Last night, I was in the new Satmar hall in Monsey (Ateres Chaya Sura). Its a “takonoh” hall, so there are some limitations, but overall, I was very impressed.
11:00 the music stops, so things start and end promptly
There is no musician or vocalist. The hall has a playlist you select from and that’s your music for the evening.
There are no photographers, They have wall mounted cameras all over the place, and a technician zooms in and clicks (its the same one who mans the music equipment)
The place is huge, the food is basic, but good, (no shmorg for the men.. not sure whatteh women get) the decor is top rate (rivals or surpasses any hall I’ve been to), and from what I heard, around $40 / couple, and that includes the hall provided music and pics.
Worth the trip.. even from BP!