When you walk onto our cocktail patio for the first time, you notice the string lights. They’re strung overhead in rows that stretch across the space, creating a canopy of warm light above your guests. We installed them permanently because we wanted this part of your wedding to feel intentional, not improvised. The patio sits between your ceremony and your reception, and it sets the tone for the evening ahead.
We’ve hosted weddings at North Shore House in Newton for 49 years, and the cocktail patio has become one of the most photographed spaces on the property. Here’s why couples and their guests spend more time here than they originally planned.
Why the Cocktail Patio Becomes the Heart of Your Evening
The cocktail hour is the transition between your ceremony and your reception. Your guests are celebrating, meeting each other, and waiting for you to finish photos. The space where this happens matters. Our cocktail patio is designed to hold that energy without rushing anyone. The string lights glow as the sun sets, the lake views stretch behind you, and your guests settle into the evening.
The String Lights Are Part of the Space, Not a Rental Add On
We include string lights along the cocktail patio as part of your wedding package. You don’t rent them separately or coordinate with a lighting vendor. They’re already installed overhead, tested, and ready. When your guests step onto the patio after your ceremony, the lights are on.
Most venues offer basic setups with folding tables and chairs, then leave the ambiance to you. We built the ambiance into the patio. The lighting creates warmth and definition without overpowering the natural surroundings. Your photographer captures the glow without needing to add supplemental lighting, and your guests feel the shift from ceremony to celebration the moment they arrive.
The Patio Holds Your Full Guest Count Comfortably
Our cocktail patio accommodates up to 175 guests. The space is large enough that your guests can move freely, gather in groups, and access the bar without crowding. We’ve seen venues where cocktail hours feel cramped because the outdoor space wasn’t designed to hold everyone at once. Our patio was built with capacity in mind.
Your caterers set up stations across the patio. Your bartenders work from our built in front bar, which sits adjacent to the cocktail space. Your guests can grab a drink, find a spot under the lights, and take in the lake views. The flow works because the patio was designed as a functional gathering space, not just a decorative feature.
Evening Light Transforms the Space Naturally
As the sun sets over Swartswood Lake, the natural light softens and the string lights take over. That transition happens gradually during your cocktail hour. Your guests watch the sky change while they’re still outside, and the patio shifts from daylight ambiance to evening glow without anyone flipping a switch.
Golden hour photographers love this space because the lighting layering, natural sunset plus string lights, creates depth in every shot. Your guests appear relaxed and lit beautifully without harsh overhead fixtures. The cypress paneled walls of the historic inn frame one side of the patio, and the open views of the property frame the other. The space photographs from every angle.
Your Guests Linger Because the Space Invites It
We’ve noticed that cocktail hours on our patio run longer than couples expect. Guests don’t rush inside. They stay under the lights, they talk, they enjoy the lake breeze. That lingering happens because the patio feels like a destination, not a holding area.
When the space is thoughtfully lit and comfortably sized, your guests treat it as part of the celebration. They’re not waiting for the reception to start. They’re already celebrating. Your event coordinators manage the timing so your reception begins smoothly, but the patio gives your guests room to enjoy the transition at their own pace.
The Patio Connects to Other Outdoor Spaces
The cocktail patio sits near the bocce patio and the outdoor lounge areas. Your guests can step away from the main gathering to play bocce or sit by the fire pit without leaving the property. The outdoor spaces connect, so your cocktail hour expands naturally if guests want to explore.
We host only one wedding per day, so the entire property is yours. Your guests can move between the cocktail patio, the bocce area, and the lakeside ceremony spaces without running into another event. That exclusivity shows up in how comfortable everyone feels. They’re not confined to one roped off section. They’re free to enjoy the full estate.
The Setup Happens Once and Stays Consistent
Because the string lights are permanent, your vendors don’t spend time installing temporary lighting during your setup window. Your florist can focus on arrangements. Your caterers can focus on food stations. Your photographer can start capturing guests as soon as cocktail hour begins.
We’ve seen couples lose setup time at other venues while crews string lights or assemble decorative features. With our patio, the foundation is already there. You add personal touches if you want them, but the space works without requiring extensive decoration. The lights, the views, and the layout create the atmosphere.
The Patio Works Across Seasons
We host weddings throughout the year, and the cocktail patio adapts. In spring and summer, the space feels open and airy under the evening sky. In fall, the string lights glow against the changing leaves. In winter, we can configure the space with heaters or move cocktail hour indoors to the reception room, but many couples still choose to use the patio even in cooler months because the lights and ambiance are worth it.
Your guests dress for your wedding date, and they expect outdoor elements if you’re marrying at a lakeside estate. The string lights make the patio feel intentional and welcoming regardless of season. It’s not an afterthought or a backup plan. It’s a designed space that works year round.
Conclusion
The cocktail patio at North Shore House glows under string lights we installed to make this part of your wedding feel as considered as your ceremony and reception. Your guests gather here, your photographer captures the evening light here, and your celebration shifts from formal to festive here. If you’d like to see the patio at sunset or walk through how your cocktail hour will flow, give us a call at (973) 383-5460 or visit northshorehouse.com.
FAQS
Are the string lights included in our wedding package?
Yes. The string lights along the cocktail patio are permanently installed and included as part of your wedding package. You don’t need to rent them separately or coordinate with a lighting vendor.
How many guests can the cocktail patio accommodate?
The cocktail patio comfortably holds up to 175 guests. The space is designed to allow your guests to move freely, access the bar, and gather without crowding.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate during cocktail hour?
We can move cocktail hour indoors to the reception room if needed. We work with you leading up to your wedding date to make weather decisions that protect your timeline and keep your guests comfortable.
Can we add our own decorations to the cocktail patio?
Yes. The string lights and layout create the foundation, but you’re welcome to add floral arrangements, signage, or other personal touches. Many couples find the patio works beautifully with minimal added decor because the lighting and views provide the ambiance.