Bonnet Island Estate : A Grand, Luxurious Wedding Venue

Are you dreaming of a seaside wedding? At Bonnet Island Estate in Manahawkin, a Weddings of Distinction Venue, you can celebrate on your own private island. Bonnet Island Estate has it all: a glorious waterfront location; luxurious guest suites; a magnificent ballroom reception venue; and a charming ceremony site in a restored New England barn. Rustic yet elegant, beachy but sophisticated, this grand plantation-style estate surrounded by scenic dunes and wetlands is definitely the stuff wedding dreams are made of.

Unique and Charming Ceremony Venue

You can choose to hold your ceremony on-site in the delightful, rustic Boat House Chapel. The restored Nantucket-style barn was transported piece-by-piece from Rutland, Vermont for reassembly on Bonnet Island. You’ll say your “I Do’s” framed by the chapel’s striking river stone fireplace. Gorgeous wedding photos are assured in this intimate, romantic venue with its exposed beams, white-washed benches and wonderful natural light. The quaint Boat House Chapel seats up to 120 guests, with additional balcony seating for 28 persons.

Beautiful Ballroom Reception

Dinner and dancing follows in Bonnet Island Estate’s impressive Ballroom. The camera loves absolutely everything about this bright and airy setting. Its majestic, 30-foot high ceilings have a striking design meant to resemble the inverted hull of a sailing ship, making for some impressive images. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide lovely bright light and some incredible panoramic bay views. The Ballroom comfortably seats up to 250 guests. You can also arrange to hold an after hours party in the estate’s Great Room.

Fabulous Food

Wedding couples rave about the innovative cuisine provided by Merri-Makers, Bonnet Island Estate’s exclusive caterer. Various catering are available for your five hour reception, and a custom tiered wedding cake, professional maître d’ and linens are included.

Incredible Beach Destination

Couples can choose to rent the venue for an on-site ceremony plus a five hour reception. For the ultimate beach wedding, rent the entire estate, including accommodations for 24 of your wedding guests. The estate’s 12 private suites are uniquely decorated and each features a fireplace, a jacuzzi tub and balcony. Treat your guests to next-day continental breakfast or choose to arrange an off-site brunch in nearby Long Beach Island.

Site fees (from $13,000 with off-season rates November to April) include use of the estate, tables and chairs in the Ballroom, and use of the Boathouse Chapel for your ceremony. There is a separate catering fee for food and beverage.

This convenient Jersey Shore location is ideal for your out-of-town guests. Manahawkin is only 45 minutes from Atlantic City International Airport and 1½ hours from both Philadelphia International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Beautiful Photography Opportunities

Bonnet Island’s picturesque landscapes and architecture and waterfront locale offer plenty of amazing photo opportunities. The English Garden’s colorful blooms, statuary and pretty gazebo are the perfect setting for your romantic portraits. Pose for a sweet “first look” on the dock or on the Veranda overlooking the natural wildlife marshes. The dock also provides a great location for terrific bridal party and family group photos with a waterfront backdrop, as well as stunning evening images.

This most luxurious of beach weddings features lavish amenities. Pre-ceremony, the plush Bridal Parlor and the nautical Groom’s Lounge provide fun photo opps as the bridal party preps for the festivities.