With that in mind, many reception venues are now offering tents set up directly on their grounds. “It really is the best of both worlds,” says Katherine Rodriguez, owner of Crossed Keys Inn in Andover (973-829-9922; crossedkeys.com). “Many couples envision their dream wedding under a tent, but they soon find out that it’s cost-prohibitive because everything must be brought to the site. By setting up the tent at the venue, you eliminate paying for the transport of silverware, tables and chairs, wait staff, etc.”

What makes the tent wedding so appealing? Many couples like the idea that their guests won’t be confined to one room for the entire reception. Instead, they have the freedom to wander in and out of the party, while still enjoying the festivities. “Guests can go smoke a cigar under the stars, but they are still close enough to watch people dance and listen to the music,” adds Rodriguez.

And while reception halls already come with a set décor, tents are a blank canvas where brides and grooms can easily incorporate their theme and personal style. The ivory tent at Crossed Keys Inn is draped in white fabric and white lights inside, allowing couples to add in any color bursts or decorative elements that suit their fancy. With a beautiful view of the mountains, the tent already comes equipped with a bluestone floor, seats up to 250 guests, and is available from May 1 to mid-November.

Couples that wed at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch (732-571-4000; oceanplaceresort.com) usually opt to have their ceremony right on the beach, then host their reception in a tent set up on one of the property’s two open-air patios (weather permitting). “It allows our guests to continue that outdoor feel into the reception,” says Leah Monastra, senior catering sales manager.

And Oakeside Mansion in Bloomfield (973-256-9380; frungillo.com) has a 200-guest tent located right off of the venue’s wraparound porch so guests can easily utilize both areas. It offers carpeted floors, a crystal chandelier, sidewalls in case of inclement weather, and is available from April to November.
Some other venues that offer on-site tents include:

Branches in West Long Branch (732-542-5050; branchescatering.com), which will rent a tent to be set up at their locale, and only hosts one wedding at a time.