Are you in the process of planning your wedding? Then you need to know that the venue you select matters more than you think. It will shape the entire wedding gallery. As a wedding photographer, I have shot at venues all across New Jersey. Out of them, Bear Brook Valley is one of my all time favorites. Read on to learn why I recommend it and why your photos will thank you.
What Makes Bear Brook Valley Special?
Bear Brook Valley is in the hills of Sussex County. It’s about 60 miles away from New York City, but feels like a world away. The property features a giant pond, a working vineyard, foot bridges, waterfalls, and even some wooded trails. In other words, it has a multitude of options for your wedding photos.
Every corner of the venue will help your wedding photographer tell a story. And as your photographer, my job is to find those stories in every frame.
Getting Ready: Beautiful Spaces Built for Photos
Getting Ready is an important part of the day and Bear Brook Valley has two areas perfect for it. The Silo suite is open, airy, and has tons of natural light. It features a giant center table perfect for hosting your bridal party and makeup chairs opposite large mirrors.
On the other hand, the Woodford Lounge in the floor below is more stylized. It has a bar, pool table, and more. Perfect for a bridal party that wants to relax and have a little fun before the ceremony.
Both spaces will help create an intimate and relaxed vibe for you and your wedding party.
The Ceremony: Stunning Regardless of the Weather
The outdoor ceremony area overlooks their stunning heart-shaped pond. With plenty of space for your guests, you don’t even need to decorate; the spot proves beautiful, just on its own. Exchange your vows with that vineyard and pond as your backdrop, which is breathtaking in every season.
Portrait Spots: Endless Options Across the Property
This is where I think Bear Brook Valley truly shines for your wedding. You’ll never run out of locations! Here are some of my favorite spots:
- The Vineyard is great at all times of the day and from so many different angles. Nuzzle in close or get wide with the entire lake and venue in the background.
- The wooden bridges around the venue are perfect for first looks!
- Trails and open fields are aplenty. Sometimes just having a a beautiful backdrop is all you need to capture natural moments between you and your fiancé.
- There’s a small open hilltop on the outside of the venue, which is perfect for a sunset shot or seeing up your family and bridal party portraits.
Golden Hour and Night Photography
If you are thinking about your wedding at Bear Brook Valley and you want a break from your reception craziness, definitely grab some portraits lakeside. Then flip around and get the sunset and venue behind you for some stunning light
After dark, the property will transform again. The straight lights and illuminated pathways will create a soft and romantic glow. This is where you can pose for some stunning end of night portraits.
The Reception Room
Right off the silo getting ready room is the spacious reception space. There are multiple ways the staff have set up the room, which makes it versatile for whatever your vision might be.
I love all the different uplight options they offer and the long rustic tables really make the space look unique.
For guests who want a dance break, they can transform the deck into a great place to have a conversation without the music pumping, fire pits and all!
Why Photographers Love it Here
Bear Brook Valley hosts only one wedding per day, so that always makes logistics easier. The staff is just wonderful and caters to all my couple’s needs. They treat the vendors equally as hospitable, which to me is a sign of a great venue. Bear Brook Valley is by far one of my favorite venues to photograph at in New Jersey and I look forward to getting back there soon.
Booking your wedding Bear Brook Valley? Let’s talk about capturing every moment of your day.
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