CHOOSING YOUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH VENUE:
The bar/bat mitzvah is such an exciting time for your children, signaling their transformation from little kid to Jewish adult. This rite of passage is a big deal! So choosing the right venue is crucial… no pressure! Every parent wants their teen to be completely stoked for the celebration, and to have fun. So how to choose? In New Jersey and the surrounding area, there are countless choices, and it can be overwhelming. So, ask around to friends or the parents of your son or daughter’s friends to see what their experience has been with the venue they chose. Word of mouth recommendations are the best way to find an awesome spot with a proven track record. Of course, your humble photographer (that would be me!) is always happy to provide insights into the venues where they’ve shot. Tour the venue, meet the event planners, and see how they plan to make your bar/bat mitzvah come to life.
A sampling of the venues for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah in New Jersey.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list. I’ll be adding to it as well, but there is plenty here to get you started from all over the state. Stay tuned for additional venues, and if your venue would like to be added, please contact me and I’ll be happy to do so! New venues are added all the time.
- Classical Caterers at Congregation B’nai Tikvah – 1001 Finnegans Ln, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902.
I love shooting at the Congregation B’nai Tikvah. It is such a warm and friendly synagogue that embraces the diversity of its congregation. And its event space is top notch. Evan and his team are wonderful, they make everyone feel welcome and put together an amazing party. Classical Caterers at Congregation B’nai Tikvah is much more than a caterer. These guys do bar/bat mitzvahs right. They not only create delicious and inventive kosher and glatt-kosher cuisine, but they are accomplished event planners as well. They are experts at helping you plan every detail of your teen’s bar/bat mitzvah – they’ll introduce you to the premier vendors in the area for decorations, lighting, music, and entertainment activities. Then, you and your teen simply pick your theme and any must have details, and you’re off to the races. Is your teen a huge fan of basketball? They will transform the Magnificent Grand Ballroom into a kickin’ basketball court. Or perhaps they’re a mad fan of Broadway? No idea is too big. Just watch them make it a reality.
- MetLife Stadium- MetLife Stadium Dr, East Rutherford, NJ 07073
This is a spectacular venue that needs no introduction. Home to the New York Jets and New York Giants, this could be the perfect fit for your sports mad teen. Each of their five stadium clubs are meant to impress, inspired by prominent NY city venues, and are very cool. The stadium has so many unique options available! Parents and adult guests can relax in the fireside lounges or the atmospheric and rustic wine bar, while your teens dance to their favorite tunes in a decked out club room decorated with all the bells and whistles. The Delaware North’s Sportservice is the official caterer for MetLife Stadium, and they will help you plan out an incredible spread for hungry appetites. The staff will work with you to create a great light show, and organize fun, creative games to keep everyone engaged and entertained. For something extra special, how about an appearance by one of the players or coaches from the Jets or the Giants? Or getting to meet the Jet’s flight crew? This is pending availability of course, but what an experience for all of your guests, young and old alike!
- Citizens Bank Park 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148, *Accommodates up to 300-350 people
Citizens Bank Park is home of the Philadelphia Phillies, and just being in the stadium feels like a party. Can’t you just feel the sunshine on your face, a hotdog in one hand and cold beer in the other? So what better place to celebrate your teen’s coming of age? The stadium is located a little further afield in Philadelphia and is housed within the South Philadelphia Sports complex. There is some really cool history with this ballpark. It was 15 years ago that the old Veterans Stadium was reduced to rubble and the new stadium rose in its stead. Check out the link below that shows the old stadium as it comes down! https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/the700level/first-look-old-vet-stadium-liberty-bell-now-outside-citizens-bank-park But a piece of the original stadium has been resurrected for a new life at the new stadium. The old 19-foot Liberty Bell has been restored and is featured at the entrance to the park. The stadium has so much to offer: the Diamond, Hall of Fame Club, Media Room, and the Executive dining room. The Pass and Stow is a fantastic option as well. This indoor/outdoor space has garage doors that open in the nice weather. Guests can enjoy the Goose Island Bar at the Park, Foundry Pizza for wood-fired pizza, and there are picnic tables, fire pits, and a huge lighted pergola. So if your party is growing in numbers by the minute, the stadium can accommodate 300-350 happy, hungry people! Oh and don’t forget “The Yard” – with a 70-foot Astroturf-covered field, a 30 foot climbing wall, and the Bullpen pitching area. Your guests will love it!
- Cherry Valley Country Club – 125 Country Club Dr, Skillman, NJ 08558, USA, *Accommodates up to 300 guests.
Golf clubs can be great options for your teen’s bar/bat mitzvah. Cherry Valley has been around since 1916 and is located less than four miles from historic Princeton. It is such a peaceful and idyllic setting for any celebration. There are 130 acres of manicured golf greens, towering trees, and detailed landscaping. There is nothing like the beauty of nature to help create wonderful photos and memories! The club has an elegant Main Dining Room with stunning views that can accommodate up to 300 guests. If you’re thinking of a smaller, more intimate celebration, they can offer their various smaller dining rooms, the Porch, or (weather permitting) the wonderful patio to allow guest to enjoy the sunshine and balmy evening air. The General Manager will be at your disposal to help you plan and execute every detail of your bar/bat mitzvah, including world-class food, flowers, exceptional entertainment, lighting and AV needs. Hey, they’ll even arrange for some swanky limo service. Is it a match? Take a tour, meet Eric, the GM, and breathe in the atmosphere and wait for the magic to grab you.
- Studio 901- 901 Montrose Ave, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA, *Accommodates up to 200 guests.
This is a truly unique and funky event space. And Studio 901 knows bar/bat mitzvahs –trust me, it’s not their first rodeo! They make the planning and execution so incredibly simple, as so many of the planning details have already been taken care of! The space comes with a dance stage, comfortably chic lounge furniture, lots of flat screen monitors (perfect for photo montages perhaps?), and high tech nightclub-esque sound and lighting. To make life even easier, they offer up a sampling of ready-to-go bar/bat mitzvah packages that include DJ, an Emcee to coordinate the events, activities, and ensure everyone gets involved in the games. Teens can sashay up to the non-alcoholic bar and order themselves a soda or mocktail to quench their thirst after some dancing. The staff are super nice and attentive, and the space can accommodate up to 200 people comfortably. All the ingredients for a celebration your teen won’t soon forget.
- Jasna Polana (private golf club) – 4519 Province Line Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA, *Accommodates 200 guests.
Feeling a bit fancy? Looking for an excuse for everyone to get dressed in your best party clothes? Jasna Polana could just fit the bill! This championship golf course is located on 230 acres of stunning acres of lush green and trees right in the heart of Princeton. The country villa is beautifully decorated and has an impressive and aptly named Grand Foyer that features a suspended travertine stone staircase! I don’t know about you, but just hearing about the staircase made me itch to see it! This space embodies the past, but offers all the modern trappings needed for a grand celebration. The Travertine Room is circular, its many windows offering incredible views of the estate and gardens. One small caveat with any golf club booking, you do have to keep in mind that there can be restrictions on accessing some of the outdoor grounds if they are being actively used by the golfers. So check with the venue, and I’m sure they will do everything thing they can to ensure you get the sweeping, panoramic photo backdrop you’re hoping for.
- Cobble Stone Creek – 100 Cobblecreek Rd, Victor, NY 14564-8942, *accommodates up to 220 people.
Cobble Stone Creek is a Bobby Weed-designed golf course that prides itself on being family friendly. They have been helping folks create memorable celebrations for more than 75 years! This place has a definite resort-style vibe to it, with great tennis courts, and a brilliant newly renovated pool complex! A visit to Cobble Stone Creek is like a mini vacation. They offer a beautiful sun-drenched ballroom that overlooks the meticulously manicured emerald golf course and surrounding lush landscape. They offer outstanding cuisine and are happy to accommodate allergies or other dietary restrictions—just ask! Chat with the event coordinator and see if Cobble Stone Creek just might be “the one”.
- Maplewood Country Club – 8 Baker Street, Maplewood, New Jersey USA, *accommodates up to 285 people
The Maplewood Country club was formed back in 1903, and features an impeccably groomed 18 hole, par 71 golf course. The club also boasts red clay tennis courts, a feature that is found at only a few clubs. The lovely, large banquet hall can hold almost 300 of your closest friends, and the floor-to-ceiling windows and unique drum ceiling light fixtures will create a wonderful ambiance for your celebration, as day becomes night. The club takes a lot of pride in its culinary offerings, and the food is top notch. For great views and amazing pictures, guest can drink in the stunning views from the veranda overlooking the 18th green. It’s the perfect place to relax and sip a cold drink on a warm day.
- Marriott Forrestal Village in Princeton – 100 College Rd E, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA, *Accommodates up to 1,100 people
The Marriott Forrestal in Princeton is an oasis in the city. It is tucked onto 25 wooded acres near Princeton University, providing a gorgeous and rustically charming backdrop for your teen’s bar/bat mitzvah. But then step inside to be treated to something really special! The hotel has on offer 32 different event spaces of different sizes, each one beautiful and appealing in its own way. One thing remains constant though, they all feature huge windows that let in tons of natural light, as well as access to the lovely grounds outside. The Forrestal Ballroom is massive and holds more than 700 people. The hotel offers up all the bells and whistles, including high-tech lighting and sound, AV capabilities, a luxury spa, and sand volleyball courts—just the reason to kick off those uncomfortable shoes for just a bit! Their in-house culinary team can create a menu to your heart’s desire, and their event coordinator can help with recommendations if you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you have out of town guests, don’t fret! No need to stack people on your living room floor! The hotel has 296 guest rooms on offer, allowing guests to relax, have a glass of wine (or soda for the teens!), and not worry about how they’ll all get home after. It’s built in peace of mind. There are also lobby spaces that can be utilized for family formal pictures if your guests are staying in the hotel prior to your reception.
- Westin Hotel in Princeton – 201 Village Blvd, Princeton, NJ 08540, *Accommodates up to 750 people
The Westin Hotel is located near the campus of Princeton University in charming Forrestal Village. It contains 22,000 feet of event space and can accommodate a whopping 750 guests! No one needs to be left off the guest list for this venue! The Forrestal Ballroom is spacious and elegant, and the culinary team will great mouth-watering creations to keep guests completely sated, and the bar service will slake everyone’s thirst and then some. Their lovely outdoor space will allow guest to relax around the cozy fire pits, and listen to the peaceful gurgle of water from the fountain. And of course, there’s lots of space for out of town guests, with quaint shops and restaurants nearby if anyone wants to extend their stay!
- Mercer County Boathouse- 334 S Post Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550, *Accommodates up to 250 people
Mercer County Boat House is an idyllic event space in Mercer County Park, perched on the edge of Lake Mercer. The Boat House can accommodate smaller parties of 50, or up to 250 people. Guests can enjoy the peaceful, lake-front views from the backyard deck that runs the entire length of the building. Or guest can take a walk down to the water’s edge and listen to the water lap up against the shoreline. Their event specialist will dedicate themselves to helping you bring your bar/bat mitzvah vision to life, helping you plan out all of your important details, and maybe a few you didn’t even think of! Their in-house chefs will create sumptuous seasonal cuisine so you get the freshest, most flavorful food possible. This place oozes charm, and is the perfect spot to help your teen celebrate that rite of passage to become a Jewish adult.
- Marian House in Cherry Hill – 507 Kings Hwy S, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 USA, *Accommodates up to 300 people
The Marian House in Cherry Hill has over 35 years of coordinating and planning exquisite events including countless bar/bat mitzvahs. Their experienced event specialist will sit down with you and explore you and your teen’s vision of their celebration and then Marion House will work their magic to bring it to life. They can create your teen’s dream theme and will custom-create a menu, no matter your dietary needs or budget. They will make it work for you! They have more than 50 years of experience in creating anything from daring and delicious to home cooked comfort style food like mac and cheese or meatloaf!
- Prospect House, Princeton University – Washington St, Princeton, NJ 08544 USA, *Accommodates up to 250 people
Prospect House at Princeton University is a historic and beautiful venue. The house and accompanying 35-acre estate was purchased by Robert L. and Alexander Stuart of New York, and then deeded to Princeton University. The elegant 19th century home then served as the residence for the Princeton University presidents, and one such president, a Mr. Woodrow Wilson, erected an iron fence around the garden’s perimeter to protect its pristine beauty. However, it was the inspiration of Mrs. Wilson who designed the garden in the shape of the University Seal, so that aerial views would reveal the pathways defining the shield outline. Ahem, but I digress… suffice it to say, it is a historic and beautiful place and the perfect backdrop for a classy celebration. Their elegantly appointed Garden Room can seat up to 125 people for dining, and up to 250 for a reception-style gathering all the while enjoying the amazing garden view. The Presidential dining room is great for smaller parties up to 50-75 people. Their in-house caterer can design a custom package menu or ala carte options for your guests. Their event specialist will guide you through the process and can offer recommendations for florists, music, photography, emcees, or whatever else you can dream up!
- Aurum Events – 17 south Street, Freehold, NJ, 07728 USA, *Accommodates 250 people seated / 400 people cocktail style
Aurum Events really knows how to throw a party. The staff have been making mitzvah magic happen in their historic, 150 year old building that was renovated completely two years ago. Their stunning Ballroom is reminiscent of a trendy NYC loft, and actually has a loft for guests! The main level has a cool, understated vibe with exposed brick (I have always wanted to live somewhere with exposed brick!), LED lit walls, and shelving constructed from recycled wood. The décor is modern retro, decked out in tones of white, black, and grey. There are two outdoor spaces for guests to mix and mingle, and a patio for cocktail hour, just to get everyone into the party mood, and a fantastic deck just off the ballroom! Music, dancing, and a photo booth will bring out the ham in everyone! Aurum will take care of sound and lighting, and their accomplished executive chef, Chris Harammis, is a master of fresh and elegant cuisine. He and his team will create the menu of your dreams to keep bellies full and smiles wide. They strive to be the best event planner you’ve ever used, but it sounds like they are well up to the task!
- Crowne Plaza Princeton – 900 Scudders Mill Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536 USA, *Accommodates up to 360 people
The Crowne Plaza instantly brings to mind luxury and swank! These folks are pros at organizing events of every kind, and have seen more than a few bar/bat mitzvahs grace their Conference Centre Ballroom. The hotel offers 60,000 sq feet of event space and a dedicated event planner to work beside you, helping to create the perfect themed party that will wow your teen and their friends. After all, the whole point is for them to have the time of their life! The hotel can reserve room blocks for out of town guests, and there are many spaces for family formal portraits prior to the party.
- Battleground Country Club – 40 Millhurst Rd, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726 USA, *Accommodates up to 500 people
At Battleground county Club, their mantra is “something special is always going on”. Kind of makes you curious doesn’t it? Golf courses just exude an air of luxury and pleasure. It an emerald haven dotted with grand trees and lovely water features. Their 18 hole golf course of nearly 7,000 yards is likely to get any golfer’s engine running. But their 50,000 foot clubhouse, relaxing cigar room, and Olympic size swimming pool are just the things to get the party started. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the 220-acre course, including Battleground’s newly designed pavilion. The spacious veranda is the perfect place to relax with a drink and not only looks over the golf course, but the swimming pool as well. And summer is coming! The on-site catering staff can turn your culinary dreams into reality—anything from lip smacking BBQ, to a vegetarian spread, or an Italian feast. The event coordinator will help with all the important details and will work with you and your teen to make sure everything is just as they dreamed.
- Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson – 50 Gibson Place, Freehold, New Jersey 07728 USA, *Accommodates up to 300 people
The Crystal Ballroom at the Radisson Freehold is a fabulous venue. It’s located about halfway between New York City and Philadelphia, but they are proud to be all Jersey. The Crystal Ballroom is quite spectacular, and accommodates up to 300 people. Planning a smaller, more intimate mitzvah? Choose their Emerald Ballroom, which holds up to 110 people. Whichever ballroom you choose, your event coordinator will ensure it is decorated for whatever mitzvah theme you choose. They will guide you every step of the way with recommendations for lighting, music, florists, and more. And they do offer a unique decorating option! Their ultra cool chiavari chairs are semi-transparent sculpted resin chairs that diffuse the light rather magically. In the warm weather, guests can access the Outdoor Patio and relax with a beverage and a sample of hors d’oeuvres offerings. Comfy furniture, dreamy white pergolas, lanterns, and fire pits make this a special and atmospheric piece of paradise. Their exclusive bar/bat mitzvah package provides all kinds of cool special touches as well! The Torah cake is locally sourced, and all mitzvahs include a Teen banquet with upgrades including a signature Mocktail greeting, a private cocktail hour teen station, and an ice cream station! The Radisson offers special room rates for out of town guests, just to make life a little easier. All that is left is to show up and have fun!
- SPACE – 491 South Dean Street, Englewood, NJ 07631 USA,
SPACE events is a great choice for bar/bat mitzvah celebrations because they make it so easy! These guys do all the heavy lifting when it comes to planning, design and execution of the perfect party. For 12 years, they have been making this coming of age party something to remember. Every detail has been thought of—from DJ’s, dancers, décor (no outside rentals needed!), LED lighting and graphic design. And how about a photo booth?! Teens love to pile in and get fun and sometimes silly pictures with their family and friends. Goofy props make it even more fun. Just to add to the party atmosphere, SPACE offers up a CO2 machine and a foam machine, a large arcade, and mini bowling so no one ever gets bored! Their in-house chef will work with you to create your ideal menu, and are proud to offer glatt-kosher cuisine for you and your guests. SPACE will make your event over-the-top fantastic and fun. And now, they also off their off-premise SPACE to go, just for another option. They make it their business to make sure you and your teen are happy!
So, whatever venue you choose, remember always it is about the people that are there to celebrate with you and your family. As long as you’re all together, celebrating with love and laughter, the rest is just icing on the cake.
