The Ashford Estate

After looking at 10+ venues all around NJ & NY, not a single one came close in comparison to the Ashford Estate. Yes, this was the most expensive venue we were considering - but every dollar more we paid to have our wedding here was worth it 100x over.
The moment you drive through the wrought iron gates at the base of the driveway, you are no longer in NJ - you have been transported to the European countryside. The property is massive and immaculate. There isn't a single part of the entire property that you think to yourself "ehhh" - truly every corner is magical. And it just keeps on going! The main estate is beyond what words can capture; it's unreal. We had our parents and wedding party stay there the night of the wedding and it was freaking awesome. Every one of our guests couldn't get over how spectacular it was and said they'd never been to a place like that before (nor knew a place like that even existed in NJ...).
The staff at the Ashford is elite. Laura McCann is truly phenomenal. She was amazing to my husband & I in the very beginning as we finalized our date and throughout the entire planning process. She is a professional to the very end and also just a super lovely person. She made everything as easy and stress-free as it could have possibly been - from guiding us through the decision-making process for our reception to coordinating with our vendors on our behalf to making sure everything was falling into place the day of the wedding. I am beyond grateful for Laura. Her co-hort, Debbie, is also great - very responsive, pleasant, and helpful always.
Merri-Makers, the exclusive caterer of the Ashford, was fantastic. Their food is off-the-charts good. I didn't try a single thing at the chef's tasting or at our wedding that was mediocre - everything was superb. Ridiculously fresh seafood, thoughtfully curated cocktail hour stations, and top notch entrees. The wait staff service was outstanding throughout the evening - it felt like we were at a gala or some super high-end event.
I can't rave enough about the Ashford Estate. You will be working with the best of the best if you get married here. And speaking from experience, if you are on the fence with choosing the Ashford as your venue because of the price - know that it is so exquisite that you don't have to spend a single dollar on decor (other than your flowers, which don't have to be crazy) to make this place special - it does that all on its own. No doubt it is a financial commitment (especially if you're paying for it on your own, like my husband & I did), but I promise it is worth every single dollar.
One other suggestion I would like to pay forward to future Ashford brides & grooms is to use the estate's preferred vendors. They are the "A Team" and will execute the wedding of your dreams flawlessly without bothering you whatsoever leading up to and on your wedding day, which is invaluable if you ask me.

There are no words to explain how incredible the Ashford estate is! They made our wedding beyond incredible, the food, the atmosphere and the service was perfection, we would highly recommend this venue!

Everything was pure perfection. From the very first visit everyone and everything about the Ashford was fantastic! Nothing but professionalism and a true appreciation for making each wedding day special. We visited the venue many times and emailed Laura many questions but she and the staff are all amazing! Shoutout to Megan and Taylor for all of your support as well! If any bride out there is considering this venue you and your guests will not be disappointed! Multiple guests said it was the best wedding they had been to and the venue was THE factor in those comments. The day was magical and I only wish there were more hours in the day to enjoy the venue!