NORTH JERSEY · NEW YORK CITY · LONG ISLAND · HUDSON VALLEY
Rustic Elegance in a Historic Mansion
Located on the Main Street of Hackettstown, David's Country Inn is a Victorian Mansion which had served as an inn for over 150 years. And since the late 1970s, it has been a family-owned and operated venue hosting weddings & special events in a gorgeous space which combines vintage charm with modern amenities.
As a married couple who's into vintage watches, cars and homes (and even fashion) - this venue totally fits our vibe too.
And for newly engaged couples who are trying to stray away from the wedding factories which marble columns and million-dollar chandeliers, David's Country Inn offers a welcome alternative - with exclusive use of the mansion and grounds, as well as the charming, historic details throughout the property.
We remember stepping onto the property for the first time as wedding photographers, and immediately falling in love with all of the features and fixtures that have been restored and remained even after all these years. From the original bar in your cocktail room to the stairs leading up to your bridal suite, the property is rich with photo possibilities that is every wedding photographer's dream.
Ready for the most amazing wedding photography experience?
Quick Facts About David's Country Inn
Wedding Cost: $$$
Capacity: Up to 250
Possible number of simultaneous events: 2
Venue Space Type: Rustic, cottage, farm house, mansion, contemporary, restaurant
Website: https://www.davidscountryinn.com/
Why do couples love David's Country Inn?
Exclusive use of the venue space
While there are many wedding factories in NJ, David's Country Inn certainly isn't going to be one of them, as they can only host one event at a time. This means couples have exclusive use of the grounds and building, without needing to shuffle guests around to ensure the parties remain segregated. When you host your event here, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Historic charm meets modern elegance
Even though the original structure was built in the 1840s, the current owners have put alot of effort into restoring the entire space to it's former glory, while adding some modern touches throughout - like the cafe lights in the outdoor lounge area, as well as the gorgeous outdoor ceremony area. More recently, they've renovated the entire ballroom with new crystal chandeliers and hardwood floors, while keeping with the original character of the space.
Food & service
While there are many wedding factories in NJ, David's Country Inn certainly isn't going to be one of them, as they can only host one event at a time. This means couples have exclusive use of the grounds and building, without needing to shuffle guests around to ensure the parties remain segregated. When you host your event here, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Comfort & convenience
Our couples love the fact that they can get ready on site, and their Warren Suite can accommodate larger parties for both sides of the family. It includes a kitchenette, a dining area, and even a shuffleboard table for the kiddos (or adults for that matter). Less moving parts means less stress for the couple, and who needs that extra stress on a wedding day?
Why we love David's Country Inn
Everything is (usually) happening in once place
While we generally don't mind accommodating multiple stops within a typical wedding day itinerary, having the convenience of doing all of our day's work in one location means less gear we'll have to haul, and (obviously) more camera-time with our couples and their friends & family. More camera time = more photos. Everybody wins.
Variety of indoor/outdoor photo locations
During your research for the perfect wedding venue in NJ, you'll invariable come across properties with impeccable landscaping and incredible views. But what if it rains? What if it's too cold or too hot outside?
Instead of trying to coax your family and friends to brave the elements with you on your wedding day (especially if it's cold outside), everyone can breathe a sigh or relief as there are plenty of indoor photo locations inside as well. Part of the charm of hosting your wedding insdie a historic building is that there's a charming little photo spot wherever you look. The possibilities are endless.
Exclusive use of the property
During your research for the perfect wedding venue in NJ, you'll invariable come across properties with impeccable landscaping and incredible views. But what if it rains? What if it's too cold or too hot outside?
Instead of trying to coax your family and friends to brave the elements with you on your wedding day (especially if it's cold outside), everyone can breathe a sigh or relief as there are plenty of indoor photo locations inside as well. Part of the charm of hosting your wedding insdie a historic building is that there's a charming little photo spot wherever you look. The possibilities are endless.
The couples who book this venue are AWESOME
There's a common sensibility among David's Country Inn couples that we've discovered to be true over the years, and it's that these couples are generally low-key, laid-back folks who simply want to have a relaxed time with their closest family and friends.
When they look back on their photos 30 years from now, they'd more likely focus on all the "people" and "moments" of the day, as opposed to all the "things" (which we'd obviously photograph too). Because this philosophy is so naturally aligned with our documentary and candid shooting style, we appreciate every single one of our David's Country Inn clients!
Loving what you see so far?
What are your photos going to look like?
Here are some of my fave photo spots when my couples get married at The Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station
Your photo locations, in a nutshell.
Outdoor ceremony space.
Weather permitting, you definitely do not want to miss the large open space out back (which will likely serve as your ceremony space). If you're planning on doing outdoor group photos, this location is not only convenient, but also perfectly lit by the sun in the afternoon. In the evenings, the cafe string lights overhead create the perfect, romantic backdrop for your nighttime photos. Just let us know you want that photo, and we'll be more than happy to oblige :).
Ivy wall.
Next to the outdoor ceremony space, this is also a favorite for many of our couples. How can anyone say no to all that greenery? Add in those gorgeous french doors, and leading lines, this cute spot is perfect for first looks and family portraits. Need a bird's eye view of your first look? This is where a 2nd photographer comes in handy (which you'll always have, when you Pearl Paper Studio on board!).
Front porch.
If the sun's a little too much for folks, this covered porch provides a welcome respite from the heat (or wind, or rain, for that matter). Looking for that historic, timeless charm? This is where you'll get it.
Warren Suite
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Bar room
In the room next to the foyer, you're going to encounter one of the most gorgeous bar counters you've ever seen. We've been told that the antique cash register still works! For obvious reasons, many couples like to feature this bar counter as the backdrop for their photos. And if you're looking for some additional color, there are some stained glass windows that your photographer can possibly use for some funky, creative portraits!
Some Things You Should Know
Want the best photos at David's Country Inn? Then you'll want to read this!
The sun will rule the day. Why? Because the sun's position is going to determine how we're going to photograph your group photos and portraits. Nobody likes squinty photos, or hot-spots on grandma in your official family photos. When in doubt, just follow our lead - we'll know exactly where to take you and your guests, regardless of what the sun may throw at us :).
Doing a first look? You'll want to wrap your photos up with time to spare. And the reason for this is because your guests will be parking for the rear, and will likely congregate in the outdoor lounge area in full view of the ceremony area AND the ivy wall (both of which will likely be your primary photo locations). If you're trying to avoid guests, start your photo sessions at these two outdoor locations, then wrap up with indoor photos. Don't worry - there are plenty of great photo spots inside as well!
Shooting indoors will require a bit of experience & skill. In the event of inclement weather on your wedding day, your default photo option will be shooting indoors, and here's the cold honest truth: not all photographers excel at shooting indoors, neither with window light nor with artificial lights. And while this wedding venue does offer many compositional gifts, both indoors and outdoors, it would require a skilled & experienced photographer in order to take advantage of all of it. When in doubt, asked to see some portfolio for some rainy day weddings at David's Country Inn.
Accommodations near David's Country Inn
Courtyard Rockaway-Mt. Arlington Courtyard Rockaway-Mt. Arlington
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Mt. Arlington-Rockaway
Neighbor House Bed & Breakfast Everitt House Bed & Breakfast
Restaurants
Activities
Czig Meister Brewing Czig Meister Brewing Company Czig Meister Brewing Company
Jersey Girl Brewing Jersey Girl Brewing Company Jersey Girl Brewing Company
Thank You
If you are currently engaged and looking for a wedding photographer to help document one of the most amazing days in your lives, I would love to hear your plans and seeing what we can do to be a part of them!
- Ben & Karis
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Coverage with Steve starts at $3800
Coverage with MJ starts at $4100