New Jersey Bride Blog

Last week I had the pleasure of going to Chakra (chakrarestaurant.com) in Paramus for a New Jersey Bride lunch. And as soon I walked through the door, I was instantly impressed. This place is really hip and would make the perfect rehearsal dinner location. From the stone water wall and banquettes covered with velvet pillows to the candlelit lounge area and mahogany bar, Chakra just exudes cool. And the food is pretty good, too—the menu is New American cuisine. For complete seclusion, there’s a private room that holds 24, or host your dinner in the main area for up to 190. Contact Debbie Gilmore at 201-556-1530 for more information.

For the first time in 20 years, the Chapel at Sandy Hook is now available to the public for weddings and events. It’s a beautiful waterfront site and is the latest addition to the roster of locations catered exclusively by award-winning Merri-Makers (merrimakers.com). The chapel is the first building of the Fort at Sandy Hook to be renovated to its original, simple elegance with the convenience of new full services.

The chapel, with a newly restored wood floor, seats up to 200 guests, and is open year-round for social and corporate events. An elegant tented area located next to the chapel can host your formal wedding or casual rehearsal dinner.

Also brought back to life is the historic Fort Hancock Post Theater. With a classic marquee, heightened stage, and 320 fixed tiered seats, the theater offers a unique space for your wedding. You can walk down the aisle and up onto the stage for the starring role in your own wedding ceremony.

For information on holding your wedding at either site, contact Merri-Makers at 732-264-3355 or merrimakers.com.