It’s been a long time since the age of the shotgun wedding, when couples would rush down the aisle to avert a bulging baby bump on the big day.
But today, some couples still opt for short engagements, whether it's due to everything from military deployments to impending moves to wanting smaller, more affordable celebrations.
And that’s where the Bernards Inn — which has hosted two weddings that were planned in three to six months this year — comes in. The Bernardsville wedding venue, hotel and onsite restaurant the Red Horse by David Burke can help couples say "I do” in limited time.
“We’re a smaller, 150-capacity, one-stop-shop with a strict vendor list," said Bernards Inn event coordinator Amanda Felegi. "Although clients aren’t required to use our vendors, we know our vendors can accommodate our clients quickly.”
Prices are about $200 per guest (including tax and gratuity) during peak times from September through December.
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“I don’t give out specific prices for off-peak times," said Felegi. “It’s on a case-by-case basis. Give me a price and let’s try to make it work. I work with everyone on their budget regardless of the prices listed on our menus.”
A wedding package at the Bernards Inn includes a bridal attendant, table settings, personalized menus, a welcome sign, a signature cocktail sign and table décor. Only one wedding is held at the inn per day.
Clients can also buy their wedding cake from the Red Horse, use the Bernards Inn’s 20 hotel rooms, and book Felegi as their day-of wedding coordinator.
Each of the hotel rooms, which all have a historic flair, are different, featuring everything from canopies to wooden step stools to reach the high beds. Wedding block room rates are $199 to $219.
And no, couples with short engagements do not have to settle for weekday weddings, Felegi said.
Summer is the Bernards Inn’s slowest time since it doesn’t have outdoor space. Many wealthy locals who visit the venue and restaurant have summer homes at the Jersey Shore, Felegi said.
Plus there’s Burke. The celebrity chef took the formerly tired venue over about a year ago, giving the historic spot a fresh look and fresh marketing. Prior to that, sales had slowed. But now several event spaces at the inn have been renovated.
Couples can utilize the 50-person capacity Bernie, previously known as the Silver Vault and Wine Pantry. It has upgrades like a new sound system, new lighting and new furniture, with nods to its speakeasy past like original exposed brick. It’s ideal for cocktail hour or even a small wedding, said Felegi.
“It’s intimate and you don’t need a lot of extra décor because it speaks for itself,” said Felegi. “It has a cozy home feel.”
The Bernards Inn’s 150-person capacity ballroom can be split, as one side has a skylight and one side has a dance floor, so couples can have their ceremony on one side and their reception on the other. At night, wedding guests can see the stars through the skylight.
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Couples can also choose the 75-person capacity main dining room of the Red Horse, which is Burke’s signature space. It features red-and-black flooring, white tablecloths, dark wood details and eclectic country artwork curated by Burke, an art enthusiast.
Regardless of the space, Burke’s New American fare will be served. Couples might even see him — or they can ask the chef to marry them as he is an ordained minister.
“He always pops into the restaurant, and he’s always friendly with everyone, so there’s a chance you’ll bump into him,” Felegi said.
27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville; 908-766-0002, bernardsinn.com/new-jersey-weddings.
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, although she's a lifetime Jersey girl who considers herself an expert in everything from the Jersey Shore to the Garden State's buzzing downtowns. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. You can also follow her on Instagram at @seejennaeat and on Twitter at @JIntersimone.
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