Your wedding day is fast approaching and with the grandeur that is Monmouth County, NJ, where are you going to take your wedding photos? We’ve narrowed down our favorites! We searched to help our future brides find the perfect spot for their wedding photos. These photos will document your day through captured smiles and secret glances in a breathtaking setting that you will treasure forever.
The top six New Jersey wedding photo hot-spots, dotted throughout Monmouth County, are excellent! Especially if you book with us at your Monmouth County, NJ, wedding venues; the Radisson of Freehold’s Crystal Ballroom or the DoubleTree of Tinton Falls-Eatontown’s Sterling Ballroom.
1. Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ
White gazebos and clear skies are abundant in Pier Village. The area is filled with quaint shops, a beautiful landscape and multiple spots for you and your groom to pose for your wedding photos. This part of Monmouth County is one of the most popular locations for wedding photos. Not only do you have enchanting architecture but the ocean is right behind you giving your photos an air of exquisite taste. Pier Village is only 15 minutes from the Sterling Ballroom and 35 minutes from the Crystal Ballroom. This NJ hot-spot is a great selection for any Monmouth bride.
Our bride and groom share a kiss at Pier Village before heading off to their reception. Photo Credit Something Blue Photography
The wedding party strikes a pose for the camera before heading off to the reception. Photo credit Abacus Wedding Studios.
2. Monmouth County Parks
This magnificent spot is perfect for any bride who wants a lovely landscape in her photos. Mount Mitchill, located in Middletown, NJ, is a rare and delightful scenic overlook. With views of the Raritan Bay, New York City, Sandy Hook and the Twin Lights Lighthouse, there is 360 degrees of glorious photo opportunities. It is also the location of the Monmouth County 9/11 Memorial, a picturesque monument to all those who were touched by that fateful day. Located only a half hour from the Sterling Ballroom and 45 minutes from the Crystal Ballroom this Monmouth County gem is sure to make you smile.
3. Asbury Park Beach
A classic setting for a classic bride. The Asbury Park Beach is a great NJ location for your photos. You can toe the surf, waltz the boardwalk, and pose together against the roaring ocean. This Monmouth County hot spot is only 30 minutes from the Radisson of Freehold’s Crystal Ballroom and 15 minutes from the DoubleTree by Hilton of Tinton Falls’ Sterling Ballroom.
4. Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ
Only 10 minutes from the Sterling Ballroom this wonderful location is stunning for wedding photos. The architecture is absolutely gorgeous and there are plenty of areas on campus to take your photos. Outside of Edison Hall or in front of Wilson Hall, the intricate architecture is superb for wedding photos. Pose on the steps leading to the library or share a meaningful gaze next to the pillars. Inside or out, Monmouth University really makes for a dazzling backdrop.
The Bridal party shares a laugh with the bride at Monmouth University before heading to the reception. Photo credit Artist European Photography.
The bride and groom share a kiss on the steps at Monmouth University, NJ. Photo credit Artist European Photography.
5. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, NJ
Immerse yourself in the splendors of Deep Cut Gardens before you spend the evening at your wedding venue. Your Monmouth County wedding photos can be taken by the quaint, colorful greenhouse, wandering the Deep Cut Gardens Parterre, or roaming around the Horticultural Center. Fifteen minutes away from the Sterling Ballroom in Central Jersey, the gardens are blooming with colorful roses. This location will make your white wedding gown pop against all the lush green foliage.
6. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold, NJ
This historic location is an attractive property and is only 15 minutes from the DoubleTree of Tinton Falls Eatontown’s Sterling Ballroom. You can take the most memorable photos at the corn crib entrance way. The blue arched building with benches lining the wall is a romantic, secluded area to share a kiss. The Carriage House and Waln House are also two historically elegant spots Central NJ wedding photos. With rustic and vintage themes taking the bridal industry by storm this setting is the best place to keep up with the roaring trends.
Anxiously awaiting your wedding day, the pieces are slowly coming together. You have set the date, chosen your wedding venue and selected your photographer. One hurdle that is making things difficult is the location of your wedding photos. Where can you go locally in the Jersey Shore that will have an air of dignified beauty and timeless perfection? As a native to the area you think there is not a single place you can go that will measure up to your ideal wedding photos. You are mistaken. There are a dozen of places you can go in Ocean County, New Jersey that will leave your friends and family admiring your wedding photos for years to come. Here are our top 5 wedding photo worthy places for you to consider near your wedding venue.
1. Georgian Court University’s Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum
Located in Lakewood NJ, only 10 minutes from the Versailles Ballroom at the Ramada of Toms River and 15 minutes from the Hilton Garden Inn, Georgian Court is a gorgeous campus. With five different gardens, you have your pick of which breathtaking setting you want featured in your photos. The Italian Garden features the Fountain of Apollo and floral urns that bloom with fiercely colored geraniums between mid-May and late September.
The Japanese Garden is home to a quaint teahouse surrounded by pink and white flowering trees in April-May and deep red flowering trees in October-November. The Sunken Gardens features a marble fountain and a great, double staircase in white marble that overlooks the pond. On the opposite side of this garden there is a brick and marble bridge overlooking Lake Carasaljo.
Photos taken at Georgian Court University with reception at the Versailles Ballroom
The Formal garden is at its peak in July with lush green hedges and bronze statues. The stable house is a picturesque location to pose for your photos. Founder’s Grove is full of “unusual trees” including the Weeping Norway Spruce, the Sourwood and many more. The gardens are only open to those who are connected to GCU by either being a student, alumni or family member of a student/alumni. There is a minimal fee of $350 for those who have family members who attended GCU, and $35-$50 for Alumni. Current students can use these spectacular hidden gardens free of charge.
2. The Lavallette Gazebo
Located in Lavallette on Camden Avenue, 15 minutes from the Atlantis Ballroom at the Holiday Inn of Toms River and 20 minutes away from the Versailles Ballroom at the Ramada Inn of Toms River, the Gazebo overlooks the Barnegat Bay. The gazebo is available year round and if your date is available you will receive a two hour time block to take your photos. To use this particular location there is a $200 fee and application process. You can check the availability of the flower surrounded gazebo and download the application.
3.The beach, boardwalk or Island Heights
The beach is a classic setting for wedding photos. No matter what your color scheme or kind of wedding dress, the beach is a setting that fits any bride’s unique theme. Both the groom and bride, and bridesmaids and groomsmen, will look spectacular with the ocean and horizon as your backdrop. If you’re looking for NJ wedding reception facilities near picturesque shore points, our Ocean County wedding ballroomsare 5 to 20 minutes from the Jersey Shore.
Photos taken at the beach with reception held at the Versailles Ballroom
The boardwalks of NJ are also a wonderful place to take photos on your special day. Worried about sand or the water conditions? Then why not take your photos on the boardwalk with the beauty of the ocean still behind you. With golden sands and surf in the background a boardwalk pavilion is a great site for memories to be captured on film.
Photo taken at the Boardwalk near the Merry-Go-Round. Reception held at the Atlantis Ballroom.
For those who do not care too much for bridges but still want to take photos with the surf in the background, Island Heights is for you. With a grand pavilion, open skies, and stunning scenery this is a good option. These locations are all great for any bride who wants photos she and her groom can admire for years to come.
4. Lake Horicon in Lakehurst
Getting married in the fall and worried about a lovely outdoor location to take your wedding photos? Have no fear. Lake Horicon is a gorgeous spot during the fall. Located just 20 minutes from the Versailles Ballroom and the Atlantis Ballroom, the reddish water makes the colors of the trees pop during this time of year and the little strip of beach is a great place for photos as well as the secluded benches dotted around the edges of the lake. A pavilion with a fireplace is also located on the banks of Lake Horicon and would make a great local stop to capture your wedding memories.
5. Huddy Park Gazebo in Downtown Toms River
With a three part gazebo and bridge, Huddy Park Gazebo is a convenient, wonderful spot for photos. The gazebo has one large centered area with two smaller adjoining gazebos on each side. The bridge, surrounded by lush green trees and plants is a romantic spot to share a memorable moment with your partner. This lovely area is only 12 minutes away from both of our Toms River hotel locations. These five locations are wonderful for brides that have booked at local, NJ wedding venues and banquet halls in Ocean County. These wedding photo ideas are great for brides who want outdoor photos that compliment the beauty of the bride and attractive outdoor locations in New Jersey.
Here at Hotels Unlimited we recently received photos from Abella Studios, and we couldn’t help but share the magnificent pictures of two weddings that took place at the Crystal Ballroom located inside the Radisson of Freehold, NJ and the Versailles Ballroom at the Ramada of Toms River. These central New Jersey wedding halls offer luxurious chandeliers and splendorous beauty. Both weddings had their own unique color patterns, flowers, and up lighting. So whether you are looking for a deep purple and blue reception or traditional white with a hint of blue, the Crystal Ballroom and the Versailles Ballroom in Central NJ will accommodate your every need.
With Mother’s Day 2012 right around the corner, thoughts of how to celebrate this special day with the person you love are running through your mind. Simply picture it, mom pulls a warm tray of cookies out of the oven made with love and devotion. She takes the time to meticulously prepare the cookies and care for you, and now today is your day to return the favor. When looking to share the love and care that mom did for you, look to the Radisson of Freehold or the Ramada of Toms River to ensure that Mother’s day brunch is just as wonderful as Mom.
On May 13, 2012 the Radisson will be offering a Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch inside the beautiful Crystal Ballroom. A buffet brunch will be served at either 11:00 am or 1:30 pm. There will be a spectacle of food including herb roasted beef, western-style scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, mimosa poached salmon, fresh fruit and cheese displays, an assortment of salads, and much more. To book your reservations please call 732-780-3400 x6108. For more information on pricing, food, and the address of the hotel please see our Mother’s Day Menu Flyer.
The Ramada of Toms River will also be holding a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 13, 2012 in the Versailles Ballroom. Seating will be at either 11:00 am or 1:30 pm. Some of the brunch items include: steamship of beef, oven roasted turkey, fresh scrambled eggs, waffles with sliced bananas & nutella glaze, and much more. To book your reservations please call 732-905-2626 x154. For more information on pricing, food, and the address of the hotel please see our Mother’s Day Menu Flyer.
So, come celebrate Mother’s Day Brunch 2012 with delicious food and great people in the Central New Jersey area. The Radisson Hotel of Freehold and the Ramada of Toms River can’t wait to celebrate this special holiday with you and your family. See you on Mother’s Day!
April Fools – The best joke that’s not a joke at all
April is approaching quickly and with it comes great Central New Jersey wedding deals! During the whole month of April 2012, Hotels Unlimited will be offering the same deal as our March One Day Wedding Sale! Our five Central New Jersey banquet halls, the Sterling Ballroom, the Crystal Ballroom, the Windsor Ballroom, the Versailles Ballroom, and the Atlantis Ballroom will all be offering their same value packed deals so couples can enjoy their unique wedding, without breaking the bank.
Our Central New Jersey Wedding Reception Sites
The Sterling Ballroom located inside the DoubleTree of Tinton Falls-Eatontown, NJ offers sleek, modern décor and a huge dance floor that will certainly allow your guests to have a great experience.
The Crystal Ballroom located inside the Radisson Hotel of Freehold, NJ offers luxurious chandeliers and beauty for any elegant affair with close proximity to the beach.
The Windsor Ballroom located inside the Holiday Inn of East Windsor, NJ focuses on providing customers with a one of a kind experience by offering an amazing event planner and catering professionals.
The Versailles Ballroom located inside the Ramada of Toms River, NJ is known for its high ceilings, huge dance floor, stunning crystal chandeliers and positioning with easy access to the beach.
The Atlantis Ballroom located inside the Holiday Inn of Toms River, NJ offers an indoor or outdoor ceremony space, along with a stunning reception space. This ballroom is just minutes away from the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, Barnegat Bay, and beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches.
To take advantage of this great offer, couples can choose any date from now until March 31, 2013 to have their New Jersey wedding. The price per head will range from $45-$59 depending on the ballroom. Also, if couples tag our ballroom on Facebook they will receive free Hollywood lighting! This is an offer you do not want to miss! For more information please see our April Fools Flyer and be sure to visit our ballrooms’ Facebook pages.
Join the Ramada of Toms River or the Radisson Hotel of Freehold for an Easter Sunday Brunch on April 8, 2012. The Ramada of Toms River, Ocean County NJ will be offering a buffet at both 11:00am and 1:30pm in the Versailles Ballroom. The buffet will include dishes such as roasted turkey, scrambled eggs, bacon, salmon, prime rib, fresh fruit, assorted salads and much more. To book your reservations please call 732-905-2626 x154. For more information on pricing, food, and the address of the hotel please see our flyer.
The Radisson Hotel of Freehold, Monmouth County NJ will be offering a buffet at both 12:00pm and 2:00pm in the Crystal Ballroom. The buffet will include dishes such as glazed ham, scrambled eggs, sausage, french toast, NY strip steak, fresh fruit and cheese, assorted salads and much more. To book your reservations please call 732-780-3400 x6108. For more information on pricing, food, and the address of the hotel please see our flyer.
Come celebrate Easter Sunday 2012 with delicious food and great people in the Central New Jersey area. The Ramada of Toms River and Radisson Hotel of Freehold can’t wait to celebrate this special holiday with you and your family. See you for Easter Sunday Brunch!
As the spring 2012 season approaches so quickly, the deals at Hotels Unlimited continue to grow as the flowers bloom. During April 2012, Hotels Unlimited is proud to announce its Central NJ Bridal and Baby Shower deal. Throughout the month of April, brides and mothers to be can take advantage of 15% off with our April Showers deal. (Hopefully rain boots are not required.) Parties who book can take advantage of our available dates throughout 2012.
Parties who book can also take advantage of our referral discount and receive an additional 5% off their baby or bridal shower for each friend who books at The Versailles Ballroom, The Atlantis Ballroom, The Sterling Ballroom, The Windsor Ballroom, and The Crystal Ballroom. Each of these Central NJ ballrooms provide a great variety of banquet spaces for any social affair. Each ballroom located in Mercer County, Monmouth County, and Ocean County can give their shower a unique flair while providing the utmost care to service to the event. For more information, please see our flyer.
Guests attending the event were able to take a sneak preview into the National Conference Center’s new renovations to the amphitheatre and auditorium. These renovations include an update to our technological equipment as well as new carpeting and wall coverings to our Central NJ auditorium. Although the National Conference Center will be making its grand unveiling in May 2012, guests were able to mingle and network in a professional and spacious atmosphere.
The National Conference Center is a proud member of the Mercer County Chamber and The Princeton Regional Chamber. We invite you to take a look at some of the great photos highlighting the Business After Business Event.
Since leap year only comes around once every four years, there has to be some sort of special rule for that day, right? Well there is… for women. February 29 is said to be the only day that it is appropriate for a woman to propose to a man.
According to an article on mentalfloss.com, this legend dates back to 5th century Ireland. It is said that St. Bridget of Ireland was frustrated that she had to wait around for a proposal, which may never even come at all. So she complained to St. Patrick who ultimately decided that women could be allowed to propose to a man only once every four years on leap day. This became known as “The Ladies’ Privilege.”
So would you propose to your man, whether on leap day or any other day? If so, how would you stage your perfect NJ engagement? You’d be surprised by some of the women who have proposed to their man.
Some famous women in the past and present are known to have been the person who proposed. In 1839 Queen Victoria proposed to Albert by summoning him to her room and asking him to if he would consent to what she wished for (marriage). Recently, celebrities such as Halle Berry, Pink, and Jennifer Hudson are known to have proposed to their husbands.
So do men want to be proposed to? According to the article, only 56% of men in a relationship would say yes to a proposal if asked today. Make sure if you are proposing that your man is in that 56%. Good luck ladies! If he says yes check out our Central NJ wedding venues.
As the temperatures outside become slightly warmer outside we are reminded that spring and love are coming into the air, and what a better way to celebrate love than through a wedding? When selecting your central NJ wedding venue, one must consider the value that the venue can provide for their special event. Today, Hotels Unlimited announces its One Day Wedding Sale for our Ocean County wedding facilities: The Atlantis Ballroom & The Versailles Ballroom. With half price enhancers and prices starting at $45-$49 at the Atlantis Ballroom and $49-$59 at the Versailles Ballroom, Hotels Unlimited has not had a better wedding package deal for 2012.
Versailles Ballroom at the Ramada of Toms River
Particularly, Hotels Unlimited already offers in our packages:
-One on one personalized service and a commitment to your vision
-Table linens & centerpieces
-Catering package options
-On-site ceremony space and overnight stay
Atlantis Ballroom inside of the Holiday Inn of Toms River
Both the Atlantis Ballroom and The Versailles Ballroom have won The Knot Best of Weddings awards thanks to our lovely brides who rated us among the best. To see the Versailles Ballroom reviews and the Atlantis Ballroom reviews be sure to check out our pages on The Knot, our website, or on WeddingWire. To see more details on our offer see the
Interested parties are invited to participate in our New Jersey wedding catering tastings during our 2012 Mercer County bridal shows. Here we took a short preview video to allow interested couples an insider’s look into the world of The Windsor Ballroom as part of our Behind the Scenes YouTube Video series.
Our Central NJ wedding venues are available for tours and to schedule a meeting with you. We look forward to hearing from you: