Your own private coastal island with a majestic ballroom
Wow. If you’ve ever wanted to rent a private island for your wedding day, look no further. Bonnet Island Estate has a destination wedding feel, with the convenience of being centrally located in New Jersey. Lincoln and I have been wedding photographers since 2009, and it’s one of the most amazing wedding venues we’ve ever seen. Amanda & Karl’s dream wedding made the most of the island estate, with each part of the wedding flowing seamlessly from one spot to the next. Your family and friends will be thankful that they can conveniently walk to all events on the day, which is certainly not the case with other venues.
Getting ready on your wedding day
The Bridal Parlor is the perfect place for the bride and her bridesmaids to get ready on the wedding day. The parlor is spacious and elegant, with comfortable seating, a large mirror, and even your very own champagne bar. The natural light pouring through the windows will make your skin look especially beautiful in your wedding photos! The Groom’s Lounge is a more rugged space for the groom and his groomsmen to get ready. Honestly, it’s exactly what guys want. The lounge features leather chairs, a big-screen TV, and a bathroom with a Jacuzzi. Trust me, they will be very happy.
The 12 private suites at Bonnet Island Estate offer guests a luxurious place to stay after the wedding. There’s so much peace of mind knowing all of your bags are just a quick walk up the grand staircase above the elegantly appointed reception rooms. If you forget anything in your room, it’s no big deal! The suites are all uniquely decorated, and they all feature modern amenities, such as in-room fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and balconies with stunning views. Impressive, right!? These are not your average hotel rooms.
The Boathouse Chapel is our favorite ceremony location at this beautiful coastal wedding venue
The oversized rustic barn doors lead to what feels like a scene out of a movie. The Boathouse Chapel is a charming setting for a wedding ceremony. The quaint boathouse chapel is located on the waterfront, and it features a handcrafted wood interior. I cannot emphasize enough how romantic this intimate setting feels. It is definitely not your typical New Jersey wedding. It’s such a special place to exchange vows. After the ceremony, the Veranda and Cocktail Lounge are perfect for cocktail hour, as guests admire the classic sailing ship in the harbor. The Veranda offers stunning views of the bay, and the Cocktail Lounge is a cozy space with comfortable seating and a fireplace.
The wedding reception space is both stunning and massive
The Ballroom is the main event space at Bonnet Island Estate. It is a stunning space with soaring cathedral ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, a spacious dance floor, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the bay. The high ceilings and elegant chandeliers create a sense of grandeur, while the floor-to-ceiling windows bring the beauty of the outdoors indoors. The dance floor is large enough to accommodate even the largest weddings, and the windows provide a stunning backdrop for any event. The Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests, and it is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding with your loved ones. There are perfectly sized oval tables in the ballroom that each seat 10-12 guests (they are 36″x96″). We have seen brides rent round tables, but there was an added cost.
It’s always helpful to have a rehearsal ceremony the day before the wedding day, so that nobody in the bridal party panics on the actual day! After practicing walking down the aisle, Bonnet Island Estate is the perfect location for a rehearsal dinner, followed by guests returning to their overnight accommodations upstairs. The estate is large enough that everyone can have private guest suites, and of course you can get settled in the master bridal suites. Since you have access to the entire estate, you’re able to have an after party at the venue, extending the big day late into the night. As you can imagine, transitioning from the wedding reception to the after party is much smoother if both are at the same location, and the rental fee is likely a smaller cost than going elsewhere. Otherwise, it’s a big headache to travel after such a big day, and many people won’t take full advantage of the late night festivities.
There are plenty of hotels in the area for guests that aren’t staying overnight in the estate, including: Daddy O’s, the Holiday Inn of Manahawkin, Drifting Sands, and the Surf City Hotel. Our family has had many vacations in Long Beach Island, NJ. We have so many special memories in the beach town.
The address for Bonnet Island Estate is 2380 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. The estate was originally built in the 1800s as a duck hunting lodge, and it was lovingly restored in the early 2000s. The estate is surrounded by natural wildlife, including marshes, birds, and deer. Many couples have families and friends traveling from places like Philadelphia and New York, and will jump at the opportunity to drive out to the center of the Jersey Shore for such a fun day. Thanks for reading and please let us know if you need any recommendations for other vendors!
