River House at Odette’s sits right on the Delaware in New Hope, where the old Odette’s supper club stood from 1961 until the floods finally took it in 2011. Cabaret singer Odette Myrtil ran the place for decades, and after a careful rebuild and reopening in 2019, the property kept the riverfront magic and added a modern glass-walled ballroom that pulls the sunset straight into the room. The covered porch, the cobblestone courtyard, and the bridge into Lambertville all photograph beautifully, and the New Hope walking bridge is a five minute portrait detour I take with every couple.
Ashley and Brandon’s Wedding Day
The forecast called for steady wind all afternoon, which was the only thing Ashley was watching. We got one big gust right as the ceremony processional started, and then the river went calm for the rest of the day. Cocktail hour spilled out onto the riverfront patio, the light off the water did most of the work for me, and the toasts ran a little long in the best way. Brandon’s brother told a story that made the room cry and then laugh inside of thirty seconds.
For couples thinking about Odette’s, two things to know. The ballroom faces west, so a ceremony anywhere between 4 and 5 pm in late spring or early fall puts the sunset behind your first dance. And the New Hope walking bridge is a three minute drive at most, which means the Lambertville side of the river is an easy add for portraits if you want a few frames that do not look like every other Odette’s wedding.
Vendors
Venue: River House at Odette’s
Hair Stylist: Fringe Hair Boutique
Makeup Artist: Kristen Fiori
Music: LJDJ’s
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Rooms at River House at Odettes
The rooms, restaurant, lobby, and views of Odette’s are stunning! Each room is different and has a unique feel to it, but also very warm and inviting. The bridal suite was spacious, and you will love the back deck patio overlooking the river!
River House at Odette’s Wedding photo locations
The outdoor shooting spaces are perfect for small to medium-sized bridal party sizes. Allocate some time to walk down as the best spaces to shoot during the mid-day sun are down the trail a little bit. The absolute best time for your photographs here is late day to golden hour, especially if you want those beautiful river views with the hills in the background.
One of the most pleasant surprises is the rented bikes on site. They are an absolute blast to shoot with and a staple for photographs at Odette’s. We had so much fun with Brandon and his groomsmen riding around when we were shooting.
Riverhouse at Odettes Wedding Ceremony
Wedding ceremonies at Odette’s are incredible at their outdoor space with upper and lower seating. In addition, the weeping willow tree and greenery backdrop are unlike anything else in the area. Be careful of gusts of winds, though. If you have a floral arrangement on the wedding altar, be careful. The florals fell during the ceremony but were caught by some cunning spectators.
River House at Odette’s Wedding Reception
The space is beautiful, and I want to mention that the wood flooring here is impressive and adds a ton of warmth to the room. Views of the river will have your guests in awe, especially as the sun starts to set and you can see the golden kiss of the sun on the top of the mountains across the river.
It was an absolute pleasure to document Ashley & Brandon’s wedding. They are fun, natural together, and have fantastic family and friends. The staff was beyond accommodating, nice, friendly, and, best of all, fun to be around.
Best wishes to Ashley & Brandon!
If you love New Hope, check out Rebecca & Kathryn’s wedding in New Hope!
Planning your own River House at Odette’s wedding? Check out our River House at Odette’s Wedding Guide for everything you need to know about this incredible venue.
Still narrowing down where to get married? See the 12 Best Philadelphia Wedding Venues for a curated shortlist of the rooms I shoot most often.
Planning your own River House at Odette’s wedding? Read my full River House at Odette’s Wedding Guide for everything I’ve learned shooting weddings here.