The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Glen Gardner, NJ

The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Glen Gardner, NJ

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1 Wedding Venues in Glen Gardner, NJ

Aquariums, zoos
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Elmwood Park Zoo 

4.9

Norristown, PA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $15,270
  • Offer

When you plan your next event at Elmwood Park Zoo, not only do you treat your guests to a highly interactive experience at the most unique event venue in the Greater Philadelphia area, but you also support an important nonprofit organization. The zoo is centrally located in Montgomery County and is easily accessible to guests from Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia Counties. From intimate affairs with your closest loved ones, to all-out bashes with every far-flung friend and relative, Elmwood Park Zoo is your choice for the most unique and exciting wedding venue.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Lighting and sound are not included
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not allow pets
Awarded Best of Zola
I don’t even know where to start. My daughter and her fiancé were determined to have their wedding at a zoo. After reviewing several possibilities they chose the Elmwood Park Zoo, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. If you choose to get married at a zoo, animal interaction is one of the top priorities and the Elmwood Park zoo did not disappoint. We chose to include the giraffe feeding for all of our guests along with six different animal encounters throughout the evening. The guest were thrilled. The zoo also offered a variety of different locations for the ceremony and the cocktail hour which was nice to have options. We then chose the Canyon Garden for the reception which was lovely. They recently added a bridal suite which was a nice bonus. The only downside is that there is no adjoining bathroom and outside food was not allowed when the bridal party was getting ready. Perhaps at some point in the future, they will offer a light snack menu. The zoo also offers an extensive menu for both the cocktail hour and the reception. The food was very good and the caterers accommodated our requests for special dietary needs. I have to say we were very high maintenance. We had a specific design vision with many moving parts . In addition, my daughter added several specialized elements to the evening… A peanut butter and jelly unity ceremony , a memory bouquets for loved ones no longer with us and their 2 large dogs participating in the ceremony to name a few! In many ways we pushed the envelop and the zoo met every challenge. We did decide to hire a Day of Coordinator (Lauren from IDoInvites was phenomenal), but the the star of the zoo was Becky Bell who is their Event Manager. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful she is. Her attention to detail was incredible. She made everything look easy.. and trust me it wasn’t! We had a lot going on ! She always had a smile and never got ruffled no matter what issue or change we requested. She is a true professional, and I attribute her to making the evening a success. As I mentioned we also hired Lauren from IDoInvites as our coordinator and she and Becky were in total sync. What a dynamic duo these two were. I would highly recommend the Elmwood Park Zoo for any upcoming event.
Karen B., a year ago

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About wedding venues in Glen Gardner, NJ

Why Choose New Jersey for Your Wedding Day?

New Jersey gives you four distinct regions with unique wedding settings and styles to match any vision. September tops the charts for wedding inquiries here, so you'll want to plan ahead if you're eyeing a date during peak season. The varied landscapes mean you can find everything from waterfront elegance to historic charm without traveling far.

What Types of Wedding Venues Can You Find in New Jersey?

The venue scene in New Jersey covers just about every style imaginable. Luxury estates like Park Chateau in East Brunswick offer stunning French-inspired architecture with gorgeous European gardens that make for incredible photo backdrops. If water views are your thing, places like Liberty House showcase breathtaking NYC skyline panoramas right alongside the water. History buffs fall in love with venues like Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange with its historic grounds and Mediterranean gardens. Modern couples gravitate toward industrial spaces such as The Art Factory in Paterson where contemporary design meets character and uniqueness.

How Much Should You Budget for a New Jersey Wedding?

Wedding venues in New Jersey typically run between $8,600 and $10,600, which falls right in line with the national range of $6,500-$12,000. Your overall costs will scale with your guest count. A 50-person celebration averages around $25,059 while stepping up to 100 guests pushes that to $41,588. Mid-sized weddings with 150 guests come in around $57,123 and larger gatherings of 200 reach about $71,002. Going bigger? Expect to invest around $84,881 for 250 guests or $98,761 for 300 guests. These figures help you set realistic expectations as you start planning.

Which Budget Categories Matter Most for New Jersey Celebrations?

Knowing where your money typically goes helps you allocate your budget effectively. Venues take the biggest slice at about 17% of your total budget or $9,599 for a 150-guest wedding. Florals follow at 14% costing around $7,821 while catering represents 13% at approximately $7,679. Bar services run about $6,143 or 11% of your budget. Photography investments average $5,674 (10%) with planning services at $4,622 (8%). Videography accounts for 7% at $4,051 and entertainment like bands or DJs takes 4% at $2,370. Sweet treats like cakes and desserts are surprisingly affordable at just $960 (2%) with hair and makeup coming in at $450 (1%).

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$9,59917%
Florists$7,82114%
Catering$7,67913%
Bar Services$6,14311%
Photographers$5,67410%
Planners$4,6228%
Videographers$4,0517%
Bands and DJs$2,3704%
Cakes and desserts$9602%
Hair & Makeup$4501%

Where Can You Find Exceptional Culinary Experiences in New Jersey?

The Manor in West Orange houses one of America's most acclaimed kitchens with multiple ballroom options to match your party size. You'll love Liberty House in Jersey City where farm-to-table cuisine comes with those incredible NYC skyline views we mentioned earlier. Hudson House brings Italian influence through Executive Chef Matteo Limoli's creative menu designs. The Rockleigh adjusts their menus seasonally and can customize dishes to match your personal tastes. Food quality varies dramatically between venues so tastings are essential.

What Options Exist for Accessible Wedding Venues in New Jersey?

The Rockleigh can accommodate massive celebrations with up to 850 guests while offering both grand ballrooms and beautiful outdoor garden settings. Bridgewater Manor features elegant chandeliers a grand staircase and beautifully maintained grounds that photograph wonderfully. Always reach out directly to venues about specific accessibility features you need. Most have wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms but details matter when creating an inclusive celebration for all your guests.

How Can New Jersey Venues Accommodate Remote Guests?

Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County offers virtual tours that can be adapted for remote guest experiences. Liberty House and Hudson House provide scenic settings that work perfectly with advanced audiovisual systems to bring your ceremony to distant loved ones. Bonnet Island Estate offers unique backdrops that videographers can capture creatively for those who can't attend in person. More venues now offer hybrid options after the pandemic changed how we think about celebrations.

What Makes Your New Jersey Wedding Uniquely Yours?

You'll find your perfect match in New Jersey whether you're drawn to waterfront venues with Manhattan skyline backdrops historic estates with classical architectural details or modern spaces with industrial charm. The state's diverse regions offer venues across many price points and styles. Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple and New Jersey's venue landscape gives you plenty of options to create that personalized celebration regardless of your budget or aesthetic preferences.

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