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opulent wedding venues

sarahlovesjeffsarahlovesjeff
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in New Jersey
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

  • LindseyMarie2006LindseyMarie2006 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Try the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange. The venue is an old estate on acres of gardens. The cocktail hour would be throughout the estate and the reception room has a high domed ceiling - it's beautiful. 

    Good luck!
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  • peaches178peaches178
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm not sure of exactly what you're looking for, but the ones that come to mind right away are Park Savoy, Pleasantdale Chateau, Seasons, Florentine Gardens, Nanina's in the Park, Il Tulipano, Skylands Manor, Crystal Springs Resort, and Liberty House in Jersey City.

    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).
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  • alykat216alykat216
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Try the Westmount Country Club
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  • LJN414LJN414 member
    Fourth Anniversary 10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Hi, there! It's not in north Jersey, more central, but we’re getting married at The Ashford Estate in Allentown (Monmouth County).

    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 :-)
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  • mbcdefgmbcdefg member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    The Venetian is supposed to be really nice.

    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.
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  • mcjaysmcjays
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The Hyatt and Maritime Park in Jersey City and Chart House in Weehawken have good views of Manhattan and are fairly fancy. Also there's the Venetian in Garfield.
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  • agu101agu101 member
    500 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    We're getting married at Clark's Landing in Point Pleasant down by the shore, which is definitely a showy type of venue.  Gorgeous dining room and an amazing waterfront view.
    Anniversary Visit JerseyShore.Weddings.com
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  • DoubleASDoubleAS
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The Venetian and Park Savoy are the top two I can think of.
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  • TripleJTobeTripleJTobe
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Crystal Plaza
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  • diamondx423diamondx423
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Windows on the Water in Sea Bright. I'm pretty sure they're in the $200+pp range.
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  • G&G2010G&G2010 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Natirar in Peapack, Pleasantdale Chateau or Trump National Golf Club. If I didn't already get married (and if I had an unlimited budget!) I would choose Natirar. 
    Good luck!
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  • LissyM83LissyM83 member
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    Pleasantdale Chateau - I'm not booked there but I have heard great things
    Westmount Country Club
    The Venetian
    Rockleigh Country Club
    The Estate at Florentine Gardens - this is my venue and I'm probably a little biased but the ballroom is breathtaking with the chandeliers, high ceilings and windows.

    If price really isn't an issue, then definitely look at Oheka in Long Island. Depending on when you get married, the price per person can range from $250 - 500/pp and there's a $5,000 - $10,000 site fee on top of it.

    Also check out Capitale in NYC and of course The Plaza and Waldorf Astoria. If you can afford Oheka, The Plaza and Waldorf are basically the same price. 

    Congrats, good luck and don't be overwhelmed. Looking at venues was probably one of my favorites parts of wedding planning!
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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    When I hear the word "opulence," I think about the DirecTV ad with the Russian oligarch character.  "I has it." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjWYbcbpiWA 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.
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  • jchristeljchristel member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    The first thing that popped into my head when I read your post is Nanina's in the Park.  But they're probably considered more over the top than opulent.  
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  • shaper78shaper78
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    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.

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  • Jojo714Jojo714 member
    100 Comments Second Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    If budget isn't an issue, you might want to hire a wedding planner. They will help you find the perfect venue that fits what you and your fiancee are looking for.
    8-26-12-1-1 8-26-12-2
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  • sarahlovesjeffsarahlovesjeff
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thank you all so muc h for your help. I will start checking some of these places out. 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. We personally would be fine w/ a backyard wedding-something much more low key.

    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!
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  • DoubleASDoubleAS
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    It sounds like you need the new room at the Venetian.  The room is over the top in every way you can think of.  The service is great and the food is probably top three venue foods that I have ever tasted.  It's extremely "showy" and since $ is no option a Saturday night event would be perfect. 

    http://www.venetiannj.com/



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  • sarahlovesjeffsarahlovesjeff
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thank u- with the Venetian - is it a one wedding at a time venue?
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  • LindseyMarie2006LindseyMarie2006 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    No they have a few rooms (not sure how many) so there would be more than one wedding at a time.
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  • 37 Butter Knives37 Butter Knives member
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I forgot to mention The Grove in Cedar Grove. They just opened, so there aren't reviews out yet. If you can get past the issues they've been having with the neighbors, it's definitely got that "opulent" look.
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  • GiaspoGiaspo member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    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:
    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/
    image
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  • dalm0mdalm0m member
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Comments 25 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    The most opulent venues I can think of are  The Plesantdale Chateau and The Palace.  Otherwise you are going to have cross the river.  If you really want over the top think the Plaza or the Savoy in NYC.  You may want to consider a cruise around the Hudson.   
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  • shaper78shaper78
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_opulent-wedding-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:90Discussion:e1a40e09-9fcd-42bd-a9bb-b960bfaac205Post:13f09697-757d-4339-b142-8676ea0fbbb0">Re: opulent wedding venues</a>:
    [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!
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  • ChelseaB425ChelseaB425
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_opulent-wedding-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:e1a40e09-9fcd-42bd-a9bb-b960bfaac205Post:81e909a0-cb98-4ce9-bf37-2eb9d35c74e6">Re: opulent wedding venues</a>:
    [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.
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  • GiaspoGiaspo member
    Knottie Warrior 1000 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    If you want NYC, what about the TriBeCa Rooftop? I've never been but people rave about it. Please let us know how it goes.
    image
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  • TaraK22TaraK22 member
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I know PP's have mentioned it, but I have to 2nd (or 3rd or whatever, lol) the Rockleigh. I got married there April 30, so I'm a bit biased, but it definitely has the atmosphere you seem to be looking for!
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  • LJN414LJN414 member
    Fourth Anniversary 10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Oh, one more to check out would be Mallard Island, the venue we almost picked. It has the same owners and pricing as the Bonnet Island and the Ashford Estate. All three properties hold only one wedding at a time. Mallard and Bonnet are in LBI and Ashford is in central Jersey. The Pleasantdale Chateau and Florentine Gardens look gorgeous too! Have fun choosing. :-)
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  • LissyM83LissyM83 member
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_opulent-wedding-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:e1a40e09-9fcd-42bd-a9bb-b960bfaac205Post:5cdbe40c-4ac7-44e0-94de-b1500528ef34">Re: opulent wedding venues</a>:
    [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>
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  • LissyM83LissyM83 member
    Fourth Anniversary 500 Comments Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_opulent-wedding-venues?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:e1a40e09-9fcd-42bd-a9bb-b960bfaac205Post:a3e73f54-c15c-4203-bfe3-986092d9ec5f">Re: opulent wedding venues</a>:
    [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

    </div>
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