The Space
Running Deer Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ed Carman and opened in 2000, spanning 300 acres in Pittsgrove, New Jersey. Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski purchased the course with partner Ken Kochenour in fall 2008, undertaking extensive restoration and transitioning it from private to semi-private with public play. The course achieved a Golf Digest ranking of 20th in New Jersey, and GolfStyles Magazine called it "the closest thing to Pine Valley" in South Jersey, a high compliment for a public course in the region.
The Grand Ballroom sits adjacent to the course with cathedral ceilings and full-length windows framing the fairways. The space feels open and light-filled rather than cramped, and the tree-lined fairways visible through the windows provide natural backdrop. The Pergola and Timbers offer ceremony alternatives, and the Tee Room and Lounge provide additional spaces for tastings, rehearsal dinners, or ceremony prep.
Capacity & Layout
The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 200 guests seated for dinner and dancing, with standing capacity reaching 220 without a dance floor. The Tee Room seats up to 60 people, useful for rehearsal dinners or smaller ceremonies. The Pergola, positioned overlooking the golf course, handles outdoor ceremonies with the fairways as your backdrop. The Timbers offers a wooded ceremony alternative if weather or preference suggests an outdoor setting without course views.
The layout supports ceremony, cocktail flow, and reception without guests feeling bottlenecked at any stage. The bridal suite provides comfortable dressing facilities, and parking is complimentary on-site, a substantial amenity that eliminates the logistics of off-site parking coordination.
Amenities
Running Deer includes on-site catering led by Chef Steve Pennese, with chef-driven menus included in wedding packages. A five-hour open bar with signature cocktails is included, with upgrade options available. The bridal suite is spacious with full-length mirrors and plush seating, giving the wedding party a comfortable prep space. Tables, chairs, and linens are provided, and an on-site professional event coordinator is included, eliminating the need to hire a separate day-of planner.
The Grand Ballroom’s cathedral ceilings and open layout support DJ audio well: the height and volume of the space allow sound to project naturally without excessive reverberation typical of smaller ballrooms with lower ceilings. The windows and interior finish (carpet, wood, and furnishings) absorb midrange frequencies cleanly, supporting clear speech audio for toasts and dancing. The Pergola and Timbers, as outdoor ceremony spaces, benefit from the natural acoustic absorption of trees and open air, though audio typically runs modest for these spaces.
Location & Getting There
Pittsgrove is in Salem County in South Jersey, roughly 45 minutes south of Philadelphia and 90 minutes from the Triad. The drive positions the venue for guests from the Jersey Shore, Philadelphia, and the Triad, making it a convenient destination without extreme travel. The golf course location and rural setting provide a retreat-like atmosphere despite proximity to population centers, which appeals to couples wanting an event far from typical urban venues.
The Grand Ballroom’s interior positioning and window placement mean your DJ setup benefits from the solid construction and ceiling height. The Pergola and Timbers ceremony spaces work well with modest audio coverage, taking advantage of the open air and tree coverage. The golf course setting means guest parking is handled directly, and your load-in and setup routes are straightforward with direct access to the ballroom and ceremony venues.
Why Couples Book Dow Oak Here
You only get one reception at this venue, so it should be run by a team that already knows how to make a room like it work:
- We have actually performed at this venue, so we plan for its sound, layout, and flow instead of guessing on your night
- One team for your DJ and MC, photo booth, and custom lighting, on a single plan and one contract
- Backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team
- An online planning portal plus a planning call before the day
- More than 3,000 five-star reviews on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and just $400 reserves your date
Wedding DJ FAQ
Have you performed at this venue before?
Yes. Every venue in our directory is one we have actually worked, so we already know how to set up, light, and run the room for a wedding, from ceremony sound to the last dance.
How much is a wedding DJ?
Your price depends on your date, your area, and add-ons like a photo booth, uplighting, or ceremony sound. Pick your date on our pricing page and you will see your exact price, and just $400 reserves your date.
Do you provide lighting and a photo booth too?
Yes. One team handles your DJ and MC, color-matched uplighting, and a modern photo booth on a single plan.
What happens if our DJ has an emergency?
We always have trained backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team, so someone can step in seamlessly.
How do we book you?
Check your date using the form on this page. We confirm availability, send your pricing, and a $400 retainer reserves your date.
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- Backup DJs & photo booths on call 24/7
- Just $400 reserves your date
- Free setup and teardown, every time
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