Great Egg Harbor may have received its current name from Dutch explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey in 1614, but the first residents of the area were the Lenni Lenape Indigenous People, and they called the area Lenapehoking . The clans spent their summers on the elevated land around the cedar swamp that is now known as Bargaintown Lake, and along the banks of Patcong Creek. The area was abundant in fish, shellfish, wild berries, and bird’s eggs, making it the ideal place to spend the warmer months. The area was also abundant in shells that could then be carved to make wampum, which was used for story-telling, recording important treaties and historical events, and for ceremonial gifts.
And, today, Great Egg Harbor Township is a great place to golf, fish, swim at the beach, bike the Atlantic County Bikeway, go on wine tours, and maybe even go see a six-story elephant-shaped, named Lucy The Elephant. The sculpture is an example of novelty architecture, and was constructed by James V. Lafferty in 1881, and is impressively made of wood and tin sheeting. Neat!
But, you’re likely here because you’re planning a wedding, so on that note, here are a few of our favorite venues in the Egg Harbor Township area!
Renault Winery, Est. 1864
The 158 year history of the Renault Winery is quite incredible. In the mid 18th century Louis Nicholas Renault left his hometown in France and set sail to the United States. His first stop was in California – with little success – and from there he headed east to Egg Harbor, NJ where the loamy soil gave him what he was looking for. The success led the winery to prominence, locally as well as nationally, and gained his new hometown the name of “Wine City.” At the time, Renault was one of the only vineyards in the U.S. with the privilege of actually calling their sparkling wine Champagne.
While the Winery still produces many types of fine wines and American Champagne, the Winery underwent a reimagining in 2014, and now operates as a vineyard, as well as being an incredible resort, with an 18 hole championship golf course, 4 different dining experiences, and 12 unique event venues! So, if French-inspired gardens, elegant ballrooms, and historic vineyards intrigue you, please check them out! There really is too much goodness to list here, you’ll have to take a look for yourself!
Harbor Pines Golf Club
The Harbor Pines Golf Club has been serving the Atlantic City golf community, the entire Philadelphia golf region, and the South Jersey community for over 25 years. And, The Harbor Pines Golf Club is consistently voted a Favorite Place to Play golf in Atlantic City. The Golf Club is also currently in phase one of a three-part renovation project that includes fresh new banquet facilities, so if you’re looking to host your wedding in a freshly finished venue, you’re in luck!
Harbor Pines offers romantic ceremonies hosted at their large outdoor gazebo, alfresco cocktails with sunset views from a gorgeous covered veranda, and a contemporary, high-ceilinged, bright and airy open-concept banquet room that features unbeatable views from every window.
The Carriage House
The Carriage House, located in Galloway, NJ, has been voted ‘Best of Weddings’ so many times by ‘The Knot’ that they’re now in the ‘Best of Weddings Hall of Fame’! Impressive don’t you think?!
The vast property of The Carriage house features both incredible indoor and outdoor event spaces, so let us walk you through them! Upon your guests’ arrival, they will enter into the venue’s large foyer, which boasts polished white floors, cream-colored walls, a gorgeous chandelier casting golden light, as well as two massive staircases on either side of the space, and meeting in the middle to form a balcony at the top. The foyer actually makes an incredible space for a wedding ceremony!
Next up is the Grand Savannah Ballroom which can accommodate up to 350 guests, and offers neutral tones, plenty of floor space for newlyweds to share their first dance, a large bar to keep your guests feeling refreshed, as well as multiple balconies, giving your guests a bird’s-eye view of the celebrations. There are also two smaller reception spaces on the property; The Magnolia and the Azalea Ballroom.