Hello Jersey Girls (& Guys),
If you are getting married in New Jersey, but don’t want to have a “Jersey” wedding, then this post is for you! Today, I have rounded up 12 of my favorite New Jersey wedding venues that I have shot at over the past 3 years. I am including pictures, links, and stories of my personal experiences of the best NJ wedding venues around. Many of you live in New Jersey and are probably pretty familiar with many many of these venues, but I also realized that being in the wedding world, I have the opportunity to discover lesser known, “hidden gems” as I like to call them.
Also, many of my couples grew up in New Jersey but are now living and working in other places, so hopefully this blog post will be helpful to you.
So here we go- without further adieu, I present to you the Best NJ Wedding Venues!
12 Best New Jersey Wedding Venues
for your 2020-2021 NJ Wedding
1. The Madison Hotel: Conservatory & Ballroom
First up is my top pick, my favorite venue of all time (and I’m obviously biased about this one, because I got married here- The Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey. I love photographing weddings and events at this beautiful, plantation like venue. The conservatory is my favorite for showers, ceremonies and receptions, but I you will be expecting more that 150 people you will want to hold your reception in their bigger ballroom. I love taking portraits out front on the main lawn where it has an old, southern feel.
During the day, the light in the conservatory is perfect for a bridal or baby brunch and at night the twinkle lights come on to increase the glow.
Want to see more? Check out these blog posts: Christine & Mike’s Wedding / Deanna’s Bridal Shower / Mia’s Bridal Shower / Parissa’s Bridal Shower / Kaitlin’s Baby Shower
2. Ryland Inn: Grand Ballroom & Coach House
Next, The Ryland Inn is a dream venue that actually feels magical when you are there. The Grand Ballroom in the main building has a charming old feel, while the Coach House is their newer site, right across the parking lot. My favorite part about the Ballroom is that you’ll have access to the gorgeous, white, covered entryway. This is my go to site for first look & couples portraits. On the other hand, the outer grounds of the Coach House are truly stunning. The only problem is you will have to choose because Ryland doesn’t allow you to shoot on the other venue and tries to keep the two weddings as separate as possible.
Looking for more Inspo? Check out these Ryland Inn Weddings: Coach House Wedding / Lindsay & Kevin / Ballroom Wedding
3. Chauncey Hotel
Oh Chauncey Hotel, you are the hidden gem I was referring too. I have a special place in my heart for tented weddings and parties and Chauncey does them so well. If you choose to get married here, your guests can stay on site at the hotel (hooray for no travel!) while you get ready at the Laurie House, just steps away from the ceremony and reception site. Its so nice having everyone in the same place and not having to travel on a wedding day saves time, money and stress!
There are plenty of places for pictures along the grounds, or you can choose to venture over to the beautiful Princeton University, just a few minutes away for more photos if you have time. Parking in Princeton can be challenging, so make sure you have someone to drive you so we don’t waste time parking the car! At Chauncey you can choose to get married lake front (my fav!) or in front of their gazebo followed by cocktails on the lawn. Finally, guests will walk the path a few feet to your tented reception just as the sun is setting. Don’t forget to end the night with sparklers to go out with a bang!
Want to see more? Be sure to check out Miki & Ed’s Chauncey Hotel Wedding.
4. Ballyowen Golf Club
For my next pick, we have Ballyowen Golf Club. If you are a golf lover, this is the venue for you! I will be honest- most country club weddings are not always my favorite. I think because many country clubs are old and their main purpose is to cater towards their members and often times weddings seem to be an after thought. But not at Ballyowen! It seems this venue was created with weddings in mind! You will get ready at the insanely beautiful, Minerals Hotel, just minutes away and the venue will shuttle you and your guests up the street to Ballyowen (yay for not having to hire transportation!)
5. Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Moving right along, Stone House at Stirling Ridge is a beautiful venue nested into the Warren/Watchung hills area of New Jersey with great food and a beautifully lit ballroom setting. I love the glass walls of the ballroom and the rustic chic atmosphere. Stone House is also my pick for special occasion dinners with my family, like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. They also have a beautiful patio area with a big bar and twinkle lights, fire pits with s’mores for roasting and bacci ball to keep the entire family entertained. This venue is a must see as you schedule your tour visits.
Want to see more? Check out this Stone House at Stirling Ridge Wedding featuring Danielle & Steve.
6. Indian Trail Club
Next, Indian Trail Club is one of my all time favorite NJ wedding venues. As you can probably tell, I love the venues where you can have an outdoor ceremony on the water and Indian Trail Club definitely delivers on this! Indian Trail Club is located in Franklin Lakes, right in Real Housewives Country!
7. The Mill at Lakeside Manor
The Mill at Lakeside Manor was recently purchased and renovated by the owners of Clark’s Landing in Point Pleasant. If you are familiar with Clark’s Landing you know how beautiful it is and the mill is now a contender for one of the best venues in New Jersey. Set in the beautiful Jersey shore town of Spring Lake, The Mill is the perfect place for your Jersey Shore wedding! Don’t forget to book a trolley to take you and the whole bridal party around to the beautiful sites of the town.
Want to see more? Here is Corinne & Sean’s The Mill Lakeside Manor blog post.
8. The Mansion at Mountain Lakes
For my next pick, The Mansion at Mountain Lakes is a north Jersey wedding venue. Its another one that has been renovated and (in my humble opinion) highly underestimated. This beautiful venue has been redone to include a beautiful bridal suite. Its perfect for the girls to get ready. It really looks to me much like Park Chateau’s getting ready room! The ceremony space boasts beautiful barn doors. I highly recommend consulting with your florist to make the most of this exquisite space!
To see more of this dream venue, click here: The Mansion at Mountain Lakes
9. Ninety Acres & Natirar Mansion : NJ Wedding Venue
Oh Ninety Acres, how I love you.
Gia & Nick‘s beautiful wedding was supposed to be outside on the gorgeous Natirar grounds, but the weather had other plans. Its okay because the space in Ninety Acres is so beautiful and Gia looked incredible that it was impossible to not get beautiful photos.
10. Basking Ridge Country Club : Best NJ Wedding Venue
Basking Ridge Country Club is another venue that gives you the option to choose a tented reception or ballroom wedding. And you can’t go wrong with either option! See one of each wedding below!
Amy & Steve / Tented Reception
11. Park Chateau
Park Chateau could possibly be the best NJ wedding venue there is!
12. Bear Brook Valley: Best NJ Wedding Venue
Finally, Bear Brook Valley is another perfect choice for your North Jersey Wedding. Bear Brook Valley is set in Fredon, NJ. Your guests will be impressed with the food, atmosphere and vibe at your Bear Brook Valley Wedding! The bridal attendants are super helpful and the grounds are gorgeous. Bear Brook Valley strikes the perfect balance between rustic and new. The grounds look great all year long. My favorite part is that they offer fun add ons. Your guests will love the midnight pizza station when they leave.
So there you have it! I will be updating this page frequently so let me know what your favorite NJ venues are. I will add them to this list!
Where is your wedding? Have you chosen a date and a venue yet? Email me and tell me everything! I want to hear it all!
I hope you liked this Best NJ Wedding Venues post. Leave a comment below and tell me your favorite NJ wedding venue.
