When you think of New Jersey ballroom wedding venues, the word blinged-out might come to mind. 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:
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 guests, 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.
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 and LED lighting.
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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.
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.
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, features crystal chandeliers, silver Chiavari chairs, a complimentary bridal suite and state-of-the-art audio/visual including specialty lighting.
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 floor-to-ceiling windows, a private patio and an amazing dome ceiling, which feels like you’re dancing under the stars.
The Birchwood Manor in Whippany offers two grand ballrooms and numerous lounges and outdoor spaces for your wedding, bridal shower and engagement party. Nestled on more than 20 acres of beautiful, park-like grounds, this gracious Georgian mansion is a full-service catering facility. The outdoor ceremony and reception sites include an arbor, gazebo, patios, fountains and ponds, while the inside ballrooms include grand staircases, crystal chandeliers, 11-foot ceilings and versatile set-ups. They can accommodate weddings from 50 to 800 guests.
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. An indoor ceremony room is a grand two-story space featuring hand-crafted ceiling moldings, a 7-foot stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the gardens. The room is decorated with soft, neutral tones, creating a romantic atmosphere.
[RELATED: NJB Insider Tour: 5 Things to Know About The Estate at Florentine Gardens]
The Palace at Somerset Park has two ballrooms, each operating completely independent of one another, with private entrances and no shared spaces. The West House holds 185 guests, while the East House holds 325 guests. 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.
The grand ballroom in this turn-of-the-century, antique-filled mansion set on five acres holds up to 400 guests 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.
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.
And perhaps the hottest ballroom to book right now in New Jersey is the Park Chateau. 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.
[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey]