The Lake House at Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes, NJ: A Private, Lakeside Wedding Venue With an Elegant Ballroom
The Lake House at Indian Trail Club is one of those New Jersey wedding venues that immediately slows things down in a good way. Tucked along the water in Franklin Lakes, it’s known for its lakeside ceremony space, waterfront cocktail hour, and an elegant ballroom that still feels bright, open, and connected to the outdoors. Couples are drawn to the setting first. Then they learn the venue only hosts one wedding at a time, and it clicks. This isn’t a conveyor belt wedding. It’s intentional, private, and built around the guest experience.
If you are a “Lake House Bride” (or plan to be one), you probably value elegance without stiffness, service without attitude, and a wedding day that feels beautifully organized without feeling overproduced. You care about your guests. You care about flow. You want great photos by the water, but you also want to actually enjoy your wedding. The Lake House tends to attract couples who want all of that…and a team behind them that knows how to quietly make it happen.
Ready for the most amazing wedding photography experience?
SPECIAL OFFER FOR 2026-27 COUPLES!
We get it.
There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with hiring a photographer who has already worked at your venue a million times before.
Here’s the truth. We haven’t photographed a wedding at The Lake House at Indian Trail Club a million times (not yet, anyway). That said, after 13+ years of photographing weddings and more than a thousand weddings in venues with similar vibes, lighting, and layouts, we're very confident we're more than well-equipped to document yours.
If you still feel a little hesitation, that’s completely fair. As a small thank-you for couples who are reading this right now, we’re offering a $300 courtesy credit* for weddings at Indian Trail Club in 2026–2027 when you choose any one of our talented photographers on our associate team. Simply mention that you've read this page during your consult**.
*Courtesy credit is only available when booking Gerardo, Steve, or MJ.
**This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
Ready for the most amazing wedding photography experience?
Quick Facts About The Lake House at Indian Trail Club
Wedding Cost: $$$
Capacity: Up to 250
Possible number of simultaneous events: 1
Venue Space Type: lakefront, waterfront, scenic, ballroom, lounge
Website: https://www.indiantrailclub.com/weddings-events
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelakehouseitc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Indian-Trail-Club/100063785656749/
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Why do couples love Indian Trail Club
Couples don’t just like getting married at Indian Trail Club. They rave about it. When you read reviews or talk to past couples, the same themes come up again and again. It’s not one single thing. It’s the combination of setting, service, food, and how the entire day flows. Here are the biggest reasons couples consistently choose (and love) Indian Trail Club.
Lakeside Ceremony & Waterfront Views
One of the biggest draws is the lakeside setting. Couples love being able to host their ceremony right by the water, then transition seamlessly into a waterfront cocktail hour with lake views still in sight. It feels scenic and romantic without being remote, which is exactly what many couples are searching for when they Google “lakeside wedding venue in New Jersey.” The lake also creates a calm, natural backdrop that photographs beautifully in every season.
One Wedding at a Time For a Private, Exclusive Feel
Indian Trail Club is known for hosting only one wedding at a time, and this matters more than couples realize until they experience it. There’s no overlap, no sharing space, and no feeling rushed because another wedding is waiting behind yours. Brides consistently mention how private and personal the day feels, which is a huge differentiator from high-volume venues and a major reason couples feel relaxed from start to finish.
Exceptional Service & Planning Team
Couples frequently highlight the professionalism, responsiveness, and warmth of the catering and events team. From early planning conversations to the wedding day itself, couples feel supported, heard, and guided. This is especially important for brides who want a wedding day that feels organized without feeling micromanaged. The team’s ability to anticipate needs and quietly handle logistics is one of the most praised aspects in reviews.
Food That Guests Actually Remember
Food is a major reason couples choose Indian Trail Club, and it’s something guests talk about long after the wedding. From a generous cocktail hour to a polished sit-down reception, couples love that the food feels elevated, plentiful, and thoughtfully prepared. Many reviews mention that guests comment on the quality of the meal months later, which is exactly what couples want when searching for a venue known for great catering.
Why we love Indian Trail Club
From a photographer’s point of view, Indian Trail Club is one of those venues where everything just works. Yes, it’s beautiful. Yes, it photographs well. But the real reason seasoned professionals love working here goes deeper than scenery. After nearly 17 years of photographing weddings at this venue, I can say confidently: when a venue takes care of its vendors, it’s a direct reflection of how seriously they take the overall guest and couple experience.
A Professional, Vendor-Friendly Wedding Team
One of the biggest reasons photographers love Indian Trail Club is the staff. From the catering directors to the banquet team, there’s a genuine respect for vendors as partners, not obstacles. Communication is clear, timelines are realistic, and there’s a shared goal of making the day flow smoothly. When a venue treats its vendors well, it shows in every part of the wedding day. Calm staff leads to calm couples, and that creates better photos, better moments, and a better experience for everyone involved.
Predictable Flow & Well-Run Wedding Days
Indian Trail Club is known for running weddings on time without making the day feel rushed. For photographers, that means fewer surprises, better transitions between events, and more space to capture moments naturally. The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are thoughtfully laid out, which allows photographers to work efficiently without constantly fighting logistics. A well-run timeline isn’t just convenient; it directly impacts the quality of the final images.
Lakeside Setting With Built-In Variety
From a creative standpoint, the lakeside ceremony space, waterfront views, and elegant indoor areas offer a ton of visual variety without needing to travel off-site. Photographers can create a full, diverse gallery. Wide scenic shots, intimate portraits, clean architectural moments, and candid guest interactions, all within a short walking distance. This is the kind of venue photographers love because it consistently delivers strong images in every season and lighting condition.
Couples Who Value Experience, Not Chaos
The type of couples who book Indian Trail Club tend to value organization, service, and guest comfort. They want a wedding that feels elevated, but not stressful. From a photographer’s perspective, these couples are often more present, more trusting, and more focused on enjoying the day rather than micromanaging it. That trust makes it easier to do our jobs well, capture real moments, and create images that actually reflect how the day felt.
Couples Who Value Experience, Not Chaos
Because Indian Trail Club has such a strong reputation, it naturally attracts experienced planners, photographers, DJs, and florists. Working alongside other seasoned professionals makes the entire day smoother. Everyone knows how to communicate, anticipate moments, and stay out of each other’s way. When the vendor team is aligned, the wedding feels effortless, and that always shows in the final result.
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 Indian Trail Club
Your photo locations, in a nutshell.
The Lakeside Ceremony Area
This is the heart of the property and the most recognizable backdrop at Indian Trail Club. The water creates a clean, calming background that works beautifully for both wide scenic shots and intimate close-ups. It’s especially popular for first looks, post-ceremony portraits, and family photos because it feels romantic without being distracting. Depending on the time of day, the light here can be soft and flattering, which is a big reason photographers gravitate toward it.
The Waterfront & Dock Area
Just steps away from the ceremony space, the lake’s edge offers a slightly more relaxed, candid feel. This is where couples often love getting natural, in-between moments. Walking shots, quiet portraits, and wide compositions that show off the water and surrounding greenery. It’s a great spot to slow things down for a few minutes and capture photos that feel effortless and unposed.
The Outdoor Terrace / Patio
Overlooking the lake, this space is commonly used during cocktail hour and becomes a natural photo location because guests are already there. Photographers often use it for candid guest moments, couple portraits with a bit of architectural framing, and golden-hour style images when timing allows. It’s especially useful because it keeps everything close together without pulling couples far away from their guests.
The Grand Ballroom
The reception space photographs clean, bright, and elegant, which makes it ideal for detail shots, room reveals, and wide reception images. Photographers typically capture this space before guests enter, highlighting the layout, tablescapes, and lighting. Later in the evening, it becomes a great environment for energetic dance-floor shots that still feel polished rather than chaotic.
Interior Common Areas & Transitional Spaces
Beyond the obvious outdoor spots, photographers often use hallways, windows, and quieter interior corners for portraits when weather or timing shifts. These areas provide neutral backdrops, consistent light, and a refined look that complements the overall aesthetic of the venue. They’re especially helpful on busy timelines or rainy days when flexibility matters.
Some Things You Should Know
Every venue has its quirks. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, the best weddings usually happen when couples know these details ahead of time and plan around them. Think of this section as gentle “yellow flags”. Not deal-breakers, just things worth being aware of so you can make smart decisions and hire the right team around you. When handled well, none of these take away from how beautiful or seamless a wedding at Indian Trail Club can be.
Hotel Proximity & Transportation Planning Matters
Indian Trail Club is tucked into a residential, scenic part of Franklin Lakes, which is part of its charm, but it also means there isn’t a hotel right next door. Most nearby hotels are a short drive away rather than walkable. For many couples, this simply means planning transportation thoughtfully, whether that’s shuttles for guests or clear communication on hotel blocks. Not a problem, just something you’ll want to account for early so guests feel taken care of.
Indoor Lighting Requires an Experienced Photographer
While the ballroom and interior spaces are elegant and bright, indoor photography here still requires a photographer who truly understands lighting, not just natural light, but how to supplement it properly. Not every photographer is equally comfortable with indoor reception lighting, especially once the sun goes down. The right professional will know how to keep images clean, flattering, and consistent without overpowering the room or killing the ambiance.
Lakefront Photos Are Weather-Dependent
The lakeside setting is one of the biggest reasons couples choose this venue, but like any outdoor feature, it’s influenced by weather and season. Wind, rain, or extreme temperatures can shift how much time you spend by the water. A good planning team and photographer will already be thinking through backup portrait locations and timing adjustments so the day still flows beautifully, even if plans shift.
Timelines Benefit From Being Realistic, Not Packed
Because the venue runs such a smooth, guest-focused day, couples sometimes underestimate how quickly moments move. Trying to pack too many photo locations or events into a tight window can add unnecessary pressure. Couples who enjoy this venue the most tend to prioritize flow over squeezing everything in. With an experienced team, you can build a timeline that leaves breathing room without sacrificing anything meaningful.
Accommodations near Indian Trail Club
Hilton Garden Inn Wayne
15 Nevins Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 878-1007
Residence Inn by Marriott Wayne
30 Nevins Road
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 872-7100
Hampton Inn & Suites Mahwah
290 NJ-17
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 828-2031
Courtyard by Marriott Mahwah
140 NJ-17
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-5200
Holiday Inn Express Haskell-Wayne
303 Union Avenue
Haskell, NJ 07420
(973) 839-4405
Restaurants
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