Couples Migrate to West Orange to Tie the Knot

With six catering venues and hundreds of "I dos" each year, West Orange is no stranger to playing host to brides and grooms.

The lineup includes, The Manor, Highlawn Pavilion and Pleasantdale Chateau (all owned by the Knowles family), Wilshire Grand, Mayfair Farms and the Atrium Country Club.

While West Orange already is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic qualities and spectacular New York City views, it also stands out as a popular wedding destination within the tri-state area.

Michael Mahle, director of communications for the three Knowles family catering properties, said West Orange offers a number of great venues that are worth crossing state lines for. 

"(West Orange) really is an amazing place," said Mahle. "And it's very travel-worthy."

The three Knowles properties in West Orange host approximately 600 weddings total per year and business has been steady, said Mahle.

Whether it was where their parents or grandparents were married, local venues bring many brides back to their childhood experiences growing up in or around West Orange. 

"People like getting married in their hometown," said Mahle. "Brides love to get married where they are from and The Manor itself has been in business for more than 50 years now, so there is a lot of history here."

Joanne Szibdat, director of marketing for Mayfair Farms, was born and raised in West Orange and can appreciate the rich historic value that makes West Orange so unique.

"Mayfair Farms itself was built in the 1880s ... and  since the 1950s, West Orange has been a destination for someone planning their wedding" said Szibdat.

Bride-to-be Diane La Gala, of Bloomingdale, plans to be married at The Manor this month. Growing up in Clifton, she is all too familiar with the attraction of West Orange.

"As a little girl, I remember driving past (The Manor) and thinking that it looked just like a palace," she said. "Every time I pull up to The Manor, I am in awe of its beauty."

Paul Jansson, La Gala's soon-to-be-husband, agreed that West Orange venues have a lot to offer. 

"The Manor provided us with a beautiful venue for our wedding and our guests were very pleased," he said. "We have visited this venue several times before and knew that it would not disappoint."

West Orange also has the convenience that many brides and grooms are looking for in their wedding. 

Szibdat said that West Orange's close proximity to every major road and highway and to New York City is a big draw to couples and their families.

"We are about 13 or 14 miles west of Manhattan … and the companionship between New York City and this area has grown since 9/11 because what we experienced was so great that it impacted us all" said Szibdat.

Rhonda Bassat-Rivera, a professional bridal consultant and owner of Bride Ideas by Rhonda in West Orange, said that each of the six venues has something for every couple and budget.

There are many options to choose from and "each one has its own unique niche, and will appeal to different couples," said Bassat-Rivera. "The prices at these venues range from $75 to $250 (or more) per guest."

West Orange brides also can complement their wedding day by purchasing accessories, such as custom designed bridal gowns, veils and tiaras by way of the recently opened Melize Boutique, 452 Pleasant Valley Way. There's also Bridal Elegance, 632 Eagle Rock Ave., that is a popular bridal gown shop that caters to brides from New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area.