Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Bonnet Island Estate

Almost every time I shoot here, the same thing happens. The couple pulls up, the bay opens out in front of them, and they just stop for a second to take it in. I’ve photographed Bonnet Island Estate several times and honestly, it still gets me too.

The estate sits on its own private island on Barnegat Bay in Manahawkin, minutes from Long Beach Island. Couples who have spent their childhood vacationing on LBI, or are simply beach lovers, feel a familiar nostalgia here for the Jersey Shore. What makes Bonnet so good for photos is that it feels grand without feeling stuffy. You’ve got restored architecture, gardens, and open water in every direction, so there’s beautiful light to work with pretty much all day.

If you’re planning a coastal or black-tie wedding down the shore, this is one of those venues that just delivers. And the photos hold up. They’ll look as good in ten years as they do the week you get them back, which is the whole point as far as I’m concerned!

The Boathouse Chapel

Ceremonies happen in the Boathouse Chapel, rain or shine, and it might be my favorite ceremony space on the shore. Timber framing, rustic barn doors, stonework, whitewashed benches, and a ton of natural light. It seats up to 170 with chairs in the main space and benches on the second level (a spriral staircase will take you there) and additional benches underneath the overhang on the left side. Ceremonies and portraits in here photograph beautifully because the wood is a soft white and keep the focus on your faces instead of a busy background.

Getting Ready On-Site

Bonnet Island has 12 private suites, including junior and master bridal suites, and they’re genuinely lovely: in-room fireplaces, jacuzzi tubs, and balconies with views you won’t get in a hotel. Which means your getting-ready photos happen somewhere that actually looks good – for both the bride and groom. This is where my favorite quiet moments tend to live: putting your earrings on by the window, your mom doing up the last button, that first look at your dress in real daylight with your dad. The bridal suite on the first floor includes salon chairs, large mirrors and plenty of champagne glasses. After hair and make up is done, I typically take the bride and her bridesmaids to the couple’s suite on the third floor for getting ready photos.

Golden Hour on the Dock

This is the one everyone remembers. Late in the day, the light spills across Barnegat Bay and a giant golden sun appears above the coastal venue. Since the timing moves around with the season, I always coordinate this one with the venue’s day-of staff so we don’t miss the window for this iconic shot.

Cocktail Hour on the Dock and Portraits in the Gardens

Between the ceremony and the reception, the gardens and grounds give us room to breathe. Wedding party, just the two of you, family formals — we can do all of it without ever leaving the property. The English garden with the reception room’s giant glass windows is my go-to spot for relaxed, editorial frames. Other favorite spots of mine include behind chapel by the large stone fireplace, on the path by the reeds (at sunset!), on the dock and underneath the blooming white trellis pathway. When the weather is nice, I love to fly my drone for an aerial image to add to your gallery!

The Ballroom

The ballroom is a showstopper. It was actually designed to look like the inverted hull of a classic sailing ship, with 30-foot ceilings, a stunning chandelier, and windows that keep the bay and marshes in view even after dark. It seats up to 250. After dark, the lighting in here is quite warm and direct flash looks fun and celebratory!

A Few Planning Tips (from someone who’s actually shot here)

• Rainy wedding day? No sweat! I have photographed inside the chapel for portraits on rainy days before and they look just as good as sunny ones.
• Build a little buffer for the dock at sunset. The “peak” moment is typically 60-90 minutes before sunset, and rushing it is the fastest way to lose the shot.
• Add florals to the fireplace and walkway down the aisle for a romantic look!

See a Real Bonnet Island Wedding: Jill & Rishi

If you want to see how all of this comes together on an actual wedding day, take a look at Jill & Rishi’s wedding day. Theirs was a two-day Indian wedding, and Bonnet Island hosted their second day. You can view photos in the chapel, the dock, and the ballroom all in one real day, not a brochure. See Jill & Rishi’s wedding here!

Are you Planning A Bonnet Island Estate Wedding?

If you’re getting married at Bonnet Island and you want photography that feels classic, romantic and editorial — true to how the day actually felt, not overly posed or over-filtered — I’d love to hear about it. Reach out and let’s talk timeline, light, and how to make the most of this stunning venue! Or, browse my ultimate guide of Jersey Shore wedding venues!