As wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of capturing love stories at some of the most breathtaking venues in South Jersey. The right venue isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about the light, the scenery, and the opportunities to create truly unforgettable images. If you’re searching for the best South Jersey wedding venue, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites and why we love them from a photography standpoint.
At the top of our list, Congress Hall in Cape May is a true classic. Sitting right on the beach, this iconic yellow hotel is one of America’s first seaside resorts and a perfect place to host a beach wedding. Historic charm aside, we love it for the multitude of ways you can configure your perfect wedding day. If getting married on the sand is your dream, you can say your “I dos” right on the beach, followed by cocktails on the lawn and dinner and dancing in the grand ballroom.
Prefer a church ceremony? Cape May has plenty of options within walking distance, like Our Lady Star of the Sea, where Maureen and Joe tied the knot.
One of the things that sets this venue apart from other South Jersey wedding venues is that you can host your entire wedding day just steps from the ocean without ever getting sand in your shoes, thanks to the grand lawn, which is large enough to be tented for your reception.
With its sun-drenched suites, charming town streets, grand verandas, and, of course, the beach, Congress Hall is a photographer’s dream for capturing timeless wedding portraits.
Moving just a few miles north of Cape May, Icona Diamond Beach in Wildwood is a must-see for anyone looking for a true beach wedding. With one of the only private beaches in New Jersey, located on the quieter side of town, Icona Diamond Beach is a stunning setting for a full wedding weekend.
You can say “I do” right on the sand, followed by a tented beachside reception like our couple Melanie and Sean.
If you prefer an indoor celebration (hello, air-conditioning!), the chic Oceanview Ballroom on the third floor offers sweeping views of the private beach. We love this venue for its spacious, light-filled bridal suite—a photographer’s dream—along with its tropical, resort-like atmosphere that provides endless opportunities for outdoor portraits.
Icona offers the best of both worlds: the comfort of a familiar seaside retreat with the ambiance of an upscale destination wedding. Plus, your entire wedding party can stay at the hotel, lounge by the pool, and enjoy a weekend where everything is in one place—no need to leave the property for a truly seamless celebration.
Another venue with tons of historical charm, the Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May, has been around since 1913 and is one of the oldest yacht clubs in New Jersey. It’s the only Cape May venue with a harbor view, making it a must-see for couples who dream of sunset views over the water.
We love it for its beautiful bay views, proximity to all that Cape May has to offer, breezy indoor-outdoor cocktail hour, golden hour views and a gorgeous clear-top tent. Just take a look at Lindsay and Zach’s magical first dance photos to see what we mean.
Torn between your vision for a rustic farm wedding and romantic portraits by the ocean? Why not have it all? For couples who want both, look no further than South Jersey gem, Beach Plum Farm. This rustic yet refined farm venue offers lush gardens, charming cottages, and a farm-to-table dining experience.
For intimate wedding receptions, you can utilize their hoop house, and for larger soirées, you can dance the night away under a sailcloth tent on the lawn, just like our couple Susie and John.
We love it for its beautiful garden ceremony site, easy proximity to the beach and downtown Cape May for portraits, and the spacious private grounds with endless stunning spots for photos. Easily one of our favorite South Jersey wedding venues for capturing timeless wedding moments.
Another non-beach venue that’s still close enough to take advantage of everything Cape May has to offer is Willow Creek Winery. The winery is situated on a stunning 50+ acre vineyard estate, which will transport your guests to Napa Valley without ever leaving the East Coast.
We love it for the gorgeous grounds, big bright bridal suite, outdoor cocktail hour bar and large tasting room which can accommodate up to 350 guests!
Get married onsite in one of their many beautiful outdoor ceremony sites or, like our couple Jackie and Mike, take advantage of how close it is to everything and take bridal party pics on the beach, have a church ceremony at Our Lady Star of the Sea and get back in time for cocktail hour.
Moving further north, The Reeds at Shelter Haven is a beautiful bayside venue in Stone Harbor. The Reeds offers a luxury coastal vibe and stunning waterfront views for both ceremony and reception.
You can even arrive to cocktail hour by boat like our couple Brittany and Rob! We love it for the onsite spa, perfect for relaxing prior to the events of the weekend, large, well-lit bridal suite, and high-end design. The ballroom’s natural light and open-air design make for effortlessly beautiful South Jersey wedding photos.
Moving inland, Renault Winery is one of our favorite non-beach South Jersey wedding venues. Inspired by the french countryside this historic vineyard estate features castle-like architecture and multiple beautiful ballrooms to choose from. We love it for spacious bridal suite and beautifully varied grounds that provide endless photo opportunities.
One of our favorite first looks is with Emma and AK by the pond at Renault Winery! With onsite accommodations for guests and a central location in South Jersey, Renault Winery is an ideal choice for couples looking for a vineyard wedding experience without heading to the beach.
If you’ve always dreamed of a beachfront wedding in the heart of Cape May, the Cape May Convention Hall is a perfect choice. Located right on Beach Avenue, this venue is the only venue on the beach side of the boardwalk, offering direct access to the sand and stunning ocean views, making it a fantastic setting for wedding photos and the only venue where there’s nothing between your reception view and the ocean.
We love it for its easy access to the beach, its clean and modern ballroom that serves as a blank canvas for any wedding design, and its central location that allows for a variety of stunning portrait locations throughout Cape May.
Our couple Vitina and Anthony stayed in one of the nearby Victorian cottages, were married at Our Lady Star of the Sea and arrived to their cocktail hour all by foot without walking an entire mile! If you’re looking for a South Jersey wedding venue that combines coastal elegance with unmatched convenience, this is it.
For couples looking for a South Jersey wedding venue that is as elegant as it is glamorous, The Mansion on Main Street is a perfect fit. This estate features sweeping Greek Revival architecture, stunning gardens, and the kind of ballrooms that make guests say “wow.”
We love it for the beautiful french gardens, indoor ceremony location that is just as beautiful as the outdoor ceremony location and the built-in moments that put all eyes on you. See: Karen and Keith’s stunning first dance pics under the giant crystal chandelier of the Madison ballroom.
Final Thoughts
No matter your wedding style, South Jersey offers incredible venues that provide stunning photography opportunities. Whether you envision your “I dos” on the sand, in a historic mansion or backed by the rolling acres of a vineyard, South Jersey has a venue for you!
If you’re looking for a South Jersey wedding photographer to capture your special day at one of these amazing venues, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s create timeless, beautiful images together.
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