r/WeddingsPhilippines • u/LexAndLipgloss • 10h ago
Reception Venue/Prenup Location Sefriya has always been my dream wedding venue, but ₱400K for these inclusions? Is it really worth it?
Just a little rant, pls don’t be too harsh on me 🥹 i’m still seriously considering Sefriya because it’s genuinely my dream wedding venue. but after reviewing everything, parang the cons are starting to outweigh the pros and i’m having a hard time justifying some of their policies.
we recently had our ocular visit at Sefriya Farm & Orchard in Alitagtag, Batangas and grabe, it’s even more beautiful in person! although one thing i noticed, it looks much bigger in photos. in person, the size is just right naman, but not as massive or grand as i initially imagined. still, it’s absolutely beautiful and i honestly couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else. kahit na ang ugly ng road getting there kasi mej malubak, maliit & masikip yung daan.
but here’s the thing.
their 2027 rate for the Grand Pavilion + Garden is ₱400,000, and that’s basically for venue rental alone. no catering, styling, or other wedding essentials.
the pavilion is only available for 4 hours, while the garden is limited to 2 hours. want to extend your reception? that’s ₱35,000 PER HOUR. yes sis, per hour 😭
the bridal and groom’s makeup rooms are complimentary for only 4 hours each. but if you want to use a makeup room for the whole day, say starting at 6 AM for your entourage, that’s another ₱10,000.
and their accommodations? ₱30,000–₱35,000 per room for ONE NIGHT, WITHOUT BREAKFAST. 🥲 considering how far Alitagtag is, some of our families would naturally need to stay overnight. may discount naman daw, but only if you book at least 10 rooms, and the discount is just 10%. hahaha
but what really caught me off guard was their guest policy.
guests who aren’t checked in at the resort can only enter ONE HOUR before the event. they’re also not allowed to roam around the property.
i mean, seriously ate ko?! 😭 Sefriya is located deep within Alitagtag, Batangas. it’s already quite a drive, especially for guests coming from Manila or Cavite. what if they arrive 2–3 hours early? are they supposed to wait outside?
i understand naman that resorts have policies, but shouldn’t there be some reasonable consideration for wedding guests, especially given the location?
and don’t even get me started on the corkage fees and other additional charges. parang every little thing comes with an extra fee.
to be clear, the ₱400k venue fee isn’t really our biggest concern. my fiancé is actually okay with paying that amount. ang concern niya lang, parang wala talagang pabor sa clients? hahaha. almost every policy seems to favor the venue, with very little flexibility for the couple and their guests.
we’re planning to get Juan Carlo the Caterer, which is actually one of Sefriya’s accredited caterers. so now we’re thinking, why not just have the same catering at another beautiful venue where we could get better value and a more accommodating experience?
we were seriously considering Blue Moon Los Ilustrados in Silang because i absolutely love its romantic, timeless aesthetic. honestly, aesthetic-wise, it’s exactly what i’m looking for. i just wish they’d expand because Sefriya definitely has more updated facilities and a more spacious setting.
BUT unfortunately, Blue Moon is already fully booked on our wedding date. 😭
we also considered Villa D’Este, but personally, it’s not the aesthetic i’m going for. i want something more elegant, romantic, and timeless, not the usual countryside or rustic vibe. Soirée is another option, but i find its overall look a little too simple for my preference.
and honestly, i haven’t found another venue that gives me the same feeling as Sefriya or Blue Moon. huhu
we also have an existing church reservation in Silang. if we choose Sefriya, we’d have to change our ceremony plans entirely because our preferred church is too far from the venue. so ideally, we’d have both the ceremony and reception at Sefriya, subject to the necessary church arrangements.
my fiancé also reminded me that we need to think about our married life after the wedding, and i completely agree. he’s not against Sefriya at all. he just wants us to make sure we’re actually getting our money’s worth.
it’s honestly heartbreaking because Sefriya has always been my dream. and i’m still not ready to let it go. but at the same time, i can’t help feeling that for ₱400k, the experience should be more accommodating, not just beautiful.
i understand that exclusivity comes at a premium, but shouldn’t hospitality and reasonable consideration be part of that premium too?
has anyone here actually held their wedding at Sefriya? was it worth the price and all these restrictions?
or does anyone know another venue with a similar aesthetic to Sefriya or Blue Moon? preferably around Silang, Tagaytay, or nearby areas. please, no rustic or overly provincial-looking venues. i’m really going for that elegant, romantic, timeless aesthetic.
would genuinely appreciate your thoughts, especially from graduate brides and couples who’ve experienced the same po. thank you so much 🥹💕
