[social_warfare]
The story of Judney Farms in Newfoundland, New Jersey goes a little something like this: Couple buys horse farm. Couple gets married there. Couple opens totally romantic rustic wedding venue to the public.
Completely charming, right?
We think so. That’s why we’re so excited to have had the opportunity to learn more about this amazing venue from Jacquelyn LaCroix, who owns the venue with her husband, David. There’s a *lot* to love about this place—the estate features 10 acres of green pastures with white wooden fences, scenic mountain backdrops, a private pond, and an active horse barn. AND, at under an hour drive from NYC, it’s super convenient.
Can’t wait to hear more? Let’s go!
What is your capacity?
250
Do you offer a ceremony location?
We have two locations. You can have your ceremony by our private pond or the beautiful stone porch with stone walkway.
What is included in your wedding packages?
Our packages include:
Access to the grounds: Your wedding is the only one for the selected weekend. You have full access prior to the big day for the rehearsal, decorating and photography. There are horses, chickens, and a peacock on the grounds. The gardens are filled with sunflowers and ambient night lighting.
Event Planning Services: We work closely with you to make sure your vision is carried out. Day of scheduling and overall event coordination is included. Our event manager can carry out any ideas you have. Execution of ideas incurs additional costs.
Photo credit: D. Becker Photo
Rustic decor (included in the venue fee):
- Two rustic wine barrels (great for floral arrangements)
- Decorative wagon ideal for any type of display
- Wooden rustic ceremony and reception signs
- Personalized chalkboard wedding welcome sign
- White table linens and napkins (additional colors available at extra cost)
- Burlap decorative napkin ring holders
- Lockable wooden card box to safely and securely hold your wedding cards
- Bride and groom chair signs
- Chalkboard table numbers
- Galvanized metal buckets (perfect to use as champagne buckets and table numbers)
Restrooms: We provide a luxury restroom trailer with two gender-dedicated rooms.
Parking: Lighted parking is available in the lower pasture.
Bride’s and Groom’s Dressing Areas: You each have a separate staging area.
In addition, we also offer a bunch of other fun services at an additional cost:
Horse and carriage: Make your grand entrance in a horse and carriage. After the ceremony, your guests can enjoy rides around the grounds. (Rustic Bride says: What a perfect way to keep your guests entertained during the cocktail hour—and especially fun for weddings with kids).
Hay bale lounge area with s’mores: Lounge by the fire pit on our hay bale couches while you enjoy s’mores by the fire.
Photo credit: D. Becker Photo
Dove release: Release two white doves for your ceremony as a symbol of love and unity. Two white decorative cages will house the doves for your release.
Personalized wedding wreath: We can personalize a large wreath with the bride’s and groom’s initials to be highlighted and lit up at night. The wreath will remain in possession of the venue, but the letters are yours to keep.
Tent rental: The tent includes cathedral-style tent sides for enclosure.
Catering: Outside vendors are allowed but need to be approved by the venue. We also have a preferred vendor list and can build your package accordingly.
Alcohol: Bring your own, with the servers included in the catering package.
Music: Both bands and DJs are allowed.
What makes your venue special?
Couples have access to the grounds for decorating, photography, rehearsal for up to three days prior to your event, as we only book one wedding per weekend.
What is your favorite moment from one of your weddings?
I love when brides come around the corner in the horse and carriage for her grand entrance; I also think the dove release is so special. Both of these elements make the wedding a true fairytale.
What is your best advice for couples planning their weddings?
As excited as you are, try to slow down to take in everything and enjoy every moment of your big day!
Are there any vendors you would recommend to couples planning a wedding at your venue?
Photographer — Dennis Becker Photo
Florist — Calico Country Flowers
Cake — Suzi Cakes
Accommodations — Hampton Inn, Denville (you can rent their banquet room as an additional rehearsal dinner option)
Top photo credit: D. Becker Photo
