Outdoor Venue in NJ for Clam Bake / Pig Roast??

mzharris04

Hi There!

I'm recently new to The Knot having just got engaged a few weeks ago. Despite that, my fiance and I are on a roll with plans and pretty much have a set idea of what we'd like to plan next year.

We have a wedding date set for 9/24 in NH, small ceremony and reception (45 people), but then we'd like to have a larger party (150-180 people) here in NJ a week later (10/1).

I'm having trouble finding a venue that can accommodate what we envision, and I was hoping some of you might be able to help me out

We'd like to keep it SUPER casual and do a clam bake and/or pig roast type of deal. No photographer, no DJ, no flowers, no cake, no wedding dress, just food, booze, friends, and fun. We'll probably hire a steel drum band for an hour or two, then switch over to an ipod.

Anyways, every space we look at (gardens, parks, B&Bs, wineries, breweries) seems to already either 1) have a set caterer who cannot accommodate our food options 2) doesn't allow open alcohol 3) only has set wedding packages or 4) can't accommodate such a large group.

I would reaaaally appreciate your help if you have even a hint of an idea for me!

All the best,
~Margot~

JessicaLB2

You can try Rutgers Gardens.  They rent out their pavillion for weddings and for regular parties.  You can bring in your own caterer, though I know their preferred caterer does do pig roasts and I bet they can do clams.  Tables and charis are included with the rental.  The only thing that might not work is the steel drum band.  They are very strict about noise b/c the pavillion backs up onto a lake and sound carries easily across the water into the residentail area behind.  And by very strict, I mean if you want to have music at all, you have to pay $15 an hour for a "noise monitor" to make sure your d.j. or whatever doesn't get too loud.  But I have heard the level of music that's allowed, and it was a fine volume for dnacing and such.

uppereastgirl

Raritan Inn?  http://www.raritaninn.com/content.php?id=181&l1=5

They have a list of suggested caterers on their website, which leads me to believe that you will have a lot of flexibility and don't have to deal with strict packages and such.

stapletond

Our friends did a wedding reception like the one you describe upstate at a gun club.  I also went to a reception at a public park in Binghamton too...both parties served booze. Maybe you can look into picnic grounds??  Woodale Park in Woodcliff Lake has a covered pavillion.  I'm not sure about their specific regulations or rules.

njpabzy

what area? In sussex county two of our fire departments have outdoor pavilions which would work great for what you are looking for - Franklin and Hamburg

NJgurl19

I've seen a outdoor Pig Roast at Skyland Manor. This is were NJ botanical gardens is and it'a catered by the Frungillo Caterers.