Legacy Castle
In Depth Review of Legacy Castle as a Wedding Venue for South Asian (Indian) weddings
Legacy Castle is a venue in Pompton Plains, NJ. It is a Versailles inspired aesthetic recently completed in 2018. It caters to large events (300-1,000) and includes standard full service venue amenities. It has high ceilings, grand chandeliers, elegant staircases, and beautiful photo opps around every corner.
This write up will be walking you through 'wedding day' activities at Legacy Castle along with background information for each.
We start with...
Outdoor - Baraath, Groom's Procession
The procession can start from the 'outer driveway'. Ideally next to the large archway as seen in this photo of the procession entering the archway. This has proven to be very successful and is often an hour of dancing and processing.
There is also the 'extra long' option which is to start further from the archway. Please note that as this would be out of your guests line of sight and possibly out of their earshot, having guidance on where the baraath is starting will be very important as well as perhaps offering convenient transportation for those in heels or who prefer less exertion.
The 'inner driveway' is a circular drive, so the end point is easy to maneuver through.
The path to the front doors has an incline. It is not unbearable but it is there. For carriages you would want to make sure that they are experienced and have breaks on the carriage or this will put an undo strain on the animal. Again for any guests with special needs, if it is a sensitivity to their physique you can consider that (although I have not seen any accommodations needed as of yet).
The top of the driveway is covered by a large awning. This is a flat open space, great for dancing and greeting. This is where the bride's side welcomes the groom's side. Baraath welcome gate is often set up here and traditions followed. There are a few steps to stand on, which is an added benefit for a few guests to get a better view.
Outdoor - Baraath, Groom's Procession
The procession can start from the 'outer driveway'. Ideally next to the large archway as seen in this photo of the procession entering the archway. This has proven to be very successful and is often an hour of dancing and processing.
There is also the 'extra long' option which is to start further from the archway. Please note that as this would be out of your guests line of sight and possibly out of their earshot, having guidance on where the baraath is starting will be very important as well as perhaps offering convenient transportation for those in heels or who prefer less exertion.
The 'inner driveway' is a circular drive, so the end point is easy to maneuver through.
The path to the front doors has an incline. It is not unbearable but it is there. For carriages you would want to make sure that they are experienced and have breaks on the carriage or this will put an undo strain on the animal. Again for any guests with special needs, if it is a sensitivity to their physique you can consider that (although I have not seen any accommodations needed as of yet).
The top of the driveway is covered by a large awning. This is a flat open space, great for dancing and greeting. This is where the bride's side welcomes the groom's side. Baraath welcome gate is often set up here and traditions followed. There are a few steps to stand on, which is an added benefit for a few guests to get a better view.
Legacy Castle does not provide any food or drink service outside of the physical building, so they do not offer refreshment until guests are inside.
Legacy Castle staff often opens all doors when baraath welcome is complete and guests walk in to the hall. They will be directed to the ballroom where the ceremony will take place. Water stations can be placed in the foyer so all can be refreshed.
Special Notes:
The baraath can be nearly anything - horse, carriage, elephant, etc.
Helicopters are also permitted, but due to their landing requirements that would land across the street/ driveway, on the grassy lawn 'peninsula' area, close to the water.
The bride does have the opportunity to see the baraath approaching when it is further away - in the photo below you have the bride's view from the second floor terrace. (Of course remember if you can see them, they can see you, but most likely they are not looking).
This is also a great opportunity for drone shots and featuring the castle view of the venue.
Now on to the ceremony.
Event space - Ground floor
Often the ground floor ballrooms are set up theater style for the ceremony.
There are two large ballrooms on the ground floor.
They are identical in layout and a mirror images of each other. Each also has its own attached bridal suite.
(1) One has a dark carpet with more bronze tones to the chandelier.
(1) One has a lighter carpet and a golden crystal chandelier.
Often with Indian weddings the 'light' ballroom is used for a morning ceremony because it has a brighter feel to it, and the 'dark' ballroom for lunch seating following.
Special Note:
Legacy Castle does not provide staging for events. This is something your decorator may be able to provide, or a separate staging company.
The ground floor ballrooms each have a generous capacity. The catch is - once you start adding items, that capacity reduces.
Add a mandap/ stage, a wide aisle, and comfortable seating, the capacity reduces from say 700 to 400. It is possible to fit more chairs, but for the most comfortable experience (for your mandap space, your photo video team to be able to walk around the mandap, and for your guests to be space instead of being 'elbow to elbow') it is important to factor that into your plans.
The ballroom (remember, they are the same size and layout), when outfitted for a lunch with general seating of rounds, is often set up with approximate 35 tables (350 guests), and additional tables in the mini-ballroom which is also directly off of the esplanade.
Bridal Suites
Each ballroom has an elegant bridal suite with couches, mirrors, electrical outlets, windows, wardrobe rack, storage area, bathroom **No Shower**.
Special Note:
Bridal suite is located Within the ballroom, and the only access in/out is through the ballroom. Typically the bride would be 'hidden' in the bridal suite while guests enter and ceremony begins. Then she would enter coming down the elegant stairs and then come down the aisle.
Bridal suite is approximately 17 steps. There is no 'wheelchair access' or elevator, just one set of steps for access.
Bridal suite not have a shower. There is no shower on the Legacy Castle premise.
Each ballroom has an elegant bridal suite with couches, mirrors, electrical outlets, windows, wardrobe rack, storage area, bathroom **No Shower**.
Special Note:
Bridal suite is located Within the ballroom, and the only access in/out is through the ballroom. Typically the bride would be 'hidden' in the bridal suite while guests enter and ceremony begins. Then she would enter coming down the elegant stairs and then come down the aisle.
Bridal suite is approximately 17 steps. There is no 'wheelchair access' or elevator, just one set of steps for access.
Bridal suite not have a shower. There is no shower on the Legacy Castle premise.
Lunch Set Up
Next is often lunch.
Food is set out in the generous esplanade space outside of the ballroom.
Catering
Please note that Legacy Castle allowed 'outside caterers'. For Indian cuisine, they have 5 exclusive Indian Caterers that are accepted.
Also note that there may be a kitchen charge.
Please note that Legacy Castle allowed 'outside caterers'. For Indian cuisine, they have 5 exclusive Indian Caterers that are accepted.
Also note that there may be a kitchen charge.
Event space - Outdoors
You can also utilize their generous outdoor lawn space for the ceremony. This is across the 'street' from the building and all items must be rented when doing an outdoor ceremony (chairs, extra tables, fans/ heaters/ umbrellas, etc)
With Indian ceremonies often being longer and weather being unpredictable, many couples chose the option of indoor comforts.
You can also utilize their generous outdoor lawn space for the ceremony. This is across the 'street' from the building and all items must be rented when doing an outdoor ceremony (chairs, extra tables, fans/ heaters/ umbrellas, etc)
With Indian ceremonies often being longer and weather being unpredictable, many couples chose the option of indoor comforts.
Event space - Upstairs, Second floor
Cocktails and Reception often take place upstairs.
Upstairs is the grand ballroom.
Accessible by gorgeous Versailles inspired curved stairwells as well as by elevator.
The ballroom has an enormous amount of space. The grand ballroom is divided into three sections architecturally and visually with the grandest being in the center. They offer the option to use an air wall on 1/3 to reduce the size.
Cocktail hour happens in the esplanade just outside the ballroom. This has 2 large round bar areas one on each side, and balcony space as well. (not featured in photo)
Smoking is allowed on the balcony.
Smoking is allowed on the balcony.
Amenities
The great outdoors. Legacy Castle has plenty of parking and a trolley that can assist guests between the parking lot and front doors - your elderly guests and friends wearing heels will appreciate that! This service is complimentary. They also have complimentary valet for guests who want to drop their cars at the front door.
Chivari chairs (golden) are included
Selection of floor length linens in neutral colors.
Valet parking as well as valet shuttle for those who self park.
A/V *be sure to ask about technical specs to avoid technical difficulties
Reminder: Legacy Castle does NOT provide is staging, no stage, no risers.
The great outdoors. Legacy Castle has plenty of parking and a trolley that can assist guests between the parking lot and front doors - your elderly guests and friends wearing heels will appreciate that! This service is complimentary. They also have complimentary valet for guests who want to drop their cars at the front door.
Chivari chairs (golden) are included
Selection of floor length linens in neutral colors.
Valet parking as well as valet shuttle for those who self park.
A/V *be sure to ask about technical specs to avoid technical difficulties
Reminder: Legacy Castle does NOT provide is staging, no stage, no risers.
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A Few Stand Out Amenities
Snow Effect |
Ice Sculpture |
Trolley for Parking Lot |
Photo Opps
Legacy Castle has a generous amount of photo locations - such as:
Fireplace
Gardens
Balcony, indoor and outdoor
Terrace
Curved (Helical) staircase
Straight staircase
Chandeliers, extensive selection (crystal, bronze, medium, large, etc)
Stairwell + Chandelier
Lawn
Water (lake/ pond)
Fountain, indoor and outdoor
Pillars
Couches
Baby Grand Piano
Gateway
Archway
Cobblestone path
Sky-high windows with curtains
Ice sculptures, when included in package
Domed ceilings
French doors
Beautiful bridal suite and bathrooms
Nature (swans, birds, turtles), yes depending on nature's mood
Gondola, yes **this is a new addition for 2019 and must be booked
Snow effect, when this is part of your package
Drone footage is permitted outdoors
Pictures of Legacy Castle can be seen on their site or Instagram. For a specific behind the scenes image you are welcome to reach out to me directly [email protected]