The wedding scene has looked differently the past few months as in-person gatherings have been limited due to the coronavirus. With stay-at-home orders lifted on June 9th, limitations have also been expanded to allow for inside gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 250. It’s expected that those limitations will continue to increase throughout the summer to possibly 500 people by July 3rd. For those weddings that have been postponed until now, or optimistically stayed on the calendar for their original summer 2020 date, here is a roundup of social distancing-friendly tips, tricks, and venues for weddings. Keep reading for a list of New Jersey wedding venues that offer outdoor ceremonies for brides + grooms looking to pick a venue in these unpredictable times.
Tips and Tricks
Now that it seems as if the entire world has grown accustomed to social distancing, here are a few wedding-style suggestions to help make your big day special, even while social distancing.
Host a Mixed-Event Wedding
One way a couple can celebrate their wedding day without too much risk is to host their wedding festivities in shifts. Consider having a smaller group attend one or two, but not all, of the events like the rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, evening reception, or brunch the following morning. Separating guests allows everyone to celebrate while still keeping numbers low at any given time.
Create Celebration Stations
Another option features a full guest list in attendance {remember to stay under the current mandated maximum} but multiple stations during the festivities. Where possible have multiple locations for guests to get drinks, grab their food, and even dance. If the venue has several areas like a garden, a ballroom, and a terrace, encourage smaller groups to gather by creating these stations in separate areas. Everyone can still celebrate together while keeping their distance.
See More: This Jersey City Couple’s Socially Distant, Waterfront Wedding Will Melt Your Heart
Keep Everyone’s Health in Mind
While it might not be the way a couple imagined their, it’s a good idea to have multiple hand washing or hand sanitizer stations available for attendees. Also, since mask-wearing has become the new norm, get creative with it and design custom wedding masks for the wedding party and guests. As for decor, stick to the essentials: table linens, signage, wedding florals, and lighting will keep setup and breakdown simple and straightforward for the staff. In all things, be considerate of the health of your guests and everyone will enjoy their time celebrating your special day.
Outdoor Ceremony Locations
Now to the meat of this article — where to host your socially distant wedding. Here is a list of a few outdoor locales that would be a great backdrop for your special day.
Crystal Plaza {305 West Northfield Road, Livingston}
Guest Capacity: 300+
Price: $$$$
Before it became a beloved event venue, the historic Crystal Plaza was originally a residential mansion. While the restored building has since been reincarnated as one of the leading wedding and event spaces in the Tristate area, it still maintains the feeling of its 19th-century grandeur, making it a distinct and picturesque setting for those unforgettable days.
Nanina’s In The Park {540 Mill Street, Belleville}
Guest Capacity: 300+
Price: $$$
The moment guests step foot on the luxurious grounds they will be swept away by the beauty and grandeur of Nanina’s. This location transports guests to a timeless villa in Tuscany, immersing them in a combination of lush outdoor gardens, grand interior ballrooms, marble staircases, and sophisticated amenities.
The Park Savoy Estate {236 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park}
Guest Capacity: 300+
Price: $$$
This historic site has had many lives, over one hundred years ago it was home to one of the early Florham Park families. Today, a dedicated staff strives to make each event everything brides and grooms wish it to be. Attention to detail is the highest priority in order to provide a curated experience for each client.
Crossed Keys Estate {289 Pequest Road, Andover}
Guest Capacity: Up to 250
Price: $$
This estate house, built in the 1790s, was originally designed as an oasis to escape city life. Now it’s rustic charm captures the heart of brides and grooms looking for a peaceful wedding venue with 200-year-old trees, vast meadows, and cool breezes.
Park Chateau Estate and Gardens {678 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick}
Guest Capacity: 350+
Price: $$$
This elegant venue allows its visitors to step into the pages of a classic French novel by embracing the gorgeous architecture of the time and capturing the essence of romance. View the website for a picture gallery and a full list of services.
Biagio’s and The Terrace {299 Paramus Road, Paramus}
Guest Capacity: 300+
Price: $$$
This family-owned and operated restaurant and banquet hall brings its intimate ambiance to a grand scale. The color-lit waterfalls and unique rooftop terrace are perfect for photos and ceremonies. Stunning 28-foot entryway ceilings, Italian marble, luxurious bridal suite, and grand ballroom offer an ideal location for a classic New Jersey wedding.
Pleasantdale Chateau {757 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange}
Guest Capacity: 300+
Price: $$$$
Set on what was once among the world’s greatest private estates, the grand yet intimate atmosphere at Pleasantdale Chateau is the perfect setting for unique wedding ceremonies. Manicured gardens and antique gazebos set the stage for a garden wedding, while the stunning chateau invites spectacular celebration.
Read More: Our Ultimate Bridal Guide Vendor Directory is Here
The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant {212 Centre Street, Beach Haven}
Guest Capacity: Up to 150
Price: $$
This beautifully restored Victorian inn makes for a cozy wedding venue. The Gables offers an intimate setting for a garden wedding with the entire inn being able to accommodate 100 guests for a sit-down reception.
Waterside Events {7800 B River Road, North Bergen}
Guest Capacity: Up to 250
Price: $$$
From simple and sophisticated to daringly vibrant, Waterside is designed to provide each happy couple with a modern event space to make their wedding day vision become a reality. With a variety of areas to choose from, each one offers something unique like spectacular Hudson River views.
The Estate at Farrington Lake {16 Patrick Street, East Brunswick}
Guest Capacity: 300+
Price: $$$
The dedicated staff at The Estate will help plan a wedding that will take your breath away. Privately situated on 22 acres of lakefront property, The Estate’s solarium-style reception room overlooking the water makes for an unforgettable wedding venue.
What are your social distancing-friendly wedding tips and tricks? Comment below!
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