I toured 8 venues around NJ, and found some 'good enough' options... but when I visited this one, I knew I found the one. I am still in love with how amazingly spacious and beautifully rustic the Conservatory is.
Choosing the venue is not an e...asy decision. Standard requirements are good food (choose one of their 3 preferred caterers), easy to work with staff, reasonable cost. Our other requirements were high ceilings & lots of light (because better pictures), fits up to 250 guests and indoor/outdoor options (because of NJ weather). Check check check!
Not only would I be supporting a non-profit organization, the fairgrounds was extremely flexible in their policies and even allows pets on site. They only do only 1 event per day and lets you in as early as 5 hours prior to get ready or take pictures. There were mini-gardens and lakes and barns, and there were all sorts of fun festivals going on throughout the year (aka good cell service despite being in a rural area).
Plus the reception hall speaks for itself. Climate-controlled glasshouse makes the indoors feel like outdoors, the wood from sustainable forests of South America and the chandelier decor imported from European designers. There's even a giant garage door for my grand entrance!
I did take a star off for responsiveness. The coordinator had left shortly we had signed on, and despite trying to reach out several times, there were more than a few months of radio silence that got me worried... The newly hired coordinator did reach out a few weeks before the big day, and we managed to get everything prepared in time. Door Games / Tea Ceremony in the Bridal Suite / Zen Garden, Ceremony in the Fun Barn, Cocktail on the patio area & Reception in the Conservatory. Everything is on a hard surface & on one ground floor, and a short walk from each other, so no worries for high heels or wheelchair accessibility. All the hired staff on the day were great to work with and made sure all went smoothly.
Having attended many weddings, I still think hands-down Sussex Conservatory is the best!