Pleasantdale Château Reviews

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.

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 ❤️

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!

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!

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."

What an absolute fairytale of a wedding. I wish we could live there. I can go on and on about how amazing everything was – the environment, the staff, the food, even the days leading up to the wedding were all great. I now understand why there are really long reviews of this place! :)
When we arrived at Pleasantdale for the first time, we were just in awe. It’s an absolutely stunning, breathtaking place, literally out of a fairytale. Our theme was Beauty and the Beast, so we knew right off the bat that this was our venue. Fred was the one to show us around. He was very to the point and down to earth, my family and I got along with him really well. After we booked the date and a couple of months before the wedding, we were in communication with Dawn and Marta. They were both very responsive and answered all of our questions. Then, we went back to Pleasantdale to meet with Fred and Santiago to go over all of the wedding details. That meeting really put us all in great spirts, and got us so pumped for the wedding! Santiago is one of the most friendly, funny, and down to earth guys I have ever met. He just made us feel so secure knowing that he was the one leading the charge on the day of the wedding.
The day of the wedding, we had Lessly, Beatriz, and Lizbeth as our attendants. Lessly in particular was my attendant, and I literally have no idea how I could have managed the day without her. She was always there when I needed her help. Honestly, the 3 of them were basically like wedding planners, which was really appreciated since we did not have a wedding planner. They were all so nice and very helpful to us and all of our guests. The night was absolutely amazing, and we could not be happier that we chose the Pleasantdale Chateau.

Pleasantdale Chateau not only lived up to the hype but absolutely exceeded it for our wedding. It's hard to even begin describing it all, but PDC was an A+++ across the board for everything including:

- service, the entire PDC team (Fred, Santiago, Dawn, Hilda, Liz, Melissa, I could go on for a wile) are super professional, nice, responsive, and ensure your wedding day is not only a huge success but an epic celebration

- the food truly is incredible. I read this in a lot of reviews beforehand but I can promise the food is delicious and will have all the guests raving afterwars

- the cocktail hour is legendary and will go down in infamy for not only you but all your guests. It's massive, delicious, and every room you pop into there will be something else.

- the grounds are beyond beautiful and the ballroom is magnificent. It's a one of a kind experience walking around and having it be totally yours for the day.

- I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but again, the entire PDC team (sales, wait staff, chefs, attendants, etc) are ALL STARS and give you their 100% attention from stepping foot on the venue and stepping out the next day with your suitcase and packages in tow.

We have literally nothing bad to say about our experience other than we wish we could do it again. Thanks again to the PDC team and if you're considering this venue (and have the means to have it here) you absolutely should.

In the two months since our wedding, I have heard from every guest that it was the best wedding they've ever been to, and that's entirely because of Fred, Santiago, and the whole Pleasantdale team. Just trust them and they will create an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Everywhere they could just take over and make things easy and perfect for us, they did. Every review will tell you that the food, drink, run of show, and fairy-tale setting is extraordinary, and it couldn't be more true. They held our hands through three covid-cancellations, and when our day finally happened, they helped us create a joyful, fun, overwhelmingly special experience for all our guests. If you're lucky enough to book your wedding there, let me know because I am dying to go back as a guest!

Like so many little girls, my daughter always dreamed of having the kind of wedding that one would only read about in books or see in movies. Two years ago, when she became engaged to the man she knew she would love forever, our search for the perfect wedding venue began. After viewing several venues, however, our excitement soon began to turn to disappointment and frustration. None of them fit with the aesthetics my daughter had in mind, and not one gave us a high-impact first impression.

Pleasantdale Chateau, however, was the game changer. From the very first email communication between myself and Fred Fogg, the Director of Sales and Catering, I could tell that this place was very different from all the rest that we had visited. I knew I had to set up a meeting and a tour with Fred immediately. The moment we arrived, it was unlike any other venue we had ever seen. It was truly magical, and we were excited to see more! We couldn't wait to explore everything! It was nothing short of a hidden gem that would provide my daughter with the wedding she's always dreamed of with private and exclusive use of the entire estate. Every turn was a unique and breathtaking new experience.

My daughter's wedding date in July 2020 was postponed another year due to the pandemic. As disappointing as that was, my daughter and son-in-law finally had their very own fairytale wedding on July 22nd, and it was nothing short of amazing. The attention to detail, the responsiveness, the professionalism of the entire staff is second to none. Our heartfelt thanks to Fred Fogg, Santiago Sevilla, Dawn Paradine, Marta Lupinska, and the rest of the Pleasantdale Chateau team, for making our daughter's dream wedding a beautiful, memorable reality that we will cherish for a lifetime. xoxo

Last night my husband and I finally got to celebrate our wedding after postponing from last year. All I can say is that it was well worth the wait!! This venue is like no other. From the very first time I walked through the Pleasantdale, it was like being in your very own magical story book. I felt so special yesterday as everyone at the venue catered to my family, friends and I all day long. Fred, Santiago and his team have been on top of every single detail, have helped me through the entire wedding planning process, and have been super personable and responsive the entire time we have worked with them. My attendant, Lessly was so sweet and was by my side the entire night. She even sewed one of my bridesmaids dresses for her on the spot! I felt so special and my guests were blown away by every single detail. Everyone raved over the food, the drinks, and the beauty and character of the venue itself. It was a wedding like no other and I am so happy to now be a part of the Pleasantdale family!

My husband and I looked at Pleasantdale Chateau in December of 2018. It was the last stop on our venue tour for the day. As soon as we arrived at the front gate, we were taken away. The beauty of the Chateau is overwhelming, and any pictures of it that we had previously seen do not do it justice. We sat down with Fred, the director of sales and catering. He told us about what Pleasantdale had to offer, and it did not compare to any venues we had researched or saw. We went back a week later and booked!

Fast forward to the week before our original wedding date. Fred and Dawn (another sales manager) had been in contact with my husband and I daily before we finally decided to postpone our wedding date to 8/27/20. They were so helpful (this was literally the beginning of the pandemic and nobody knew what was going on) and made the difficulty decision to postpone feel as it were the right decision. In May of 2020, I had feelings that August would still not work for us as far as possible COVID restrictions go. I was nervous to reach out to Fred because I had seen so many posts that other venues were up charging, or not letting couples reschedule until closer to their date. I emailed Fred regarding my concerns and he immediately called me back. He offered, almost immediately, for us to postpone a second time to 3/21/2021. Mind you, Fred never once gave us a hard time, made us feel guilty, or asked us for more money. He was always completely understanding throughout this entire process.

Fast forward now once more to our third wedding reception date and there are no words to express how perfect the day was. The food, the service, the organization, all 100% on point. There was literally not one thing that went wrong with the day (that I know of anyway!) and I am so grateful for Pleasantdale for making this long-awaited day a perfect one. I want to give a shout out to my bridal attendant Leslie who was phenomenal. She was there with me every second of the day to take pictures on my phone, give me a lipstick touch up, answer literally any question I had, and truly make sure everything ran smoothly. If I didn’t have her, I don’t know what I would do!

In summary, Pleasantdale Chateau is an amazing venue, and I am so thankful we chose them for our special day.

When looking for a venue, we must have toured at least 15+ venues throughout New Jersey until we came across this one. Once we toured it, we were all in agreement that this was the one! Having seen plenty of golf clubs, ballrooms, as well as another chateau or two chateau - there was something authentic about Pleasantdale. There was a sense of history and warmth at this venue versus the many other stark, white venues I came across. There were other venues that tried to offer this same appeal, but come no where close. Throughout the grounds you find unique architecture that cannot even be compared to usual, mundane ballrooms! Such a beautiful property added an element of decor that no florist or decorator could provide.

Beautiful grounds aside, the team at Pleasantdale was incredible. Both Fred and Santiago worked with us to create a day that would be unique and special to us. They were on top of every detail. They made our wedding seamless without any hiccups. All our guests still rave about the cocktail hour and food! Their catering team was excellent. They decorated our wedding cake to our liking with just a couple photos off Pinterest - there wasn’t even a question of what was or wasn’t feasible. They even coordinated an amazing after party for us without us even having to worry about a single detail!

This venue is truly a gem hidden away in New Jersey! You cannot go wrong with Pleasantdale and its team!

Jaw drops and butterflies in your stomach the moment you walk in the French Chateau. The history, class, and unique, stunning architecture is supported by the most phenomenal professionals you’ll ever meet. My husband and I had to pinch ourselves! Pleasantdale was the first venue we visited and while we knew this was THE ONE, we wanted to keep searching. Big mistake. Our hearts brought us right back. Many have tried to duplicate this stunning chateau and nothing compares. Nothing ever will. We worked with Fred and instantly felt like family. Pleasantdale’ s philosophy is all around creating exceptional experiences for their brides and grooms and they far exceeded anything we could ever dream of. They will anticipate your every need! Outside of Fred’s amazing leadership, we were blessed with Santi, who led the night’s events perfectly. Our guests got to spent the night on-site and even the guestroom accommodations and experience was exceptional! I assure you. THE BEST COCKTAIL HOUR. THE BEST CUISINE. THE MOST AMAZING SELFESS, CARING STAFF. Thank you Fred, Santi and team for making dreams come true. You have loyal partners for life! We love you.

If you want the perfect fairytale wedding, this is it! There is nothing else like it in the US. There simply isn't something better. From the impeccable service team, to the amazing food you will be wowed from the moment you enter the Pleasantdale Chateau. This place is the stuff of dreams, and I can't wait to one day visit again!

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” I sing this song as I drive down Chestnut Street to Red Bank Catholic High School. I have been doing this with my daughter for three years now.

“You have everything?” I ask as she reaches for the car door handle.

“Uh huh,” she answers. She leans over and gives me a peck on the cheek.

“Have a great day, Princess; make a difference!” I tell her and she is out the door.

She is already going through the door by the time I can give her one of our little waves one last time. She is a junior now and this will be the last year I will drive her to school first thing in the morning. I think about that as she enters the school.

“We have been doing this for years, Princess,” I tell myself while other cars and buses pull in. “Just you and I in the car on the way to school in the morning.” The old gray Volvo station wagon, the singing of chestnuts roasting, the hurried pecks on the cheek, the little waves. I realize that after this June, I will not be dropping you off at school and praying as you walk from the car. “Watch over her Lord. Keep her safe.” The same prayer I have prayed on thousands of mornings. When did you grow up? When did I start calling you Princess? That was years ago on the day that you were born and I held you in my arms and said, “Welcome, Princess.”

It was also then that I began continuously thinking about all the milestones that you will experience in your life, in particular, your wedding day. I would think, “Would it be fit for a princess…a Disney princess?”

That was my dream for you, a royal, fairytale wedding. My concern was could I make this a reality? Is there even such a place that could make this dream come true?

I remember and think about these concerns and this dream as I am driving down Eagle Rock Avenue on a bright April morning in 2017. My daughter, now 30, is engaged to be married. We are yet again, visiting another possible venue. It was our eighth, I think. I lost track. All in the effort of achieving the dream. At this point, we have looked in all of New Jersey and even New York City and nothing had yet been able to inspire the vision, the dream, or us.

As I drove through the beautiful gatehouse entrance at 757 Eagle Rock Avenue, I immediately became excited. This only intensified as I drove down the magnificent winding, scenic road of trees, bridges and lake property. I thought I was entering a royal castle. Then we pulled around the corner and were awe-inspired by the beautiful flower garden on our left and the magnificent estate on our right; an estate that I would call from that point onward, “The Castle.” I would come to love both. It was absolutely stunning.

I looked at my pretty wife of 32 years and said, “Could this be the place?” And as beautiful as the grounds and the exterior of the Pleasantdale Chateau are, we had not yet experienced the best of it.

We then walked into Pleasantdale for the first time to meet Mr. Fred Fogg, the Director of Pleasantdale. Let me first tell you, I wish everyone could experience walking into Pleasantdale Chateau for the first time. It was such an incredible awe-inspiring experience filled with so much character, beauty and fascination. It is a vision that I will never forget.

Mr. Fogg took us on an amazing, very detailed tour of this simply breathtaking estate that lasted over an hour. He was incredibly patient in answering all of our questions and addressing our concerns. He did not know it at that point, but I had fallen head over heels in love with the property and the estate (AKA, “The Castle”) the moment I entered the exquisite entrance hall, and it had grown steadily throughout the tour. It had everything we had dreamed of for my daughter’s wedding. The best part? We still had not experienced the best of it yet.

While Fred exemplified the utmost professionalism, knowledge and business acumen, I assure you it never once interrupted his genuine care for my daughter, her experience as a bride, and the integrity of the event and Pleasantdale Chateau. It was clear from the start that he and his team’s goal was to ensure the whole wedding process was unforgettable for my daughter, with a distinction that only Pleasantdale Chateau could provide. That is exactly what they did for the whole 18 months of her engagement.

When Fred Fogg, Pleasantdale Chateau, and I came to terms and agreement and we booked it as our choice for the venue, both parties had responsibilities that we agreed to. Mine, of course, were financial, which were honored. Fred Fogg and team were to provide an absolutely incredible wedding for my daughter; one she would never forget. Fred Fogg and his team not only honored this, but they went multiple levels above and beyond to make my daughter’s wedding the fairytale wedding she always wanted and I could never have paid enough for this. It was priceless.

The Chefs and the food at Pleasantdale Chateau are the crème-de-la-crème of venues and Michelin restaurants. It rivals any quality restaurant in this country but has a more upscale, decidedly genteel, atmosphere, reminiscent of an exclusive private dignitary event. Everything Pleasantdale Chateau offers says "quality," from the incredible Hospitality hour, the undisputed, fabulous, best cocktail hour imaginable, the finely planned dinner, the beautifully unique and unbelievable dessert offering, and the fine service.
The foods are just amazing. As a cocktail hour, the herb crusted rack of lamb is perfection. The Roasted suckling pig is heavenly. The Sushi and Lobster stations are as good as they get. The Pasta stations and the Fresh Mozzarella station are to die for, and the Seafood station on ice will simply blow you away. As main courses, the Filet Mignon is one of the most delicious pieces of beef I've ever tasted. The side orders, such as Gruyere and Garlic Dauphinoise potatoes or Potato Gnocci with Pea Tendrils, are also excellent. And the wine list is exceptional.
Just when you think you can't eat any more, Pleasantdale offers a range of special desserts, including unique twists on many that would make a French pastry chef swoon.
This is the "real deal." It's truly worth saving up for.


So, if you have not guessed by now, the real genuine secret at Pleasantdale Chateau, while it has awe-inspiring beauty, opulence, grandeur, and simply incredible food, it is the people that make this venue truly remarkable; it is the people at Pleasantdale that make all of the difference. The incredible chefs and staff that see to you and your guests’ every whim. And it all starts and ends with the Director of Operations and Head Maître D, Santiago Sevilla. I am here to tell you, personally, that not only is he the best wedding director, but he is also an incredible person. My family was so blessed to have him as a part of and leading this special event in our lives. As Elvis Presley was born to sing, Santiago was born to provide couples the grandest wedding experience one could provide. His commitment to the couple, the families, and most importantly, the guests, is incomparable, unparalleled and indescribable. The only way to truly comprehend this dedication is to actually experience it.

Therefore, if your daughter or your son is getting married, I recommend you visit Pleasantdale Chateau and have the experience of a lifetime. The experience Fred, Santiago and the full staff at Pleasantdale Chateau burned into my family memory will last forever and there is no cost that could match that.

Thank you Fred, Santiago, Dawn, Christine, Rich, Camilla, Aaliyah, Lesly, the incredible chefs, and the whole gang for making my dream and my daughter’s fairytale wedding come true, as only Pleasantdale Chateau can do.

All the best,
Peter Chacanias

Direct copy of the thank you email we sent Pleasantdale...enjoy.

Words can't truly express how thankful and grateful we are for all of you helping make our wedding weekend everything we dreamed of and more. From the momentous day of saying "yes" to PDC with Fred, to the barrage of email questions and requests from Laura and me over the 18 months, to the Finals meeting with Fred and Santiago, to the drop-off appointment with Dawn and Marta, to the actual wedding...it was all so perfect. To make this email easier to read, I'm going chronologically ;)

Venue
We probably heard this about 50 times from our friends and family..."Oh my god, as we drove down the driveway looking for the place, and made the turn to the front, our jaws dropped when we saw the grounds and chateau for the first time. It was one of the most beautiful venues we've ever been to." We tend to agree :) The weather was extremely cooperative and the day could not have been better for the ceremony to our pictures. It was the perfect setting for our fairytale.

Pre-Wedding
Saturday went off so smoothly. The game room was 10x better than I remember and Laura said that the balcony and entire bridal suite was amazing as she and her bridesmaids got ready. Camila and Vee were the undercover MVP's of the day. As I told Santiago, he's got a special one in Vee. The hospitality and service that she showed throughout the day was incredible. There was one time while we were in the middle of the dance floor and I was about to say to Laura "I think your bustle fell out and it's dragging." I swear to you, before I could open my mouth, I see Vee, on the floor on her knees, pinning Laura's dress up. I couldn't believe it! She was absolutely amazing and we so enjoyed getting to know her.

Wedding
Starting with the rehearsal, we had numerous bridesmaids and groomsmen ask us, "Is Santiago a comedian on the side?" For something that can be confusing with bad directions and boring, our rehearsal was fun, hilarious, and only got everyone more excited about the actual ceremony.

After the ceremony, Laura and I walked back up the aisle and saw Santiago dancing at the top of the steps, so of course we danced right back. Then, he led us to see the amazing Cinderella castle in the cocktail hall and upstairs we went to bustle Laura's dress. The setup of cocktail hour food was incredible and we have not heard the end of it from our guests! Here are some more of our memories and little details that the team executed to perfection:
Santiago orchestrating the longest hora ever like a boss with the chairs and PDC staff helping life them up!
Vee asking us before our entrance what we wanted for dinner, Laura said "some sushi from cocktail hour" and Santiago literally brings out a sushi boat for the sweetheart table. Our jaws dropped and I honestly started laughing at how amazing this was (went a looong way with family and wedding party).
Vee and Camila appearing by our sides with waterbottles throughout the reception to keep us hydrated
Vee and Camila bringing us up to our suite at the end of the reception to drop off the envelopes and surprising us with a wild dessert spread with our hashtag and a bottle of Veuve with several mini water bottles. We were blown away!
The staff working the afterparty was unreal! We knew it was going to be fun, but it truly exceeded our expectations. I had a feeling we were going to party past 2am, and at that time, I sent my brother to the bar and the staff left out some beer and tequila which kept the party going. Amazing.
The overall organization of the weekend and knowing where everything was (bouquets, top of the cake, etc).

Thank you so much to the entire PDC team for being such an integral part of our wedding...we will never forget it.

My husband and I got married a month ago (8/24/19) at Pleasantdale Chateau and it was like a fairy tale. We had the time of our lives and the venue is magical. Fred Fogg and Santiago really do everything in their power to make sure you have the most beautiful and stress free wedding day. From the day we booked our wedding date, everything was PERFECT. Everyone was quick to respond to questions and emails. Their attention to detail is impeccable. The service we received was out of this world. The whole event ran like a well-oiled machine. The food was outstanding and over the top (in a good way), the venue is insanely gorgeous, and the hospitality cannot be beaten. Our guests had a fabulous time and still can't stop talking about how amazing everything was from the elaborate cocktail hour to the beautiful grounds to the spectacular ballroom. Our ceremony was outside and it was magnificent. The after party was a perfect way to end a night that we wanted to last forever. Our farewell brunch was also phenomenal. The 30 on-sight rooms are to die for and really make your guests feel like they're on a vacation rather than at a wedding. Fred and his team truly do everything in their power to make your day magnificent and it was much appreciated. We wish we could relive our wedding every weekend! We can't wait to return to Pleasantdale for the Deja vu event in the winter and hopefully for another wedding in the near future. You CANNOT go wrong with this venue, I promise you.

My wife (still weird saying that) and I got married at the Pleasantdale on January 18 2019. After first seeing the place, meeting Fred and his staff several times, reading others reviews, the bar was set extraordinarily high, the hype was legitimately at Flavor Flav levels and yet exceeded all expectations. The place itself, the way the handle their business is different from every other venue. You are not handed a menu and packages when you arrive, food is seasonal and the menu changes. Nothing is cookie cutter, the entire experience is catered to your specific wants and needs and i assume no two parties are really alike.

I myself am a foodie and bonded with Fred a year before the wedding over our discussion about passion for all things culinary. He remembered this when it was time to pick out our menu and worked with us to craft the most incredible spread any of my friends and family had ever seen at any wedding or special event before. People are still talking about the cocktail hour. My advise, put your trust in Fred when it comes to the food.

Santiago, the staff, our attendants, the incredible servers round out a team perhaps only rivaled by the golden state warriors or the patriots. They were incredibly pleasant to work with, incredibly attentive to not just our needs but all of our wants and were meticulous in helping put on a the party that we had envisioned. We could not be more happy with the results.

They made our night incredibly memorable for us, our friends and our family and for that we are forever grateful.

Best,
Lawrence and Jenn

My husband and I were married here on December 7th, 2018. Residing in Texas, we did not have the luxury of visiting with vendors at our leisure. We performed thorough reseach, narrowed it down to our favorites, booked appointments at 6 venues, flew to New Jersey where we met with each, all in the same day. In my opinion, it's the absolute best way to shop because all of the details of each venue is fresh. Each of them was nice in their own way, however, The Pleasantdale was our final stop, and blew all others out of the water! Not only was The Pleasantdale Chateau in a category all-its-own, the knowledge, thoroughness, & detailed tour with Fred Fogg was unlike any other. He just knew EVERYTHING and easily answered any and all questions we had. We booked almost immediately, and I am so thankful that we did!!! They were on top of every little detail!!!
Leading up to the wedding, we corresponded with Dawn a lot and, she too, was fabulous to work with. She always got back to us at lightning speed, even replying on her off days!
Much closer to the wedding, we met in person once more and had the pleasure of working with Santiago. Another amazing member of the Pleasantdale family. He was able to walk us through our wedding day, the food, the arrangements, the timing. He was able to guide us and advise us regarding the menu and was just wonderful to work with. Between Fred, Santiago, and Dawn, our entire experience was seamless from beginning to end. I must have emailed Fred a million times, and each time I heard back instantly.

I sincerely LOVE the Pleasantdale Family. They are so professional and on top of everything, but still so personable and just a joy to work with!

Our Wedding Day:
From the beginning, it was incredible. The bridal suite was all set up. Orange juice, champagne, coffee, fresh fruit was prepared for my bridal party. Plentiful space for all of the gals to spread out, relax, take turns on make-up & hair. They had the most wonderful bridal attendant, Alyssa, helping with anything and everything I needed. She even layed out my dress, vail, and shoes so the photographer could capture some incredible shots. During picture she was constantly helping with my cathedral veil and long train. It would have been so time consuming, had I needed to get sorted all on my own. You really don't consider these details, however, The Pleasantdale Chateau is obviously well versed & experienced in every aspect of your wedding day. My husband also had a wonderful bridal attendant; pleasant, experienced, and skilled. She was able to tie bowties for all of the groomsmen & was simply on top of everything, to ensure the photos were great!
They want so much for your day to be incredible and literally take care of as much as possible so that you can remain at ease, to soak in the most amazing day of your life!

The Food:
Hands down the most phenominal food you will ever have. If wedding venues were able to receive Michelin Stars, The Pleasantdale would take the cake! The cocktail hour dishes & the sit down dinner were absolutely remarkable. Having been to a number of weddings, this is the very first venue I have ever been to that has served up restaurant quality dishes every single time. We had so many guests approach us to let us know just how incredible the food was! My husband and I both cook very well at home, often enjoy some of the greatest restaurants in Houston, and ,WOW, we were just so impressed with the taste, quality, and absolute perfection.
Guest Feedback:
During the wedding, after the wedding, via call, text, email, and Facebook, many of our guest reiterated, over and over, about how much they enjoyed every bit of our wedding. We even received a card from one of our family members, thanking us for the invite as they "had never seen anything like it".
If you are looking to have a one-of-a-kind, magical, unforgettable, picturesque, fairytale wedding, I highly reccommend having your wedding day at The Pleasantdale Chateau. I loved every bit of my wedding day and cannot envision spending all of my beautiful memories anywhere else. It was truly remarkable! The Pleasantdale team is remarkable! It's the most beautiful place I have ever seen & is a photographers dream. We were blessed with great weather, however, if we ended up with a rainstorm, our photos would have still been spectacular. There is so much history and character within all of the rooms at this venue. Simply breathtaking everywhere you look!

This review is long overdue given our wedding was in November 2017 but better late than never.
From the moment we drove up the long driveway leading to Pleasantdale I knew we had found our wedding venue. It was the first and last venue we saw! Fred Fogg was the manager that we worked with to secure our date more than a year in advance of our wedding date. For the full year of planning he was our point of contact answering any questions we had promptly and with the utmost patience. A few months before the wedding we were introduced to Santiago Sevilla. Santi is a miracle worker to say the very least. He is Director of Operations and Head Maitre D' but is so much more that that. He oversees every little detail to ensure everything discussed prior to the wedding comes to fruition. In addition to being in 10 places at the same time he somehow manages to still be by the bride's side to provide a hug, or a laugh to calm nerves. I cannot speak highly enough of Santi.
The team at Pleasantdale goes way above and beyond to accommodate any special requests or needs so that your special day is customized to fit the couple - I truly believe there is no other venue that can come close to the service, professionalism, and care that Pleasantdale provides not only to the couple but the immediate family. The bride and groom are each assigned an attendant as well as the parents of the bride and groom. As the bride, I was given Dominique, Camila and Vira - these girls felt like family by the time our 2 day stay was over. They worked tirelessly and seamlessly so that every little detail was taken care of. They truly made me feel like a princess! Any stress that I arrived at Pleasantdale with for our wedding weekend instantly melted away once I was in the hands of these extremely caring individuals. There is literally nothing you need to worry about as the bride and groom!
Aside from the high quality service, the venue itself is straight out of a fairy-tale. For a moment you will forget that you are in New Jersey - the grounds are absolutely breath taking and so meticulously cared for. We visited Pleasantdale a number of times before our wedding to meet with Fred and Santiago and each time the chateau took my breath away. The food is top notch and our guests can't stop raving about the variety provided for our cocktail hour and sit down dinner.
I am forever grateful for the experience that was provided to us by the team at Pleasantdale. I cannot give them enough accolades for the high quality service they provide in every category. If Pleasantdale is on your list of potential venues I would say look no further! In my experience there is no venue that will give you the beautiful (stress-free) memories that Pleasantdale can.
We are looking forward to seeing the team again in Feb 2019 for the Deja Vu event!

There’s not much to say other than .. perfection! There is no place like the PDC & we are so lucky we got to celebrate our special day here. The staff and the grounds were incredible. Cannot wait to go back for Deja Vu night.

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!

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!!!

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!

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!