At Elegant Events Planning and Design, we’ve planned weddings all across the tri-state area, but there’s something special about Southern New Jersey wedding venues. From romantic estates to modern ballrooms and garden settings, this area has so many great options to choose from. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to help you start your search. Each one offers its own unique benefits, and we’d love to help you plan your dream day at any of them!

Park Château Estate & Gardens

Park Château Estate & Gardens sits on 15 acres between Manhattan and Philadelphia. It’s a classic French-style venue that feels both grand and welcoming. The architecture, gardens, and elegant courtyard give couples endless photo spots. 

Inside, the light-filled ballrooms and sparkling chandeliers create a timeless setting for dinner and dancing. The venue can host events of all sizes, and the team has more than 30 years of catering and event experience. It’s a great choice for couples who want a romantic, well-run celebration from start to finish.

Why we love it as planners:

  • The staff is experienced and professional, which makes the entire process smooth.
  • The gardens and outdoor spaces add a lot of beauty without needing extra décor.
  • It’s an easy location for guests traveling from both New York and Philadelphia.

Quick facts:

Mansion on Main Street

Located just outside Philadelphia in Voorhees, The Mansion on Main Street combines convenience with classic elegance. The grounds feature lush gardens, marble staircases, and a stunning waterfall. 

Couples can choose between two ceremony spaces: an outdoor garden with a pond and fountain, or an indoor pavilion surrounded by windows and greenery. 

After the ceremony, guests can enjoy cocktail hour in the Rosecliff Lounge before moving into one of the spacious ballrooms. The entire space feels fresh, open, and designed for a smooth flow throughout the day.

Why we love it as planners:

  • Indoor and outdoor ceremony options make it easy to plan for any weather.
  • Complimentary valet parking is a thoughtful touch for guests.
  • The renovated spaces look modern but still feel timeless.

Quick facts:

The Merion

The Merion in Cinnaminson is one of South Jersey’s most well-known wedding venues. It’s elegant and spacious, with several ballrooms to choose from. The Skylight Ballroom is one of our all-time favorite wedding venues. Its glass dome sits right above the dance floor, or your ceremony space if you choose to say your vows indoors, and fills the room with beautiful natural light.

There are both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, and the venue can host anywhere from 150 to 600 guests. The team is known for their catering and attention to detail.

Why we love it as planners:

  • They have a reliable team and great food that always gets compliments from guests.
  • Different ballrooms allow couples to choose a look and layout that fits their vision.
  • The space works well for both large and medium-sized weddings.

Quick facts:

Bonnet Island Estate

Bonnet Island Estate is set on a private island just off the coast of New Jersey that offers waterfront views over the Barnegat Bay. From the Boathouse Chapel to the grand ballroom and landscaped grounds, the vibe is both elegant and relaxed. If you want a destination wedding feel without leaving the tri-state area, this venue is perfect for you. 

The property also includes guest suites so you can keep your wedding party on-site and close. With room for up to around 250 seated guests, it handles mid-to-larger weddings with ease.

Why we love it as planners:

  • The unique island/coastal setting gives built-in wow factor for photos.
  • Guest suites make morning-of logistics easier.
  • Waterfront views give a relaxed luxury feel.

Quick facts:

Ashford Estate

The Ashford Estate sits on expansive grounds of preserved farmland in New Jersey. It has country-estate elegance with a polished feel. It’s filled with beautiful fountains, waterfalls, garden arbors, a floating gazebo, and lots of stone and rich textures. Couples who want a full estate rental and a day that feels truly theirs will love the privacy here. 

The event spaces (including the Barn Chapel and Grand Ballroom) give flexibility for ceremony and reception in one location. The décor and architecture stand out in photos and create a stylish and refined wedding day.

Why we like it as planners:

  • There are endless backdrops for wedding photos.
  • The estate feels contained which simplifies vendor-flow and timeline.
  • It’s great for couples who want a mix of indoor/outdoor without compromising comfort.

Quick facts:

Mallard Island

Mallard Island Estate is a luxurious waterfront venue in Manahawkin. A standout feature is their Boathouse Chapel and private estate access, so couples getting married here can enjoy a day that feels exclusive and special. The Grand Ballroom overlooks the water and accommodates a significant guest count, making it ideal for a full-scale wedding. 

As planners, we appreciate how the layout allows for a natural guest flow, from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, while keeping everyone feeling connected. 

Why we like it as planners:

  • Waterfront views and villa-style architecture elevate the guest experience and photography.
  • Private estate use means it’s yours exclusively for the day.
  • Good for couples who want a destination-style feel with easy drive time for guests from Philly or NYC.

Quick facts:

Renault Winery

Renault Winery & Resort in Egg Harbor City brings together vineyards, history, and a variety of event spaces. It’s one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the U.S., which gives the venue character. Couples can choose between multiple ballrooms, outdoor patios, and garden-courtyard ceremony spaces depending on guest count and vibe. From rustic-chic to elegant ballroom, it offers flexibility for many styles. 

Why we like it as planners:

  • Multiple venue spaces to match your budget and guest-list.
  • The vineyard environment gives a distinct feel for your big day.
  • Clear packages offered by the venue make the planning smoother.

Quick facts:

Southern New Jersey is full of amazing wedding venues. Whether you want an elegant ballroom or a peaceful garden setting, these Southern New Jersey wedding venues are some of our favorites. As Philadelphia wedding planners, we love helping couples find a venue that feels like the right fit for their vision. If you’re ready to start planning your wedding, we’d love to help you bring it all together. Get in touch today!