Pleasantdale Chateau is a glorious, fairy tale location with a rich history. Located in West Orange, it was once a Dutch farm. The chateau, a stately Norman structure was built in 1912. However, the farm remains today and is used to provide produce, herbs and honey for the chateau kitchens. With 30 guest rooms on the property, you and your guests can spend the weekend enjoying the beautiful lawns and gardens or taking a jaunt into NYC for a day of sightseeing. Once through the gatehouse, your wedding backdrop of lush gardens, ponds and little bridges begins. Your guests will be wowed by the 17th century floor tiles, the limestone columns and the crystal chandelier. From the Music Room to the Ballroom, every detail of your wedding will be a magical experience. And, my friend, Santiago and his team will see your every need. this is truly a dream come true venue. Your childhood dreams of a fairy tale wedding will surely come true here.
A little further south is the idyllic Ashford Estate. Travel down a country road, over an antique steel bridge and onto the property, guarded by lions at the iron gates. Surrounded by old pines, stone ruins, lush gardens, fountains and a gazebo stands the estate. Included in this vision are a perfectly restored barn chapel, carriage house and ballroom. There is a charming suite for you to prepare and a place for the groom and his men to relax and get ready. Your ceremony in the barn chapel or on the grounds leads to cocktails on the terrace and a night of delicious food and beautiful surroundings in the ballroom. And, after the party is over, you and your guests can retire to the beautifully appointed guests rooms. You won't be disappointed by anything when you plan your wedding in this luxury venue.
Another luxurious venue in central Jersey is Natirar. Raritan spelled backwards, this ivy covered, Tudor mansion sits on 90 acres of green lawns. Once a private home for a wealthy NY family, it is now a perfect destination for your dream wedding. Weddings for as many as 225 guests can take place here. Plan a small, intimate affair in the carriage house and outdoors or a more elegant affair for 225 in the conservatory and ballroom. This is a countryside estate and a trip back in time for you and your guests. A lovely location for your big day.
Now, lets head to the beach. The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor is a beautiful waterfront venue. Capture the moment of your first look on the docks or the beach. Cocktails on the terrace overlooking the water. And, dinner and dancing in the Grass Roots Ballrooom, surrounded by windows overlooking the bay and spilling out onto the terrace. Dessert is served under the stars and then spend the night remembering every special moment as you luxuriate in your suite. If you are a beach bum at heart, you need to see this venue. Another beach resort that deserves mention is Bonnet Island on Long Beach Island. I had to tell you about this beautiful place because LBI is my happy place and I want it to be yours. Weddings on Long Beach Island are so amazing and intimate. And, Bonnet Island is no exception. This waterfront plantation style estate will welcome you with open arms and sea air.
Begin your day in the bridal parlor being pampered and sipping champagne, while your groom is lounging in the groom's private hideaway. When its time, say your I Do's in the darling boathouse chapel. I love it!! Then, its off to the veranda overlooking the marshes and the bay for cocktails. When its time for dinner and dancing, its off to the majestic ballroom with its cathedral ceiling, resembling the inverted hull of a sailing ship. This is a beach-goer's dream destination and a beautiful place for your nuptials.
Over the bridge and back in Philadelphia. I can't stay within the city limits here, as some of my very favorite places are on the outskirts. But, rest assured, the city and its history are evident in all of my choices. The first four venues are in the city. Combined with some of the best and most fun hotels in the city, these venues will cater to whatever your wedding vision. PAFA- Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, an art gallery of epic beauty. Situated on Broad Street overlooking City Hall, this landmark building has two venues to choose from. The Landmark Building, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece, opened in 1876 as a fine art museum, complete with its majestic marble stairs and bronze and mahogany railings, it makes the most breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. After you are pronounced husband and wife, head up the stairs to the gallery for cocktails. Dinner is in the main hall and your guests are surrounded by art from 1760 to the present.
Or, opt for the more modern Hamilton Building. Once an automobile showroom, this glass building is on two levels with a second floor wall of windows, overlooking Broad Street, for your cocktail hour. Dinner is in the gallery. This is a must see for any city bride. And, its one of my favorite to work in. Just a few blocks away, is the Free Library of Philadelphia. Spanning an entire block, this historic building has a beautiful grand lobby and the best rooftop in the city. Opened in 1927, this massive and grand building is a wonderful place to combine history and the modern skyline of Philadelphia. Your ceremony happens in the lobby, with the grand staircase as the backdrop. Imagine coming down these stairs to your groom. After your I Do's its up to the roof for cocktails and dinner. You can have it tented, in case of weather or just take your chances with the weather gods and enjoy the glorious view of the city. You can also have your entire wedding in the lobby. Take a look and see for yourself.
Our next stop is in Fairmount Park and one of the most famous buildings in Philadelphia. The Please Touch Museum, a children's museum in Memorial Hall, a looming building that was the hub of the 1876 centennial celebration. Beautifully restored, it is a whimsical venue with many possibilities for your wedding celebration. The South Foyer can accommodate 250 guests. Hamilton Hall 550. The Carousel House- complete with a real 1908 carousel, is perfect for a group of 200 or your cocktail hour. There are several other galleries for larger groups and Brulee Catering will make sure your guests are well fed and happy all night.
From the bustle of the city to the peaceful beauty of the main line of Philadelphia. We are going to Appleford in Villanova. If I had to pick a venue to be married, this may be it. You enter down a stone drive and over a bridge to the house. It looks like a country manor house. Once the home of a prominent main line family, it is now a place for you to begin your married life. Marry under the willow tree or in the rose garden. Cocktails can be in the house or in the garden. Dinner and dancing under the stars on the beautiful tented patio. If a garden wedding is what you want, Appleford is the place. If I could work there every weekend, I would. Its that special. 
From the main line to Bucks County we go. The Inn at Barley Sheaf, another country manor house, this one with a restored barn, has been entertaining guests for a long time. A quaint bed and breakfast, just outside New Hope, it sits on land that once belonged to the Lenni Lenape Indians. The manor house was built in 1740, from a land grant from William Penn. The barn was built in the 1800's. The home was once owned by the the playwright George Kaufman and most of the rooms are named after his works. Today, it is a place to enjoy a wedding weekend with family and friends. Stay in the inn, dine with the chef, plan your wedding day meal and walk the grounds- its beautiful! Your wedding and cocktail hour take place in the gazebo and on the terrace. The beautiful barn is for dinner and dancing. You can have a bonfire by the big old oak tree and continue to enjoy your day even after the guests are gone. I don't have a photo, but we even did a Chinese lantern launch at one of my weddings, in the field beside the barn. The owners are very accommodating and treat you like you were visiting their home. You will feel very comfortable here. I highly recommend it. So ends our cross country site visit. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have questions or want more information, please contact me. I do travel and will be glad to assist you in planning your wedding anywhere in the USA. As always, HAPPY PLANNING!
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