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Pleasantdale Château is a wedding venue located in West Orange, New Jersey. This historic estate presents endless possibilities for the storybook wedding of your dreams. Frequented by celebrities and other high-profile clientele, this property has no shortage of stories to tell.

Facilities and Capacity

This château reflects the Norman style of architecture found throughout the northern French countryside. Guests will be captivated by gorgeous stone masonry and the grand scale of the building as they arrive. Pathways meander in and around the enchanting woodlands and take guests over weathered bridges, past serene ponds, and underneath the property’s original gazebos. All of this creates a sense of tranquility, especially for those couples who hold their ceremony overlooking its ponds and grounds. Indoor weddings at Pleasantdale Château may be held in its massive wood timber frame Arboretum Conservatory, awash in natural light and surrounded by nature.

Services Offered

The in-house culinary team, lead by Chef Robert Albers, will work to design a customized menu meant to amaze the most discerning of palettes. Many of these creations contain the fresh, organic produce which is grown on the property’s farm. This facility offers other services such as valet parking, bridal suite with an attendant, game room for groomsmen, an much more. For those who opt for another mode of transportation, the estate’s heliport can accommodate helicopters traveling to and from several airports in Manhattan or New Jersey. Guests can take advantage of the in-house salon and barbershop for final wedding preparations.

Accommodation

Pleasantdale Château offers 30 well-appointed guest rooms contained within the main house or located in the Petite Château. Each room contains distinct architectural details, period furnishings, and luxurious upholstery. The modern amenities which are offered to overnight guests aid in achieving the standards of high-end hotels.

History

In 1912, Charles Walter Nichols purchased the property which became known as Pleasantdale Farms. With the help of world-class architect, Augustus N. Allen, he traveled across Europe in search of inspiration and constructed the Norman-inspired château. The property changed hands, eventually to be purchased by the Knowles family, who are responsible for the addition of the Grand Ballroom.

FAQ

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

10

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Garden
Historic Building
Mansion

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Pleasantdale Château

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Pleasantdale Chateau receives glowing reviews from multiple couples who had their weddings there. The venue's stunning architecture and well-maintained grounds create a fairy-tale setting. Reviewers praise the exceptional service provided by staff members such as Fred, Santiago, and Liz, who ensured a seamless and memorable experience. Guests rave about the delicious food, luxurious accommodations, and the attentive care they received throughout the event. Pleasantdale's attentive and detail-oriented team, along with its picturesque location, make it a highly recommended choice for couples looking to host their dream wedding.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Pleasantdale Chateau receives glowing reviews from multiple couples who had their weddings there. The venue's stunning architecture and well-maintained grounds create a fairy-tale setting. Reviewers praise the exceptional service provided by staff members such as Fred, Santiago, and Liz, who ensured a seamless and memorable experience. Guests rave about the delicious food, luxurious accommodations, and the attentive care they received throughout the event. Pleasantdale's attentive and detail-oriented team, along with its picturesque location, make it a highly recommended choice for couples looking to host their dream wedding.

Weddingwire
4.8/5 98 reviews
Google
4.9/5 620 reviews
Devra
Devra Sent on 09/11/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Dream Wedding Come True!

Pleasantdale was the only venue we toured in person when looking for wedding venues. I did a lot of searching online, and most of what I found did not fit our desired style. Finding Pleasantdale and looking at their website felt like a perfect fit, and it turned out to be exactly that. We were wowed from the first time we drove up the driveway and we continued to be wowed every time we went up there, all the way up to the wedding day. Fred was the utmost professional from the moment we met him, and did an excellent job both showing off the house and venue itself, as well as explaining how they run weddings. After the meeting, Fred was so accomodating with all our follow up questions and moving dates as we dealt with existing family conflicts before we signed the contract. Almost every time I emailed him, I received a response back so fast. I always felt heard and like my tastes and wishes were being taken care of. We knew we didn't want any of our family and friends to have to deal with anything during our wedding, and Pleasantdale takes care of everything. They also fill the role of multiple vendors, taking care of catering, alcohol, linens, tables and chairs, bartenders, wait staff, and day-of coordinator. When we had our details meeting, we were under our minimum guest count and Fred was great adding in additional options for food and drink. While there isn't a food tasting, we got a sampling of everything served during happy hour right after the reception in the bridal salon, which also allowed us to decompress and take in the moment. Our attendants were so helpful throughout the day, and Brian as the maitre-de kept everything running so smoothly throughout the day. We had a smaller wedding, about 75 guests, and we never felt out of place or judged for having a smaller wedding in that venue. All of our guests raved about the food, and the after party was a blast. I could not imagine having chosen another venue. By the end, I truly felt like they were treating us like family. I had my perfect dream wedding and got my day as a princess, and it's all due to Pleasantdale.
A
Alexis Sent on 07/26/2024
5 out of 5 rating

1000/10 Experience. Highly recommend!!!

Evan and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Pleasantdale team. From the moment we first met Fred at Pleasantdale Chateau, we knew we were in exceptional hands. The team's meticulous attention to detail, unwavering work ethic, and genuine passion for creating personalized, flawless events were evident throughout our experience.

The grounds at Pleasantdale Chateau are exquisitely maintained, with every room beautifully designed to preserve the estate's old-world charm. Upon arrival, you're immediately enveloped in the stunning architecture, elegant interior design, and natural beauty of the venue.

Both we and our guests were thoroughly impressed by the service, attentiveness, and professionalism of the staff. Their exceptional service truly set Pleasantdale apart and made our experience unforgettable.

The food was outstanding—a true culinary delight. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the variety, quality, and artistry of each dish. The cocktail service and alcohol selection were also top-tier, with impressive variety and quality.

Overall, we can't thank the Pleasantdale team enough for making our wedding and weekend truly spectacular. It was an experience of a lifetime, and we are incredibly grateful for the support and excellence provided throughout the planning process and on our special day. We highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for an extraordinary experience.

A special thank you to Fred, Santiago, Bryan, Hilda, Dawn, Liz, Michelle, Ang, and everyone at Pleasantdale for going above and beyond to make our wedding day unforgettable. We love you all!
Mollie
Mollie Sent on 05/26/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Dream. Come. True.

The best of the best of the best of the best. I cannot praise Pleasantdale enough. The venue is amazing. The castle has so much gorgeous character and the grounds are stunning and well kept. We had our ceremony outside, and the wedding gods were looking down on us and gave us a gorgeous day.
Although not being able to taste the food before can be a cause of anxiety, do not fret. The food was to die for. All our guests still talk about the food being the best they’ve had at any wedding. You have the entire castle from 11am the morning of - 11am the next day. The Chateau hosts a wonderful breakfast for all your guests the next morning. There are about 30 guest rooms on the grounds and as the bride and groom, you get a master bedroom in the castle and they have a room for both sets of parents!!
The staff is reliable and dedicated to making your day as seamless and memorable as possible. You cannot go wrong with this place. They’re fabulous. There isn’t a single negative thing I could say.
Dream wedding made possible by Pleasantdale Chateau ❤️
Lea
Lea D. Sent on 01/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Fairytale Wedding!!

Ryan and I want to share our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation for the extraordinary experience we had at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, NJ. Our wedding day, held at this remarkable venue in September 2023, was not just a day we will remember for the rest of our lives; it was a day that exceeded our wildest dreams in every possible way.

From the moment we first laid eyes on the Pleasantdale Chateau, we were enchanted by its sheer beauty. The venue's idyllic surroundings, from the manicured gardens to the enchanting architecture, provided an unparalleled backdrop that felt like something out of a fairy tale. It was love at first sight and reminiscent of our engagement trip to Europe.

The team at Pleasantdale Chateau demonstrated a level of service that was truly second to none. We want to give a personal shout out to Fred, Tori, Santiago, Bryan, Dawn and our bridal attendants: Michelle, Ang.

Every member showcased a high degree of courtesy and attentiveness. It was evident that they were not only exceptionally skilled but also genuinely passionate about their roles, ensuring that every guest had a memorable experience.

From our very first inquiry to the final moments of our wedding day, they displayed professionalism, warmth, and a dedication to making our day exceptional. Their attention to detail and their ability to put us at ease throughout the planning process was truly remarkable. This level of personalized service made us feel like cherished guests, and it's a testament to the staff's commitment to going above and beyond.

The food served at our wedding was a culinary masterpiece. All of guests COULD NOT stop talking about the food, especially the cocktail hour. Until this day, our guests are still talking about the food and how it does not compare to other weddings they’ve been to. Fred Fogg and his team included our favorite pasta dish - cacio pepe which our guests went crazy over. With my Filipino background, they also included a roasted pig which also was a hit. Every bite was a masterpiece. Period. We should also mention the alcohol selection was top notch. Our signature cocktails were a hit. The bar service was impeccable, and our guests were thoroughly impressed by the variety and quality of libations.

The after-wedding breakfast was a delightful continuation of our celebration. It allowed us to spend more time with our closest family and friends in a relaxed and intimate setting.

The accommodations at Pleasantdale Chateau were nothing short of luxurious. Our bridal suite was beautifully appointed, providing a spacious and elegant setting for us to relax and prepare for our big day. The room was impeccably clean, and the attention to detail in its design and furnishings was apparent.

Our guests were equally impressed with their rooms. The Chateau's rooms were a blend of classic elegance and modern convenience, offering a perfect balance of comfort and style. The staff ensured that our guests were well taken care of and had everything they needed for a comfortable stay.

We are incredibly grateful to the entire team at the Pleasantdale Chateau for their exceptional service and unwavering commitment to making our wedding day a dream come true. They have set a standard of excellence that is second to none, and we wholeheartedly recommend this venue to any couple looking to create a wedding day filled with beauty, perfection, and heartfelt moments. Thank you again to Fred, Tori, Santiago, Bryan, Dawn and our bridal attendants: Michelle, Ang and the rest of the team at Pleasantdale Chateau for making our wedding day an absolutely extraordinary and unforgettable experience. We cannot wait to celebrate this February for their Deja Vu event!
S
Samantha Sent on 11/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Fairytale Wedding!

We can't say enough about our exceptional experience at this wedding venue. As foodies, my husband and I had that at the top of our priority list…and let me tell you it was nothing short of amazing. Every single item blew us and all of our guests out of the water. Seriously everyone could not stop raving about it, saying it was the best food they’ve ever had. It even exceeded my expectations, as I’ve never been to a wedding or event where I did not have single critique or complaint about a dish.

The venue itself was a dream, a stunning and gorgeous backdrop for our special day. Tucked away in the little town of West Orange, it’s very unassuming at first…but as you drive in you feel that you’ve been transported to a gorgeous little getaway. You definitely don’t feel like you’re in NJ anymore!

The second priority was the service and we wanted to find a venue that paid attention to detail, deliver exceptional service, and could ensure the day went smoothly. Pleasantdale achieved just that. The service and staff were impeccable, and anything we or our guests needed was taken care of.

A special shout out goes to my bridal attendant, Liz, who went above and beyond to keep me calm, happy, and assist me with every single thing I needed (and I mean EVERYTHING) throughout the day. She even went as far as to keep me cool by fanning me with an electric fan in between all my pictures. She helped bustle my dress, put on my veil, helped my train, and carried my touch up makeup and cellphone throughout the day. I needed to change into sneakers and she found my socks from my luggage upstairs in a split second. I don’t know how she does it but she is a superwoman!!! The day truly would not have been the same or run as smoothly without her. I really missed having her by my side when the day was over LOL.

Lastly, we worked with Fred, who was our dedicated planner/ coordinator. He was so helpful every step of the way…from when we first toured the venue, to curating our food menu and even working with all our vendors to ensure everything was perfect for the big day. He was always quick to answer my messages and always had our best interests in mind…making sure we were happy and well taken care of. As a bride, there's often a lot to be stressed about, and a lot of details and logistics to figure out. But in working with Fred, I instantly felt at ease because I was confident that he would be able to take care of it all. (Which is extremely important because the last thing you want is to be stressing out on your wedding day). The entire Pleasantdale staff and service was truly exceptional, and unlike any experience I've had before. It allowed me to stay present, have fun, and create lasting memories for a lifetime. I’m still reminiscing about our wedding day and how perfect it truly was. Thank you Pleasantdale and everyone involved who helped make our big day so special!!!
Jonathan
Jonathan Sent on 07/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Best decision of my life!

We have toured 50+ venues until we saw and fell in love with Pleasantdale. Best. Decision. Ever. Our wedding at Pleasantdale was perfect from start to finish - beyond our wildest dreams. We were treated like celebrities. Months later we still get texts and calls from guests (as well as people who didn’t attend but heard about it) raving about the best wedding they’ve ever been to. My husband’s grandma can’t stop talking about our wedding and calls it one of the best events in her entire life. The venue is breathtaking inside and out, from the rustic chateau to the all encompassing grounds for any wedding theme imaginable (water/pool, forest, rustic, greenhouse, fairytale, etc) - you won’t run out of photo ops. As someone who toured over 50 wedding venues I truly hope this review will save you some time and pain.

We got married at Pleasantdale this spring. And every day since I wish I could go back to that day. If I have to name 5 best decisions of my entire life - choosing Pleasantdale was definitely one of them. I do really wish we saw Pleasantdale first or only saw Pleasantdale (for obvious reasons) because it checked all the boxes (year-round gorgeous grounds, a charming rustic European/American golden age chateau, fairytale wedding ceremony options - both indoors and outdoors, raving reviews/reputation, INCREDIBLE food (cocktails AND entrees), and most importantly, the BEST team/family you’d ever work with). We saw venues across Long Island, NYC, NJ & CT prior to Pleasantdale (it was a long difficult, painful 7-month journey). Had we seen Pleasantdale first it would have saved us the 50 trips touring other wedding venues. If you do the math, it’s a minimum 1-2 hours getting to/from venues, then about 1 hour at each venue. 50x that… I don’t think I could fully articulate the pain.

Pleasantdale was actually the first place we called based on the many friends’ recommendations but when we called they were all booked for the year. A few months - and many venues later, just when we were about to give up, my then fiancé said why don’t we give it another try? Lucky for us they just had a last-minute cancellation for a date 4 months out and this was why Pleasantdale was the last venue we ever saw. One of our luckiest days.

From saying yes to Pleasantdale to our wedding day it was just shy of 4 months. A very short time but it was no challenge for the team at Pleasantdale. We were so blessed to work with the nicest, most talented, most professional people who love what they do and are passionate about making the day the perfect day for every couple.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank Fred (the venue manager) who was a miracle worker. Without him we wouldn’t have had this wedding, and most definitely not a wedding at all because any sane person would have given up after seeing so many places and feeling let down. Fred is basically someone I could trust my life with. From day one Fred gets it, makes it happen, and has this rare natural ability to make anyone feel at ease (I was a hot mess) because he’s already got the flawless wedding figured out! A breeze to work with, Fred was honest, patient, and took great care of us. Not to be weird but I just wanna say I wish Fred were my dad. Fred - we will never be able to thank you enough. Pleasantdale being one of the best decisions of my life, you had everything to do with that. Thank you for giving us the most beautiful memories.

Santiago, Santiago, Santiago. How much more can I love you? Santiago was our Maître d. We only needed to talk to Santiago once or twice a month prior to our wedding because boy did he know how to throw a party! Santiago knew what we liked before we even did. He listened to our every word to help us craft the perfect menu, our perfect day. He was like a big brother to me. His passion and dedication to the couples is his secret sauce.

Tori (the banquet captain AND best wedding advisor) was kind and supportive from the moment I met her. She had a great eye for things. I trusted Tori’s taste way more than my own. The day of our wedding Tori checked on us throughout the day making sure we were well taken care of and having the best time. Tori also worked her magic, along with Bryant, to make the day run as smoothly as it did. Thank you for letting us lean on you. We couldn’t have imagined the day without you! And there are so many more staff that we are so thankful for that we can’t name all here - Dawn, Lisbeth, and Beatrice and many more. It took a village! Thank you all for being there for us and being so kind ❤️

Our wedding was perfect from start to finish. It was a fairytale better than anything imaginable. We are forever grateful to the Pleasantdale Team! To anyone interested in Pleasantdale, I am more than happy to help with any questions about Pleasantdale. Don’t wait, book with them today!
C
Carla Sent on 05/02/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Spectacular

If you want the most perfect, amazing, stress free wedding day - have your wedding at the Pleasantdale Chateau. From day 1 of simply touring the chateau we were speechless. Through all of the planning, every single person we came into contact with was better than the next. Our wedding day was the best day of our lives, everything we wanted and more, and because of the amazing staff we were able to enjoy every second with no worries. There was not a detail out of place, the staff at Pleasantdale will leave you speechless. Special shout-out to Fred, his daughter, Santiago, Dawn, Beatrice, Angelique (and soooo many more) for going above and beyond from day one all the way til we packed our cars and drove off the next day.
The food? Never had better. Guests having been raving about our wedding…from the staff to the food to the decor & ambiance since they stepped foot on the grounds. If you are questioning if you should book here, no more questions, stop and book (and please invite us so we can experience a wedding here LOL) You will not regret it for a single minute!
Marissa
Marissa Sent on 04/24/2023
5 out of 5 rating

If you have read any of the other reviews for this place, then you know what I am going to say.

We got married at Pleasantdale Chateau a month ago and still cannot believe how perfect of a day it was. There is too much to say about how amazing the staff, the food, the scenery, and everything else was, and that probably wouldn't even do it justice.

The staff understands what a momentous occasion your day is, and are honestly all miracle workers. From when Fred first takes you through the grounds, to your meeting with Santiago and Bryant, all the way up to the day itself, you are in great hands. Dawn and Hilda kept in contact with us all the way leading up to the wedding, never letting us feel out of the loop. On the day of the wedding Tori and our two attendants Anjalie and Melissa were so attentive, helpful, and on top of everything. We honestly don't think we could have survived the day without them.

Both our families, our bridal party, and all of our guests were beyond taken care of. There was no “we had a lovely time” it was only “this is amazing, this is the best wedding I’ve ever been to.” The food, the service, every detail was raved about.

I imagine every other Bride and Groom think the same thing we did when driving home the morning after, and that was "there is no other venue that could have possibly been this perfect."
M
Morgan Sent on 03/13/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Our Dream Venue

The Pleasantdale Chateau was the highlight of our wedding. It was the foundation that we built our whole wedding plan around, the big hitter in our lineup, the center of our wedding solar system. The venue's reputation speaks for itself, but a few quick highlights from us. The location is incredible, you essentially have an entire estate to yourself. The building is beautiful and unique. With fireplaces, a green room, a pool, a game room, etc. The food is delicious and the chef is extremely versatile, anything we could think of the Chateau was able to include in our cocktail hour. Finally, the service was spectacular. You will not find a more professional, top-of the line group of people. They were even able to provide an ice sculpture of our dog and cat! A special shout out to Fred, Suzie, Lizebth and Michelle! Also, Fred's daughter was fantastic and is a rising star in the industry! (Apologies if you are reading this, as we forgot your name amidst the beautiful hustle of our wedding day). Also, the fact that the Chateau has rooms on site is a game-changer. We could not be happier with our decision and highly highly recommend!
M
Michelle Sent on 02/28/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfection

It doesn’t get better than the Pleasantdale Chateau. Picking them for our wedding was the easiest decision that we made wedding planning and the day could not have been better. Every single person at the PDC was incredible and I have the utmost respect for the operation that they run. The food is unrivaled, the seamless coordination is a master class in how to do things right, the warmth and kindness that they treat all guests with is amazing, the grounds work and upkeep makes for the most beautiful pictures and experience, There is no better venue.

Thank you PDC team!
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Awards

98
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner
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Pleasantdale Château frequently asked questions

The space offered by Pleasantdale Château for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Mansion
Pleasantdale Château offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Pleasantdale Château offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
Pleasantdale Château offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
Pleasantdale Château is recommended by 96% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.8 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.8 in flexibility, 4.8 in professionalism and 4.8 in value.
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