A wedding at Craig Mar Farm set the tone for a relaxed, upbeat celebration, and this June event showed exactly why couples are drawn to Craig Mar Farm in Califon, NJ. With an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour coverage, and a barn reception upstairs, the day had a clear rhythm from start to finish, and the DJ played a major role in keeping every part of it moving naturally.
Jamie and Lewis hosted 100 to 150 guests, which gave the night plenty of energy without losing the intimate feel that makes a Craig Mar Farm wedding so appealing. The ceremony took place outside with acoustic covers during prelude, creating an easygoing atmosphere as guests arrived. For the processional, the wedding party entered to “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” and Jamie made her way down the aisle to a piano version of “Married Life.” When the ceremony wrapped, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” sent everyone into the next part of the day on a high note.
One thing that stood out about this wedding at Craig Mar Farm was how well the transitions were handled. The DJ was involved from the ceremony onward, providing music and microphone support outside before shifting into cocktail hour and then reception mode inside the barn. That kind of coverage matters at a venue with distinct spaces, because guests are constantly moving, and the DJ helps those changes feel seamless instead of disjointed.
During cocktail hour, the DJ kept the mood light with a curated mix while guests settled in before introductions. At 6:30 pm, the reception officially kicked off with the bridal party entering to George Strait’s “Here For A Good Time,” followed by Jamie and Lewis being introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Moore to Alan Jackson’s “It Must Be Love.” Going straight into the first dance right after introductions kept the momentum up, and that pacing worked especially well in the upstairs barn at Craig Mar Farm.
Their first dance to Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen” fit the overall tone of the night, which leaned into classic country, old favorites, and familiar singalongs. Parent dances followed right away, with Jamie and her dad sharing “My Little Girl,” and Lewis dancing with Debby to “My Wish.” Rather than dragging out formalities, the DJ kept these moments connected so dinner could begin without losing the room.
Dinner was buffet style, with Jamie’s father, JR, giving the blessing before the meal. Throughout the evening, the DJ balanced the couple’s love of classic country, Taylor Swift, and 90s and 2000s throwbacks. That mix gave the reception a personal feel and helped the dance floor stay active across different age groups. Jamie had made it clear that it was important for everyone to be on the dance floor having a good time, and the success of the night was directly tied to how the DJ read the crowd and built around those preferences.
This Craig Mar Farm wedding also had a laid-back structure that many couples will appreciate. There was no formal grand exit, just an announcement that the shuttle had arrived to bring guests back to the hotel. That simple ending fit the overall flow of the evening. The last song, “Friends in Low Places” at 10:25 pm, was exactly the kind of crowd-friendly closer that made sense for this guest list and this venue.
With planning support from Eileen and beautiful coverage by Megan, the day felt organized without feeling stiff. That balance is a big part of what makes Craig Mar Farm in Califon, NJ so memorable. If you are planning a wedding at Craig Mar Farm, this celebration is a great example of how the right DJ, a smart timeline, and a guest-focused music mix can make the whole experience feel easy, warm, and full all night long.