The 14 Best Wedding Venues in New Jersey

New Jersey offers an incredible variety of wedding venues, from budget-friendly farms and rustic barns to elegant ballrooms with Manhattan skyline views. Whether you're drawn to historic estates with centuries-old charm or waterfront properties perfect for intimate celebrations, the Garden State has options that work for every style and budget. Finding the right venue means understanding what each type offers and how different locations can shape your entire wedding experience.

The key to choosing your perfect New Jersey venue lies in matching your vision with practical considerations like guest count, location convenience, and service style. Some venues provide all-inclusive packages that handle everything from catering to coordination, while others offer flexible spaces where you can bring your own vendors and create a completely custom celebration.

New Jersey Wedding Venue Types

New Jersey venues fall into several distinct categories, each offering unique advantages for different wedding styles and budgets. From classic ballrooms, to rustic manors, to luxury estates with full-service packages, understanding your options helps narrow your search. The following sections showcase the best venues in four key categories that represent the most popular choices among New Jersey couples.

Best Affordable Wedding Venues in New Jersey (Under $15,000)

These venues prove you don't need to spend a fortune to find an affordable wedding venue. Each offers exceptional value while maintaining high standards for service and ambiance, as vetted Zola vendors. Each offers exceptional value while maintaining high standards for service and ambiance.

The Villa Farm

About: This private estate wedding venue sits on 23 acres in Somerset County, offering both indoor and outdoor settings surrounded by nature. “The Barn” offers a rustic chic design, while their “The Farmhouse” is a beautiful 1800s mansion with historic charm.

Pricing: Starting at $6,999

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Venue Type: Farms, Barns, Ranches

Unique Amenities: Free overnight stay at the farmhouse for 25+ guests, pet-friendly ceremonies, Catering services

Why Zola recommends this venue: The Villa Farm delivers unmatched value with complimentary overnight accommodations for your wedding party. This benefit alone saves couples thousands compared to booking separate hotel rooms, making it perfect for couples who want their loved ones to celebrate and unwind together.

Resorts Casino Hotel

About: Located on Atlantic City's famous boardwalk, this venue combines classic charm with modern amenities and stunning ocean views.

Pricing: Starting at $10,000

Service: All-inclusive with on-site accommodations

Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Venue Type: Beaches, Waterfront Settings

Unique Amenities: Ocean views, 5 ballroom options, multiple themed restaurants

Why Zola recommends this venue: Perfect for couples wanting a destination wedding feel without the travel complications. Guests can enjoy an entire wedding weekend with accommodations, dining, and entertainment all in one location, making planning simpler for couples and more convenient for guests.

“From the moment we first contacted them, their communication was clear, constant, and fast. The quality of their work and the value they provided was nothing short of luxury.” - Gianna and L., Zola verified review.

The Madison Hotel

About: With over 85 years of experience, this New Jersey landmark is known for flawless events and award-winning cuisine.

Pricing: Starting at $10,000

Service: All-inclusive

Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: Conservatory room, Historic landmark setting, On-site accommodations

Why Zola recommends this venue: Nearly nine decades of hosting events means they've perfected every detail. The Madison Hotel's proven track record and experienced team provide peace of mind for couples who value reliability and exceptional service.

Johnson's Locust Hall Farm

About: Dating to 1692 with a magnificent stone barn from 1787, this venue offers historic charm with rolling pastures and authentic rustic spaces.

Pricing: Starting at $12,500

Capacity: Up to 150 guests

Venue Type: Farms, Barns, Ranches

Unique Amenities: Event coordinator, Pet-friendly, Historic stone barn

Why Zola recommends this venue: The combination of centuries-old architecture with modern amenities creates an unforgettable backdrop. The authentic stone barn provides natural ambiance that eliminates the need for extensive decorating, helping couples save on decor costs.

Best Classic Ballrooms and Estate Venues

For couples with flexible budgets who dream of grand celebrations, these venues offer timeless elegance with sophisticated settings and full-service packages.

The Palace at Somerset Park

About: Set on 40 acres of manicured estate gardens, featuring 25-foot ceilings, custom chandeliers, and grand staircases for dramatic entrances.

Pricing: Starting at $25,000

Service: All-inclusive

Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: 5,000 sq ft terrace with fire pits, Complimentary valet parking, Grand staircase

Why Zola recommends this venue: The Palace delivers true luxury with expansive grounds and dramatic architectural features that create stunning photo opportunities. The massive terrace with fire pits provides elegant cocktail hour space regardless of season.

Skyview Golf Club

About: Spanning 190 acres in Sussex County, combining rustic log cabin charm with elegant ballroom sophistication and panoramic mountain views.

Pricing: Starting at $25,000

Service: All-inclusive

Capacity: Up to 265 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: Panoramic mountain views, Event coordinator, 15-foot string-lit ceilings

Why Zola recommends this venue: Skyview offers the unique combination of rustic outdoor ceremony options with elegant indoor reception spaces. This versatility appeals to couples who want variety and stunning natural backdrops for different parts of their celebration.

Park Chateau Estate & Gardens

About: Nestled on 15 rolling acres and featuring classic French architecture making this both beautiful and an elegant celebration with over 30 years of catering excellence.

Capacity: Up to 380 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: French architecture, Complimentary valet, On-site accommodations

Why Zola recommends this venue: The French château design creates a romantic European atmosphere that transports guests to another world. The convenient location between major metro areas makes it accessible for guests traveling from New York or Philadelphia.

Nanina's In The Park

About: A New Jersey landmark, this venue has been hosting weddings for over 65 years.  Featuring their famous cherry gardens and Tuscan-style architecture within a historical park setting.

Capacity: Up to 400 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: Cherry blossom gardens, Complimentary valet parking, Event coordinator

Why Zola recommends this venue: The combination of cherry blossom gardens and traditional architecture creates picture-perfect ceremony and cocktail hour settings. Spring weddings here are particularly magical when the cherry trees are in bloom.

Liberty House Restaurant

About: Located in historic Liberty State Park, boasting unsurpassed views of the NYC skyline, Ellis Island, and Statue of Liberty.

Capacity: Up to 325 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: NYC skyline views, Floor-to-ceiling windows, Event coordinator

Why Zola recommends this venue: The iconic views of Manhattan and Lady Liberty create a backdrop that no other New Jersey venue can match, combined with floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views, and wrap-around terrace. These views provide naturally stunning photo opportunities that eliminate the need for elaborate decorations.

Best All-Inclusive Wedding Venues

All-inclusive venues simplify planning by bundling venue rental, catering, and coordination services. These options work perfectly for couples who want a streamlined experience without compromising on quality.

Riverview Ballroom

About: A premier venue in Cliffside Park offering luxury ballrooms with stunning NYC skyline views, specializing in multicultural and international weddings.

Pricing: Starting at $25,000

Service: All-inclusive

Capacity: Up to 650 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: NYC skyline views, Multicultural wedding specialist, Flexible catering options

Why Zola recommends this venue: Riverview's expertise in multicultural celebrations and flexible vendor policies make it ideal for couples wanting to incorporate cultural traditions. The team understands the unique requirements of diverse ceremonies and receptions.

“They offered so many thoughtful touches - like including a beautiful bench option for under the bedeckin and even a chuppah - and packed so much into the package that most venues would charge extra for.” - Talya A., Zola verified review.

Crossed Keys Estate

About: This luxury estate sits on 30+ acres in Andover, featuring gardens, meadows, and historic buildings with a brand-new glass-enclosed Conservatory.

Pricing: Starting at $31,000

Service: All-inclusive

Capacity: Up to 275 guests

Venue Type: Historic Estates, Mansions

Unique Amenities: Glass-enclosed conservatory, On-site accommodations, Complimentary valet parking

Why Zola recommends this venue: The new Conservatory creates magical cocktail hours with natural light and garden views, while the historic grounds offer multiple photo opportunities across 30 acres. The all-inclusive packages eliminate vendor coordination stress.

Best Unique and Rustic Wedding Venues

For couples seeking something different from traditional ballrooms, these venues offer character and charm that align with current trends toward garden parties and rustic celebrations.

Perona Farms

About: A fifth-generation family farm on 57 acres in Andover, featuring three unique venues with on-site greenhouse and beehives for farm-to-table experiences.

Capacity: Up to 275 guests

Venue Type: Farms, Barns, Ranches

Unique Amenities: Seasonal farm-to-table menus, Two onsite accommodations homes, Event coordinator

Why Zola recommends this venue: The working farm element with greenhouse and beehives creates the ultimate farm-to-table experience that guests will remember forever. Multiple venue options on one property provide flexibility for different celebration styles.

North Shore House

About: This lakefront property in Highland Lakes combines rustic appeal with modern amenities across 27 acres of pristine waterfront, perfect for weekend-long celebrations.

Capacity: Up to 175 guests

Venue Type: Beaches, Waterfront Settings

Unique Amenities: 27 acres of lakefront property, Honeymoon suite, Room blocks offered

Why Zola recommends this venue: The opportunity to host a full wedding weekend on a private lake creates an intimate retreat atmosphere for you and your closest friends and family. 

Valleybrook Country Club by Ron Jaworski Weddings

About: Located in Blackwood among lush green hills, this golf course venue offers elegant indoor and outdoor options with personalized service.

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Venue Type: Ballrooms, Banquet Halls

Unique Amenities: Magnolia tree-lined outdoor ceremony space, Event coordinator, Pet-friendly

Why Zola recommends this venue: The team's mission to reflect each couple's unique style and personality ensures your wedding feels authentically you rather than cookie-cutter. The golf course setting provides beautiful natural backdrops for photos.

How to Choose Your Perfect New Jersey Wedding Venue

Start your venue search by determining your guest count and budget, as these factors will narrow your options significantly. Most New Jersey couples plan for 100-200 guests and should expect to book popular venues 12-18 months in advance. Location plays a crucial role in guest attendance, as venues closer to major metro areas, like NYC, typically see higher RSVP rates.

Consider what type of experience you want to create for your guests. Classic ballrooms work well for formal celebrations, while rustic farms and waterfront venues suit couples who prefer relaxed, natural settings. Think about the logistics, too. Does the venue provide adequate parking? Is it accessible for elderly guests or those with mobility concerns? For friends and family traveling from nearby states, is it a central location?

Essential venue selection criteria:

• Package transparency: Understand exactly what's included in quoted prices versus additional costs
• Vendor flexibility: Know whether you can bring outside vendors or must use preferred suppliers
• Weather contingencies: Confirm backup plans for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours
• Service capacity: Ensure adequate staff-to-guest ratios for smooth service during peak moments
• Hidden fee awareness: Ask about overtime charges, service fees, and gratuity policies upfront

Smart booking strategies:

• Visit during peak season: Tour venues during busy periods to see how they handle multiple events
• Ask about off-peak pricing: Consider Friday or Sunday weddings, or off-peak months for potential savings
• Understand cancellation policies: Review contract terms carefully, especially given recent event uncertainties
• Request vendor recommendations: Get lists of preferred photographers, florists, and other key vendors

Start Planning Your New Jersey Wedding

Finding the perfect venue is just the beginning of creating your dream celebration. Once you've secured your space, you'll need to explore pre-screened local vendors to bring your vision to life. This includes photographers who capture every precious moment and florists who transform your venue into something magical.

Zola's marketplace connects you with New Jersey's top-rated wedding vendors, all pre-screened by our vendor specialists to ensure quality and reliability. Our platform makes it easy to find professionals who match your style, budget, and date availability with intuitive filters that save you hours of research time.

Whether you're looking for unique wedding venues in central Jersey, searching for the best reception venues near NYC, or browsing Jersey Shore venues, our comprehensive vendor network covers every corner of the Garden State. Browse top-rated wedding venues in New Jersey with Zola to start building your dream wedding team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions couples have when selecting their perfect New Jersey wedding venue.

When should I book my New Jersey wedding venue?

According to the Zola Wedding Cost Index, popular New Jersey venues book an average of 13 months in advance. Start touring venues 15-18 months before your desired date to ensure the best selection, especially for peak season weddings between May and October.

What's typically included in New Jersey wedding venue packages?

Most venue packages include basic elements like tables, chairs, and linens, but services vary widely between venues. All-inclusive venues typically bundle catering, bar service, and coordination, while venue-only spaces require separate arrangements for these services.

How much should I budget for a New Jersey wedding venue?

Based on Zola Wedding Cost Index data, couples typically spend around $9,600 for their New Jersey venue for 150 guests. Budget-friendly options start around $7,000, while luxury venues can reach $30,000 or more depending on location and inclusions.

What questions should I ask during venue tours?

Focus on practical details during tours: total capacity limits, rain contingency plans, vendor restrictions, setup and breakdown timeframes, parking availability, and all fees including service charges and taxes to avoid budget surprises later.