As I’m sure you’ve found out by now, it’s not cheap to get married in New Jersey. In fact, according the The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in New Jersey in 2022 was $51,000—the most expensive state to get married in. Lucky us! Thankfully there’s a huge range of options available for your New Jersey wedding. Yes, there are gorgeous venues that are currently charging $450 per person. But there are also some really great New Jersey affordable wedding options that may be a better fit with your budget.
Tips That Will Save You Money
While on your search for a New Jersey affordable wedding venue, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
1. A minimal guest list. The best way to keep costs down is to keep your guest count as low as possible. Since your venue typically accounts for 50% of your budget, the lower your guest count, the lower your final venue bill. This is the most effective way to cut costs.
2. Alternative days of the week: Consider Thursday, Friday and Sundays. And if you REALLY want a deal and are completely flexible, midweek weddings offer an incredible savings. As one venue owner told me: “Your pictures don’t say what day of the week it was!” Everything will look just as beautiful and taste just as great as a Saturday night wedding, but with one of these alternative days of the week, you’ll get it everything you dreamed about at a fraction of the cost.
3. Time of year. October and June are the most popular times of the year to get married. So if you inquire about January, February and March dates, you’ll find lower prices. It simply comes down to supply and demand. Since fewer couples are getting married in these months, you’re able to find lower prices.
4. Country clubs typically tend to offer rates that are much lower than a reception hall. Since weddings are not their primary source of income, you can find some really beautiful ballrooms and settings for lower prices.
5. Hotel weddings. Many New Jersey hotels have banquet rooms on-site with great ballrooms for weddings, along with reasonable rates. Again, weddings aren’t their primary business. Benefits to a hotel wedding include eliminating the need—and cost—for transportation since everyone is all in one place. It also gives you peace of mind that your guests can just walk upstairs to their rooms rather than drive home late at night after a festive celebration. Many hotels will also offer a complimentary bridal suite for either getting ready with your maids or a honeymoon suite for the night of your wedding—another significant savings. And don’t forget to ask if they have a hotel rewards program where you can earn points for a future honeymoon or trip. Rewards earned from your entire wedding can really add up.
New Jersey Affordable Wedding Venues
So with that all being said, here’s a list of affordable wedding venues in New Jersey. These are all great spots that consistently get high marks for atmosphere, customer service, food and value. And who’s giving them high marks?? Real brides who have recently gotten married or those are currently planning their weddings. (Are you a member of Molly’s New Jersey Wedding Insiders group on Facebook? Come join to get even more feedback on venues you’re looking at!)
While “affordable” is subjective and means something different to everyone, the New Jersey affordable wedding venues listed below offer rates around $150 per person and less. Please reach out and let me know of any great spots that I may have missed!
—North Jersey—
Andre’s Lakeside, Sparta
Perched on the edge of Seneca Lake, Andre’s is the perfect backdrop for your small wedding and celebrations for up to 85. They’re also a great spot for bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. Guests love the romantic setting along with the food and personal service at this family-owned venue.
Chandelier at Flanders Valley, Flanders
Chandelier at Flanders Valley offers a scenic country setting situated next to a gently flowing stream with a bluestone patio and gazebo for outdoor ceremonies. Two banquet rooms inside feature Austrian crystal chandeliers and elegant décor. Ask about their Winter Wedding $99-per-person special, from December 2023/2024 through March 2024/2025.
Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course, Kenilworth
With gorgeous views of the golf course and an outdoor covered terrace with fire pits, the Grand Ballroom at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill Golf Course also offers floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings with modern chandeliers and a contemporary vibe. The outdoor golf-course ceremony setting is simply gorgeous at sundown. They can accommodate weddings from 50 to 300 guests.
Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta
This climate-controlled eco-friendly conservatory space features mahogany and glass, and accommodates weddings for up to 250 guests. There’s an attached farm building that can be used for ceremonies and cocktails, and seven beautiful gardens in the courtyard for photos.
David’s Country Inn, Hackettstown
This restored 1840 Victorian inn offers a two-story ballroom, fireplaces, stained-glass ceiling, an outdoor courtyard for ceremonies and a private suite for the wedding party. They host only one wedding at a time for up to 200 guests.
Farmstead Golf & Country Club, Lafayette
Farmstead hosts weddings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in a country setting. This converted dairy barn originally built in 1839 offers a rustic environment with wooden beams, golf course views and lakeside ceremony area. They host just one wedding at a time for events up to 160.
The Fiesta, Wood-Ridge
This classic ballroom wedding venue offers crystal chandeliers, a marble dance floor, bridal suite, ceremony space and outdoor fountains for weddings from 50 to 500. They also offer a tremendous value, with rates starting at less than $100 per person.
Hanover Manor, East Hanover
The Hanover Manor offers two options for your wedding: either the newly renovated Grand Ballroom with beautiful chandeliers or the Crystal Room with a full view of the grounds through its atrium windows and skylights. Packages start at $120 per person including a five-hour premium bar and carving stations. They can accommodate up to 450.
The Loft at Jack’s Barn, Oxford
The Loft at Jack’s Barn offers a rustic yet elegant setting for small weddings up to 100 guests. This turn-of-the-century feed-mill barn is equipped with heating, air conditioning and spacious indoor restrooms. Farm tables, a mix of eclectic old chairs and antique furnishings are available for your use. There’s a rental fee here separate from catering costs.
Macaluso’s, Hawthorne
I always call this one of New Jersey’s hidden gems! This family-owned wedding venue in Hawthorne offers it all at an incredible value: impeccable service, a formal marble entryway, a beautiful grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers, GREAT outdoor area for ceremonies and cocktail hour, and fabulous food. You will be treated like family here—be sure to ask for Maroun. They host one wedding at a time for up to 350.
The Pond at TripleBrook, Blairstown
The Pond at TripleBrook offers a rustic, open-air setting with a waterfront ceremony space. The covered pavilion, which can accommodate from 95 to 175 guests, is located on the site of an historic dairy barn and has views of mountains, pastoral fields and gardens. There’s also a pond-side gazebo and fire pit on the grand patio. Their affordable wedding packages start at $120 per person.
Primavera Regency, Stirling
Anyone who’s had the pleasure of being a guest at a wedding or event at the Primavera Regency in Stirling only talks about one thing: the food—and how much there is of it! This family-owned catering venue offers classic Italian menus along with an outdoor ceremony area, a traditional ballroom decorated in creams and golds, wedding planner, bridal suite and gazebo for photos. They host one wedding at a time and can accommodate up to 250 guests.
Ravello Banquets, East Hanover
For more than 25 years, the Venturi family has been offering a Tuscan-inspired event space with homemade farm-fresh Italian cuisine and white-glove service. The ballroom accommodates up to 250, and the beautiful outdoor fountains and waterfalls provide a great backdrop for your photos. They also offer garden ceremonies, with just one wedding at a time.
Seasons Catering, Township of Washington
If you’re looking for a classic ballroom experience and want to feel like a princess, Seasons Catering is a great find. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time with the lush drapery, grand chandeliers, gorgeous staircases, marble floors, gold-framed art, antiques, great food and impeccable service. You have your choice of the Garden Room or the Grand Ballroom, with an outdoor terrace for ceremonies. They can accommodate up to 300 guests.
SkyView Golf Club, Sparta
Set on 190 acres, SkyView offers breathtaking views for your wedding and a fabulous ceremony space. Their rustic cocktail hour room offers golf course and mountain views along with stunning sunsets. The classic ballroom features 15-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. They host one wedding at a time and can accommodate up to 330 guests.
—Central Jersey—
618, Freehold
618 offers a variety of rooms for your wedding reception, ceremony and special events. The rustic Banquet Room is a private space with beautiful fireplaces, customizable accent lighting and string lighting hung throughout. It includes a private entrance, large bar, deejay booth, dance floor, private restrooms, a large media screen, and bridal suite. They can accommodate between 50 and 170 guests.
Atlantis & Coral Ballrooms at Days Hotel, Toms River
The Days Hotel offers two great options for your wedding: the Atlantis and Coral ballrooms. Your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, accommodations, after-party and next-day brunch can be held all in one location, allowing you to cross so many details off your planning list and save a substantial amount of money. There are no surprises here: all affordable quotes include taxes, service charges and gratuities.
Basking Ridge Country Club, Basking Ridge
You have the option of a ballroom wedding in the clubhouse or a tented wedding outside at Basking Ridge Country Club. neutral color palettes, chandeliers, and stately fireplaces. The Pennbrook Ballroom, with neutral décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor balcony, chandeliers and fireplaces, can accommodate intimate affairs and weddings up to 200 people.
Beaver Brook Country Club, Annandale
Beaver Brook Country Club offers an outdoor hillside spot for ceremonies, a 2,500-square-foot ballroom overlooking Hunterdon Hills, a spacious bridal suite and an expert service for weddings up to 185. Brides love the newly renovated ballroom and neutral décor, along with incredibly reasonable wedding rates.
Bridgewater Manor, Bridgewater
With a current all-inclusive package of $100 per guest for select dates, The Bridgewater Manor offers a tremendous value. In addition to three different ballrooms and two smaller spaces for your wedding reception, they have a scenic outdoor ceremony space and private bridal suites. They can accommodate between 50 and 225.
Crystal & Emerald Ballrooms at the Radisson Freehold
Crystal chandeliers, a gorgeous outdoor ceremony area, state-of-the-art lighting, complimentary centerpieces and guest-room accommodations are just some of the offerings at the Crystal and Emerald ballrooms at the Radisson Freehold. These all-inclusive ballrooms provide everything you’d need for your wedding—and all affordable rates include gratuities, taxes and service charges.
English Manor, Ocean Township
This Georgian mansion, just two miles from the Asbury Park boardwalk and beaches, makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a classic English manor house and gardens. With a grand ballroom, outdoor ceremony space, outdoor cocktails, and picturesque gardens, the English Manor is a favorite for many in Monmouth County and beyond. They host just one wedding at a time for up to 200 guests.
Grand & Regal Ballrooms at Sheraton Eatontown
These newly renovated modern and elegant brand-new ballrooms offer event space for up to 350 guests, with an outdoor garden for ceremonies and cocktail hour. Floor-to-ceiling windows, ethereal chandeliers, five-hour premium open bar, complimentary bridal suite, personal wedding coordinators, complimentary centerpieces and custom menus are just some of the offerings, along with 208 hotel rooms for your guests. You get a lot of bang for your buck here.
Jacques Reception Center
This Roman-style wedding venue offers a cobblestone path, outdoor fountain, magnificent entryway, outdoor ceremony space and a ballroom with Italian crystal chandeliers, marble floors, large stone fireplace, linens and private bridal suite. They can accommodate up to 450 indoors and 250 outdoors.
James Ward Mansion, Westfield
This boutique wedding venue, adorned with 18th century French appointments offers 24-foot ceilings, gilded architectural details, spiral staircases, fireplaces, a garden atrium room, multiple dining areas and two getting-ready suites. The mansion is a great spot for smaller weddings ranging 30 to 120 guests. What makes this venue affordable is that they charge a rental fee, and then you contract with one of their exclusive caterers for all food and beverage.
Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune
You have your option of three different ballrooms here, accommodating weddings from 100 up to 350 guests. State-of-the-art light systems, minimalist decor and sparkling chandeliers are just some of the features. Ceremonies can be held outside with gorgeous views of the golf course.
Nassau Inn, Princeton
This historic Palmer Square boutique hotel offers historic charm alongside contemporary style. The inn can accommodate up to 200 for weddings and provides an outdoor patio for ceremonies, a choice of two ballrooms for your reception, a gastro pub for the afterparty and 188 rooms and suites for your guests. They’re currently offering a special $125 per person rate for January through March 2024 dates.
Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge
The Olde Mill Inn offers a variety of options for weddings ranging in size from 40 to 240 guests. Small weddings are held in the Grain House, while larger weddings are hosted in the Grand Washington Ballroom. There’s an outside ceremony area and outdoor courtyards for cocktails. The inn offers 1o2 rooms for your guests. Ask about winter rates, which will give you the most value here.
The Reception Center, Matawan
This family owned venue with all food and beverage provided by Mayer Catering offers a traditional ballroom that can accommodate up to 275 . Custom menus, a draped Grand Ballroom with neutral tones, floral centerpieces, bridal suite, ice sculptures, classical pianist for cocktail hour and an outdoor space are just some of the amenities.
The Shore Club, Spring Lake
You can host your entire wedding under one roof here. This resort-style hotel and event venue, one mile from the beach, offers 59 guest rooms and suites with three separate wedding space choices including atrium, beach and poolside settings. They also provide a complimentary room for the bride and groom, ice sculptures and farewell breakfasts, and can accommodate between 30 and 350 guests.
Spring Lake Manor, Spring Lake
This turn-of-the-century estate just blocks from the beach offers a bridal suite, private cocktail hour, newly renovated ballroom, additional rooms for smaller events, and private food tastings. They also offer an afterparty space onsite with fully stocked bar and can arrange for local gazebo wedding ceremonies. They can accommodate between 30 and 250 guests.
Sterling Ballroom at Doubletree, Tinton Falls
The Sterling Ballroom has everything you need under one roof. Hold your outdoor ceremony under the pergola or have an indoor ceremony beneath the glow of the sparkling chandeliers. Your guests will appreciate the convenience of staying on-premises for your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, overnight accommodations, after-party and brunch—and you’ll save money by hosting everything in one place. All affordable quotes include taxes, service charges and gratuities—no surprises here!
Windsor Ballroom at the Holiday Inn, East Windsor
The Windsor Ballroom hosts weddings with indoor and outdoor ceremonies, 201 hotel rooms for your guests, a five-hour premium open bar, complimentary bridal suite, personal wedding coordinators, chic centerpieces, outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour and custom gourmet menus. Be sure to ask about their Winter Wonderland pricing, last-minute rates, and Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
—South Jersey—
Abbie Holmes Estate, Cape May Court House
This historic farmhouse in Cape May Court House, NJ, has an outdoor chapel for both wedding ceremonies and receptions, along with an indoor conservatory room. They only host a limited number of weddings each year, with no minimums.
Atlantic City Country Club, Northfield
Get married in the Skyline Garden or the covered patio with views of the Atlantic City skyline, cocktails on the Skydeck and then host your reception either back on the covered patio or in the ballroom with wooden floors, neutral décor and more views of Atlantic City. They can accommodate weddings from 20 to 200.
Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, Galloway
Blue Heron Pines can accommodate both intimate and large weddings for up to 200 in their Banquet Room with beautiful views of the golf course. A covered patio provides an open-air location for cocktails and outdoor ceremonies. They also offer an outdoor pergola and a woods ceremony location that are popular with couples. All packages include centerpieces, signature drinks, champagne toast, access to golf carts and complimentary golf.
Brigalias, Sicklerville
Family-owned Brigalias offers various options for your wedding, depending on what you’re envisioning. Choose between two formal ballrooms, a new rustic barn or chapel for indoor ceremonies, and an outdoor pavilion and ceremony space. The ballrooms can accommodate up to 300 guests, and they also host smaller, more intimate parties.
Marian House, Cherry Hill
The Marian House combines rustic elegance with classic architectural details to create a sophisticated ambiance, perfect for both small and large weddings. The ballroom can accommodate between 90 and 275 guests and features steepled wood ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, white raised wall paneling and a grand stone fireplace. Ceremonies can be held indoors or outside under the arbor.
Running Deer Golf Club, Pittsgrove
Running Deer offers two unique ceremony locations for your wedding: either the traditional pergola or the popular Timbers area that offers a rustic wooded, secluded area. The ballroom can accommodate up to 200 with a deejay, and they only host one wedding at a time. They also have a wedding suite to get ready and a dedicated wedding coordinator for your event.
Smithville Inn, Absecon
The Smithville Inn checks off many boxes for engaged couples: rustic, small and affordable. This historic 1787 inn accommodates both small weddings and events with up to 170 guests, and offers an outdoor ceremony area, lake views, beautiful gardens, cobblestone walking paths, indoor fireplaces and great food.
