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Check out the list of NYC photographers on apracticalwedding.com (under Vendors). We found our photographer that way (I highly recommend her but she lives on the west coast and just happened to be east that month) and she was so inexpensive with such high quality work that my never-extravagant dad insisted on sending her a bonus after we got the pix back. And she gave us all of the images free and clear (for noncommercial use), so we were able to save another bundle on printing.

I didn't hire a pro for my engagement/wedding photos.

I gave a flip camcorder to my 9 year-old nephew and a point-and-shoot digital camera to my 9 year-old niece. I told them it was their job to take the wedding photos and video. For kids, weddings are mostly boring events. They absolutely loved it when I gave them something to do. I treasure the photos and video they shot - they didn't miss a moment, and they captured a lot of comical and precious shots that only a kid would.

Let the kids take your wedding photos and videos. It's so much more special than having a pro do it. All of your guests will want to see what the kids did, few people care about what a hired photographer does. Oh and let the kids keep the cameras as a reward for their work :)

We ended up choosing a boat that goes around NYC - statue of liberty, etc. I figured the views will be great and our out-of-town guests will really love it. I love that it comes with everything included, taking a lot of pressure off the planning & budgeting.

Now, my next question - does anyone have a recommendation for basic and *affordable* engagement photos? I'd like to just take a few down by the waterfront with the skyline background to kind of go with the theme.

Thanks!

I'm with dtjcview. That's why I got married at Showbiz Pizza (http://www.showbizpizza.com/home.html). There is nothing like having that first dance with the Rock-afire Explosion. Those guys f'n rock.

Linkage for those not in the know:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rock-afire_Explosion

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My wife and I got married at http://www.knoebels.com/ in PA. It wasn't about the flowers, nor location, nor cake. It's was all about the guests having fun and enjoying themselves.

If I was getting married in JC I'd go to http://www.polepositionraceway.com/new-york-jersey-city.
It's not about your fun. It's all about your guests having fun.

If anyone wants info - I got married at the Mezzanine in Newark - priced pretty decently, they were open to DIY - I was able to set-up 2-3 days before, and food people are still talking about.

I looked at Loews too - but from what I heard - if you want a dance floor - keep it under 100 people. If you're looking for a great caterer - try Secret Chef (http://www.thesecretchefllc.com/weddings.php). She's a JC resident and has done a few weddings at Loews.

I don't know much about the others - since we wanted to go a non-traditional route.

Congrats Grovester! I just got married 2 weekends ago, and as much as I would have loved to stay in JC, I just couldn't deal with all the planning that goes into non-traditional venues- caterers, linens, dishes, decorations, menus- and the pricing in JC. We ended up at Bretton Woods in Morris Plains for a day wedding, and it was great! Outside space, a deck with a bar, great food, great staff on-site that day, and fairly affordable for a day wedding. Then we planned an after party at a local hotel to keep the party going.

On another note, our DJ was amazing and I would recommend him again and again- he did my sister-in-law's wedding, our wedding and he'll be DJing my friend's wedding this weekend- Chuck Russo- www.chuckrusso.com. He's not cheesy, plays what you want, is very relaxed and not a greased up, in your face DJ.

Best of luck!

Grovester, I'm PMing you now.

Congrats on your engagement. My fiance and I have booked the Loews for our wedding next Novemeber, so perhaps I can be of some help.

1) Caterer: We are tasting now (which is really fun) and like Ultimate, Encore, and Signature. All 3 have done events at the theater before which is a huge perk. We're working with them to develop menues and prices and then we will decide.

2) Timing: You have to get married in the cooler month here b\c there is no AC.

3) Contact: It's really hard to get in touch with these guys. We sent in our deposit in July and have not gotten a contract yet but we were assured we have the date reserved. It's just the nature of dealing with a nonprofit. If you don't want to be patient, don't get married here.

4) Balcony: They are not really letting people use the balcony anymore because of the old carpets. Offer to do something nice for the place (professional carpet cleaning, volunteer work, etc...) and you may get access.

5) Expense: We looked around at more traditional venues. If you want a comparable food expereince, this is going to be much more expensive. If you want less crazy, but still quite enough offerings, this'll be a bit more expensive. We tried looking at one other non traditional venue...Liberty Science Center -- pretty cool, but ultimately, we liked the look of Loews better.

6) Size: smaller than we hoped. You are limited to around 170 people.

Hope this helps!

Hi, I'm newly engaged (hooray!) and looking at possibly having a JC wedding.

Just thought I'd resurrect this old thread and see if anyone has any new ideas or reviews since this one went quiet. I'm very interested in Loew's, just waiting for a call back. I'm not really into the traditional banquet hall wedding, so I think this is a good unique option.

For those of you who got married Loew's (I think there are a few on this board) - would you please share with me reviews & who you used for catering, flowers, set up, etc.? Either on the thread or through PM.

Thanks!

If you're up for the whole DIY wedding thing (need to secure your own caterer/rentals/etc) and aren't tied to summer months I can't recommend the Loew's Theater in Journal Square enough. Beautiful, unique space and relatively cheap to rent out. We were able to do both the ceremony and reception there with no problems. They can accommodate up to 150 for a sit-down reception in the lobby and can do up to 100 for a ceremony on the lobby balcony and a lot more if you do the ceremony on the stage.

Just had mine at the Breakers on the Ocean in Spring Lake. Oceanfront in a beautiful town less than an hour's drive from NYC and JC. Price wasn't bad at all. Everyone had a blast.

The new Liberty Landing Marina building (right next to Liberty House) is going to have wedding receptions upstairs but from the looks of the place might be a while until it is completed.

They are also going to have a restaurant downstairs with a bar outside.

Josiered, I couldn't agree more (see above). ;) I can't wait to go back for our anniversary or special occasions.

Our friends/family are still raving about the food!!!! mmmm....

The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange (Eagle Rock Reservation) is "spectacular". They have an outside veranda where we had our cocktail hour and the sit down dinner inside. It was absolutely beautiful and I would
highly recommend at least taking a look at it before you
decide on somewhere else. They can accomodate any number of people - check it out !

We were married this past May at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, NJ. Highly recommend it! The eagle eye views of the city (and JC!) are breathtaking.

We were married at Liberty House last October and could not have been happier, other than the weather being cloudy. They have a larger upstairs hall, but we liked the smaller downstairs room with the garden area. Our ceremony and reception were both held there. It made for a more casual, comfortable affair as opposed to the typical wedding hall. We also had guests coming from all over the world, so the NYC skyline was a big deal for them.

I have also been to a reception at The Chart House in Weehawken which was very nice and comparable to the Liberty House.

The Mezzanine in Newark is a cool space: http://www.frungillo.com/frungillo_new/mez/index.htm

I don't know how much it is...

I've heard that Frungillo, the caterer, can be annoying, though.

There is also the Loew's in Journal Square, though there you are just renting the space, and have to bring in everything else...not sure if you're interested in that.

The Hyatt in JC also has beautiful views of the city from their courtyard, which they use for events.

Just got engaged and am looking for a wedding reception that's somewhat budget-friendly for 150-200 people. Any suggestions on other locations in Northern NJ (perhaps outside of JC, although I would LOVE to be at Liberty House)? Thanks!

I started this thread and just wanted to follow up. We had our wedding reception at The Embankment restaurant on 10th & Erie. It was awesome, the food was delicious, and everything ran smoothly. They have 3 suggested catering packages, but there is a lot of flexibility with the menus. Also, the space of the main room allows for a lot of creativity with the decor. The owner and wedding planner were incredibly helpful and detail oriented. I highly recommend it.

Liberty House where I had mine was incredible and I've been to two at the Park Savoy, which is also a fantastic place.

Best ones in JC are Liberty Landing Marina, Puccini's and Casino in the Park.

Also, the new restaurant at the Newport Marina has been gut renovated and will be doing weddings. They should be open in July:
Michael Anthony's Restaurant
502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07310
201-239-9999 Fax 201-239-9998
www.mar-jc.com

In Liberty State Park at the Liberty Landing Marina:
Liberty House Restaurant & Catering
76 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07304
201-395-0300 Fax 201-395-0065
www.libertyhouserestaurant.com
Jeanne@libertyhouserestaurant.com

I have been to a South City Grill party for several hundred people and they definitely pulled it off well. They have outdoor space as well as rooms in the back. I find it hard to think that O'Connell's or the Embankment could fit that many comfortably.

You may also want to try the new Westin Hotel. The Fire and Oak restaurant is great and offers several packages. They happen to be owned by the South City group. The hotel's Half Moon Lounge has a nice, huge room in the back.

i could only imagine that o'connell's and the embankment are in the same price range, and that south city is a little more. if you could swing a little more, i'd recommend checking out the downstairs room at the libertyhouse in liberty state park.

i had my engagement party there and it was great.

Rita & Joe's Restaurant (small room)
Italian Restaurant
http://www.rita-joes.com/welcome.htm
142 Broadway, off Routes 440 and 1&9
Jersey City, New Jersey
Tel: (201) 451-3606 Fax: 201-451-4180


Puccini's Restaurant (huge place)
Italian Restaurant
http://www.puccinisrestaurant.com/index.cfm
1064 West Side Ave, off Broadway
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Tel: (201) 432-4111 ? Fax:(201) 432-9026

Casino-In-The-Park (moderate size)
www.casinointhepark.com
Right in Lincoln Park
between Kennedy. West Side Ave, & Rt. 440
Jersey City, NJ 07304
Tel: (201) 333-1045

Has anyone been to or thrown a large private party at any of the following?
O'Connells
The Embankment
South City Grill

How was the experience?


Assuming similar pricing on appetizers, 3-4 course meal and open bar, which of the three is best for hosting a reception for about 85-90 people?

Thank you in advance for feedback.