If you are planning a wedding at the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, New Jersey, you are in the right place. I have photographed multiple weddings at this venue and every single time I pull up I feel the same way- completely in love with it. The rose garden, the grand ballroom, the ceremony space(!!) the brick pathways lined with flowers. It is absolutely one of my favorites and I’d get married there myself in a heartbeat!
This page is your guide to what a wedding day at Florentine Gardens looks like through my lens. Scroll on for real weddings, venue details, and everything you need to know about booking me as your photographer.
About the Estate at Florentine Gardens
The Estate at Florentine Gardens sits on four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in River Vale, New Jersey. It is one of the most popular wedding venues in the state and honestly it is easy to see why. The rose garden peaks in the summer months and it is just stunning. The brick pathways, the mature trees, the flowering gardens everywhere you look. Every corner of this property is photogenic.
Inside, the Grand Ballroom has 25-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the most beautiful natural light. Crystal chandeliers, warm romantic atmosphere, and a space that photographs beautifully no matter what time of year. For the ceremony, couples can choose between the outdoor gazebo space surrounded by gardens or an indoor ceremony- which I love because it means you have a beautiful backup no matter what the weather does in New Jersey.
The estate hosts up to 360 guests and has in-house catering, a full bar, and bridal and groom suites right on site. IKYK. Having everything in one place makes the day feel so much more relaxed and I always notice the difference.
Some of my favorite things about shooting here:
- The rose garden for golden hour portraits in summer
- The Grand Ballroom floor-to-ceiling windows and natural light
- The brick pathways that make every walking shot look incredible
- The outdoor gazebo ceremony space right next to the gardens
- The bridal suite light for getting ready photos
- Both indoor and outdoor ceremony options
- The way the whole property flows so naturally from one spot to the next
Real weddings at the Estate at Florentine Gardens
Every wedding I have photographed here has been completely different in style, season, and feeling. That is one of the things I love most about this venue. It works for every kind of couple. Here are a few of my favorites.
Kasey & Tim
Butter yellow bridesmaids, a sparkle lace Wona Bridal gown with off-the-shoulder long sleeves, gorgeous spring florals by Elizabeth Margaret Events, and one of the most fun champagne towers I have ever photographed. Kasey and Tim’s day had such great energy from start to finish and the portraits in the gardens were just dreamy. See the full blog
Kayla & Nick
Kayla wore a lace cape instead of a veil and it was a dream! She had first looks with her dad, her twin brother, and then Nick in the rose garden and I am not exaggerating when I say the light was perfection. Their outdoor gazebo ceremony was surrounded by blooms, and the reception ended with a surprise outfit change and a giant robot entrance. This day had everything. See the full blog
Michelle & Rob
Michelle and Rob had a golden hour outdoor ceremony under the most spectacular chuppah and lush pastel florals lining both sides of the aisle. Michelle’s Ines Di Santo gown with a long cascading train was breathtaking. The reception was a floral lover’s dream and the wedding cake had the sweetest little detail- their tiny pup peeking out from the layers. So them. See the full blog
Why it helps to have a photographer who knows the venue
Having a photographer who has shot at your venue before makes a genuine difference on your wedding day. We know where the light falls at different times of day at Florentine Gardens. We know which spots in the rose garden are most beautiful for portraits, where to do a first look, how to work the Grand Ballroom in any season, and the best angles for the ceremony spaces. That means we spend less time figuring things out on the day and more time making photos you will love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at the Estate at Florentine Gardens
How many guests can the Estate at Florentine Gardens accommodate? The Grand Ballroom holds up to 360 guests. It is one of the larger luxury wedding venues in Bergen County and a great option for couples planning a bigger celebration.
Does the Estate at Florentine Gardens offer indoor and outdoor ceremonies? Yes. Couples can choose between the outdoor gazebo ceremony space surrounded by the rose garden or the indoor ceremony room which has floor-to-ceiling windows, a stone fireplace, and a wrought iron balcony. Having both options is a huge plus for New Jersey weddings where weather can be unpredictable.
What is the best time of year for wedding photos at Florentine Gardens? The rose garden is at its peak in late June and July, which makes summer weddings incredible for portraits. Spring is also beautiful with blooming gardens and soft light. Fall brings warm golden tones and winter weddings have a romantic and intimate feel inside the Grand Ballroom.
Are there getting ready suites on site? Yes. The venue has a bridal suite and a groom’s suite right on the property. The bridal suite has gorgeous natural light which is perfect for getting ready photos. Having everything in one location makes the timeline so much more relaxed.
Where do guests stay for weddings at the Estate at Florentine Gardens? Some of the closest hotels are the Park Ridge Marriott, the Hilton Woodcliff Lake, and the Courtyard by Marriott in Montvale. All are within about 15 minutes of the venue.
More Weddings Galleries at the Estate at Florentine Gardens:
Spring Wedding | Alexa & James
Are you planning a wedding at the Estate at Florentine Gardens?
I would absolutely love to be your photographer. I know this venue well, I genuinely love shooting here, and it would be such an honor to capture your day. Send me a note below and let’s talk about your wedding!
Contact me here to check your date.
Karina Mekel is a New Jersey wedding photographer capturing special moments throughout the East Coast. Follow along on Instagram @karinamekel or get in touch here.
