Why I Love Photographing at The Inn at Fernbrook Farms

The Inn at Fernbrook Farms is an all-inclusive wedding venue sitting on 230 acres of open farmland in Chesterfield, New Jersey. It’s one of those rare venues that gives you an entirely different backdrop every hour of the day. The estate features a 1740s Georgian Manor House for getting ready, and open gardens and lawns for ceremony and portraits. Not only that, but a tented terrace holding up to 200 guests with farm-to-table gourmet for the reception too.

Growing up not far from the venue, I often frequented their farm stand, grabbing fresh lettuce, tomatoes and other salad fixings for summertime meals. Every time I’m there I feel a sense of calm and refresh, the one you get when it’s just you in nature alone. It’s the kind of property where I never run out of light or scenic spots to work with, which is exactly why I love coming back.

Couples who book their wedding at Fernbrook Farms are often looking for a romantic garden party vibe in an elevated countryside setting. The luxurious venue is far from what you picture a “farm wedding” to be. Rather, it’s a refined gathering space in nature. Stunning tablescapes, ambient lighting, intentional details. These all make Fernbrook the chic option for couples valuing guest experience.

Ceremony Options: Sundial Garden, the Old House & the Great Lawn

Fernbrook Farms offers three distinct ceremony locations: the Sundial Garden, the Old House, and the Great Lawn — each with its own character, from tucked-in and intimate to wide open and airy. Whichever you choose, the surrounding gardens give us a natural, editorial frame without needing to add a thing.

Getting Ready in the Manor House

The 3-story, 1740s-era Georgian Manor House has a five-room master suite for the couple plus six guest rooms sleeping 18 total. This means genuinely beautiful, film-like getting-ready photos instead of a generic hotel room. Morning light through original windows, family gathered in a space with real history. This is where the quiet, documentary moments happen.

30 Minutes Outside of Princeton, New Jersey

Centrally located in the heart of the Garden State, Fernbrook Farms is just 30 minutes from Princeton, NJ, 45 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from Manhattan. Couples typically reserve blocks at the nearest hotel, The Hampton Inn Bordentown, a less than 10 minute ride down the road.

The property also features The Farm Shed, which is a perfect spot for rehearsal dinners the day before.

Reception Under the Clear-Top Tent

The red brick terrace is covered by a crisp white, clear-top tent with wrought iron chandeliers and bistro lighting. Up to 200 guests dine under the stars while staying fully protected from the elements. Fernbrook also offers eight different cocktail hour and reception layouts depending on your guest count, so no two weddings here look quite the same. A delectable grazing station satisfies guests during Cocktail Hour outside. Often rented is the Brew Sip’Joy, a coffee or beer beverage vintage trailer. During the sit-down dinner, meals made fresh with the farm’s own ingredients are often opted in a family style setting.

Planning Tips for Your Fernbrook Farms Wedding

You will most likely be getting ready off-site before your time at the Inn is ready. Drop off your belongings and have your flowers delivered early so when your photographer arrives, everything is already laid out and we can hop right into bridal portraits when you arrive.

Because the reception tent is candlelit and warm, plan your first dance and toasts for before the sun goes down if you can so the scenic farmland behind you still appears in your photos!

View these Real Weddings at Fernbrook Farms:

• Shannon & Jay – Featured on Wedding Chicks!
• Cecilia & Kevin
• Emily & Luke
  

Ready to Plan Your Fernbrook Farms Wedding?

If you’re getting married at The Inn at Fernbrook Farms and want photography that feels editorial, romantic, timeless and true to how the day actually felt, I’d love to hear about your day. You can go directly to my contact page and let’s talk timeline and vision!