Travel Note
From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): ~1 hour 45 minutes by car (without traffic) We recommend renting a car if flying into Newark. From NYC (by car): ~2 hours from Manhattan (depending on traffic) Take I-95 S to the Garden State Parkway, then exit 63 for LBI. Bus Option: BusBud offers direct routes from NYC to Surf City and NJ Transit offers routes from NYC Port Authority to Manahawkin, which is about 15 minutes from LBI.
Travel Note
We’re so excited to celebrate with you! We’ve reserved room blocks at a few local hotels and highly recommend booking early, as it’s a popular area—especially in the summer.
Hotel
The wedding will take place at Hotel LBI, a beautiful, modern hotel right on Long Beach Island in Ship Bottom. It features spacious suites, a rooftop bar, indoor pool, and plenty of amenities. If you’re looking for convenience and want to be right where the festivities are happening, this is the place to stay. Please click the "view" button directly below to access the hotel website and follow the directions listed here: Click on "Rate Options" Enter code: LHW26 Click apply Please note: The room types that appear after entering the code are part of our reserved hotel block. The hotel also offers a variety of other room types that may not be included in the block. If you’d like to book one of those, you’re welcome to do so without using the code!
Hotel
Just a few minutes away is Drifting Sands Hotel, a laid-back, beachside hotel also in Ship Bottom. It’s perfect for guests who want to stay right on the ocean and enjoy a more casual, coastal vibe. It’s walkable to local shops and restaurants, and even pet-friendly if you're bringing a furry friend. Plus, a shuttle will be available to take guests to and from the wedding venue. Please click the "view" button directly below to access the hotel group rate directly. Group Code: Licker Hildebrand Wedding Please note: The group rate will be labeled as “Group Rate” at the top and is discounted off the hotel’s standard fully flexible rate. Rates may vary depending on demand, so we recommend booking early to secure the best price.
Hotel
We’ve also reserved a block at The Mainland Holiday Inn in Manahawkin, just across the causeway. This hotel offers great amenities like a restaurant and pub, fire pits, and family-friendly activities. Plus, a shuttle will be available to take guests to and from the wedding venue. Please click the "view" button directly below to access the hotel group rate directly. Group code: LHW
House Or Rental
There are many great Airbnb and vacation rental options nearby. We recommend looking in Surf City or Ship Bottom for the easiest access to our venue and shuttle pickups.
Shuttle
June 13, 2026 4:30 pm
While Ubers and Lyfts do exist in the area, availability can be spotty—especially late in the evening. To make things easier for everyone, we’ll be providing shuttle service to and from the hotels listed above on the day of the wedding. Detailed shuttle times and pickup locations will be shared closer to the date.
Start your morning right at one of these beloved spots: ScoJo’s (Surf City) Wally’s (Surf City) LBI Table (Ship Bottom) Lighthouse Restaurant & Grille (Surf City)
How You Brewin’? (Surf City & Barnegat Light) Baked on the Beach (Surf City) The Corner Bakery (Surf City)
Azzurri (Harvey Cedars) - Upscale Mediterranean/Italian cuisine with ocean-inspired dishes (reservations recommended) Salt (Hotel LBI, Ship Bottom) – Elevated coastal dining in a beautiful setting (reservations recommended) Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon (Beach Haven) – Waterfront views and fresh oysters (reservations recommended) Mud City Crab House (Manahawkin) – Walk-ins only; go early, it gets crowded! Ship Bottom Shellfish (Ship Bottom) – Also walk-in only and very popular—early arrival suggested Isola (Beach Haven) – Charming Italian spot with handmade pasta (reservations recommended) Daddy O (Brant Beach) – Upscale restaurant and rooftop bar in a boutique hotel (reservations recommended)
The Boatyard (Manahawkin) – Outdoor bar with food, games, and a marina vibe Bird & Betty’s (Beach Haven) – Live music, dancing, and a fun surf-themed atmosphere Joe Pop’s Shore Bar (Ship Bottom) – Lively dive bar with live bands and karaoke Daddy O Rooftop Bar (Brant Beach) – Trendy rooftop with cocktails, small bites, and a great view Hotel LBI Rooftop Bar (Ship Bottom) – Upscale, relaxing rooftop perfect for a sunset drink
Flamingo Mini Golf (Surf City) – A nostalgic must-do Bay Village (Beach Haven) - A charming shopping and snack village with boutiques, souvenirs, fudge, and classic boardwalk treats Fantasy Island Amusement Park (Beach Haven) – Rides, arcade games, and carnival snacks for all ages Barnegat Lighthouse (Barnegat Light) – A historic lighthouse offering panoramic views and scenic walks