Affordable Wedding Venues
I looked at past threads but didn't find exactly what I was looking for....Trying to help a friend gather information.
Anyone know of any wedding venues that are $80.00 or less a person? Not a firehouse or a legion
NosilaWhen is she getting married and how many people? If anyone in the family has a large enough space, has she considered renting a large tent and having it catered? We went to a wedding held under a tent at a B&B in New Hope and it was beautiful. Not sure I submitted this..so please excuse if it appears twice.
Bessie About 125 people and hoping for Oct wedding
Tent weddings can actually be very expensive
Nosila 
oldman I know you say not a firehouse but have you seen the Belvidere Manor, which is the Belvidere Firehouse? It is beautiful inside and can hold the number you need. The meal and open bar would be less than the $80. There is even a room for the bridal party if I recall correctly. Before ruling out a firehouse I would check this place out.
Magpie I think the one I went to probably was pricey since it was at a B&B, but I've also known someone who had one put on their family's property and heard it was very, very nice. I'm interested to see if something under $80.00 exists, that's not in a hall type place. Will let you know if I think of something. Looks like your friend has her work cut out for her.
You might be able to do Flanders Valley on that kind of a budget. I looked there (didn't really care for it) but it was much cheaper than any other place I looked.
Also, a place like Pantagis Renaissance is pretty cheap. But you get what you pay for.
$80 a person is going to be tricky in New Jersey. It's really ridiculous how expensive wedding venues are in this state. My brother-in-law has been looking at places in CT for their wedding and they are freakin' dirt cheap. Even New York (State, not City) venues are cheaper.
By the way, October is/has become one of the most popular months to get married. I learned that when I booked my October wedding. That means higher prices. Your friend is also going to want to be flexible in her dates/times because Friday/Sunday weddings are far cheaper.
Tracy we did a Saturday afternoon instead of an evening wedding at Perona Farms. We negotiated a great price, this was five years ago, but I'm sure you could still get a good price if you pick a day/time other than Saturday night. We were done with our reception by 7 and by that time I was ready to leave for the honeymoon, and tired from the whole day (waking up early, getting hair/makeup and pictures done,etc)
If that isn't the venue for you, I know some other people who love the Stroudsmoor in Pa. If I think of any more I will pm you...
lovebeingamommy I actually had my wedding reception at the Bevidere Manor...I thought it was amazing especially for the price.
It does have a separate bridal room. Had a 5 hour open bar, cocktail hour, awesome food all for $56.00 a person and the place is beautiful.
She won't rule out Belvidere Manor but think bc I got married there she wants to explore other options.
Bessie- She is from this area.....I'm putting together a powerpoint of all of their options so the more suggestions the better so keep them coming
Hi, Bello Giorno is an amazing venue for a wedding. I have hosted
Several events and attended two weddings. Each time I was amazed
At the service and attention to detail! (Bellogiornocatering.com)
All of their menus and prices are online too!
Let me know if I can help you out further!
It is tough for 125 in October. My fiance and I just booked about 2 weeks ago our location at $144 per person with a minimum of 150 guests in April at Skylands Manor in Ringwood. We were trying to do an October (my dream) but the cost was SO high no matter where we looked (roughly $175pp+). One option may be to try to have it on a Friday which is is becoming a lot more popular or on a Sunday. The least expensive places will be small venues such a hotel ballroom, etc. I have seen some as low as $59, but again it was at a hotel and during a specific part of the season. Flanders Valley, Persona, Lake Mohawk CC, possibly the Stroudmoore in PA. One place I did look at is Rutherford Hall. You can rent the place out with various options and then bring in your own caterer and vendors. Good luck!!!
sunshinenj Rutherford Hall is beautiful. Im going to a Sunday wedding in New Brunswick at the Harvest Moon Brewery .. $50 a person, very neat venue 732-249-6666
Becca @oldman, I never heard of the Arlington, but it looks beautiful, and VERY affordable. I do find the current trend of having a ridiculous amount of food at the cocktail hour a bit crazy. By the time the cocktail hour is over, there are many dinners that go to waste because people are so full. I almost wish the cocktail hour would be the whole meal, LOL.
Try the Water Gap Country Club in Water Gap, Pa. I went to a wedding there and it was lovely.
lilac Magpie is also right about Belvidere Manor ,I have been there very well done. Our experience at The Arlington was very good. The owner worked with us in everyway. Very professional and the staff were all very courteous. I have nothing but praise for the Arlington.
We actually got married at the Panther Valley Country Club, and in October,too! They were very reasonable and had gorgeous views of the foliage from the banquet room.
The cocktail hour was on their patio which was heated by outdoor heat lamps.
www.panthervalleygolfcc.com/
We are NOT members of the club and simply inquired within.
Good luck.
ess My goddaughter's christening was held here recently, they did a fantastic job.
http://www.ravellobanquets.com/weddings.html
Some other suggestions for recent events I have attended
Casa Bianca in Oak Ridge
http://www.casabiancabanquets.com/welcome.html
The Knoll Country Club in Parsippany
http://www.knollccwest.com/weddings.html
Hanover Manor
http://thehanovermanor.com
JrzyGirl88 Try David's Country Inn. We were married there and paid well over $80 pp, but from what I remember, he had several options to choose from and who knows, he may be able to negotiate some things for you. We loved it - it is gorgeous in there and includes everything so it was easy peasy. Good luck to you!
Natalie Smoke Rise Village Inn in Kinnelon. It's less than an hour from here. Really pretty.
Antimony 
Wow I can't believe the prices some of you are bringing up here, it just boggles the mind. Since when is $80 pp an affordable price to pay in this economy?
Were having an October wedding for 80, $49 pp that includes the ceremony at the facility (No additional price) wedding cake, 5hr reception, open bar with top shelf liquor, cocktail hr with food, linens of choice in a 6 year old facility which has just been re-painted and remodeled. If she's willing to give a bit some firehalls are very beautiful, and PA would possibly be a cheaper area for a wedding then NJ.
SB1031 $49/pp would barely pay for the open bar and Viennese table at more established places. It's all about supply and demand. There are only 52 Saturdays in a year and slightly more weddings than that (-;
ianimal No matter where you go, you might be able to haggle. It's better to book at a lower price than not book at all!
SB where are you having yours? How many people? You have a great deal!
I am just wondering because I visited about 7 venues (yes we were a little picky about the venue itself) and it seemed the average price was $150 pp in October on a Friday and I won't even go into the pricing on Saturday's. I almost choked! Ours is $144 pp with a min. of 150 ppl. (we're having about 220 ppl) It includes 12 passed butler plates and about 6-7 stations plus a wine tasting bar. The meal has an salad, appetizer, 4 entrees to choose from, a cake, Viennese table, and open bar with top-shelf.
I know we are going a little over the top but my fiance is the oldest grandson and wanted to go all out. I am still croaking though on prices. It was insane how much people are asking, however we were going to venues that were completely all-inclusive.
My view on it is to try fire halls and even hotel banquet halls. While the decor may not be exactly what you want, it is very cost effective and I am sure you will still have a great time no matter what.
My hall is located in Boothwyn, PA. Which is a bit far from here but perfect for my family in Maryland. I'm sure there has to be something closer as far as a fire hall or banquet hall with better prices! I searched for 3 years before I ran across this place and had to look out of state to find a good value but it was worth it! The price of $49 is all inclusive.
I'm having 80-85 people, They had asked for a min of 100 but were willing to compromise with us. The wedding is on a Saturday we have the hall from 3-9pm, We don't have all the extra stuff as far as a Viennese Hr, or Wine tasting bar but we do have each other, family, food/alcohol and music!
Were paying out of pocket for our wedding which is why were keeping it on a budget but If you have the money or a relative paying the tab I say go for it!
Casey I know how you feel my daughter is having a beach wedding, I couldn't even touch a saturday starting at $200. a plate, we went with a Sunday in June, for $130 a plate includes the wedding services, cocktail hours open bar 5 hours and three different entrees and dessert we went to a lot of places you have noticate with them, they what the date booked, no date no money
Good Luck and best wishes
SAAK The stroudmoor in Stroudsburg, PA.
I know someone mentioned The Knoll but we have been to two weddings there in the last year and they were awful. The management changed there and things have gone down hill.
Mommyof3 Give the Swim and Sport Club a Call - Very Nice and always affordable - http://www.swimandsportclub.org/ - Talk to Ginette 973-598-9401
trekster3 Check out the golf course on Route 31 in Washington. I think it is Hawke Point. Also, do not fail to check out larger hotels. They often have banquet rooms and wedding reception packages that may include rooms.
JBJSKJ Casey, I know someone who got married there in Sept and they loved it!
Nosila, If your friend is avoiding the Belvidere Manor because you had your wedding there, I think she should change her mind. Different couple, different wedding party, different colors, etc, right? She has nothing to worry about. I went to a wedding there in 2010, and it was wonderful :)
Lori...since '73 In November my son had his wedding ceremony and reception at White Meadow Lake in Randolph..It was under $1000 to use the venue and they had it catered from an outside source..
hperson Wow, oh wow. Is this what I have to look forward to in the future when my daughter wants to get married? $150pp? $175pp? Outrageous! At that rate, she'll get married in the yard and have it catered. I'm shocked that that is what places charge. Food better be made out of gold.
botheredbyu I am not to sure what the pirces are but the Raritan Inn in Califon is a nice venue. I am a catering chef with Redwoods and they cater quite a few weedings a year there.
englishe30 I will say that the best weddings I have gone to in my life were not the ones that were the most expensive. The ones that focused more on the marriage, the fun, the family and friends, and so on were more enjoyable than the ones that put every snickety little thing and fine tuned and paid through the nose. Been to backyards, to park weddings, outdoor venues, and so on that were fun. I'd think of the guest and that it's one day and put money towards a home or other things, even the honeymoon before sinking those astronomical amounts into food at 200 a pop per guest. But, if you are going that route, good luck to you and for your happily ever after. Health, happiness, and love forever.
@hperson,
White Meadow Lake is in Rockaway, not Randolph.
Also, there may be a requirement to live there to utilize the space since it is actually a clubhouse for the association. Not sure about that, but it is possible.
TM
Troublemaker Not sure why I wrote Randolph. "the rooms are rented to both residents and nonresidents for parties and catered affairs." Neither my son nor DIL live in Rockaway..They used the whole club house and ball rooms for their wedding.
Honestly? Belvidere Firehouse - whatever the manor is officially called. We had 200 people and it was pretty affordable and the people were great. We didn't break the bank and everyone said it was the best wedding they went to.
It's a great space.
btownguy Our wedding reception was at Stroudsmoor Country Inn- located in Stroudsburg, PA. It's not a bad drive from this area at all! I know someone else suggested it, but wanted to second that! For 125 people, they could look at Lawnhaven or Woodsgate buildings there. We had a much larger wedding so we had ours at Ridgecrest. There are 4 different buildings, each with it's own kitchen and staff. They do the food and drink packages individually, so you can completely customize based on budget. Our wedding planner there was Loretta- she was totally awesome! I think after all was said and done, our package wound up being $83pp. That was in 2009 though, so I'm sure their prices have changed slightly, but they are very reasonable, and it's truly a beautiful place for a wedding!! I have been in all of the buildings there for various events over the years, and any of them would be an excellent choice! Good luck!!
LuvMyRescue I got married at the Skylands. I felt that the cocktail hour had a ton of food so I haggled for some of the food be used at the buffet dinner and I saved a lot. No one knew the difference. That was many years ago, but you never know. It is a great place.
Does anyone know the contact information for the Belvidere Firehouse? I'm looking for there website and to see what they offer for events.
grapes go see carrie at beaver brook country club in clinton very nice place and she does a very good job. she worked at mine brook and im sure many people on here had some kind of event handled by her always goes that extra mile for he customers
bigmike Rutherfurd Hall is a great place to have a wedding, special event or business meeting. Indoor and outdoor options. Food not provided so you would need a caterer.
Check out the link below.
http://rutherfurdhall.org/reservingrutherfurdhall.html
Jerseygirl68 I'm getting married here! http://www.whitemeadowlake.org/
They provide booze.
You need to get a caterer so we're using Stella G's. The price so far is fairly low.
oceanhaze Farmstead Golf and Country Club did a beautiful job on my wedding! She may be able to figure out a package in her price point with them:
http://www.farmsteadgolf.com/
somechick 
Man, I can't WAIT to play Farmstead again... it's my favorite track in the area. I'm ready for winter to be over...
We got married at the Valley Regency in Clifton. Don't bother calling if you're on any kind of budget, lol. But who can put a price on a Tower of Prosciutto?
We used the Bridgewater Manor, which is really closer to Bedminster.
http://www.bridgewatermanor.com
I see they are running a promotion for $79pp.
We got married in June on a Saturday afternoon on the patio and had the reception inside. It was so beautiful and really inexpensive. I think we paid $68pp back in '99, so it still looks like a steal.
WeddingPlaces the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.... some of my daughters friends have recently had their reception here... lets say wow! for a budget friendly venue,I was blown away when I saw the pictures and both wedding groups were happy with the food... check out some of their online pics http://www.newjerseystatefair.org/conservatory/conservatory_family.cfm
Beautiful wood decor, plenty of natural light and 5,000 square feet of available space for tables, a dance floor, DJ or band, make The Conservatory & Courtyard at the Sussex County Fairgrounds an ideal, all-season facility to celebrate a sweet sixteen party, anniversary or just about any family gathering. The Conservatory is well lit by natural daylight or beautiful mood lighting, creating an atmosphere as special as your event. The Courtyard area behind The Conservatory is displayed with lush, permanent gardens that have been donated from local landscape design companies associated with the Springfest Flower & Garden Show. The Courtyard is a perfect setting for Wedding Ceremonies, Receptions and a place to sit back and relax.
amylinn I'm having mine at Skyview in Sparta in June. Their package is $80 with open bar and you can do a lot of extras an it will be around $130 a person. But if you are looking to save money their basic package is enough.
Dolce_Vita Has anyone had a wedding at Casa Bianca, Oak Ridge, NJ? How is the food? What is the cost per guest? If I have a wedding on a holiday (thinkng of 4th of July weekend in 2015) is it cheaper? Thanks for the help
Liz_C I got married at Bello Giorno and it was fantastic!!! So reasonable and so much was included. I highly recommend them :)
Know315 @Liz_C
I'll be there in August (I think) if you want a review.
Most likely holiday weekends book up faster because more days off making it easier for people traveling.
christography Liz_C - I was at Casa Bianca for a wedding about a year ago. Not idea of the price, but it was nice. Not the best I've ever been to, but definitely not the worst. I've been to a few other parties there as well. The building is nice, the food is good. The only negative is the parking. Lot is tiny. I think they have valet for larger parties, but you may want to ask.
Htown Resident Rutherfurd hall is beautiful for an outside wedding.
I had my baby shower at Casa Bianca june 2013 .Food is delicious!!! Highly recommend the stuffed chicken, penne vodka
eggplant rollatini. I was also just at a wedding there about 2 weeks ago and they did a really nice job. The staff is excellent too. No idea of pricing though.
A friend of mine got married at skyview golf course in sparta nj for $79 per person. For around the same price there's also the farmstead golf course in Andover and the grey cliff in moonachie
Francesca Me and my fiancee are on a very low budget(600$-900$) We are plannnng on getting married in June of 2017. it a small wedding of 51 people. Its been frustrating trying to find a place can afford
Nick Unfortunately when you have a smaller budget, especially under $1000, finding a venue is incredibly difficult. A friend of mine had hers in her aunt's backyard which already had a gazebo and flowers everywhere. So if you know someone with a beautiful backyard, that might be an option. Another option would be using a local or state park as a venue. Then you do not have to worry about too many decorations, flowers, etc.
Food wise you can always order from somewhere like Shop Rite for catering to get decent food and still be under budet.
Good luck!
The lodge at Schooley's Mountain Park is beautiful and affordable. I went to an afternoon wedding there - ceremony was outside with a beautiful backdrop, and then there were tables set up in the lodge with some room for dancing via an ipod mix and small speaker. To keep costs down, the bride and groom served a BLT buffet - and had very cute brown paper bags of chips that had ribbons and stickers on them to go with homemade salsa made by the groom. they had a small cake and lots of wonderful cupcakes and served flavored teas. It was a very beautiful and romantic day....and PS I didn't even know the couple - I was the +1.
The rocking chair front porch of the lodge was great for picture taking and for some additional gathering space. the fireplace was also a great focal point in the room.
http://morrisparks.net/index.php/reservations/indoor-tented-events/the-lodge/
10yrtownie 
Challah I know Bella Giorno was $65 without open bar..Four sisters was around $70 but you have to supply your own beer/liquor and hire a bartender.
Jaimie 10yrtownie is right on point. Morris Cty Parks are your best bet. I have been to lodge she memtioned and the casino at Silas Condit Park. Both are great.
Something like the Legion or a local fire hall combined with a big party sub or maybe a couple of trays of Chinese food would definitely fit the budget.
GC I think Nosila has already stated she would prefer not a Firehouse or the Legion, GC and I would most definitely rule out trays of Chinese Food or a big party sub too if it were my wedding on the food menu... With all that said, My husband and I were married 26 years ago at our church by our pastor followed by the reception upstairs at the Legion in Hackettstown. Super Stuff on Main St. decorated and the hall looked gorgeous with a head table decorated with a pink and silver balloon tarp... and the gorgeous wedding cake was made by a family member... food was all catered with everything from soup to nuts plus a open bar. We had a great band and more fun than anyone could ever imagine and it did not break our budget either. A lot of the firehouses and Legions in your community have plenty of parking and large banquet rooms that are really nice.... Worked for me!
Joyful I think Nick is soon to be married wedding planner. I miss SuperStuff! and the wedding food can be whatever makes the couple happy - there are so many wonderful restuarants nearby - and the Lodge has a warming kitchen if they want to go super simple have people bring dishes....pot luck might not be as fancy, but it can surely be intimate. In my opinion, the marriage is more important than the wedding anyway. :)
Joyful - Nosila's original post was from three years ago. This thread just popped up again yesterday. :-)
Calico696 Joyful - Nosila was asking back in 2013, this is 'Nick' now who said the budget is $900 for everything for 50 people.
Check out renting independence Fire Hall and then have it catered. Nice place inside and could be done within your budget.
Zabava has had public buffets for $20 per person I would definately call them and see if they can accommodate your needs. Very nice people and very high quality delicious food.
How about the Sussex County Fairgrounds? They have a very nice hall w/ outdoor area for the ceremony. Very rustic, but you could call a catering place and get a buffet type catering w/ servers. I'm not sure if they make you use their own caterers, but it's a pretty place and the fall would be beautiful there!! If you click on the link, you can see a bunch of places that Frungillo caters for - a lot of beautiful places. The Loft at Jack's Barn is really rustic and gorgeous!! (I love old barns!!)
http://www.frungillo.com/venues/the-sussex-conservatory
Terry My son called Zabava to price lunch after a funeral and was told $45 per head. I couldn't believe it when they charge $20 a head normally. Ended up going to Black Stones. Good luck.
Bumping this thread back up...
Has anyone ever had an event at Schooley's Mountain Lodge ? How was it inside? We have been trying to get in touch the person in charge to try and book something going on three weeks now! No answer and no return call back. Has anyone else ever dealt with the lodge before or does anyone know what's going on that we can't get in touch with anyone?
We're just so unsure who to contact from here or if we should continue looking for a place to hold our son's baptism party. We don't want to have it at a restaurant because a party for 75 people (big family!) would cost an arm and a leg which is why we were looking to have it at the lodge or a place like that where we could bring our own food. Any ideas? Any nicer firehouses or spaces anyone can think of? Thanks!
Anom 
Flurry12 Not sure if you gave to live in Mount Olive, but, we just went to a baby’s birthday party at their Senior Citizen Center and it was nice. Budd Lake firehouse also rents out for parties.
Two of the nicest space like firehouse around are the firehouse in Independence and the Mason's in Budd Lake.
did you try the number on here: VENUE DETAILS
53 Camp Washington Road
Washington Township, NJ 07853
Website 973-218-5386
4catmom Yes, I had my wedding at Schooleys Mountain Lodge in 2014 and it was a lovely, affordable, easy venue. We contacted the person in charge via her email which was on the website and she responded quickly that way.
HappyTeacher Depending on the size of your rehearsal dinner and or wedding party you should consider Rutherfurd Hall in Allamuchy. Really great place and very reasonably priced.
jono Try The Chandelier at Flanders Valley Weddings Address: 80 Pleasant Hill Rd, Flanders, NJ 07836
Phone: (973) 584-6620
They did a fantastic job and they will negotiate to what you can afford. Also they have packages but if you negotiate some of the items OUT of the package they you may not need, you can get down to what you need. They do a fantastic job. They food is GREAT and I just can't say enough about them.
Carol If you need an excellent photographer for the wedding for a reasonable price check out:
https://www.facebook.com/Inspired-Visions-by-Melyssa-Casey-2070421619853261/
dpul1218 Carol - What do you mean "they did a fantastic job"? You were just asking about finding wedding vendors for an upcoming event. Are you getting married or is that your business?
Anyone know what Belvidere Manor Charges per plate now with and without an open bar? We are looking to have an affordable wedding for about 150 people next June 2021
Anon David's Country Inn in Hackettstown is perfect for 150 People. Great venue, awesome food and competitively priced.
The best thing to do is call them or check their website. Prices can vary depending on menu choices, day, time of the year, special amenities, decor options, different tiered bar set ups, etc. They would be able to go through those details with you so you can get a better idea of pricing.
Mel81 Waterloo Village is lovely, but they have a $5000.00 catering minimum for events.
We had a wedding at Rutherfurd Hall in 2015. Beautiful location for a smaller crowd. At the time we chose our own caterer but I believe they are affiliated with David's Country Inn now.
hktownie We have heard good things about the Belvidere Manor. I also believe that it would be around the price range we are looking to spend per person, their fb says family style or buffet with two bar options. Their website doesn’t exist, says it’s not available. We were looking to spend no more than 100 per person
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