Northern NJ Venues - Thoughts?

Knottie72112730

Hi all,

Just started the venue search - need a place that can hold up to 250 for a Saturday evening.  Dates flexible, but avoiding the winter because I have a lot of family in Buffalo.

So far we've seen Naninas, Maritime Parc, and Liberty House.  Naninas is a GREAT package, but we're looking for somewhat more simple decor and the man we met with was a little condescending.  I loved the style of Maritime Parc and Liberty House, but felt they were a little pricey for what you get.  Here are the next few on our list - any thoughts? List in no particular order.

Meadow Wood Manor, Randolph
Palace at Somerset, Somerset
Maplewood Country Club, Maplewood
Metropolitan Room @ Newark Club, Newark
Madison Hotel, Morristown
Wilshire, West Orange
Park Avenue Club, Florham Park
Crystal Plaza, Livingston
Mayfair Farms, West Orange

Any feedback/thoughts/information would be much appreciated - Thanks!

Jeannine12

So I have just seen about 15 places and with a group the size of yours I think I have some good feed back for you.

Palace at Somerset - its beautiful and very classy feeling

Madison Hotel - Very nice but you would be in teh ballroom and not the glassroom which is the nicer room.

Park Avenue Club -  I loved it there and the price was very good and the woman Inez was amazing.  The reason we didnt book it was my dad didn't care for the permanent tent layout.

Mayfair Farms - Is hopefully where I will be booking this week and I loved it fromteh moment I saw it...and Scott is super nice

Galloping Hill Clubhouse - is new and pretty

Brooklake Country Club - I loved this one also but if you go see it please make sure you meet with Peter bc the other man is not very nice

PM if you need any more ideas...i just gave you my feedback on what I saw and liked

mellyD2014

Park Avenue Club, Florham Park - would agree with the PP; Inez was AMAZING when I met with her; we didn't really love the reception in the permanent tent they had; but the area for cocktail hour would've been fun. Crystal Plaza, Livingston - we are getting married here on a Friday this September; I can't say enough good things. Fred is great to work with and they really are going over the top for our budget - we have about the same number of guests as you. Not sure what your budget is, but obviously Saturday nights will always be the most expensive no matter where you go. Mayfair Farms, West Orange - this place was okay; very pretty on the outside with a lot of charm, but inside the ballroom was a little... plain for me. I've heard people rave about their food, though, so that's something.

mellyD2014

Sorry for the lack of paragraphs. The Knot isn't a fan of them today :-\

majesty318

I went to a wedding at Meadow Wood several years ago. Awesome cocktail hour but just OK dinner food.

The Newark Club was one of the first places both my husband & I loved. We were definitely quoted cheaper than at Liberty House. My mom was afraid that some people would be afraid to come into Newark, though (mostly older guests probably).

Park Ave Club was also on our short list. Ditto the others that Inez was amazing.

dalm0m

They are all fine. There are no huge difference in my opinion except the Palace in Somerset will be very expensive

We got married at the Madison Hotel in the Ballroom which I actually like better than the glass room. 

I'm also a big fan of having the reception in the hotel so guests don't have to think about drinking & driving.  They can just take an elevator. 

If I remember correctly the following can also accommodate your size:

the Morristown Hyatt HQ Plaza

the Governor Morris Inn

the Birchwood Manor in Whippany

the Sheraton Tara in Parsippany

the Skylands in Randolph

the Marriott & the Hilton in East Hanover

Another high end option will be the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange

kristilw09

I am pretty sure that The Pleasantdale can accomodate your size as well. I am getting married there on a Friday night but I know their Saturday Night minimum was 200ppl. Its absolutely gorgeous... and although on the pricey side you definitely are getting what you paid for.

danielle60314

The IL Villaggio can accommodate your Saturday night wedding.  They are amazing and very flexible!  Ask to meet with John.

We also loved the Atrium Country Club and Knoll Country Club but, we decided to go with IL Villaggio. You couldn't touch their menu...  Its amazing!!!

Knottie72112730

Thanks, all!  I've been to a wedding at the Palace at Somerset, and absolutely loved it.  It's just a little further from the airport and our families, so hoping for something a little more convenient.  Saw Wilshire Grand Hotel, Crystal Plaza, and Il Tulipano today.  Fell in love with Wilshire - there's a very good chance we'll end up booking there.  Loved Crystal Plaza too, but the pricing at Wilshire was much better.  Il Tulipano was nice, but again more expensive than Wilshire.  

Does anyone know about how The Grove, Richfield Regency, or Brooklake Country Club compare to the list of venues already mentioned?

silver0319

Richfield is pretty, but doesn't have much outdoor space for photos. It is across from Verona Park which could make up for it. The viennese selection is amazing. I've also heard that their pricing is reasonable. 

The Grove requires a high minimum for Saturday weddings, but based on your OP, you shouldn't have a problem.  I believe they are more expensive than Il Tulipano.  H's coworker went to a wedding there this weekend and said the food was amazing.  

I would recommend checking out The Tides in North Haledon, too. 

majesty318

Richfield was our 2nd choice. Pricing was VERY reasonable. The main reason we didn't go with them was the lack of outdoor space and I personally thought their chapel was hideous.

The Grove is way more expensive - almost double based on the quote we got.

We also visited Brooklake and it was pretty but the guy who we met with did not impress me at all. He said,"Saturdays in the spring are for deep pockets!" And quoted us high, whereas almost every other venue we met with was trying to give us a deal for booking short notice. Also, I think the grounds are the appeal at Brooklake. The ballroom was just OK looking in my opinion.

Knottie72112730

We've narrowed down to Brooklake and Wilshire so far. Has anyone seen both? Any thoughts? Are there other venues with packages and pricing that are comparable to these?