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Rustic Venue in central NJ

SomethingBlue01SomethingBlue01
10 Comments
in New Jersey
Hello all!

I posted something similar a few weeks ago, but didn't get much feedback. The places that were recommended to me were either too far away, out of my budget or didn't have the right capacity.

Anyway, I want to get married in December for a few reasons- mainly because my FI and I love that time of year during the holidays. We wanted to  find a venue that has a warm, cozy feeling with a fireplace. Maybe something a little rustic. Our guestlist will be about 250 and our budget is $175 a person. 

I looked into Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge and loved all the pictures online, but they haven't returned my calls. Is there something similar? The church is in Middletown, so I don't want anything too far away.

Also, I need to book this quickly so I don't have to wait til 2013.
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Re: Rustic Venue in central NJ

  • lconoranlconoran member
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Comments

    We looked at Lake Valhalla in Montville last month. It was decorated with a Christmas tree and lights and looked very pretty. They have 2 huge fireplaces and would certainly fit into your budget. Not sure about location though. Good luck! I'm still looking myself!

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  • SomethingBlue01SomethingBlue01
    10 Comments
    Places reccommended to me before but don't work are -  Molly Pitcher Inn, Oyster Point, Shaddowbrook, Branches, English Manor, Ashford Estate and Addison Park. 

    These places don't work because they're either too small, too expensive, too far and two of these places my mom previously had bad experiences with planning my sister's wedding so she doesn't want to go back. 

    Our limit as far as distance is a 45 min drive...we've been to the Stonehouse before for dinner a few months ago and it was about 40-45 mins away. 
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  • SomethingBlue01SomethingBlue01
    10 Comments
    Well a lot of the wedding venues reccomended to me by family members were in West Orange or in North Jersey which were all over an hour's drvive away. There aren't many venues nearby to choose from and the ones that are are all beach or water themed which isn't what I'm going for. 
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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited January 2012
    I'd recommend Maplewood Country Club - the areas outside the ballroom look homey and have fireplaces. But Google Maps estimates the travel time from Middletown at 50 minutes.

    If you know someone in the military or a veteran, you might be able to use the officers club at Fort Monmouth. I went to a wedding there (the bride's dad is a veteran), and the place had an old-school clubby feel that would be perfect for a winter wedding.

    How about Battleground Country Club in Manalapan? I was there a few years back, and while I wouldn't call it rustic, I don't recall it being beach-themed.
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  • abungerabunger member
    Knottie Warrior 100 Comments
    What about the Cranbury Inn?  We were there 2 weeks ago to meet about our June wedding, and it was decorated for the holidays.  There are two lobbies (of the inn and banquet room) that have fire places.  The banquet hall is exposed beams, stone, etc.  The capacity is 250 and the price (including tax + tip) is within your budget.  Plus, the town is homey and quaint. 

    Not sure about the driving time to Middletown though since there aren't lots of direct east-west routes in that part of the state (I moved a long time ago so things might be better now).
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  • ashlieandfrankashlieandfrank
    100 Comments
    I definitely don't recommend the Stone House - we loved their decor, but the girl who gave us the tour was borderline brain dead. I don't trust anyone to plan my tens of thousands of dollars event that can't answer a simple question. Save yourself the trouble!
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  • jenniferbnycjenniferbnyc member
    First Comment
    Hi, I'm also getting married in Middletown!  I wanted rustic but the closest places I saw online were an hour away (approximately).  Check out The Inn at Fernbrook Farms http://www.innatfernbrookfarms.com/weddings/ and the Crossed Keys Inn http://crossedkeys.com/ .  Good luck and congrats :)

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  • agu101agu101 member
    500 Comments Second Anniversary
    What about Flanders Valley, the Bradford Estate or Windows on the Water at Frogbridge?  Unfortunately because Middletown is so close to the shore, most of the nearby venues will be more beach-related.  You'll need to go west or north to get more rustic.  The Freehold/Jackson area may have some more options.  
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  • ljsquintzljsquintz member
    100 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited January 2012
    I would recommend calling the Stone House again - it sounds like it is exactly what you are looking for.  They charge about $180 ++ for a Saturday night, with a required minimum of 200 guests.  Those numbers may even be lower in December.  My wedding is booked there, and I have had a good experience thus far with our event coordinator.  They even have outdoor fire pits!
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  • tshao1tshao1 member
    First Comment
    what was recommended to you in west orange? that may help me out in planning. finding a venue like this is tough!
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