Collingswood Grand Ballroom Wedding | Courtney & Chris’s Fall Wedding

There are some weddings that feel a little more personal, and Courtney and Chris’s wedding was one of those days for me.

Courtney and I actually cheered together in high school. She was always the kind of person who made everyone laugh, and if you asked either of us what we remember most, it probably wouldn’t even be cheer. It would be the fact that she made me an entire document teaching me how to copy her handwriting. I still laugh about it today. Photographing her wedding years later felt like watching an old friend begin a new chapter with Chris and the family they had already built together.

Their November wedding at Collingswood Grand Ballroom was filled with thoughtful details, beautiful fall color and one of the most fun dance floors I’ve photographed.

Wedding Details at a Glance

Detail	Information
Venue	Collingswood Grand Ballroom
Location	Collingswood, New Jersey
Wedding Date	November 12
Season	Fall Wedding
Caterer	Due Amici Catering

Why Collingswood Grand Ballroom Is One of South Jersey’s Most Loved Wedding Venues

Every venue has its own personality, and Collingswood Grand Ballroom offers something that’s becoming harder to find! Its a historic setting that feels elegant without feeling overwhelming because it is filled to the brim with storied character. 

The historic brick exterior, landscaped grounds and mature trees gave us so much portrait variety and because Courtney and Chris married in November, the fall foliage was at its peak! Combined with the afternoon sunlight, it was an absolute dream.

If you’re considering this venue for your own wedding, you’ll find even more planning tips, ceremony information and portrait inspiration in my Complete Collingswood Grand Ballroom Wedding Venue Guide.

Favorite Details From Courtney & Chris’s Wedding

One of the things I loved most about this wedding was how personal everything felt! 

Courtney and the bridesmaid started the morning in matching flannels and cozy socks, creating some of my favorite getting-ready photographs before everyone changed into their wedding attire! 

Courtney also wore custom Vans featuring lyrics from their first dance. It was such a fun detail that reflected their personalities.

Their children were also part of the day, making every part of the celebration feel centered around the family they had already built together!

A First Look That Made the Day Feel More Relaxed

Courtney and Chris decided to share a private first look before the ceremony! Before family gathered and before guests filled the ballroom, they had a chance to just be together. They laughed, exchanged a few sweet words and took a moment to appreciate everything they had spent months planning.

From there, we were able to photograph their wedding party and many family portraits before the ceremony started. Instead of disappearing during cocktail hour for more photos, they were free to spend that time catching up with family, hugging friends and enjoying the wedding day they had worked so hard to plan.

If you’re deciding whether a first look is right for your wedding, I also recommend reading 👉 Why I Don’t Push Couples Into a First Look. Every wedding is different, and the best timeline is always the one that fits your priorities!

One Tradition You Should Know About at Collingswood Grand Ballroom

One of the most unique moments at Collingswood Grand Ballroom happens before the reception even begins.

At the end of cocktail hour, guests gather along the balcony overlooking the ballroom while the newlyweds share their Spotlight Dance below. It’s such a fun way to begin the reception because everyone has a perfect view before joining the couple downstairs for the rest of the night!

It’s also one of my favorite moments to photograph because it captures everyone’s excitement as the reception officially begins.

A Dance Floor That Matched Their Personalities

If I had to describe this reception in one sentence, it would be early-2000s pop punk meets Taylor Swift.

From the first songs of the night, the dance floor stayed packed. Between EBE Talent keeping the energy high and a playlist that perfectly reflected Courtney and Chris, there wasn’t much time when people weren’t singing at the top of their lungs! (including myself)

As a fellow Swiftie, everyone became instant best friends lol.

Another detail guests loved was the late-night snack station! It is a simple idea, but after hours of dancing, it became one of the most appreciated parts of the night! Thoughtful touches like these don’t have to be elaborate, but they make guests feel cared for while adding another memorable part of the night! 

What are the best Photo Locations Around Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

One of my favorite things about photographing a Collingswood Grand Ballroom Wedding is the variety of portrait locations throughout the entire venue! There is the grand staircase, historic theater, random hallways and outdoor architectural details. It ALL works together to add to your wedding day story in such an intentional way! 

Keeping ALL the portraits onsite also means couples spend less time away from their guests. Courtney and Chris were able to enjoy cocktail hour, greet family members and be fully present throughout the day. It’s one of the reasons I recommend this venue to couples looking for a relaxed wedding day!

Unique Wedding Days at Collingswood Grand Ballroom

Every wedding at Collingswood Grand Ballroom looks different because every couple brings their own personalities into the space. Whether your style is elegant, modern or simple, the venue provides a beautiful foundation without forcing your wedding into one specific aesthetic! Just remember: memorable weddings aren’t created by following trends, they’re created by making intentional choices that reflect who you are!

If you’re beginning the planning process, my intentional Wedding Planning Checklist can help you stay organized while keeping your priorities focused on what matters most throughout the engagement.

Planning a Wedding at Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

If you’re considering a Collingswood Grand Ballroom Wedding, I’d love to help you create photographs that feel just as natural as the day itself. My goal is never to force moments or over-direct your wedding. Instead, I help couples stay present so they can actually enjoy the experience while preserving every part of it through honest, timeless imagery.

If you’re still exploring venues, you may also enjoy my  Founders Grove Wedding Venue Guide or  Laura & Wayne’s Marian House Wedding for inspiration from two other beautiful South Jersey wedding venues.

Ready to start planning?

Click here to chat about your wedding and let’s see if we’re the right fit for your day.

Vendor Team

Every vendor played a part in making Courtney and Chris’s wedding day come together!

• Venue: Collingswood Grand Ballroom
• South Jersey Wedding Photographer: Kayla Aspen Photography
• Catering: Due Amici Catering
• DJ & Entertainment: EBE Talent (Jack & Mike)
• Videography: TLJ Studios
• Wedding Cake: Sweet Eats Bakery
• Hair & Makeup: Glam by Amber
• Bridal Gown: Bridals by Cyndi
• Floral & Centerpieces: Handmade by the Bride’s Aunt
• Honeymoon Destination: Sanctuary Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Collingswood Grand Ballroom a good wedding venue?

If you’re looking for a South Jersey wedding venue with historic character and beautiful outdoor portrait locations, I think Collingswood Grand Ballroom is a great option. One thing I especially appreciate is that you don’t have to leave the property because between the brick architecture, gorgeous grounds and mature trees, there are plenty of locations for portraits throughout the day!

Can you take all of your wedding photos at Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

Yes! Courtney and Chris stayed on the property for their entire wedding day and we never ran out of great locations. The landscaping, walkways and historic exterior gave us plenty of variety without needing to build extra travel time into their timeline.

What is the Spotlight Dance at Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

One of the most unique traditions at Collingswood Grand Ballroom is the Spotlight Dance. At the end of cocktail hour, guests gather along the balcony overlooking the ballroom while the newlyweds share their first dance below. It creates a beautiful entrance into the reception and gives every guest a great view before everyone joins the couple downstairs for dinner and dancing.

Is November a good time of year to get married at Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

Absolutely. Courtney and Chris were married in November, and the property looked incredible with the fall foliage and warm afternoon light. If you’re planning a late fall wedding, I recommend building your timeline around the earlier sunset so you have plenty of natural light for portraits before the ceremony

Should we do a first look at Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

That depends on the kind of wedding day you want. Courtney and Chris chose to do a first look, which allowed us to complete most of their portraits before the ceremony. As a result, they were able to spend more of cocktail hour with their guests instead of taking family and wedding party photos. If you’ve always imagined seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony, that’s a wonderful option too. I help every couple build a timeline around what matters most to them.

Where are the best places for wedding portraits at Collingswood Grand Ballroom?

Some of my favorite portrait locations are the landscaped gardens, the historic brick exterior and the mature trees surrounding the property. During Courtney and Chris’s wedding, the November foliage created a beautiful backdrop without ever needing to leave the venue. Every season offers something a little different, which is one of the reasons I enjoy photographing weddings here.

What makes Collingswood Grand Ballroom different from other South Jersey wedding venues?

One thing that stands out is how the venue naturally moves guests from one part of the day to the next. From cocktail hour to the Spotlight Dance and into the reception, everything flows smoothly without feeling rushed. It’s also one of the few venues where couples can create a diverse wedding gallery while staying entirely on the property.

How much time should we leave for wedding portraits?

Every wedding is different, but I typically recommend setting aside at least 60 to 90 minutes if you’d like portraits with your partner, wedding party and immediate family before the ceremony. That amount of time allows us to move comfortably around the property without feeling rushed and helps create a more relaxed wedding day overall.