11 Best Wedding Venues in New Jersey & New York

As a wedding calligrapher, I’m often lucky enough to see the best wedding venues in New Jersey and New York, when they are at their best. By the time the wedding signage arrives, these wedding venues are dressed to the nines. Today, I wanted to share with you (in my humble opinion) the 11 best wedding venues in New Jersey and New York City! I know that choosing a wedding venue is often the first (and arguably one of the most important) decisions you’ll make as your start your wedding planning! I’ve tried to make it a little easier by only including the best of the best on this list! I’m also sharing some photos from my favorite wedding calligraphy couples so you can start to feel inspired about your own wedding decor!

Before I dive into my favorite wedding venues, I wanted to quickly introduce myself. I’m Alane, the creative force behind Write Pretty for Me (you can learn more about me here). I have a ton of helpful wedding planning tips and inspiration on my blog, but if you want to talk about your wedding (and start brainstorming all the beautiful things), click the button below to set up a consultation. I’m already starting to book up for 2022 so as soon as you have your wedding venue, let’s get your date on the calendar!

Battello

Battello has some of the most incredible Manhattan skylines in all of New Jersey. With tall ceilings, wooden beams, and chandeliers, it’s the perfect place to rock an industrial chic wedding vibe. You can also lean into the wooden beams and bar decor, and choose more rustic wedding decor to naturally complement the wedding venue. I’ve talked about this on the blog before, but this venue is a perfect example of blending a couple decor styles.

Crossed Keys Estate

If you are dreaming of a “done for you” stress-free wedding experience, Crossed Keys Estate offers a one-stop shop. Just an hour from Manhattan, you may recognize this wedding venue from our first real wedding feature here. One of my favorite parts about Crossed Keys Estate is the abundance of outdoor space. Not only is this perfect for your wedding ceremony (and after, your wedding portraits), they have an airy reception tent that’s truly to die for.

Bear Brook Valley

Bear Brook Valley is a rustic outdoor wedding venue that has my whole heart. You can have your ceremony in front of a heart-shaped pond, and then have your reception in their ballroom (with floor-to-ceiling accordion doors!). If you are looking for a farmhouse chic experience in Northwestern New Jersey, look no further.

Stone House at Stirling Ridge

If one of the things you are most looking forward to on your wedding day is the food, the farm to fork experience at Stone House at Stirling Ridge is practically infamous. Located on 10 acres of gardens and set in the middle of the Watchung Mountains, this wedding venue feels like a true oasis. The design comprises of steel, wood, and stone, so whatever your wedding vision is, it will look (and feel) incredible here.

Ryland Inn

The Ryland Inn is a sister property of Stone House at Stirling Ridge and is just as incredible. This equestrian estate has such a warm feel to it, and truly embodies “elegance defined”. With a rich 200 year history, they have preserved and embraced much of the original architecture, while still updating the venue with modern touches that today’s couples getting married have come to know and love (stunning chandeliers, exposed wooden beams, and outstanding dining).

Rock Island Lake Club

A sister wedding venue to Bear Brook Valley, Rock Island Lake Club is another outdoor wedding venue tucked in Northwestern New Jersey that feels like a place of its own. The photos below are from a fall wedding and I have to be honest, the rich colors take my breath away. If you are looking for that modern rustic lakeside romance, you couldn’t dream up a better New Jersey wedding venue.

Spring Lake Golf Club

Can you tell by now that I love outdoor wedding venues with a water feature? I had to include just one more. If you love the idea of a golf club wedding, this just might be the one. Spring Lake Golf Club will take your breath away at every corner, with 360 degrees of incredible views. They don’t have much (any!) information on their website, but I promise it’s worth the inquiry.

Red Maple Vineyard

Now, let’s talk about New York! Red Maple Vineyard started as a dairy farm and has transformed into one of the most incredible wedding venues in Hudson Valley. I love any business that’s family-owned and operated and here, you can really feel the difference. There are a few different location options on the property and the Pavilion for your wedding reception is INCREDIBLE. Plus, with 4 acres of vineyard, you know the wine will be a hit!

The Roundhouse

The Roundhouse in Beacon, New York is both a top-rated restaurant and an outstanding event space. If you are planning a micro wedding, they have semi-private spaces in their restaurant for up to 38 people. Dreaming of a more grande affair? Their Waterfall Room sits up to 200 guests and adorns floor to ceiling windows so you feel flooded with natural light. Of course, they have space for everything in between as well with a mixture of indoor and outdoor locations.

Wainwright House

Wainwright House is a stunning outdoor wedding venue in New York, with outdoor tented space that seats up to 240 guests (or 300 for cocktail hour). Your ceremony will take place in front of their gorgeous waterfront views, where you can see across the Milton Harbor to the Marshlands Conservancy.

Cedar Lakes Estate

Did I save the best for last or can you tell that each and every one of these venues have a piece of my heart here at Write Pretty for Me.

Cedar Lakes Estate is a private estate wedding venue in the heart of Hudson Valley, with overnight accommodation right on the property so you never have to leave. If you are looking for something truly unique, they have a mountaintop ceremony location that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. For your cocktail hour, enjoy their open-air pavilion with twinkling bistro lights and an oversized fire pit in the center (while guests enjoy your signature cocktail – of course!). Finally, you can dance the night away in their 5400 square foot fully restored barn (complete with crystal chandeliers, floor to ceiling windows, and handcrafted barnwood tables).

Choosing for the Best Wedding Venues in New Jersey and New York

I hope you are feeling excited to start venue shopping here in New Jersey and New York. I know this is a big decision, but it’s also really exciting and likely one of the first official wedding planning decisions you’ll make. I’m so excited for you! If you are shopping for your wedding venue right now (and you love the calligraphy and decor ideas shown here), I would love to hear more about your wedding day vision. Even if you don’t quite have a venue booked yet, click the button below and let’s have a conversation about your day. Or, if you would like more information about what working with a wedding calligrapher is really like, head here to learn more about my process.