When you’re getting married, the tradition goes that you’ll want something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and something … a little unexpected? In Hunterdon County and nearby Bucks and Montco, couples get their choice of majestic castles, picturesque gardens, wineries and country clubs when it comes to venues, but there are also a few places tucked away for the bride and groom looking for something a little different. Read on for some of the more unique places to tie the knot in the area.
(Please note that some offerings at wedding venues may be limited at this time due to COVID-19.)
1 Riverside Elegance
Anya & Dan Photography
Located just on the other side of the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge, Lambertville Station Restaurant and Inn combines the beauty, charm and rich character of a historic spot with contemporary elegance and breathtaking views. The Riverside Ballroom, their largest event space, offers floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous views of the Delaware River, and the adjacent outdoor terrace lets guests mingle with one another during cocktail hour and take in the breathtaking scenery. Photo opportunities abound –colorful sunsets, train tracks, the twinkly lights of New Hope across the river, the historic steel bridge, and many other unique architectural details all make excellent backdrops for memorable wedding photos. Couples also love that Lambertville Station is a one-stop venue. From the rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch (and the ceremony, reception and overnight accommodations in between), every wedding-related event can be held on-site. And then guests can continue the fun by exploring the towns of New Hope and Lambertville! (Tip: Lambertville Station Restaurant & Inn is a repeat Hunterdon Happening List Winner & Finalist in multiple categories.) Lambertville Station is located at 11 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ.
2 Vintage Vibes
Sharyn Frenkel Photography
There are several historic estates in Bucks County, and Aldie Mansion is one that combines dazzling interiors with gorgeous outdoor spaces as well. Built in 1927, it’s reminiscent of the luxurious Great Gatsby style of the Roaring Twenties. Highlights include the winding, hand-carved staircase, ornately carved doors, grand fireplaces, and a 2-story bank of leaded glass windows in the Great Hall. On the grounds, you’ll find 10 acres of picturesque gardens, splashing fountains, soaring trees and winding pathways. (Tip: When you choose Aldie Mansion as your event location, you are supporting Heritage Conservancy’s efforts to assist communities with river, wetland and forest conservation; the creation of natural trail networks; organizing nature cleanups; managing historic properties; and monitoring wildlife habitats.) Aldie Mansion is located at 85 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA.
3Literary Love
Photo by Faith West
For book aficionados what could be better than a wedding at the home of a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist? The home of Pearl S. Buck, the famed writer of “The Good Earth,” is nestled in a country setting in Perkasie, PA. The home was once her writing sanctuary. Today, it is used as a historic literary destination, with offices and various event spaces. The property offers opportunities for gorgeous photographs in a green garden and views of her historic stone residence. Ceremonies can be held underneath the stone arches of the breezeway of the main home, or in one of the perfectly manicured gardens. Cocktail hour can be held in the Estate Pavilion. (Tip: Another reason you can feel good about a wedding at The Pearl S. Buck Estate? Events help support the historic property as well as the ongoing humanitarian work started by Pearl S. Buck when she lived on the property, now home to Pearl S. Buck International.) The Pearl S. Buck Estate is located at 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA.
4 Natural Beauty
Anna Long Photography
If you’re a couple that’s most comfortable surrounded by nature, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve could be the perfect spot for your special day. Choose from unique locations within the Preserve such as the stone patio at the pond, a pavilion with wood-burning fireplace, a secluded gazebo in the woods, or the stone bridge over Pidcock Creek. With options that accommodate either up to 50 guests or up to 200, this is also a wonderful venue for those that are holding more intimate events. (Tip: The Wildflower Preserve is just minutes away from The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, which was a 2020 Happening List Winner for Bed & Breakfast and Most Romantic.) Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is located at 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA.
5 A Historic Match
Photo Provided by Washington Crossing and Cabin Communications. Photo by Andy Smith
If you love history, Washington Crossing Historic Park could be the place for your nuptials. The park, named for the 1776 event where General George Washington and his men crossed Delaware during the War for Independence, is also a beautiful place to have a wedding. The park boasts more than 500 acres of history. It has many venues available for rent like the Riverview Lobby which can host 150 people standing or 50 seated, and offers scenic views of the Delaware River in a modern setting. There are also several pavilions available for rent with room for more than 100 people. This historic location is available for rent by calling 215-493-4076. Washington Crossing Historic Park is located at 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA.
6For Christmas Lovers
Byers’ Choice, home of the famous Byers’ Choice Caroler figurines, could be the site for a dream wedding. For ceremonies on site, there is a reception area for up to 300 guests in the formal “Gardens at Byers’ Choice.” The grounds adjacent to the figurine museum and shop are beautifully maintained with views of splashing fountains, an elaborate iron gate, stone terrace and rolling lawns. Unique statues on the property offer several photo opportunities for the bridal party. To check out the Byers’ Choice Museum and see more than 400 statuettes in various winter settings you can go to 4355 County Line Road, Chalfont.
7 A Wild Wedding
Megan Keller Photography
Everybody knows you can go to the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown to feed the giraffes, see the jaguars snuggle and get up close and personal with the exotic birds, but not everybody knows you can go there to there for human antics. The zoo has both indoor and outdoor wedding venues. They can create a unique experience for guests, by adding animal feedings, zoo tours, encounters and more. The I Do’s can be said in many unique places such as in front of an eagle lookout deck, duck pond or bison exhibit archway. Receptions are typically held in the Canopy Gardens, a climate controlled space for up to 150 guests. It features floor-to-ceiling window doors that are fully retractable. (Tip: When you plan your wedding at Elmwood Park Zoo, not only do you treat your guests to a highly interactive experience at the most unique wedding venue in the Greater Philadelphia area, but you also support an important nonprofit organization.)The Elmwood Park Zoo is located just outside of Bucks County at 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA.
8 Secret Garden
James Webb Photography
You’re probably familiar with Bucks County Community College for their educational offerings, but they’re also the site of the beautiful Tyler Gardens. The Tyler Mansion is arguably the grandest home ever built in Bucks County and believed to be the last of the great estates ever constructed in the United States. In 1987, Tyler Hall (as the mansion is now known) and Tyler Formal Gardens were placed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Formal Gardens were constructed in 1931 by George F. and Stella Elkins Tyler to provide a formal landscape setting for their estate, Indian Council Rock. The four-tier Formal Gardens were influenced by French and Italian gardens and feature varieties of flora, beautiful lush lawns, dramatic stone walls and staircases, gravel walks, fountains, and bronze sculptures. Today, the Gardens provide a stunning backdrop for a wedding with immaculate landscaping, historic buildings and plenty of old world charm. (Tip: Piccolo Trattoria, a Happening List Winner for Catering, is one of the exclusive vendors at Tyler Gardens.) Tyler Gardens are located within the Bucks County Community College’s Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA.
