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Updated Mar 06, 20256 Lush New Jersey Garden Venues
There's a reason why New Jersey is called the Garden State. Take a look at these lush wedding sites from Bergen to Atlantic County.
by Jaclyn Saumell
Brigalias
396 Williamstown Road, Sicklerville;
(856) 629-4545; Brigalias.com
This is not your typical garden. Run by a family and dedicated to quality, Brigalias is home to a red "Love" sculpture—perfect for a photo op with your new spouse. Nearby, there are multiple locations for the ceremony and reception. Have the service indoors at an on-site European-style chapel decorated with gold detailing. Or, maximize the scenery with an existing covered location surrounded by neutral columns. (Bonus: A few fans overhead will keep your guests cool in the hotter months.) There are two elaborate ballrooms that can house 100 to 300 guests for dinner and dancing. Plus, you won't have to go far to look for vendors: The in-house coordinator can provide a short list of the best professionals the site has worked with.
The Manor Restaurant
111 Prospect Ave., West Orange;
(973) 325-2060; TheManorRestaurant.com
With 20 acres of landscaped grounds and an expansive English-manor-inspired waterfall by the patio, describing this spot as anything but lavish would be an understatement. Multiple spaces ranging from gold-adorned banquet rooms to the brick-covered wine cellar and chic wood-lined parlors are all available for your ceremony and reception. But our favorite spot is outdoors in the formal gardens. Start your procession through an archway of greenery and pink mandevilla and exchange vows under the gloriette (an ornate, raised pergola) at the end of the path. After your "I dos," hand-laid brick walkways will lead your guests and wedding party to nearby fountains, a green iron gazebo, a brick bridge over the waterfall and many more spaces fit for a photo op. Any other details will easily be taken care of by the experienced staff and event planners who have hosted more than 10,000 weddings since 1956.
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Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton St., Princeton;
(609) 924-8144; Morven.org
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Enjoy nature and a touch of Jersey's past all in one spot. Morven, a national landmark, was once home to a signer of the Declaration of Independence and five New Jersey governors. Mementos from their lives as well as fine art, sculptures, local artifacts and gorgeous views of the five-acre property will be on display for you and 60 guests during dinner on the first or second floor. But what really caught our eye was the Grand Victorian Front Lawn. The same flowers and grand capatala trees have grown here since the 18th century, making it an ideal place to have a tented reception for up to 350 guests. The Colonial Revival Garden is also nearby, with the state's best cherry blossoms perfect for a photo backdrop.
Pratt Gardens
158-B Country Home Road, Pilesgrove;
(856) 769-1145; PrattGardens.com
With 100 hybrid azaleas throughout the property, these private gardens pop. While the Pratt family still owns the property, they continue to share it with the public between the last two weeks of April and the first two weeks of May, when the azaleas are in full bloom. Have your ceremony under the wood gazebo and take in its natural backdrop of rolling hills. Rent a tent for an outdoor reception and continue to take in the sights.
Ramsey Golf and Country Club
105 Lakeside Drive, Ramsey;
(201) 327-0009; RamseyCountryClub.com
You don't have to be a member to have a lavish wedding at this country club. It's nothing short of luxurious, with a 100-year-old Norman-inspired castle as its clubhouse. The formal gardens provide a natural choice for the ceremony, and a stone-covered staircase creates the ultimate entrance. Then 50 to 200 guests can take in the view of the natural space from a glass-enclosed atrium fit with a dance floor and space for live entertainment. Here, only white-glove butler service will do.
Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury
1 Obre Place, Shrewsbury;
(732) 747-0200; Shadowbrook.com
It's possible to have a garden wedding without your heels ever touching the dirt. Every space in this estate is connected by brick walkways and gorgeous views. With its modern landscape, European fountains, lush greenery and vibrant florals, the grounds at Shadowbrook offer a visual feast, and they can be appreciated from an intimate ceremony by the gazebo or grand pergola. There's no need to leave the outdoors for your fete. Enjoy dinner or a cocktail hour among the foliage with chic outdoor seating by the ballroom. Or, come inside and make your event the epitome of elegance with room for up to 250 guests under gold, regal chandeliers. Whatever spot you choose, its experienced staff is ready to help you plan it all.
