Hi, my name is Caroline. In all the years that I have been photographing weddings, Couples frequently ask me what some of my favorite New Jersey wedding venues are.  I am always honored to be asked this because I feel that it always helps to hear first hand not only who we recommend but also why. So this got me thinking. Why not write about it.  So I am starting a series of blogs to help everyone out in the wedding planning process.

This week I will start with what everyone starts their wedding planning with – New Jersey wedding venues.

As small as New Jersey is there is a multitude of Wedding venues in New Jersey to host your wedding.  They range from the high-end glitzy wedding venues with french glove service, room up-lighting and mile-high ceilings to the small intimate venues like your local restaurant, club hall or rustic barns.   I think last I checked there are 285 New Jersey Wedding venues listed within 15 miles of our offices in Maywood, New Jersey. WOW! That’s overwhelming, to say the least. So how does one go through everything to choose that perfect New Jersey wedding venue?  You ask professionals like me who have been to most of them.

So here are my five favorite wedding venues in northern New Jersey for a reception so far this year: (and this was tough to narrow down to just 5)

The Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh (Bergen County)

The Rockleigh Country Club offers private grounds for your wedding with pathways, majestic gardens and beautiful glistening pool with fountains that are exquisite day or night right outside your room.  

At the entrance to the Bristol room, you are captivated by the marble floors and the grand staircase that are perfect for photos whether the weather is perfect or not,.  There are areas for your ceremony both indoors and outside. That’s just for photos, the food speaks for itself. There is always an abundant amount of food. They never seem to disappoint.  Whenever I am told I am going here, I love it. I find that there is such a variety, I always find something new to try there at dinner. And when they say leave room for dessert, they weren’t kidding.  My favorite is the chocolate milk or milkshakes and warm cookies.

Season’s Catering in Washington Township (Bergen County)

Seasons catering offers old world Italian charm with gold decor and marble floors throughout the entire facility.  The outside grounds have gorgeous waterfalls and stone walkways that are perfect for photos day and night. They even allow you to drive your limo right into the gardens for photos with the waterfall in the background.  The staff there attend to your every need from start to finish. Never a worry. As for the food, Better come hungry, cause you are going to eat like never before. From cocktail hour to dessert the food never stops. And the variety of food you get is unreal.  I always try something new there. And don’t forget dessert. They always offer a show-stopping display for your dessert room. You just have to see to believe it.

Waterloo Village in Stanhope (Sussex County)

For those who want the country barn style wedding with a rustic feel but without the DIY. Here lies Waterloo village. This quaint community knows the importance of protecting the Borough’s natural resources. The facility is open for visitors on the weekends.  There are always events going on there. This historic site is now hosting private weddings. Your wedding consultant makes sure every detail is picture perfect. And with the grounds covered in history, there are several areas for photos.  You have full use of the grounds that run along the Morris Canal. They have facilities for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and well as a country church on the grounds. The food is home-style at its best. The staff is very welcoming with a variety of options from buffet to formal sit down including hanging out at the enormous fire pit eating brick oven pizza and roasting smores under the stars.  I fell in love with the place.

The Tides Estates, North Haledon (Passaic County)

The Tides Estates has it all.  Rolling estate gardens with private outdoor ceremony grounds. Fountains, walkways and two gazebos plus outdoor seating areas for cocktails.  Inside there are two ballrooms to choose from. My fave is the larger one with high ceilings allowing me to photograph the first dance from above. I love working with Mike and Steve, the two maître d there.   The entrance way greets you with this gorgeous chandelier and staircase that is breathtaking. The staff and food is first class. They never disappoint anytime I am there.

The Manor, West Orange (Essex County)

The Manor is probably one of the oldest yet most picture perfect New Jersey Wedding venues in Essex county.  The grounds speak for themselves. The outdoor area for the ceremony is large enough to seat a 200 or more guest wedding.  The arches that lead you to your ceremony are spectacular. There are several areas for photos all around the facility with floral path gardens, fountains, waterfalls, bridges and much more.  My favorite spot is the carriage house. You walk around, and you will see their private herb garden that they use for their meals, and pear trees growing by the house. And talk about attention to detail.  There is a full-time staff there just to polish the real silver utensils and serving ware. The food is old world southern charm at its best. You get a variety to choose from, and they can cater to your every whim.

So there you have it guys, in no particular order, My favorite New Jersey Wedding venues in Northern New Jersey as of March 2018.  As we kickoff another wedding season, we have a bunch of new and unique venues to photograph at. So this list may change. Let’s see. If you have a favorite that didn’t make the list and you want to share, let me know in the comments below.  I am always open to hearing what other brides and grooms have for their favorites and why. Be sure to check back often for updates and other top 5 lists or check out our website for more about Jerry and Caroline Rizzo owners of David Eric Photography

TATA for now.  I always loved that line.  LOL

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