I love a wedding venue that just has it all. When Lora and Rob reached out to me about photographing their wedding at Park Chateau, I immediately donned my Parisian alter-ego, buttery croissant theoretically in hand, ready to explore every inch of this stunning venue. If you’ve never visited this French-inspired feast for the eyes, consider this your sign. Once you’ve seen this black and white winter wedding inspiration, you’ll be making a mad dash to tie the knot at the iconic Park Chateau wedding venue.

Bride and groom pose in the cobblestone driveway in front of the Park Chateau wedding venue East Brunswick NJ | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

Conveniently situated in East Brunswick, NJ, Park Chateau is easily accessible from major cities and attractions in New Jersey. The venue is a quick 30-minute trip from New Brunswick and around 45 minutes from the vibrant city of Newark (hello, major international airport). This strategic location ensures that both local and out of town guests can easily reach the venue to celebrate with you.

The Grounds, Gardens, and Chapel at Park Chateau

From the moment you turn into the stone drive, you’ll be impressed first and foremost by the sheer size of this massive estate. Not to mention the lush gardens, manicured grounds, and picturesque walkways that give a unique feel to every corner of the property.

Exterior photo of the entrance to French style Park Chateau wedding venue in New Jersey | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

Bride and groom pose during golden hour in the gardens at French style Park Chateau wedding venue in New Jersey | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

Birds eye view of the gardens and small pergola at French style Park Chateau wedding venue in New Jersey | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

Lora and Rob’s 5 p.m. ceremony was held inside the private chapel nestled among the gardens. These gorgeous high ceilings and arched windows were giving Rivendell (where my LOTR fans at?). The carved wooden beams added a welcome element of warmth to this light, neutral space.

Even though the weather called for a murky, cold day, it was unseasonably warm the day Lora and Rob tied the knot (I’m talking at least 55 degrees), and we had clear, crisp, sunny skies for outdoor photos in the gardens.

Bride and groom walk down the aisle and pose for a photo at the conclusion of their ceremony inside the chapel at French style Park Chateau wedding venue in New Jersey | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

Interior photo of the chapel set up for a wedding ceremony at French style Park Chateau wedding venue in New Jersey | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

Signature Cocktail Hour at the Park Chateau

Following the ceremony, guests were ushered indoors for cocktail hour to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, margaritas, and signature drinks. I feel justified in calling this cocktail hour a culinary masterpiece. From the intricately carved fruits and cheeses to the overflowing seafood and meat displays, the attention to detail and gourmet presentation were truly impressive. If the catering team is spending this much time carving a bird-dragon(?) into a watermelon, I think we can safely assume that the food is going to be next level.

Carved watermelon at the Park Chateau cocktail hour

Mais ce qu’a lié l’amour même, le temps ne peut le délier.” But what love has bound together, time cannot unbind.
Germain Nouveau, (1851-1920)

Park Chateau Ballroom Reception

A major selling point of this venue is the cavernous, 17th century-inspired ballroom. The details are exquisite. Dripping crystal chandeliers hang from an ornately carved trey ceiling, and massive arched windows allow for an abundance of natural light and panoramic views of the grounds.

On it’s own, the Park Chateau ballroom pretty much speaks for itself. However, the neutral color palette allows for versatile décor options if you’re tailoring the space to your wedding theme. With a capacity to accommodate both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, the ballroom is an elegant backdrop with endless charm.

Surrounded by onlookers, groom dips bride back during their first dance in the ballroom at the Park Chateau

Long banquet table surrounded by gold chiavari chairs is laid for a winter wedding reception in the ballroom at the Park Chateau in New Jersey

I love how the ornately carved stone fireplace framed the backdrop for the couple’s sweetheart table during this intimate winter reception. A mixture of round and banquet tables flanked the dancing on either side.

I could go on and on about the stunning interiors (I could also plan an entire photoshoot around this showstopper staircase), but instead I’ll drop the link to their virtual tour below so you can see it for yourself.

Take a virtual tour of the Park Chateau

Bride walks down elegant marble staircase while her groom waits at the foot of the stairs

Cascading white floral arrangements cover the wrought iron banister of an elegant marble staircase

The Staff and Service at The Park Chateau

On the Graziano’s big day, Lora and I discovered a shared love of fantasy and romance novels, which we bonded over while quite literally experiencing one ourselves. The Park Chateau has a way of transporting you into a fairytale that feels effortlessly grand yet familiar.

The day had a warm and intimate feel about it that I attribute in full to the Park Chateau’s incredible staff. Looking at Park Chateau reviews (they have close to 1,000 on Google alone!), there isn’t one that doesn’t pay tribute to the amazing employees that execute everything flawlessly behind the scenes. Given the size of the grounds and estate, the level of accuracy and professionalism the staff maintains is a feat in and of itself.

Woman stands behind a small cart holding six champagne flutes

White wedding dress hangs in front of arched french doors that overlook the gardens at the Park Chateau wedding venue

On Site Accommodations to Enhance Your Experience at The Château Grande

Directly beside the Park Chateau wedding venue lies the Château Grande, an impressive luxury boutique hotel for wedding parties and their guests. The architecture, much like the venue itself, is reminiscent of French chateaux, exuding a sense of romance and timeless beauty.

The elegantly appointed rooms and suites offer comfort and modern conveniences, allowing friends and family to stay in close proximity to the festivities.

This is truly such a unique aspect of Park Chateau. Not only does the on site hotel option elevate your overall experience, it simplifies logistics by bringing everyone together under one roof for the weekend (See: wrangling your nutty great uncle Al so he can’t go rogue and miss half the ceremony).

Groups of wedding guests hoist chairs holding the bride and groom into the air as the couple cheers and laughs

If you have older guests who want to retire early or families with young children in attendance, they will definitely appreciate the convenience and safety of the neighboring Park Chateau hotel.

Bride and groom sit on a tufted brown leather couch inside a dark paneled room with a black and white checkered floor

A few highlights of the Château Grande include:

On site restaurant Orchard Park by Chef David Burke
Full restaurant menu available to go
Valet & Porterage Services
Complimentary shuttle to area businesses & shopping (within 3 mi.)
24/7 Fitness Center with Treadmills, ellipticals, Pelotons, strength training equipment, and Recumbent Bikes
Bliss Salon and spa amenities will launch in fall 2023

Planning Your Park Chateau Wedding in New Jersey

When you book your wedding at the Park Chateau Wedding Venue, you’re in for an incredible experience from start to finish. Expect nothing less than timeless elegance, modern amenities, and exceptional service. It’s no wonder this venue has won so many awards, among them the Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award, the Manhattan Bride Best of 2023 and Hall of Excellence, and The Knot Best of Weddings 2023. The picturesque location, luxurious interior, and dedicated staff put it at the top of my list of the best New Jersey wedding venues.

Exterior photo of the ceremony chapel and gardens at French style Park Chateau wedding venue in New Jersey | Photo by Lindsey Ford Photography

As a Wilmington, Delaware based wedding photographer, I am just a short commute from some of the most stunning luxury wedding venues in the tri-state area. I would absolutely love to capture your wedding day at the Park Chateau in New Jersey. Visit my contact page if you’re ready to chat about photography packages for your big day!