By Antoinette DeNise

Perfect for couples looking for both an elegant and offbeat setting, many art museums in the state are now offering the option to rent a gallery, or the whole facility, to host a wedding. With spectacular architecture, beautifully crafted spaces, and world-renowned art acting as a backdrop, museum weddings are becoming oh-so-stylish in New Jersey.

At the Newark Museum (973-596-6068; www.newarkmuseum.org), Carol Blunda, manager of special events, knows that couples want more than just a pretty place to say “I do.” “When couples decide to have a wedding here, we try to keep their needs and wants front of mind,” says Blunda. “We give the bridal party access to our Valentine Mansion to use as a suite to get ready. We also have a special events coordinator who will be on-site the whole day with the couple to make sure everything goes smoothly.”

During the warmer months, the beautiful Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden is used for ceremonies and cocktail hours, while the sunken Engelhard Court holds the reception, with seating for up to 210 guests. Prices for a five-hour rental, which includes staff, tables and chairs, and the coordinator, start at $6,000. The museum also personalizes welcome cards, given to guests, which can be redeemed for a family of four to visit the museum at a later date.

One of the only museums in South Jersey offering facility rentals, the Noyes Museum in Oceanville (609-652-8848; www.noyesmuseum.org) offers the perfect blend of nature and art. Nestled in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, the facility offers seating for up to 80 people. With their relationship with the refuge, couples are even granted access to take pictures in the park itself. The main gallery functions as the reception ballroom and features a glass wall overlooking the refuge.  All the existing artwork will be displayed during weddings, with exhibits changing three times a year. Rental fees for the facility start at $500 and do not include liability insurance, which the museum requires for all private functions.

With a three-story high ceiling, a truly magnificent skylight, several balconies, and room to seat up to 190 guests, it’s hard to believe that such a space would be found in a local art museum. A new addition to Montclair Art Museum (973-746-5555; www.montclair-art.com) in 2002, Leir Hall features audiovisual equipment, theatrical lighting, and a large stage perfect for entertainment. Though no artwork is hung in the hall, guests have access to the museum galleries throughout the evening. The space can be rented for $4,500, which includes technical assistance, tables, chairs, and parking.