
Advice
Don’t Forget! Here’s Your Last-Minute Wedding Checklist
Here's your ultimate last-minute wedding checklist to set your mind at ease.
Read MoreWe’ve put together a list of resorts, all within driving distance from New Jersey. They’re perfect for a mini-moon, honeymoon, girl’s getaway or just some time away with your love! Celebrate with a relaxing change of scenery—close to home.
Be it a pre-wedding escape with your bridal troupe or a post-wedding mini-moon with your new spouse, landing at the doors of the Pridwin Hotel and Cottages in Shelter Island, New York, will be the beginning of a special occasion. The white clapboard great house and its 16 cottages provide the same tony, laid-back vibe found in the Hamptons, the island’s nearby cousin, but without the to-do. Pridwin is the largest hotel on the island, and each of its 33 rooms has a warm, nostalgic air and is nattily appointed with eclectic, nautical finds. Lodging options include king rooms, some equipped with queen sleeper sofas, or truly stretch out with one of the stylish cottages, offered as studios, one- and two-bedroom spaces (some with additional sleeping lofts), decks, gas fireplaces and kitchenettes.
Take a sojourn into the past and fall in love with the Hotel Du Pont. A showcase of architectural flair, the building’s original grandeur can be seen in its gold-accented ceilings, French-influenced reliefs and a showstopping stone staircase with intricate ironwork. The 217 king- and queen-sized quarters are classically appointed and feature marble baths with jetted soaker tubs. The Currie Day Spa offers salon services and body treatments, and gym facilities are available. Dine at the art deco Le Cavalier restaurant with its lush seating, Palladian windows and fine cuisine.
A cross between a historic manor house and a luxe resort with special-event capacity, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club in Brewster, Massachusetts, is a charming venue for a host of pre- or post-wedding festivities, a romantic mini-moon, or a girls’ getaway. On the registry of Historic Hotels of America since 2022, the sprawling mansion is set on 429 acres and was originally built as a private residence. It is now the hub of activity for overnight guests. (Two- and three-bedroom villas with multiple baths are available—so bring on your bridal entourage!) From service to scenery, Ocean Edge ensures luxury, comfort and a good time.
Blackberry Farm is a bucket-list destination for sure. This luxury hotel, situated on 4,200 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, ranks as one of the top-rated resorts in the world—and with good reason. Enjoy the spa, fly fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding or carriage rides, only to be topped by Blackberry’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine, house-brewed craft beers and award-winning wines.
Indulge in candlelit dinners, restorative massages and invigorating swims in a serene rock pool at this idyllic, coastal Kennebunk hideaway. The White Barn Inn offers restored rooms in its historic inn, but it’s the charming, private waterfront cottages that look so inviting. You can cook alongside the chef, go on a private cycling tour with the resort’s general manager or take a wine and cheese pairing class. There’s so much to explore along the coast of Maine, and did we mention lobster?
This dog-friendly, five-star resort focuses on your well-being by offering seasonal activities throughout its 300 acres of forest, meadows and ponds. With just 20 rooms, Twin Farms is all about seclusion, privacy and relaxation. Along with superb meals and wines, choose from bicycling, swimming, tennis, croquet, picnicking, canoeing, hiking, a bee tour, a visit to the spa, skiing on property, fly fishing, sledding, ice skating or billiards at the Pub.
For a peaceful country getaway, the Mayflower Inn offers 58 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands, perfect for a restorative visit. Stay in the lavish country house with its farm-fresh cuisine, and recharge at the spa. Guided forest hikes, ecology walks, trail biking, kayaking, paddle-board yoga, tennis, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing are also offered.
If fresh seafood ranks high on your list, Ocean House will surely over-deliver. This historic beachfront resort offers world-class amenities that include luxe accommodations, farm-to-table cuisine and an award-winning spa. Take cooking classes, go yachting, tour the extensive art collection with the in-house art curator, sample wine from the 8,000 bottle library or spend the day in nearby Newport touring the mansions of the Gilded Age.
Head to the eastern end of Long Island for fashionable fun in the sun and a great beach escape. Gurney’s is the only hotel in the Hamptons situated right on the sand, complete with loungers and umbrellas—reserved for resort guests only. King daybed and cabana rentals are also available. Take advantage of their concierge service for access to local restaurants and activities to make your trip even more magical. Choose a room, suite or beachfront cottage, all with ocean views.