners may be getting ready at the same hotel … and in the same suite! And as a special extra, a complementary two-night stay is included for every couple when they have at River House at Odette’s wedding.
There are four great locations right inside the River House for your first look. One location is the large ballroom, with plenty of space for a long romantic entrance. The second location is the private outdoor area on the first floor. The third location is Roof, a private dining club open only to overnight guests and members. And The fourth location is outside along the canal. The area is wonderfully scenic, making it an ideal spot for your first look and wedding portraits.
The property has a beautiful piano lounge, which is perfect for elegant portraits, and during the holiday season the whole place sparkles and shines with decorations. Most impressive is the large and opulently bedecked tree in the lounge area. It provides yet another perfect spot for portraits, both full-length and intimate.
Then there’s a cozy couch area for those fun, snuggly images.
The outdoor veranda is a stunning spot for portraits, as is the private rooftop area appropriately named Roof. And then there is the canal path with SO many spots to take gorgeous photos! Along the picturesque area just two minutes south of Odette’s there’s a sweet bench facing the river that’s perfect for cuddling and time alone. When you work with me, I’ll take silhouettes with the sun behind you and great portraits of you facing the mountain and the setting sun. I do love using the sun behind my subjects, especially during the warm light of the golden hour.
Another great spot I found that is different and great for wedding photos is a piece of land just north of River House. Just five minutes away, it affords a stunning background of both the river and the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge! This is a pictorially better option than posing couples directly on the bridge for several reasons because it is safer, prettier and less congested.
The River House supplies bicycles for guests to use. Another great photo prop! I like to place the bridal bouquet on the handles or in the quaint basket for unique detail shots, and it’s a great place for portrait sessions. Just imagine all the pictorial photographs I can create for you, using these breathtaking spots and props!
The town of New Hope, filled with historic buildings, antique shops, second-hand stores, quirky gift shops and small restaurants, is THE place for eclectic shopping. It has an impressive theatre in the Bucks County Playhouse as well as other cultural attractions. In fact, it was even named one of America’s Favorite Towns by Travel + Leisure.
A quick walk (with comfortable shoes), taking wedding photos in New Hope is always a fun idea. The charming town provides a wealth of visual ideas with a number of diverse, quirky props and backdrops that make for different and unique wedding photos.
And if you’re not up for leaving the grounds of your luxurious venue on the same day as your RiverHouse at Odette’s wedding, it’s right there waiting for the two of you the next morning or afternoon.
Ceremonies at River House can be inside in their ballroom or outdoors next to the river.
Ceremonies are held along the Delaware-Raritan Canal with the lilting sounds of the rapids in the background. Inside, River House at Odette’s ceremony site is vintage-inspired with an urban flair. A members-only rooftop bar will offer breathtaking views of surrounding Lambertville, N.J., and New Hope (membership is only $1000 a year and they’re now taking applications). The ballroom is glamorous and sophisticated. The vintage touch pays homage to namesake Odette Myrtil, whose original cabaret sat on this very spot for 15 years. It was the place to go for a great meal, great music or great theater. You will see this theme played out in the ballroom with elegant wall coverings featuring musical scores and love letters belonging to Chez Odette. You can see the beautifully appointed ballroom at the River House at Odette's, as well as the outdoor ceremony space, the cocktail hour space and the exterior in these images here published in PhillyMag.com
Cocktail hours are held in their large modern bar specifically set aside for weddings where the windows look out onto open sky and the scenic river. They offer butlered hors d’oeuvres, a charcuterie table, artisan cocktail hour displays and specialty cocktails for your guests while you have your photos taken with them and your family.
The bar / cocktail hour area flows conveniently into the grand ballroom, so your guests will enter a lovely open dining area perfect for celebrating, dancing and making memories. Floor length glass doors provide dramatic river views and allow you to be immersed in the fresh air and sounds of nature. The furnishings are modern and chic with lots of brick and wood. The ballroom has a delicate and airy color palette that can easily complement your wedding theme. A champagne toast and custom wedding cake are included in your 5-hour reception.
Services begin with free consultations, a printable wedding guide to access the floor plan, personalized food tastings, customized menus, and complimentary parking.
Here are the costs and package prices for weddings at River House at Odette's:
January through March; Saturdays: $209 per person(Fridays $199 and Sundays $189)
April, July, August, November, December: Saturdays $229 per person(Fridays $219 and Sunday $199)
May, June, September, October: Saturdays $259 per person(Fridays $229 and Sundays $209)
A $3,000 site fee is required, which covers use of the contracted space for cocktail hour and reception, set-up, breakdown, and event parking. Depending on the time of year and day of the week, there is a guest minimum of at least 75 people.
River House will block out rooms for your overnight guests. There are also options for ceremony services, rehearsal dinners, post-wedding breakfasts, and after party experiences. If you are interested, inquire here about these add-on rates.
Plated Dinner Reception Package:
A five-hour reception
Eight butlered hors d' oeuvres
Two cocktail hour displays; choose two from the Cheese Board, Craft Dips, Marinated grilled veggies, burrata bruschetta bar, antipasto, the poached shrimp & chilled seafood selections are additional
One action station; choose from Little Italy, Street Taco, Mashed Potato bar, Mac & cheese, slider or hibachi
The plated dinner
Three passed desserts
Your custom wedding cake designed by the River House
Coffee & tea service
Five-hour open bar
A specialty cocktail
Champagne toast
The historic River House structure was built in 1784, and was known for serving locals and mule barge riders. In 2018, officials had the building carefully moved 1,000 feet away where it was painstakingly restored and will become a free museum telling the story of the Delaware Canal.
One of the venue’s illustrious owners was Odette Myrtil who was born in Paris. She moved to the United States where she joined Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway as a Ziegfeld Girl. Odette performed on the London stage and was part of the New York theatre scene in the 20’s and 30’s as a singer and violinist. She also had mid-size film roles from the ‘30s through ‘50s, appearing in at least two dozen Hollywood films. When she first visited New Hope in 1955, she loved the uniqueness of the artsy small community and came to manage the Playhouse Inn and its nightclub for three years. She purchased the vacant old River House tavern in 1960 and opened Chez Odette’s, which was a popular dining and vaudeville experience for locals and celebrities alike.
See the move here: Moving O'dette's
For more information or to schedule a tour, call 215-682-2022, and contact me for your wedding photography. I know this site well and would love to help you have an easy wedding day with lots of gorgeous photos!
River House at Odette's wedding venue - 274 S River Rd · New Hope, PA 18938
