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New Jersey
opulent wedding venues
Hi everyone! I just started my wedding for next year and although my FI and I are fine w/ a less over the top wedding, our families are very into a more "showy" wedding and since they are paying, we re going with it. Can anyone recommend some of the more opulent/higher end wedding venues in NJ- trying to stay in north jersey. The budget isnt really an issue, so any options would be great. If there is anything out on LI or NYC u think we should look at too, let me know. we are just feeling a bit overwhelmed. Thanks!
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Re: opulent wedding venues
Good luck!
ETA: A lot of it depends on whether by "opulent" you mean kind of gaudy-looking (crystal chandeliers, marble floors, etc - think Theresa's house from NJ Housewives) or if what you're looking for is a venue that's just expensive and expansive and that most people clearly wouldn't be able to afford (views of the city, sprawling grounds, private estate, etc).
It has a little bit of everything—a rustic, beautiful barn chapel (that’s the only part of the estate that’s original), a gorgeous main house for the cocktail hour which is set up throughout the entire first floor of the estate (the main house also has 12 overnight rooms for the bridal party). Then there’s a separate, awesome, ballroom with (50 foot?) high ceilings, glass windows and a marble dance floor. You have a choice of three caterers.
The grounds are breathtaking—there’s a pond, cherry blossoms, a gazebo and reflection pond. It’s stunning. I love it so much I want to live there LOL. If you have any questions, I’m happy to help. Lots of luck in your search :-)
I wanted to have our reception at the Liberty Science Center but we couldn't afford it. I think it was around $10k just to rent out the space, and $200 per plate on top of that.
MH's cousin had her reception at Oheka Castle in Long Island a few years ago. The grounds were very impressive and they had a ton of good food.
Good luck!
Take a look at weddingsofdistinctionnj.com. They have a few venues listed (including Ashford Estate)... my favortite is Bonnet Island Estate in LBI (would have loved to book that place but rental fee alone is like $20k). Also check out Natirar (www.natirar.com), which is further north.
The wedding planner suggestion is a good one, I am just and opposed to that since I think it would easily get out of control w/ our families and end up not being our event anymore. Thats why we want to try to plan it ourselves but at a venue they agree too. Our parents would turn it into a Kardashian type event haha.
I really like what Ive seen of Nanina's online, but my mom felt like it wasnt fancy enough arrr. I will check out some of the other suggestions. Also, what about central NJ places the Palace, Addison, and something else, I think it was the Impera? They looked more modern to me online. Are they? Are they still "showy" venues? How is the food at all the places mentioned? My main concern is that it tastes good. I also love the idea of a hotel wedding w/ everyone staying over, but our parents hotel venue ideas would be out of budget for our friends to stay at, so I guess thats out.
And just one other idea I had- is it possible to have a venue, say a hotel, with a regular ballroom and bring in things like draping, chandeliers, etc into the space? What type of company would do that? Would most venues allow this? Im thinking of maybe finding a nice place that we could dress up more for our families, but also not make our friends feel uncomfortable either.
Oh, and our guest list will be around 200-250people (this is who we assume will attend number, we have to invite a bit more)
Thank you all!
http://www.venetiannj.com/
http://6degreesofcelebration.com/index2.php#/home/
908-928-9093
When I first read your post I thought of: the Venetian, Naninas, the Pleasantdale, the Westmount and Florentine Gardens. If $ was no object for me, we'd be at Bonnet Island Estate in LBI, or one of their properties... it's $26,000 just to hold your event there, and then the catering begins! I went to a wedding there last year and it was simply amazing. It's not "gawdy opulent" though. GL and Have fun!
http://www.bonnetislandestate.com/
[QUOTE]Call my wedding planner - her name is Joan Glenn and she owns 6 Degrees of Celebration. She specializes in opulent weddings in NJ and NYC. I LOVE her (although my wedding isn't half as opulent as what she is used to- LOL). She is currently working with a few NFL players who have no budget. She can suggest amazing venues and also how to bring in all the extras (like draping, lighting, etc.) Her info is: <a href="http://6degreesofcelebration.com/index2.php#/home/" rel='nofollow'>http://6degreesofcelebration.com/index2.php#/home/</a> 908-928-9093 When I first read your post I thought of: the Venetian, Naninas, the Pleasantdale, the Westmount and Florentine Gardens. If $ was no object for me, we'd be at Bonnet Island Estate in LBI, or one of their properties... it's $26,000 just to hold your event there, and then the catering begins! I went to a wedding there last year and it was simply amazing. It's not "gawdy opulent" though. GL and Have fun! <a href="http://www.bonnetislandestate.com/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bonnetislandestate.com/</a>
Posted by Giaspo[/QUOTE]
Love Bonnet Island Estate!
[QUOTE] Both FI's and my parents feel that our wedding must out-do their friends childrens weddings. We feel this is silly and would love a low-key event, but they are sort of in the public eye and told us this is what is "expected." For instance, they have been to quite a few weddings at the Plaza, Waldorf, etc and want to make sure ours equal or better.
Posted by sarahlovesjeff[/QUOTE]
If this is the issue, then definitely check out Natirar. The property is stunning, and it's still new enough where many of their friends probably haven't attended weddings there, adding to the "wow" factor.
I must have gone to Bonnet Island Estate on an off day. We went to a wedding there last summer and it was nice, but nothing that particularly stands out. Everyone else raves about it, though.
[QUOTE]Thank u- with the Venetian - is it a one wedding at a time venue?
Posted by sarahlovesjeff[/QUOTE]
<div>No, they have multiple events and weddings at a time but their new room is beautiful. </div><div>
</div><div>As for your question about draping, etc., check out X-Quisite Events (in New Rochelle) and Diana Gould (in NYC and Westchester). Both of them do exactly this and more!</div>
[QUOTE]When I hear the word "opulence," I think about the DirecTV ad with the Russian oligarch character. "I has it." <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjWYbcbpiWA" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjWYbcbpiWA</a> I think an easier question is what ISN'T opulent around here? Most wedding venues in New Jersey have a very "grand" look to them (crystal chandeliers are popular), so you have plenty of options. But the following are the first ones I think of for all-out luxe. Venetian Crystal Plaza Rockleigh There are certainly more! I wouldn't call Liberty House opulent at all, even though it's pricey. It has more of a minimalistic-chic look. And regarding Pleasantdale, Oheka and Trump National (and I'll add Naritar to that list) they're the top of the line, but they don't scream "opulence" to me for some reason.
Posted by 37 Butter Knives[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div> want the mini giraffe from this commericial - wish they existed lol
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