Romantic Gardens, Lake Views, and Open-Air Ceremonies in New Jersey
The Garden State, New Jersey, has so many wedding venues that encourage you to get married with the sun on your back, wind in your hair, and breathtaking views! Being surrounded by nature can be so calming and elevate emotions, which makes the perfect setting for unforgettable wedding experiences! From rolling mountains to lakefront escapes, historic gardens, and rustic farm settings, New Jersey has your perfect wedding venue!
As a New Jersey born-and-raised wedding photographer (who also adores the outdoors), these are venues that make me Jersey proud! In this article, you’ll find wedding venues that offer multiple outside ceremony options, open-air cocktail hour/reception options, and a variety of photo-op spots around the grounds. Whether you’re planning an intimate micro-wedding, a grand estate affair, or anything in between, here’s my curated list of the best outdoor wedding venues in New Jersey!
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Outdoor Wedding Venues in
Northern New Jersey
North Shore House – Newton, NJ
I consider this a hidden gem of New Jersey wedding venues… Imagine your ceremony being surrounded by the soft ripples of water. This Newton venue prides itself on one event a day, in-house catering, event coordinator and maitre, onsite ready rooms, and more!
Born To Run Farm – Glen Gardner, NJ 
Born to Run Farm is a one-of-a-kind open air luxury event venue located on top of Point Mountain so you’ll never feel stuck inside. Their luxurious, outdoor ceremony space and open-air reception tent are the most relaxing spaces to be present. This family-owned venue is very customizable and is truly a dream to work with! (Frolicking through the field with your love is a must)
Bear Brook Valley –Fredon Township, NJ
Nestled in the serene countryside, Bear Brook Valley hosts unforgettable weddings. This venue specializes in countryside charm with meadows and ponds with the balance of the newly renovated, chic after-party lounge. Relax in their neighboring luxury Airbnb before enjoying a wedding day saying vows at their heart-shaped pond, lush winery, and open-air cocktail patio!
Crystal Springs Resort – Hamburg, NJ
Nestled along the edge of the Appalachian Mountains just an hour outside New York City sits multiple outdoor ceremony locations with scenic mountain and golf course views. The resort has luxurious accommodations for guests making it the perfect blend of adventure and fun all wedding weekend long! Surprise bonus: You can rent out their waterpark for the after party (I can confirm – extremely cool)!!
Crossed Keys Estate – Andover, NJ
Imagine exchanging vows in their 18th century style English garden with a charming stone-wall backdrop. This stunning wedding venue features 20+ acres of beautiful grounds + gardens, a sprawling natural park, charming tree-swing, reflecting pond, wood-burning fire pit, and even more! So full of character that will transport you into a Bridgerton scene!
Rock Island Lake Club – Sparta, NJ 
Sister venue to Bear Brook Valley, this venue has the same up-held professionalism, impressive cocktail hour, and outdoor essence! Get married in front of their pond, share your first dance on the dock, and even run away into the lush woods for newlywed photos. Rock Island and Bear Brook are some of my favorite wedding venues. Phenomenal staff, peaceful atmosphere, and delicious food!
SkyView Golf Club– Sparta, NJ
The rolling hills of New Jersey are you backdrop at SkyView! Sweeping mountain vistas and a pristine outdoor ceremony space make it ideal for scenic celebrations. There are so many gorgeous photo-op locations around the venue grounds, including the iconic overlook! Plus, wedding guests can roam around outside for cocktail hour with the gorgeous open-air setting.
Hudson House Wedding & Event Venue – Jersey City, NJ
This waterfront venue is contemporary with clean lines and a focus on our unsurpassed panoramic views. You can say your vows with panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and NYC Skyline — the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience. Even during cocktail hour and reception, you can constantly soak up the scenic view of NYC as the sun sets. A guest favorite feature? The wrap around porches where guests can go outside to feel the crisp breeze, take photos with the Big Apple and take a dance floor break.
The Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds – Sussex, NJ
With two great outdoor ceremony options, you have the option of deciding on the Zen Garden, Gazebo! Plus you have the grounds to roam, which include the greenhouse, grass fields. Always feel connected to the outdoors with their outdoor courtyard for cocktail hour and reception atrium featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that let the golden hour in!
Fox and Bear Lodge – Vernon, NJ
This historic inn is nestled beside a running stream, this family owned and operated 1831 colonial mansion is located only 60 minutes from New York City in the scenic Pochuck Valley. Best for smaller, intimate weddings – this venue offers stream-side ceremonies and now a clear tent dinning area in the backyard!
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Outdoor Wedding Venues in
Central New Jersey
Park Chateau Estate & Gardens – East Brunswick, NJ
The historic gardens at this estate are absolutely stunning—perfectly manicured and stretching between the gorgeous mansion and chic chapel. Couples can have a full garden ceremony or sneak away for a quiet moment together, which makes for some of the most beautiful photos.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge – Stirling Ridge, NJ
This venue is FUN! There are two main locations, today we’ll focus on The Lodge! You can have an outdoor ceremony in a beautiful secluded area with essence of the Watching Mountains. There’s also fun photo-ops such as a pool, life-sized chess, and large outdoor patio for cocktail hour!
Pendry Natirar / Ninety Acres – Belleville, NJ
This magical wedding venue brings notable sophistication to weddings, grand or intimate, with special private spaces, an awe-inspiring countryside setting for larger celebrations. There are so many romantic outdoor spots such as the Grand Ballroom Terrace and Event Lawn and Ninety Acres.
Hopewell Valley Vineyards – Pennington, NJ
The Boathouse at Mercer Lake – West Windsor Township, New Jersey
Outdoor Wedding Venues in
South New Jersey
The Ashford Estate – Allentown, NJ
For couples seeking outdoor wedding elegance, The Ashford Estate is a dream come true. Imagine exchanging vows on sprawling gardens dotted with sparkling fountains, waterfalls, and a floating gazebo, with stone ruins and charming arbors framing every view.
Johnson Locust Hall Farm – Jobstown, NJ
One of my absolute favorite venues! Beyond their phenomenal team and farm-to-table food, the atmosphere of this venue is heavenly.
This venue is a 17th century preserved farm embraced with family roots & rustic charm! Two outdoor ceremony site options, stone barn and roaming yard for cocktail hour, and of course their cozy breezeway barn for reception that leads right outside to bonfires!
Renault Winery Resort – Egg Harbor City, NJ
If vineyards, French-inspired gardens, and an outdoor pavilion sound like heaven to you – this is your dream wedding venue! Imagine exchanging vows amongst the natural setting of the gorgeous vineyards!
The Farm on Main – West Creek, NJ
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If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding in New Jersey—whether it’s on a hilltop summit, tucked inside a botanical garden, or beside a quiet lake—I’d love to capture it for you. You in your element with your partner on the best days of your life with the nature embracing you – yeah that’s magic worth documenting! With my soft documentary photography approach, I focus on natural light, real emotion, and the landscapes that make outdoor celebrations so unique. I guide you gently, document candid moments, and artistically capture how your wedding day naturally happened. If you’re looking for a photographer who understands how to work with the elements, the scenery, and the unpredictable magic of the outdoors, I’d be honored! Inquire here!
