Rustic Wedding Venue Ideas in NJ/PA/NY

k854k

Hi all!! My fiancé are recently engaged (7.20.13) and are searching like crazy (probably too much) for a venue that fits us.  We have a very outdoorsy, nature, laid back lifestyle and looking for a non-traditional venue in NJ, PA or NY but within an hour away from central NJ.  We want a place that is rustic but still classy w/out a ballroom.  We are looking at Lake Vahalla Club and Snug Harbor on the 24th which are two places that we really like based upon the pictures and reviews online.  Can anyone recommend other places like this in tristate area?  We are looking to have around 135 people and flexible with dates/Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  We are trying to keep our budget around $125 per person w/ tax and gratuity included.  Also, any comments/feedback on Lake Vahalla Club and Snug Harbor in SI would be great!! Thank you!!

 

Iryshcreem

I got married at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn in the Poconos.  A lot of our guests came from southern middlesex co/monmouth co.  The trip was just over an hour.  They have multiple sites.  Woodsgate or Lawnhaven might fit what you are looking for.  I'm not sure how much their prices have changed over the past 2 years but there were packages that fit your budget at that time.

http://www.stroudsmoor.com/WeddingInner.cfm?itemCategory=40572&siteid=425&priorId=45473

k854k

Thank you! I will check it out now

GB520

Stroudsmoor is gorgeous! Every time I've been there the food is incredible. Just had our engagement party cake from their bakery-- it was delicious!!

Iryshcreem

GB520 said:

Stroudsmoor is gorgeous! Every time I've been there the food is incredible. Just had our engagement party cake from their bakery-- it was delicious!!

Yes the food was awesome!  They made veggie lasagna for me and it was really good.  We had the harvest spice cake and it was delicious!

drumstheword

You might like where I had my wedding, Windows on the Water at Frogbridge in Millstone Townshup.  There is a ballroom, but it's pretty simple, and right next to it is a gorgeous tent.  There's also a patio and a lake.  Our cocktail hour has half inside the ballroom and on the patio and the reception was in the tent.  It is beautiful and still a blank slate so you can add your own style. 
I think the price is around what you're looking for if you have a wedding on a Sunday or in the off season.
Here's a picture of the tent from my wedding:

nikole712

I do not know pricing, but Skylands Manor in Ringwood is a rustic unique site for a wedding in a beautiful state park.

shannyb41

I love Lake Valhalla but thats where my wedding will be so thats why haha.

You could also look at Lake Mohawk Country Club.  They are def in your price range.  We looked at them as well and they were cheaper than LCV.

The mention of Skylands Manor was made...the place is beautiful but the actual ballroom is lacking.  They are also pretty expensive.  I received a quote from them and while they would work with my budget (which is not far off from yours) it required me to make a LOT of cuts to the menu etc.  I wasn't willing to cut things from my guests just to have it there....though I would have LOVED to.  

LissyM83

Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ

k854k

@shannyb41 Thank you!  How did you feel about the outside of the Lake Valhalla?  The grounds?  My mom saw some pictures online and was not impressed???  Are you having your ceremony there too??  I really feel like they give you the most out of any other places I've looked into so far Did you go for a tasting?

alitony2015

We are also considering Stroudsmoor. All the reviews I have seen have been excellent. We will probably also check out David's Country Inn in Hackettstown.

Skylands starts at around $200pp. It was crossed off the list very quickly...

Iryshcreem

khiggins810 said:

@shannyb41 Thank you!  How did you feel about the outside of the Lake Valhalla?  The grounds?  My mom saw some pictures online and was not impressed???  Are you having your ceremony there too??  I really feel like they give you the most out of any other places I've looked into so far Did you go for a tasting?

@liatris2010 was LVC bride.  She can probably answer these questions for you as well.

shannyb41

khiggins810 said:

@shannyb41 Thank you!  How did you feel about the outside of the Lake Valhalla?  The grounds?  My mom saw some pictures online and was not impressed???  Are you having your ceremony there too??  I really feel like they give you the most out of any other places I've looked into so far Did you go for a tasting?

I went for my tasting last year.  The food was awesome.  I've never been to a wedding here before but everyone that I know who has been raves about the food.  The tasting isn't your standard tasting.  You get a credit from the restaurant and can order anything.  They will also happily make you something from the wedding menu. 

I thought the grounds were very nice.  It's on a private lake that actually has no lake front property so you literally just see the lake and trees.  It's beautiful.  

k854k

@shannyb41 and @liatris2010  Thank you so much for your responses!!!

lambs379

@ khiggins810

I am getting married at Snug Harbor in October of this year on a Saturday night. With tax and admin fee, it comes out to about $150 per plate. You might lessen the cost if you have it on a Friday or on an afternoon. 

Also, I would just be weary - their communication is AWFUL there. We have had a lot of problems with their management thus far (and I have heard from other brides the same thing.) Just something to think about. BUT we are SO in love with the place and the food is delicious, it is still worth it to have it there, in my opinion. 

Nicole0613

Hi, Congrats! I went to a wedding last September at Lake Valhalla. The place was gorgeous and the food was great. I'm having my wedding at Smoke Rise Village Inn in Kinnelon in October. We are going with a rustic theme as well. The outside has parts that are stone and the place has a rustic feel. The Manager Randy has been great to work with and we just had our tasting the other day. The food was amazing!

Kristeee

Check out Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY

jlr92588

My friend went to a wedding at Holly Hedge in PA and said it was beautiful. It has a rustic feel to it. The website doesn't have many photos but you could google weddings that have been held there. http://www.hollyhedge.com/ In September I am registered for a bridal show at Laurita Winery. I looked at pictures of the venue and it also has a rustic look. From the photos, it appears they hold receptions in their ballroom and outside under a tent http://www.lauritawinery.com/marketplace.php Good luck! 

k854k

Laurita Winery is beautiful!!  You are going to just love it there!  I saw some pics from a friend that had her wedding there in July and it was amazing!!  Totally out of our price range though  

We booked with the Mill at Spring Lake Heights.  It is absolutley perfect!  We are getting married outside in the garden in the fall on the lake and having our reception in the ballroom.  We decided on the Mill because although it is a ballroom, it doesn't have the chandelers and fancy wedding hall decorations we didn't want.  We can still have our rustic outdoorsy themed wedding there.  They are very reasonably priced for those that are still looking around And pleasure to work with!!