Destination weddings are great, but there’s something truly special about getting married in your home state. Lucky for us, Essex County, NJ has some seriously stunning wedding venues — whether you’re looking for an intimate party with friends and family or an all-out celebration with everyone you’ve ever known (both are valid celebrations, for what it’s worth). We’ve broken down different wedding venues locally by guest count, venue type, and of course, what the experience is like based on each town in the area. Read on for a guide to wedding venues in Essex County.
Belleville
Nanina’s in the Park | 540 Mill Street
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Estate, Garden
Max Guest Count: 300+
Nanina’s in the Park is the Essex County sister venue to Park Savoy and Park Chateau, a well-known trio in New Jersey. Nanina’s is the venue that is probably where most wedding daydreams take place. From stunning architecture to sweeping grounds, and endless photo opportunities, Nanina’s strives for perfection and that begins by ensuring your every request is met for your special day.
Bloomfield
The Brookside Banquets | 41 Broughton Avenue
Venue Type: Ballroom
Max Guest Count: 300+
This Bloomfield venue is one of modern elegance and contemporary vibes. Not only does Brookside host just one wedding at a time, but its ability to customize any menu options and provide an unlimited range of services makes it a top venue choice.
Read More: The Best Rehearsal Dinner Spots in North Jersey
Cedar Grove
The Grove | 691 Pompton Avenue
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Garden
Max Guest Count: 700
Grand staircases, marble flooring, and chandelier-filled ballrooms are just a few of the breathtaking elements you’re greeted with upon entering The Grove. The versatility of The Grove allows accommodations for as few as 150 guests or as many as 700 guests. Whether you’re looking for an intimate celebration or a grand event, The Grove does it all.
Il Tulipano | 1131 Pompton Avenue (Route 23)
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Garden
Max Guest Count: 300+
Il Tulipano is a hidden gem of Cedar Grove. Conveniently located right on Pompton Avenue, this venue transports you to another time and place. If you’re looking to have an indoor/outdoor wedding, Il Tulipano provides you with just that. In addition to being a one-wedding venue, at Il Tulipano you have full access to a beautifully maintained piazza for cocktail hour and ceremony as well as the full ballroom for dining and dancing.
Glen Ridge
Women’s Club Glen Ridge | 219 Ridgewood Avenue
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Historic Venue
Max Guest Count: 250
This historic Glen Ridge venue has been around since 1925 and it only gets more elegant as time goes on. Your wedding at the Women’s Club Glen Ridge includes access to two ballrooms: one for cocktail hour upstairs and another for dinner and dancing downstairs, with direct access to a private patio.
Livingston
Crystal Plaza | 305 West Northfield Road
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Castle, Estate, Garden
Max Guest Count: 350
There is a lot of history behind this Livingston-based venue. Before it became a wedding venue, it was a residential mansion built in the 1800s by the architect who designed the original Madison Square Garden. Crystal Plaza is known for its impeccable service from the moment you walk through the doors. Every last detail of your dream wedding will be attended to when you have it at Crystal Plaza. Not to mention, most of the venue recently underwent a renovation, including a new ceremony room, cocktail hour and after-party space, and bridal and grooms suites.
Maplewood
Maplewood Club | 489 Ridgewood Road
Venue Type: Country Club
Max Guest Count: 220
The Maplewood Club is on the smaller side of the venues in Essex County but a prime spot to host your wedding nonetheless. This venue can accommodate 130 seated guests or up to 220 guests for a standing cocktail event in the clubhouse. While TMC does not do any catering themselves, the venue has a full prep kitchen and can have any licensed caterer brought in for your event. With your rental, you have access to the entire inside of the clubhouse as well as the outdoor tables overlooking the tennis courts.
Maplewood Country Club | 28 Baker Street
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Country Club
Max Guest Count: 250
Not to be confused with the Maplewood Club, Maplewood Country Club sits atop a beautifully maintained golf course and has been a staple of Maplewood since 1911. If your vibe is rustic, elegant, and prestigious, the Maplewood Country Club is an ideal venue to have your wedding.
You’re Cordially Invited | 1877 Springfield Avenue
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Venue Type: Event Hall
Max Guest Count: 75
A smaller venue, You’re Cordially Invited is a great space to indulge a micro-wedding or smaller crowd. That is not to say that this space doesn’t have so much to offer. In addition to the event space, You’re Cordially Invited is also an event planning business so it can plan your wedding at any venue of your choice if you’re looking for a larger-scale event.
Montclair
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue
Venue Type: Museum, Gallery, Outdoor
Max Guest Count: 200
MAM is recognized as the leading American art museum and community art school in Northern New Jersey. It opened in 1914 as the first museum in New Jersey that granted access to the public. The receptions take place in Leir Hall, a three-story, stunning space that has plenty of room for dining and dancing and offers all the charm of an Italian courtyard. Lehman Court, the museum’s lobby is also a beautiful space to entertain your guests as well as the South Mountain Front Lawn lined with trees and modern art installations.
Upper Montclair Country Club | 177 Hepburn Road, Clifton
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Venue Type: Country Club, Ballroom, Historic Venue, Park
Max Guest Count: 200
Although not technically located in Montclair, we had to include UMCC on the Essex County list because, well, it’s the Upper Montclair Country Club. This venue provides a classic, timeless, historical feel you’d hope to be portrayed upon entering a country club. The well-manicured grounds and pristine interior set the stage for perfect photo opportunities both inside and out. You will always want to reflect on your special day at Upper Montclair Country Club.
Nutley
Mamma Vittoria Catering | 160 Franklin Avenue
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Venue Type: Catering Hall, Event Venue
Max Guest Count: 120
Mamma Vittoria Catering is more than just the average catering hall. This venue serves impeccable food without breaking the bank. The space will work with you to customize every detail of a wedding to ensure that one can enjoy their special day.
Newark
Loft Life Venue | 47 Edison Place + 53 Edison Place
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Venue Type: Loft, Banquet Hall
A truly transformable space, Loft Life’s layout is chic and contemporary, allowing for customization in every way. With a sweeping staircase and multi-level floor plans, this venue is ideal for custom events so come with a dream wedding vision in mind.
South Orange
Orange Lawn Tennis Club | 305 North Ridgewood Road
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Country Club, Estate
Max Guest Count: 300+
Orange Lawn Tennis Club is a historic venue that sits on 13 acres of land in the heart of South Orange. If you love the rustic country club vibe, OLTC is worth taking a look at. This historic mansion has a little something for everyone including cathedral ceilings, cocktail rooms, marble fireplaces, and more unique details that would make any day special.
The Suite Spot | 21 1st Street
Venue Type: Small-Scale Event Hall
Max Guest Count: 100-200 depending on the room
The Suite Spot is another venue that is ideal for smaller gatherings or micro-weddings. The space maintains an artsy, eclectic vibe, and couples looking for that type of event are in for a treat. The First Street Suite room can accommodate up to 200 people, and the Valley Suite room can accommodate up to 100 people.
Village Hall | 101 S Orange Avenue, South Orange
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Venue Type: Ballroom
Max Guest Count: 125 guests
Originally opened in 1894, Village Hall is located in the heart of downtown South Orange. The architectural design celebrates and highlights different aspects of the original historical building. Village Hall has a designated ballroom that can accommodate a wedding for 125 guests. There is also a special bridal suite that can be used during the wedding day.
Verona
Palmetto Venues | 10 Park Place + 546 Bloomfield Avenue
Venue Type: Event Hall
Max Guest Count: 110 people (Palm Royale), 50 people (Royale Grove)
Palmetto Venues opened its doors across the street from beautiful Verona Park in March 2024. There are two event spaces, The Palm Royale and Royale Grove, and the venue caters to a range of events. The Palm Royale is a more spacious venue that will welcome wedding receptions and can accommodate 110 people. For a more intimate setting, Royale Grove can accommodate up to 50 people.
Richfield Regency | 420 Bloomfield Avenue
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Venue Type: Ballroom
Max Guest Count: 250
This venue checks all of the boxes when you think of a ballroom wedding. Richfield Regency has an elegant exterior, ideal for photo ops, and a sleek interior fit for large groups and plenty of dancing. Located right on Bloomfield Avenue, Richfield Regency is easily accessible and in the heart of a great town.
West Orange
Highlawn Pavilion | 1 Crest Drive
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Estate, Garden
Max Guest Count: Depends on the room
Nestled inside the famous Eagle Rock Reservation, Highlawn Pavilion attracts attention with its sweeping panoramic views of the New York City skyline. For those that don’t know, Eagle Rock Reservation is home to over 400 acres of park and nature preserve and more recently, the breathtaking 9/11 memorial honoring the lives that were tragically lost in the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Highlawn Pavilion boasts impeccable service, great cuisine, and an ambiance to remember.
The Loft at 350 | 350 Pleasant Valley Way
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Venue Type: Loft
Max Guest Count: 200
The Loft at 350 is a one-of-a-kind venue. This spot maintains a more club-like feel while also keeping the elegance of an event such as a wedding. The Loft provides a variety of menus, including a kosher menu. Additionally, they work with vendors they can recommend for services such as party planners, limousine services, photographers, and more.
See More: A List of Hoboken Wedding Venues + Spaces for Every Style
Pleasantdale Chateau | 757 Eagle Rock Avenue
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Venue Type: Ballroom, Castle, Estate
Max Guest Count: 300+
The Pleasantdale Chateau is truly like the setting out of a fairytale. With 40 acres of well-maintained gardens, guests will be in awe as they enter through ivy-coated gates upon arrival. With an estate consisting of gardens, walking bridges, ponds, and more, it is a beautiful setting for outdoor events. However, if you’re not looking to get married during an outdoor-appropriate time of year, the interior of Pleasantdale Chateau is even more breathtaking with a grand ballroom and historic rooms to wander.
