Venue help - Rustic Feel for fall 2011

Luvsbtrfleyes

My cousin is looking for a different type of venue- I don't think she will get everything (esp.the alcohol part)  but here's her wish list

*September or October of 2011 They are looking for a place that feels small and cozy but can accomodate about 100 people but they don't really like a tent idea.  "Desirable qualities are:  * good atmosphere; we saw one place that we really liked that had a restored-old-building kind of feel, if that makes sense (exposed stone walls, cool old wooden doors, somewhat rustic-feeling) * flexible caterer who will work with us if, say, we want something that might not be on their menu (we would, of course, also like the food to be good, but I don't have very specific catering qualifications in mind) * would love to bring in our own alcohol * reasonably priced 

Areas can be all of NJ including south/central NJ, shore area  and PA"

thanks for your help ladies!!

uppereastgirl

What is "reasonably priced"?  That varies a lot from person to person.

In northern NJ, a majority of venues include alcohol in the price.

I'd ask on the Philly and South Jersey boards too, as they'll have more ideas (and prices tend to be lower in those areas).

JessicaLB2

Rutgers Gardens?  I don't know if it's too similar to a tent.  They have a pavillion which you can dress up with curtains if you want. You can bring in your own caterer and alcohol.  They also have a preferred caterer who's used to doing weddings there who coordinates everything.  You can still bring your own alcohol (and return whatever is not consumed) and the caterer takes care of all the coordination with the liquor store.  I'm getting married there in June 2011. 

I remember a thread on here ages ago similar to this one and someone mentioned a place that had an old barn or something like that you can rent that allowed outside caterers and by extention alcohol, I would assume.  Hopefully someone knows about it and will chime in b/c I can't remember the details.

gymchick05

Bretton Woods mentioned something about bringing in alcohol when we met w/ them, so that may work

Also, I would recommend Ballyoween- most rustic, not a tent, beautiful scenery (Hardyston NJ)

alexirom

The Woodcliff Manor in Woodcliff Lake.

Peacefield

If northern NJ is being considered, think about Farmstead GCC.

megan213

The Stroudsmoor Inn  in the Poconos is a nice venue.  Also, the Stone House in Stirling Ridge (Warren NJ) is another choice; this place has a modern rustic feel to it

Reilly626

The Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, awesome feel and unique history.

Luvsbtrfleyes

Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.  I thought of rutgers gardens but didn't know how they handle alcohol - so that may work. Stone House is the other place I thought of although it may be more than they can afford-not sure- will pass it along with all the other suggestions.

thanks again!

megan213

I am having my ceremony and reception at the Stone House in Warren NJ in Sept 2011.  We will be using the Gallery for our reception.   We are paying $100pp before tax and gratuity; and reception size is going to be about 100-125 people.    The ballroom there can accomadate more people, but I think the price for that room is $175pp.  

37 Butter Knives

Maybe the Englewood Field Club? You'd have to bring in an outside caterer, and the event would need to be after Labor Day.

37 Butter Knives

Oh, I just remembered ... The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus - a historic site that's now a museum. http://www.thehermitage.org/index.html

They've only recently started to allow events on site, but the ballroom looks rather plain (no, this is not "simple" or "understated" decor - the room is PLAIN). If you're a big DIYer, you may find some potential.

Photos here...
http://takeawaygourmet.com/venues/the-hermitage