New Jersey's long, beautiful shoreline, botanical gardens and woodland settings make it a popular choice for many of today's couples. When looking for accommodations for your guests, you will have a number of options, from full-fledged reception locations with on-site lodging to charming oceanfront bed & breakfasts where your guests will feel right at home. Be sure to consider proximity to your reception and ceremony sites when looking for lodging, as well as nearby attractions for out of town visitors.
Accommodations for New Jersey Shore Weddings
Beach weddings are one of New Jersey's hallmarks, with mile after mile of beautiful white sand waiting to host your ceremony, your reception or both. Along the coast you will find all the lodging options New Jersey has to offer, including:
- Hotels & spas
- Motels
- B&Bs
- Wedding centers
- House rentals by the week or weekend
When searching for shore wedding accommodations, keep in mind that you can find prices ranging from the super cheap to the extremely lavish. It's good to give your guests a range of options near to your ceremony or reception site. Consider setting up a website which links to five or six different choices, so guests can pick the one which fits their budget.
You might call and ask any hotels or motels you're considering if they cater to high school or graduation crowds. If the answer is yes, you want to avoid putting your guests in these spots. They can be less tidy and fairly noisy, and might not reliably provide all of the amenities they claim in their advertising. Visiting a place never hurts!
New Jersey Hotels and Spas
Hotels are generally a more expensive option when it comes to finding a place to stay for your guests, but some offer package deals or group rates, particularly if you can reserve a number of rooms well in advance. Many of the state's nicer hotels offer wedding reception services, including on-site catering, decoration and help with planning. If you opt for one of these package deals, be sure to include a few other nearby lodging choices in your invitation packet to ensure that everyone stays at a comfortable, clean spot which suits their pocketbook.
Garden State Motels
Some New Jersey motels are genuinely nice places to stay, particularly around the shore. You may want to consult a hotel rating site like
TripAdvisor.com to see what other guests have thought of the location you're considering. Always be sure to ask about the average age of their guests, as you want to avoid places overpopulated with vacationing teens or recent graduates.
NJ Bed and Breakfasts
You can find B&Bs throughout New Jersey, from bayside retreats to rambling Victorian homesteads. These are a popular option for many out of town guests who prefer an intimate setting and plenty of hospitality. You may wish to inquire about discount rates for large parties, or if it's possible to rent the entire inn for your wedding weekend. For smaller weddings, B&Bs can sometimes house the ceremony, reception and all your guests under one roof.
For Large NJ Wedding, Consider House Rentals
If you have many out of town guests, a close-knit wedding party, or wedding activities which will last for a week or more, house rentals are a possibility, particularly at the New Jersey shore. Contact realtors in your reception area and see if you can arrange special deals for your guests if they mention your wedding when booking their rental.
On Site Accommodations at Your NJ Reception Center
There are many combination reception, ceremony and lodging accommodations all throughout New Jersey. Many have on-site catering or restaurants, wedding planners, dedicated photographers and other professionals on staff, in addition to bridal spas and amenities or added activities such as horseback riding for your guests. You might consider a "green hotel" option to reduce your wedding's eco-footprint, such as
The Old Mill Inn.
