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Weddings in the Skylands

How to Get a Marriage License:

Apply for a marriage license in the municipality where either partner lives. If both partners live outside of New Jersey, apply in the town where the ceremony will take place.

Learn More: Getting a Marriage License in New Jersey

 

Say “I Do” in the Skylands: Natural Beauty & Elevated Romance

he Skylands region is one of New Jersey’s most breathtaking wedding destinations, known for its rolling hills, lakeside views, historic small towns, and mountain-inspired scenery. Because of this, couples who want a serene, scenic, and naturally romantic backdrop often fall in love with the Skylands.

Whether you’re picturing a lakeside ceremony at sunset, a rustic-chic barn wedding surrounded by wooded trails, or a celebration at a cozy estate tucked into the hills, this region offers endless beauty. In addition, the Skylands is home to charming small towns, historic districts, scenic overlooks, and outdoor landscapes that feel miles away from the city, even though they’re close to major highways.

From Morristown and Sparta to Lambertville, Clinton, Newton, Hackettstown, and Flemington, every area offers unique venues, photo opportunities, and weekend experiences. Because the Skylands delivers both tranquility and elevated style, it’s perfect for couples seeking a wedding that blends natural beauty with timeless charm.

Best Places to Get Married in the Skylands

  • The Skylands offers an incredible blend of landscapes and venue styles for every vision:

    Lakeside & Waterfront Weddings

    Perfect for couples who want peaceful water views and stunning sunsets.
    Popular towns include Hopatcong, Sparta, and Mount Arlington.

    Historic Estates & Mansions

    For timeless architecture, manicured grounds, and sophisticated style.
    Top areas include Morristown, Madison, and Florham Park.

    Barns, Farms & Rustic-Chic Venues

    Ideal for couples who love nature, wood beams, and twinkle-light romance.
    Popular areas include Tewksbury, Frenchtown, Sparta, Kingwood, and Readington Township.

    Gardens, Arboretums & Outdoor Wedding Venues

    Perfect for spring and summer celebrations with lush greenery.
    Found in Clinton Township, Lebanon Township, and Flemington.

    Charming Downtowns & Boutique Spaces

    Walkable, stylish, and filled with character.
    Favorites include Lambertville, Clinton, and Newton.

    Unique Mountain, Trail & Park Venues

    For adventurous couples who love dramatic scenery.
    Great options are in Vernon Township, Hardyston, and Blairstown.

Top Skylands Wedding Photo Locations

The Skylands is known for some of the most cinematic, nature-filled photo spots in New Jersey:

  • Lake Hopatcong: sparkling waterfront views

  • High Point State Park:  panoramic mountain overlooks

  • Clinton’s Red Mill: historic red mill + iconic bridge

  • Morristown Green: classic downtown charm

  • Jockey Hollow: historic stone buildings and fields

  • Delaware Water Gap: dramatic cliffs and sweeping views

  • Sparta Boardwalk: alpine-inspired lakeside style

  • Round Valley Reservoir: crystal-blue water backdrop

  • Lambertville–New Hope Bridge: industrial river views

  • Hacklebarney State Park: waterfalls and forest trails

Be sure to check each park or town for photography permit requirements.

Skylands Wedding Vendor Guide

Skylands wedding vendors are known for their expertise with outdoor ceremonies, mountain scenery, historic spaces, and full-weekend celebrations.

Photographers

Many specialize in natural-light, true-to-life styles that complement lakes, fields, and wooded landscapes.

Planners & Coordinators

Experienced with rustic venues, multi-site wedding weekends, tented events, and mountain-area logistics.

DJs & Entertainment

A mix of classic, modern, and cultural DJs who excel at outdoor and hybrid indoor/outdoor receptions.

Officiants

Known for heartfelt storytelling, nature-inspired ceremonies, and inclusive, modern wording.

Caterers

Skylands caterers often lean into farm-to-table, locally sourced, and seasonal menus.

Florists

Experts in organic, wildflower, garden-style, and woodland-inspired designs that match the region.

Hair & Makeup Artists

Skilled in soft glam, natural glam, and humidity- or breeze-resistant looks ideal for outdoor settings.

Transportation

Includes shuttles, sprinters, limousines, and rural-route specialists for remote or barn venues.

Hotels & Accommodations

Popular areas include Morristown, Parsippany, Sparta, Flemington, Hackettstown, and Lambertville.

Getting to the Skylands: Airport Options for Wedding Guests

The Skylands is accessible from several major and regional airports. Because travel times vary widely depending on traffic and the specific venue, guests should use real-time GPS or rideshare apps for accurate estimates.

Major Airports Serving the Skylands

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – most convenient for Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Warren County weddings

  • Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) – convenient for western Warren County weddings (Phillipsburg, Harmony, Alpha)

 

 

Private & Executive Airports

  • Morristown Airport (MMU) – private aviation; very close to Morris County weddings

  • Sky Manor Airport (N40) – Hunterdon County

  • Trinca Airport (13N) – Sussex County

  • Hackettstown Airport (N05) – Warren County

Rail Options for Skylands Wedding Guests

Public transportation is strong in parts of the region, especially for guests traveling from NYC or Hoboken.

NJ Transit Rail

Morristown Line & Gladstone Branch
Stops include:
Morristown – Madison – Chatham – Morris Plains – Dover – Netcong – Mount Olive – Hackettstown – Gladstone – Peapack – Bernardsville – Stirling – Millington – Gillette

These lines are ideal for weddings in Morris and parts of Warren and Hunterdon Counties.

Montclair-Boonton Line
Stops include:
Boonton – Mountain Lakes – Denville – Lincoln Park

Amtrak

Guests can travel to Newark Penn Station or NYC Penn Station and connect directly to NJ Transit for easy access into the region.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Skylands Weddings

    What’s the best time of year for a Skylands wedding?

    Fall and late spring are the most popular thanks to foliage, comfortable temperatures, and outdoor scenery.

    How much does a Skylands wedding cost?

    Costs vary by venue type, but many couples spend $35K–$55K depending on the season and location.

    Is the region good for outdoor weddings?

    Absolutely. Lakes, mountains, parks, farms, and gardens make it ideal for nature-inspired ceremonies.

    Where should guests stay?

    Popular towns include Morristown, Parsippany, Sparta, Lambertville, and Hackettstown.

    Do I need permits for photos?

    Some state parks and historic sites require permits. Always confirm in advance.

    Is the Skylands good for intimate or rustic weddings?

    Yes. The region is known for cozy, natural, and elevated rustic celebrations.

    How is traffic in the Skylands?

    Weekend traffic can be heavy near Lake Hopatcong, Sparta, and the Delaware Water Gap. Allow extra time for shuttles.

    Find trusted Skylands wedding pros on Devoted New Jersey

    Browse local vendors who know the region inside and out and can help bring your celebration to life.

    Cities and Towns in the Skylands Region

    Hunterdon County

    Alexandria | Bethlehem Township | Bloomsbury | Califon | Clinton Town | Clinton Township | Delaware Township | East Amwell Township | Flemington | Franklin Township | Frenchtown | Glen Gardner | Hampton Borough | High Bridge | Holland Township | Kingwood | Lambertville | Lebanon Borough | Lebanon Township | Milford | Raritan Township | Readington Township | Stockton | Tewksbury |          Union Township | West Amwell Township

    Morris County

    Boonton Town | Boonton Township | Butler | Chatham Borough | Chatham Township | Chester Borough | Chester Township | Denville | Dover | East Hanover | Florham Park | Hanover | Harding | Jefferson | Kinnelon | Lincoln Park | Long Hill | Madison | Mendham Borough | Mendham Township | Mine Hill | Montville | Morris Plains | Morris Township | Morristown | Mount Arlington | Mount Olive | Mountain Lakes | Netcong | Parsippany-Troy Hills | Pequannock | Randolph | Riverdale | Rockaway Borough | Rockaway Township | Roxbury | Victory Gardens | Washington Township | Wharton

    Sussex County

    Andover Borough | Andover Township | Branchville | Byram Township | Frankford | Franklin Borough | Fredon Township | Green Township | Hamburg | Hampton Township | Hardyston | Hopatcong | Lafayette Township | Montague | Newton | Ogdensburg | Sandyston | Sparta | Stanhope | Stillwater Township | Sussex | Vernon Township | Walpack Township | Wantage Township

    Warren County

    Allamuchy Township | Alpha | Belvidere | Blairstown | Franklin Township | Frelinghuysen Township | Greenwich Township | Hackettstown | Hardwick Township | Harmony Township | Hope Township | Independence Township | Knowlton Township | Liberty | Lopatcong | Mansfield Township | Oxford Township | Phillipsburg | Pohatcong | Washington Borough | Washington Township | White Township

    Featured Skylands Wedding Pros

    Other Destinations in New Jersey