Kris Mendoza, Illuminada Photography
The blinged-out ballroom with a grand dance floor, crystal chandeliers, elegant staircases, fancy lighting, extensive menus and seating for hundreds is what fairy-tales are made of for many princess brides. And lucky for you, New Jersey has plenty of these elaborate ballrooms! Here are some of our favorites:
1. The Venetian, Garfield. If palatial is what you’re looking for, the Venetian is the place. With Italian marble, grand columns, 35-foot cathedral ceilings, two ballrooms with a capacity for 950, elaborate Chihuly and crystal chandeliers, sprawling staircases for grand entrances, Chiavari chairs and special lighting, this space truly provides a majestic setting with all the ballroom bells and whistles. Prices start at $125 per person.
2. The Grove, Cedar Grove. While you can choose among three luxurious ballrooms, the Grove only accommodates one wedding at a time (which we love!). The Regency Ballroom holds 250 guests, the Grand Ballroom holds 650, and the Hamilton Ballroom holds 150. All feature high ceilings, custom hand-blown glass chandeliers, gold Chiavari chairs, palladian windows, descending staircases, old-meets-new architecture, state-of-the art audio/visual, LED lighting and complimentary cake. Prices start at $100 per person.
3. The Park Savoy, Florham Park. The newly renovated ballroom at this turn-of-the-century mansion feels like you’ve been transported to Newport with its large dance floor, grand fireplace, neutral color palette, crystal chandeliers, elaborate architectural moldings, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the gardens, and attached bridal suite. It holds up to 420, and prices start at $135.
4. Westmount Country Club, Woodland Park. The sleek stylish ballroom at the Westmount Country Club can hold up to 1,000 and features crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the countryside and a state-of-the-art computer lighting system. Prices start at $125.
5. Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Bedminster. For a traditional feel, Fiddler’s Elbow exudes country elegance. The formal ballroom, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the club’s golf courses, was completely renovated in 2015 and features crystal chandeliers, silver Chiavari chairs, a complimentary bridal suite and state-of-the-art audio/visual including specialty lighting. Prices start at $195.
6. The Grand Marquis, Old Bridge. The Grand Marquis offers two ballrooms: The Marquis Ballroom holds up to 800 and is decorated in a European style, complete with columns, an oval marble dance floor and specialty lighting. The Dome Ballroom holds up to 250 and features wall-to-ceiling windows, a private patio and an amazing dome ceiling, which feels like you’re dancing under the stars.
7. The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, Asbury Park. This historic Beaux Arts hotel offers two ballrooms. The Kingsley Ballroom on the main level holds 500, while the Crystal Ballroom holds 350, with three oversized crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows. Both have silver Chiavari chairs, a bridal room and complimentary cake. Prices start at $135.
8. The Estate at Florentine Gardens, River Vale. The classic and elegant ballroom at this family owned and operated estate has high ceilings, three large crystal chandeliers and large picture windows that overlook the gardens. It holds up to 360 and includes gold Chiavari chairs, specialty lighting and two large drop-down video screens. There’s only one event at a time here. Prices start at $100 per person.
9. The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset. The Palace has two ballrooms, each operating completely independent of one another, with private entrances and no shared spaces. The West House holds 185, while the East House holds 325. Both have 24-foot ceilings, large chandeliers, French doors leading to terraces, staircases, Juliette balconies, bridal suites, specialty lighting, custom cake designs and full-scale professional fireworks displays. Prices start at $110 per person.
10. Crystal Plaza, Livingston. The grand ballroom in this turn-of-the-century, antique-filled mansion set on five acres holds up to 400 and features magnificent crystal chandeliers, French doors leading to the gardens, elaborate architectural details, high ceilings, columns lining the perimeter, a Juliet balcony and gold Chiavari chairs. There is only one wedding held at a time here. Prices start at $100.
11. The Merion, Cinnaminson. The Merion offers four different ballrooms: The Palazzo Ballroom holds 600 and is European-influenced, with 23-foot ceilings, a granite dance floor, Corinthian columns that line the room’s perimeter, crystal chandeliers and ceilings that change color. The understated Skylight Ballroom holds 300 and features 30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a 40-foot glass dome that allows for dancing under the stars. The Palace Ballroom holds 275 and is inspired by 16th-century France, with 16-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and gold accents. The Empire Ballroom has an upscale cosmopolitan flair and can accommodate 300. Prices start at $75.
12. Above, Staten Island; eventabove.com. Here, it’s all about the view. This sophisticated metropolitan ballroom with panoramic views holds up to 300 and is decorated in a neutral palette, with 4,000 illuminated Swarovski crystals hanging from the ceiling. Cocktail hour is held on the outdoor rooftop space with an open kitchen, fire pits and views of New York City. Prices start at $185.
13. Park Chateau Estate & Gardens. And perhaps the hottest ballroom to book right now in New Jersey is the brand-new Park Chateau in East Brunswick . Your jaw will drop when you pull up to this French-inspired mansion. The private chapel, manicured grounds and picturesque pond are just the beginning. Venture inside to see a grand staircase, crystal chandeliers, an elaborate library, antiques strewn throughout, a private bridal suite with its own bridal salon, and a magnificent ballroom, all designed to feel like you’re stepping into a classic French novel. They can accommodate 420 guests, with prices starting at $130. But expect to pay upwards of $350 per person for a Saturday night.
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