We are The Fox & The Hare Photography, a husband-and-wife duo based in New Jersey named Jen & Steve. We have spent the last 15 years (as of 2025 writing this post) photographing weddings all over the state of NJ. Drawing from our extensive experience, we’ve curated a list of our top five wedding venues in Northern New Jersey (where we are based). The criteria focuses on exceptional hospitality, versatile property layouts, and reliable rain plans. Our selections include venues that not only provide stunning backdrops and strong collaboration with vendors, but also ensure a seamless experience for couples and guests alike.

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So Which Venues Made our Top 5 Cut?

Topping our list is Rock Island Lake Club, known for its private lakeside views, impeccable service, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions – ideal for any weather. Perona Farms, a longtime favorite, offers a variety of multiple, unique spaces like The Barn, The Refinery, and the newly renovated Reserve – with staff who are seasoned pros at navigating unexpected weather shifts and any bumps in the road. David’s Country Inn charms with historic elegance and a team that treats every couple like family, while Bear Brook Valley (sister venue to Rock Island) brings modern, rustic luxury and a comprehensive rain plan that doesn’t compromise the aesthetic. Rounding out the list is The Lake House at Indian Trail Club, where the lakeside ceremony space and updated reception area provide both flexibility and timeless charm, rain or shine.

Each venue has earned its spot not just for beauty, but for the peace of mind they give couples (and us!!) on their big day. Read on for exactly WHY these venues made our top 5 faves in Northern New Jersey!

5) The Lake House at Indian Trail Club – Franklin Lakes, NJ

Hospitality:

The staff is always super courteous to us and we love the Maitre D Dana who is extremely helpful, sweet and cooperative!

There is always someone nearby to ask for assistance, and side bar – we LOVE that they give photo/video vendors a designated table in the back of the reception space to stash our stuff. You don’t know how happy it makes us that we don’t have to throw our camera gear on the ground, and can neatly store our bags under the table without being shoved into a closet. You can count on us being able to access whatever we need at a drop of a hat.

The food is 10/10. The cocktail food is fantastic (get the BBQ station with the pulled pork, you won’t be sorry) and our vendor meals are always delicious! We always say – if we’re treated well at a venue, just imagine how they’re going to treat YOU! 🙂 Additionally; they are a functioning lake club BUT you will have the venue and venue grounds all to yourself since they only serve one wedding per day!

Property Versatility:

The outside is obviously extremely beautiful with the lake views. But there’s also a lot of vegetation and greenery on the property. The front of the building is beautiful, as well as the side pathway and cocktail patio – which also makes for great photo backdrops. We also love to walk down the path behind the building toward the little piers on the lake. In the fall, the bushes get overgrown and it looks gorgeous at sunset!! And there’s a cute picnic table area with string lights for fun night shots!

We also happen to love that the indoor cocktail space has lovely stone fireplaces that make for great interior backdrops, as well! Inside or outside, both can be used! And the wedding party can typically do hair and makeup in this indoor area by the fireplace.

Rain Plans:

When it rains, they convert the reception space (very impressively, on a dime) and you can still have your lake views for your ceremony! The beautiful windows let in all the natural light so you don’t have to miss the outdoors. The room is spacious and allows for plenty of dancefloor space once the room is converted back for reception.

4) Bear Brook Valley – Fredon Township, NJ

Hospitality:

Bear Brook has friendly and helpful staff who are ready to pitch in at a moment’s notice. They make sure you have a bridal attendant to follow you around. They are extremely on par with the hospitality at Rock Island Lake Club, which is their sister venue. The food is also just as excellent. They also offer late night munchies station options for your guests while they’re on their way out!

Property Versatility:

Whether it’s the front carport (which is very attractive and scenic), or the back landscape of rolling hills, wooden bridges, ponds and a woodsy area – you just can’t go wrong. There’s a huge variety of backdrops to choose from. And with designated prep spaces on site? It’s a no-brainer.

Rain Plans:

The carport photographs beautifully if it rains, and they’ll sometimes hold the ceremony under there. They also have a beautiful little renovated, cozy and modern-looking stable that they can host your guests in for ceremony, if it rains or is just cold and uncomfortable outside.

3) David’s Country Inn – Hackettstown, NJ

Hospitality:

This staff truly makes you feel welcome and like you’re family. The food is always on point and it always seems like there’s something new to try. Steve and I are weirdos because we rave about the Chicken Francese, which is a pretty standard wedding entree in NJ. But for some reason, this one is the best we’ve ever had! And don’t get us started on their desserts…

Property Versatility:

The exterior, the INTERIOR?! I mean come on, it’s a historical building that’s been well-preserved with minimal renovations, so the integrity of the building is still there. We sometimes schedule just over an hour for couple’s portraits due to the fact there’s just SO much to use throughout the space.

Just before the pandemic, they had construction done to the parking lot to convert it into a back courtyard. This has created a picturesque place for photos right on site without having to leave the property. (We used to go to Stephen’s State Park 5 minutes up the road or Rutherfurd Hall – permit required – for additional photos, which are still both optional but no longer necessary!)

The Warren Suite is the perfect place to get ready, with doors dividing you from seeing your partner. We love the ease for our couples to be able to get ready on site without stressing out about finding another location nearby to get ready!

Rain Plans:

The inside of the ballroom is stunning, cozy and romantic. You won’t be sorry if your ceremony winds up in there. There’s so much character inside and out that you won’t miss the outside if you get stuck all day inside. (We’ve been there on a torrential downpour of relentless rain all day and we barely noticed!)

2) Perona Farms (The Refinery, Reserve & Barn) – Andover, NJ

I don’t even think we have enough time in the day, let alone in this blog post, to tell you all the wonderful things Perona Farms has to offer. First of all, they have three different wedding “venues” on their property. There’s the Refinery, with a more industrial-chic feel. The Reserve, think old Italian wine country, and the Barn which has a rustic and spacious vibe. They literally offer something for everyone.

Hospitality:

Perona Farms is widely celebrated for delivering some of the best hospitality in the NJ wedding industry, and for good reason! As a family-owned and operated venue for over a century, they bring a deeply personal touch to every celebration. Our couples consistently praise their attentive and responsive staff, who go above and beyond to make each wedding feel seamless, warm, and genuinely cared for. Not to mention, we feel cared for, too! There’s always an attendant or coordinator around to pitch in when we need a hand or a ride in their vans or golf carts to a different spot on the property. The Perona Farms team anticipates needs before they arise, ensuring couples, guests and vendors feel like family.

The FOOD is also out of this world. Every single station at cocktail hour is incredible, including the pizza ovens and if you splurge for the sushi tower – we promise it’s worth it! Everything is farm-to-table fresh and blows us away every time.

What truly sets Perona Farms apart is their dedication to customization and guest experience. Whether it’s crafting a personalized menu, accommodating unique requests, or handling last-minute changes with grace, their team exudes professionalism. It’s that combination of heartfelt service and polished execution that keeps Perona Farms a favorite among both couples and wedding professionals across the region.

Did we mention we love love love the staff? There are far too many names to mention but we get so excited every time we see them! We’re always running in to give someone a hug when we arrive.

Property Versatility:

Where to even begin? It’s endless. You have access to the whole grounds and your individual venue space will offer a variety of exterior and interior options. The best part is how communicative the staff is with us, they all radio each other and check-in to see which wedding is using what area at a given time so we can plan accordingly. If you want your first look at the willow tree, for example, we let them know and then they can coordinate with the other weddings. And by the way, you may occasionally see another bride/groom in the distance but they do a VERY excellent job of keeping all the weddings totally separated if there’s more than one happening onsite in a day. You won’t feel like just a number. And whether you choose the Refinery, Reserve, or Barn – that particular space is exclusively yours!

Rain Plans:

We never stress about rain at Perona. They REALLY thought about their rain contingency plans when they renovated. Perona Farms’ recent renovations have elevated the venue experience while preserving the charm that has made it a beloved staple in New Jersey weddings. One of the most impactful updates has been the thoughtful enhancement of both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, giving couples true peace of mind, regardless of the weather. Their beautifully landscaped outdoor ceremony sites offer picturesque views and a serene backdrop for vows. While the newly renovated indoor spaces are equally stunning, filled with natural light and modern finishes that feel both fresh and timeless.

This dual-option flexibility means that couples no longer have to stress over last-minute weather changes or compromise on aesthetics. The seamless transition between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, rain or shine, is a huge relief for anyone planning a wedding. Whether you’re envisioning an airy garden ceremony or a cozy indoor setting, Perona Farms now offers polished, ready-to-go solutions that don’t require a backup plan – just a celebration! (We also love they can open the glass atrium ceilings on a nice day so you can still feel like your outdoors even if you stay inside for the ceremony!)

1) Rock Island Lake Club – Sparta, NJ

Why are they #1? One wedding per day on site. Enough said. Imagine rolling up to a fancy lake house that’s not only just for you that day, but for all of your favorite people in your life.

Rock Island Lake Club stands out as one of the absolute best wedding venues in Northern New Jersey for couples seeking a modern, all-inclusive experience that still feels personalized and intimate. Nestled alongside a private lake and surrounded by lush woodlands, the property offers a truly secluded, natural setting that feels like a destination – without ever leaving New Jersey. The venue’s clean, contemporary aesthetic paired with rustic elements like reclaimed wood and floor-to-ceiling windows creates a warm, stylish atmosphere that perfectly blends elegance with laid-back charm.

Hospitality:

The staff have become our BFFs, the coordination is seamless, they work with us not against us and the food is 10/10. Jill the Maitre D will drop ANYTHING to help you – but what she’s briefly dropping is also 100 other tasks she’s already also doing for YOU. Jill and the whole team work tirelessly to make sure every request is taken care of and flaws are undetectable.

What truly sets Rock Island Lake Club apart is their exceptional service and streamlined planning process. Their team is known for being incredibly attentive, responsive, and invested in making each couple’s vision come to life. The all-day, one-event-per-day format ensures couples have the full attention of staff, as well as exclusive use of the property. From the lakefront ceremony space to the open-air cocktail hour deck and cozy fire pits, every detail is designed to enhance the guest experience and create unforgettable moments.

Oh and not only is the food INCREDIBLE *all caps,* but there is a huge selection. It’ll be hard to save your appetite after you witness this top tier New Jersey cocktail hour, but you’re going to have to save some room. Not only will you also be served a choice of entrees, but an entire dessert bar AND the option of late night munchies on your way out (fries dipped in a frosty, anyone??)

Property Versatility:

Rock Island Lake Club is a dream location for wedding photography, offering an incredible variety of backdrops all within steps of one another. The sparkling private lake is at the heart of it all, creating romantic, reflective views for portraits – especially golden hour shots on the dock that feel cinematic and serene. Just beside the lake, a rustic wooden swing tucked into the trees offers a whimsical, storybook feel that perfectly complements the venue’s woodland charm. In the spring and summer, wildflowers grow in the woods, and in the fall the foliage is stunning and the tall meadow-y cattail grass grows high.

Couples can also take advantage of the winding wooded road and natural trails for quiet, intimate moments surrounded by nature, while the indoor silo and modern bar add texture and edge with their industrial design elements. The venue even includes a bright yellow Moke (a vintage-inspired electric car) that adds a playful, stylish pop to couple and wedding party photos. Whether you’re after editorial-style portraits or candid, joy-filled memories, Rock Island Lake Club gives us photographers an inspiring, ever-changing canvas to work with – making every final gallery feel both cohesive and dynamic.

There are additionally two separate upstairs and downstairs suites for partners to get ready without seeing each other. Or, if you prefer, an onsite Airbnb across the lake!

Rain Plans:

Rock Island Lake Club is renowned for its dependable weather backup strategies – offering couples genuine peace of mind on their big day. Their in‑house coordinators monitor weather conditions closely and make the call early – shifting events indoors if rain is likely to cause disruptions. And you can still see the lake from the balcony or indoors! We always praise them for how quickly they adapt to transition the ceremony space when weather is a last minute issue, still ensuring a flawless ceremony.

What’s more, the venue’s indoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to be just as picturesque and seamless as their outdoor settings. You get the same lake‑view allure and elegant ambiance – minus the risk of weather. RILC doesn’t just offer an indoor fallback – they roll it out with excellence: the same décor, floral arrangements, and flow, so guests experience an uninterrupted, beautiful ceremony and reception. If rain threatens or rolls in, the venue’s team coordinates the move behind the scenes, so the only thing noticed is how smoothly everything continued – a stress‑free swap that leaves couples and guests wondering if it was ever supposed to be outdoors at all.

Final thoughts!

These are our top 5 picks for Northern New Jersey wedding venues, and we are wedding industry pros who work at these places multiple times per year. But don’t take our word for it, schedule a tour and see what the right fit is for you! We just hope this helps refine your search and narrow down where you may start to look first!