How to Plan a Perfect Wedding at a Lakeside Venue in Newton, NJ

A lakeside wedding offers a serene and picturesque backdrop that’s hard to beat. With stunning waterfront views, a peaceful atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the surroundings, it’s no wonder couples are drawn to these venues. 

If you’re dreaming of a wedding by the water in Newton, NJ, North Shore House provides the ideal setting for your special day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to plan the perfect lakeside wedding, from choosing the right date to making the most of the natural scenery.

Choosing the Perfect Date and Season

One of the first steps in planning your wedding is selecting the date. When hosting a lakeside wedding, the season plays a significant role in setting the ambiance.

Season Selection Tips:

• Spring and Summer: These seasons offer warmer weather and vibrant blooms, making them popular choices for outdoor weddings. You can take advantage of North Shore House’s beautiful gardens and waterfront views during these months.
• Fall: The autumn colors create a stunning backdrop for a lakeside wedding, adding a romantic and cozy vibe to your event. Our venue offers breathtaking fall foliage around Swartswood Lake.
• Winter: If you prefer an intimate, indoor celebration, winter at North Shore House can provide a cozy, rustic atmosphere with the serene, quiet beauty of the lake as your backdrop.

Choosing the right season for your wedding helps ensure you make the most of the natural beauty our venue in Newton, NJ has to offer.

Select a Lakeside Venue That Matches Your Style

Not all lakeside venues are created equal. Finding a venue that matches your wedding vision is crucial to bringing your dream day to life. North Shore House combines rustic elegance with modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for couples looking for both charm and convenience.

Venue Features to Look For:

• Waterfront Ceremony Space: Choose a venue that offers a scenic spot for your ceremony, like our stunning lakeside ceremony locations.
• Indoor and Outdoor Flexibility: Consider a venue that provides both outdoor spaces for your ceremony and indoor spaces for your reception, giving you the best of both worlds.
• Outdoor Activities: North Shore lake activities offers outdoor before and after the reception. These include kayaks, paddle boards, a bocce patio, hiking, and a state park.
• Accommodation Options: At North Shore House, our Inn rooms offer cozy accommodations for you and your guests so everyone can enjoy the entire weekend without worrying about travel.

When selecting a venue, make sure it has everything you need to accommodate your vision and your guests. North Shore House offers a room block on all 13 rooms in the inn on the night of your wedding. North Shore guarantees an indoor rain plan for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Embrace the Natural Setting for Decor

One of the biggest advantages of hosting a wedding at a lakeside venue is the natural beauty that surrounds you. Use this to your advantage by keeping your decor simple and letting the scenery speak for itself.

Tips for Using Nature in Your Decor:

• Minimalist Decor: Opt for a minimalist approach to decor that complements the natural surroundings rather than overshadowing them.
• Floral Accents: Incorporate locally sourced, seasonal flowers to enhance the natural beauty of the venue.
• Rustic Elements: Use wood, greenery, and other organic materials to create a rustic and romantic feel.
• Natural Backdrops: Used iron covered walls and vintage gates for photos

At North Shore House, we encourage couples to embrace the stunning lake views, lush gardens, and towering trees as part of their wedding aesthetic, reducing the need for elaborate decorations.

Consider Weather and Backup Plans

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in New Jersey, so it’s important to plan for all possibilities. While lakeside weddings are typically held outdoors, having a solid backup plan is key to avoiding stress on your wedding day.

Backup Plan Essentials:

• Indoor Options: At North Shore House, we offer beautifully designed indoor spaces, so you can seamlessly transition your wedding inside if needed without sacrificing the ambiance.
• Inform Your Guests: let them know that you plan for an outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour so they can dress appropriately.
• Prepare for the Elements: Provide blankets, fans, or parasols to ensure your guests stay comfortable, whether it’s sunny or chilly.

By thinking ahead, you can ensure your wedding goes smoothly no matter what the weather brings.

Incorporate Seasonal Menus:

Lakeside venues like North Shore House are perfect for incorporating delicious, fresh, seasonal menus.

Seasonal Ideas:

• Seasonal Menus: Create a menu based on the season of your wedding. For example, spring weddings can feature fresh vegetables and light dishes, while fall weddings may include hearty, comforting foods.
• Local Beverages: Offer locally brewed beers, wines, or craft cocktails to add a personal touch to your reception.

Learn more about our catering options at North Shore House and how we can work with you to design a farm-to-table menu that your guests will love.

Plan a Scenic Ceremony and Reception

The main event of any wedding is the ceremony, and a lakeside venue provides a stunning backdrop for this moment. The key is to make the most of the natural beauty around you while ensuring that your guests can fully enjoy the view.

Scenic Wedding Tips:

• Lakeside Aisle: Walk down a beautiful aisle framed by nature, with the lake and sky providing a serene backdrop.
• Outdoor Cocktail Hour: Host your cocktail hour outdoors so your guests can mingle while enjoying the lakeside atmosphere.
• Reception by the Water: Consider having your reception in a location that offers a view of the water as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere for dinner and dancing.

At North Shore House, our ceremony and reception spaces are designed to maximize the beauty of our lakeside location. All of our outdoor ceremonies are held on our peninsula overlooking the lake with cocktail hour along the building. As the sun sets over the cocktail hour patio, golden hour light shines through the window lined reception room overlooking the lake.

Conclusion:

Planning a lakeside wedding is all about making the most of the natural beauty and peaceful ambiance of your venue. 

By choosing North Shore House in Newton, NJ, you’re selecting a venue that combines stunning views, excellent service, and modern amenities for a truly unforgettable wedding day.

From the moment you walk down the aisle to your final dance overlooking the lake, every moment will be filled with beauty and joy. Ready to start planning your dream lakeside wedding? Contact Us today to learn more about our customizable wedding packages and schedule a tour of our stunning venue.