Founders Grove Wedding Venue Guide | Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Married at Founders Grove

Planning a Wedding at Founders Grove?

Founders Grove is one of South Jersey’s newest wedding venues and I CANNOT wait to tell you all about it! As a photographer that has photographed hundreds of weddings in New Jersey, I can’t even describe the excitement this new venue brings to the wedding community! 

One of the things that invites you in right away are the sweet people behind the venue. Denise, the owner of Founders Grove, spent more than twelve years bringing this vision to life, working alongside the historical society to carefully restore the original Carriage House while honoring the property’s history. You can feel that level of intention in EVERY corner of the venue!

That same care extends throughout the entire team. From Amber, who thoughtfully shares the venue’s story online, to the incredibly talented team at Leigh Florist and their on-site floral studio, The Beehive, every detail has been chosen with couples and their guests in mind. Founders Grove truly feels like a place created by people who genuinely care about giving couples an unforgettable place to celebrate the beginning of their marriage!

Combining six acres of gardens, historic architecture and modern event spaces, Founders Grove gives couples the convenience of celebrating their entire wedding day in one beautifully designed property. you’re looking for a venue where your ceremony, portraits, cocktail hour and reception all happen in one place, this guide will help you decide if Founders Grove is the right fit.

If you’re still narrowing down venues or just getting started, our Wedding Planning Checklist You Actually Need walks through what to prioritize first so planning feels a lot less overwhelming.

Located in Magnolia, New Jersey, this private estate combines historic architecture, whimsical gardens and a Carriage House that gives couples everything they need in one location! As a South Jersey wedding photographer, I always appreciate venues that allow couples to be on property throughout the day because it helps you stay present instead of having to travel all over. Founders Grove makes that possible!

Walking through Founders Grove, it’s easy to see how intentionally the property was designed. Each space connects naturally to the next, making the wedding day feel organized and effortless. 

This Historic South Jersey Wedding Venue Information

Wedding Venue	Founders Grove
Address	1010 E. Evesham Road, Magnolia, NJ 08049
Phone	(609) 316-7626
Location	Magnolia, New Jersey
Capacity	Up to 180 Guests
Venue Style	Garden Estate & Historic Barn
Ceremony Options	Indoor & Outdoor
Reception Space	Modern Barn
Getting Ready	Carriage House & Historic Farmhouse Loft
Exclusive Property	One Wedding Per Day
Nearby Cities	Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Deptford, Philadelphia

Looking for more planning information? I’ve also linked Founders Grove’s wedding planning resources throughout this guide, including the venue information, bar menu and approved caterers to make comparing venues a little easier!

Why Couples Are Falling in Love with Founders Grove

Planning a wedding at Founders Grove? I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up and help you create a wedding day that feels relaxed from beginning to end. Reach out here to start the conversation.

Some venues stand out because of a ballroom and others because of the gardens, but Founders Grove gives couples BOTH while keeping everything on one private property! 

The estate blends a restored farmhouse dating back to 1743 with a newly built Carriage House inspired by modern farmhouse design. Rather than feeling like two separate buildings, everything works together to create a wedding experience that flows naturally from morning until the last dance.

A Hidden Garden Venue in South Jersey

Although Founders Grove is only about twenty minutes from Philadelphia and a short drive from Cherry Hill, the property feels SO private once you arrive!

The entrance opens to gardens, mature trees, brick walkways and open lawns that create countless opportunities for portraits throughout the day. It almost feels like a mix of Congress Hall in Cape May and a piece of Chester County, PA land! From a photographer’s perspective, that’s one of my favorite parts of Founders Grove! We can create a gallery with a wide variety of portraits while staying close to everything happening throughout the day.

Preserving South Jersey History While Creating Something New

One of my favorite details about Founders Grove is the fact that the original farmhouse has been part of the property since the 1700s and has been carefully restored while keeping many of the details that give it character. Instead of replacing its history, the team chose to preserve it and build around it, creating a venue that feels connected to the past while still offering everything couples expect today. It actually took the owners 12 YEARS to finish because they so carefully work the Magnolia Historical Society to make sure the property was fully brought back to its history.

You’ll notice those details throughout the property, from the original wood flooring inside the farmhouse to the way the gardens surround each event space. It literally feels like everything belongs there!

Why This Venue Works So Well for Wedding Photography

Every photographer has venues they enjoy working at because they make the day easier for couples! Founders Grove is one of those places. The gardens, farmhouse, covered porch, brick paths, mature landscaping and bright reception space all sit within a short walk of one another. That means we don’t spend half the day loading into vehicles or traveling between portrait locations.

Your venue plays a huge role in your wedding experience, but so does the photographer guiding you through it! If you’re still interviewing photographers, here are 10 questions to ask before choosing your wedding photographer that most couples don’t think about.

Natural light is another reason this venue stands out. The Gathering Hall inside the barn was designed with large windows that keep the reception bright throughout the day, while the outdoor spaces provide beautiful light from morning through sunset.

One thing I’ve learned from photographing weddings across South Jersey is that the best venues make the day feel easier, giving couples more time together and fewer logistical decisions to manage.

Everything Happens in One Place

As a Founders Grove Wedding Photographer, I consistently see couples appreciate having the entire wedding day happen on one property. The morning begins in the farmhouse, guests arrive for the ceremony, cocktail hour flows naturally into the reception and portraits happen throughout the gardens without anyone needing to leave. If creating a relaxed wedding day is one of your priorities, this layout makes a noticeable difference!

One of my favorite parts about photographing weddings here is helping couples build a timeline that lets them actually enjoy all of it. If you’re getting married at Founders Grove, I’d love to help you create a timeline that gives you more time with your favorite people. Click here and let’s chat!

The Garden Ceremony

One of the first things you’ll notice at Founders Grove is how much space there is to work with! The gardens surround the property, giving couples several ceremony options without making the venue feel too large or spread out.

Whether you’re picturing rows of white chairs beneath gorgeous trees or a ceremony overlooking seasonal gardens, the outdoor spaces feel connected to the rest of the property. 

As a South Jersey wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to think about where they’ll spend most of their day! At Founders Grove, every ceremony location is just a short walk from portraits, cocktail hour and the reception, which keeps the timeline moving without feeling rushed.

The Historic Farmhouse

The farmhouse gives couples a comfortable place to relax and settle in before guests arrive!

Originally built in 1743, the farmhouse has been updated with modern conveniences while preserving the architectural details that make it unique. Original wood floors, large windows and bright rooms create beautiful spaces for getting ready without needing to add much to the room.

One thing I really appreciate is that everyone has space to slow down! Hair and makeup, reading letters, spending time with parents or just enjoying a low-key moment before everything begins all happen in one place is key to an effortless wedding day.

The Carriage House Dressing Suite

Located above the Carriage House, the private dressing suite offers a quiet space to get ready, spend time with your favorite people and take a few deep breaths before the ceremony. With plenty of natural light and room to spread out, it gives everyone a comfortable place to settle in while the excitement of the day begins to build.

One of the things I appreciate most is that it’s completely separate from the farmhouse. Whether you’re getting ready with your wedding party, your family or simply want a little extra privacy before walking down the aisle, having two dedicated getting ready spaces helps the morning feel relaxed and organized.

Photographer’s Note: The windows in the dressing suite provide beautiful natural light for getting ready photos, details and those quieter moments before the ceremony.

The Farmhouse Dressing Suite

The Farmhouse Dressing Suite gives couples plenty of room to spread out and enjoy special getting ready moments before the ceremony. Since everyone arrives early and stays on-site, it’s a perfect place for couples to relax and enjoy the morning of their wedding.

From a photography perspective, this also creates a much calmer start to the day! Instead of packing everything into a short window, there’s time to document details, family interactions and the excitement leading up to the ceremony.

Cocktail Hour at Founders Grove

Cocktail hour gives guests a chance to explore the property before everyone gathers for dinner.

The covered patio, gardens and bar area naturally encourage guests to move throughout the venue instead of staying in one room! That creates plenty of opportunities for conversation while giving couples extra time to finish portraits without missing the entire cocktail hour.

Cocktail hour is one of my favorite times to photograph because guests naturally relax, conversations happen organically and some of the most genuine moments of the day unfold without anyone thinking about the camera.

One of the biggest factors that determines how much of cocktail hour you actually experience is whether you decide to do a first look. If you’re still weighing the pros and cons, I wrote a full guide to help you decide what’s right for you. Click here to read it!

The Reception Experience

When guests enter the Barn, one of the first things they notice is how bright the space feels.

Large windows bring in natural light throughout much of the day before the room transitions into a comfortable evening atmosphere for dinner and dancing. The neutral design also allows florals, candles and personal details to become the focus instead of competing with bold colors or heavy décor.

Because the reception, cocktail hour and gardens are all connected, guests can step outside for fresh air without feeling disconnected from the party inside.

Indoor and Outdoor Flexibility

Weather is something every couple thinks about while planning an outdoor wedding!

Founders Grove gives couples indoor and outdoor ceremony options, making it easier to adjust plans if the forecast changes. Since every part of the venue sits on the same property, moving indoors doesn’t require guests to leave or completely reorganize the day.

That flexibility allows couples to stay focused on enjoying their wedding instead of worrying about backup plans.

My Favorite Portrait Locations

One of the biggest advantages of Founders Grove is that portraits feel fresh with so many options and areas to gather in!

The gardens, brick walkways, mature trees, farmhouse, covered porch, Carriage House and landscaped grounds each offer something different and beautiful. 

As a South Jersey wedding photographer, I always look for venues that give couples variety and Founders Grove does exactly that!

Photographer’s Note: If your timeline allows, step outside for about ten minutes during sunset. The gardens and tree-lined paths at Founders Grove are beautiful during golden hour! If you’re not sure how to build that into your schedule without taking away from your reception, check out our Effortless Wedding Timeline Guide, where we walk through exactly how to create a wedding day that feels relaxed from start to finish.

Photography Through Every Season

Every season brings something different to Founders Grove!

Spring fills the gardens with fresh greenery, while summer offers long evenings that are perfect for sunset portraits. Fall adds color throughout the property, and winter highlights the clean architecture of the farmhouse and Carriage House, creating beautiful indoor photographs even on colder days.

That’s one of the reasons I love photographing this venue! No matter when you choose to get married, the property offers plenty of opportunities to create a gallery that reflects the season without needing to leave the venue.

Catering Options at Founders Grove

One of the biggest advantages of hosting your wedding at Founders Grove is the flexibility when it comes to catering! Rather than limiting couples to a single in-house menu, Founders Grove partners with several experienced caterers, each offering a different style of service, menu options and planning support. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant plated dinner, interactive chef stations, multicultural cuisine or a relaxed brunch reception, there’s a catering partner that can bring your vision to life.

Many of Founders Grove’s preferred caterers also include wedding coordination, timeline assistance, décor setup and wedding cake options as part of their packages, making the planning process even easier.

Ciconte’s Catering & Events

Backed by the family behind several well-known South Jersey restaurants, Ciconte’s Catering specializes in creating memorable guest experiences. Their customizable packages fit both intimate weddings and larger celebrations, while interactive food stations like chef-attended carving stations, parmesan pasta wheels, and walking cannoli bars add an entertaining element that guests will remember long after the wedding.

Andreotti’s Catering

If great food is at the top of your priority list, Andreotti’s Catering is a fantastic choice. Originally founded as a restaurant, they focus on fresh, customizable menus that can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Couples can choose between plated dinners, buffet receptions, or elaborate cocktail-style celebrations with chef stations. Their all-inclusive packages also include day-of support and wedding cake through Sunflour Bake Shop.

Weddings by Due Amici

For couples looking for both catering and planning support, Weddings by Due Amici offers one of the most comprehensive experiences. Beyond cocktail hour and dinner service, their team assists with timelines, vendor coordination, and DIY décor setup to help everything run smoothly. Their reputation speaks for itself, earning The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award every year since 2013. Packages also include day-of coordination and wedding cake through Sunflour Bake Shop.

Cathy’s Catering

With more than 30 years of wedding experience, Cathy’s Catering takes a hands-on approach from your first consultation through the wedding day. Couples receive help with menu planning, linens, room layouts, and timeline creation, along with a dedicated maître d’ who coordinates with your DJ and vendors throughout the celebration. They offer everything from brunch and lunch receptions to plated dinners and station-style meals, with wedding coordination and cake included.

Sage Catering

For couples who want a more elevated culinary experience, Sage Catering focuses on seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented menus inspired by farm-to-table cuisine. Their team specializes in custom multicultural menus and refined dining experiences with exceptional service throughout the day. Sage is an excellent option for couples who want a highly personalised menu, though they do require a professional wedding planner.

Wedding Cakes, Desserts & Bridal Suite Catering

Founders Grove also gives couples flexibility when it comes to desserts and getting-ready refreshments. Preferred bakery partners include Sunflour Bakeshop, Diane’s Patisserie (Kosher), and Sweet T’s Bakeshop, while bridal suite and loft catering options include Craze by Cole, Acts of Graze, Rastelli’s, and Wegmans Cherry Hill for breakfast spreads, charcuterie boards, light lunches, and snacks while everyone gets ready.

Photographer’s Tip: Your guests will remember great food just as much as they remember a beautiful venue! When comparing caterers, don’t just ask about menu options. Ask what’s included behind the scenes, like timeline assistance, coordination, staffing, setup and cleanup. Those details often make the biggest difference in how relaxed your wedding day actually feels.

Bar Service at Founders Grove

Founders Grove offers an in-house bar program designed to feel just as intentional as the rest of the venue! Instead of a standard wedding bar, couples can personalize their drink menu with seasonal signature cocktails, premium spirits, curated beer and wine selections and enhancements that fit the overall style of the day.

Whether you’re planning a spring garden wedding with floral-inspired cocktails or a cozy fall celebration featuring warm seasonal drinks, the bar menu can be customized to complement your wedding.

Some of the options available include:

• Custom signature cocktails created specifically for your wedding
• Seasonal cocktail menus featuring fresh herbs, fruit, and botanical flavors
• Beer, wine, and full open bar packages
• Premium liquor selections
• Seasonal mocktails for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options
• Mimosa bars for brunch weddings and bridal events
• Sparkling wine service, champagne toasts, and champagne towers
• Dessert drink additions like espresso martinis and after-dinner cordials

One detail I love is how well the signature cocktails fit the overall atmosphere of Founders Grove! Drinks featuring ingredients like basil, honey, cucumber, rosemary, citrus, and seasonal fruit feel right at home surrounded by the gardens and greenhouse, creating a guest experience that feels cohesive from ceremony through reception.

Photographer’s Tip: If you’re creating signature cocktails, consider giving them fun names that reflect your relationship, your pets, favorite travel destinations, or even the place you got engaged! It’s a small detail that guests notice throughout cocktail hour and makes for fun photos of your custom bar signage. If you are looking for more unique vendors for your reception, check out our blog post here!

Who Is Founders Grove Best For?

Founders Grove is a strong fit for South Jersey engaged couples who want a wedding venue that feels private, modern and different from a traditional ballroom! It works especially well for couples planning a wedding of up to 180 guests who want flexibility in how the day looks and feels. 

Founders Grove is also a great option for couples who care about customization. You can choose from approved catering partners, personalize the in-house bar experience and work with the on-site BEEHIVE floral studio by Leigh Florist to create florals and décor that fit your vision.

Because the venue hosts only one event at a time, the property feels private and intentional. It is located about 20 minutes from Philadelphia and close to Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Deptford, making it convenient for many South Jersey and Philadelphia-area guests!

Nearby Hotels for Your Guests

If you have family and friends traveling from out of town, there are several hotels within a short drive of Founders Grove.

Some nearby options include:

• Hampton Inn Philadelphia/Voorhees
• Holiday Inn Philadelphia-Cherry Hill
• DoubleTree by Hilton Cherry Hill
• Courtyard by Marriott Deptford
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Deptford

Having nearby accommodations makes it easier for guests to stay close to the venue throughout the weekend!

Churches Near Founders Grove

If you’re planning a traditional church ceremony before your reception, there are several churches nearby.

Some popular options include:

• Our Lady of Hope Parish
• St. Rose of Lima Parish
• Holy Eucharist Parish
• St. Andrew the Apostle Parish

Always check availability with your church before booking your venue so your timeline works well for both locations!

Can You Tour Founders Grove Before Booking?

Absolutely! While photos and online galleries are a great starting point, nothing compares to seeing Founders Grove in person. Touring the venue allows you to walk through the gardens, explore the historic farmhouse, visit the Carriage House dressing suite and step inside the Gathering Hall to experience the spaces the way your guests will.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the venue, ceremony locations, reception layout, catering options, bar service, and what your wedding day could actually look like! As you walk the property, it’s much easier to picture where you’ll get ready, exchange vows, celebrate with your guests and take portraits throughout the day.

If Founders Grove is on your list of potential South Jersey wedding venues, I’d highly recommend scheduling a tour before making your final decision. Seeing the property in person is the best way to know if it feels like the right fit for your wedding!

More Wedding Planning Resources

If you’re still early in the planning process, these guides may also help:

• Planning with Intention? Here is the Wedding Planning Checklist You Actually Need
• This Is Why I Don’t Push My Couples Into a First Look

Both articles answer questions I hear from couples throughout the planning process and can help you build a wedding day that feels relaxed from beginning to end.

Looking for a Founders Grove Wedding Photographer?

If Founders Grove is where you’re getting married, I’d love to be part of your day!

Our couples spend their cocktail hour talking with friends instead of disappearing, they laugh through portraits instead of wondering how to pose and they stay present during the moments they’ve been looking forward to for months because they aren’t constantly watching the clock or wondering what’s happening next! 

If that sounds like the kind of wedding day you’re hoping for, we’d love to hear what you’re planning at Founders Grove.

Click here to check your date and start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Founders Grove Wedding Venue

Have a question that wasn’t covered in this guide? Send me a message. I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings across New Jersey and Pennsylvania and I’m always happy to help couples navigate the planning process, whether you book with me or not!

Is Founders Grove a good wedding venue in South Jersey?

Founders Grove is one of the newest wedding venues in South Jersey, offering six private acres of gardens, a restored 1743 farmhouse, and a bright, modern Carriage House. Couples who love outdoor ceremonies, garden-inspired weddings, and the flexibility to customize their catering, bar service, and florals will find plenty to love about the venue.

Where is Founders Grove located?

Founders Grove is located in Magnolia, New Jersey, approximately 20 minutes from Philadelphia and just minutes from Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Deptford. Its central South Jersey location makes it convenient for guests traveling from both New Jersey and the Philadelphia area.

How many guests can Founders Grove accommodate?

Founders Grove can accommodate weddings with up to 180 guests. The Gathering Hall is designed to comfortably host both intimate celebrations and larger weddings while maintaining an open, airy feel.

Can you have your ceremony and reception at Founders Grove?

Yes. Founders Grove offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, along with reception space inside the Gathering Hall. Couples also have access to the historic farmhouse for getting ready, allowing the day’s events to take place on the same private estate.

Does Founders Grove have indoor ceremony options for rain?

Yes. One of the advantages of Founders Grove is that couples have both outdoor garden ceremony locations and indoor ceremony options, making it a great venue regardless of the weather.

Does Founders Grove provide catering?

Founders Grove works with a curated list of approved catering partners rather than offering a single in-house caterer. Couples can choose from several experienced caterers, each offering customizable menus ranging from plated dinners and buffets to chef-attended stations and multicultural cuisine.

Does Founders Grove have an open bar?

Founders Grove provides in-house bar service with customizable beverage packages. Couples can personalize their experience with signature cocktails, beer and wine selections, premium spirits, seasonal mocktails, champagne toasts, and specialty bar enhancements.

Can you tour Founders Grove before booking?

Yes. Couples can schedule a private tour to explore the gardens, historic farmhouse, Carriage House dressing suite, ceremony locations and the Gathering Hall while asking questions about planning, catering, bar service, guest experience and wedding day logistics.