Back in March, Raritan Inn hosted their annual wedding showcase, and we wanted to show you a little bit more about their space. This little bed and breakfast in Califon, NJ has a beautiful location for outdoor ceremonies and with a beautiful, refinished barn for an indoor dinner or cocktail hour.
We’ve done several weddings there (including one entirely vegan wedding), and we’ve always loved the setting.
Pros & Cons
I’m going to say right now that I haven’t really thought of any cons for this venue! Since they only have the location/building, you will need to find a caterer for the event (that’s where we come in!).
Pros
- beautiful rural setting
- upscale amenities (aka – looks rustic without the inconvenience of being truly rustic)
- Indoor and Outdoor options to accommodate weather issues
- beautifully renovated, but still rustic barn
- on-site inn for the wedding party
Cons
Like I said… I don’t think there are any cons for this location, and I haven’t learned of any from the brides we’ve spoken to.
- Quiet after 9 or 10pm… because it’s in a residential neighborhood
But weddings are usually required to finish by then anyway…
More about the location
The “backyard” of the bed and breakfast is a large field used for the ceremony with a walking path that serves as the aisle. The greenery from trees and grass makes for a beautiful backdrop in your wedding photos.
It’s also far enough away from the tent/reception area that caterers don’t need to be too quiet during the entire ceremony while they’re prepping food and finishing touches (which is impossible in smaller venues or home weddings).
Judging from the photos on their website, the Raritan Inn can also work with you on having a horse-drawn carriage for your event.
from the wedding showcase in March 2019
Every couple chooses to do things differently with their weddings, so we’ve seen different uses for the barn. Many times a tent is outside for the dinner, and cocktail hour will be in the barn. Or you could use the barn area as the dance floor with the doors open on both sides to let the air flow through. You can also do the cocktail hour outside (they provide corn hole, horseshoes and other games), with dinner inside the barn.
Raritan Inn Considerations
This venue is great for those who need/want everything in one place. Your guests will have plenty of parking, your wedding party can stay overnight on-site, the ceremony is walking distance, and you have multiple options depending on weather. What could be better?
And who can resist all the twinkle lights along the ceiling of the barn?! We love working with this beautiful venue, and we think you’ll like it just as much as we do. Don’t forget to talk to us about catering!
Any questions about the Raritan Inn? What kind of feedback have you heard on the space? Tell us in the comments!
