Running Deer Golf Club Weddings: The Complete Wedding Guide (South Jersey)

If you’re dreaming of a South Jersey wedding surrounded by trees, gorgeous golf-course views and a team that treats your day like the only one that matters, Running Deer Golf Club belongs on your list!

As a South Jersey wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings at Running Deer Golf Club for almost a decade. During that time, I’ve photographed spring, summer, fall and winter weddings here, worked alongside countless local vendors and helped couples navigate everything from rainy weather backups to golden hour portraits on the golf course.

Because we’ve photographed so many weddings at this Ron Jaworski venue, we’ve learned how the property photographs throughout the day, where the best portrait locations are, how long travel between locations actually takes and how to build a timeline that allows couples to enjoy the venue without feeling stressed.

Whether you’re planning an outdoor secret ceremony option overlooking the course (keeping reading for more on that!), portraits on the trail or a packed dance floor reception inside the ballroom, this guide is based on real experience photographing weddings at Running Deer year after year.

From the moment you walk in the ballroom, you’re surrounded by breathtaking floor-length windows and cathedral-height ceilings, all which set the tone for a wedding day that feels elevated and effortless.

Running Deer is a true single-event venue, which means your wedding has the team’s undivided attention from start to finish. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing weddings here for over 8 years and I can say first-hand how incredible the staff is at what they do. Everything is centered around your day. I always joke that my Running Deer weddings flow seamlessly…the combination of my detailed timelines paired with the venue’s laid-back, supportive approach makes the entire day feel effortless.

Ceremony Locations at Running Deer

Choose a setting that matches your vision (and your light):

• The Pergola
  Overlooking the golf course and surrounded by gorgeous landscaping and florals, the Pergola gives you open-sky with room for design and personal décor.

• The Timbers
  Wooded, secluded and magical, the Timbers feels like a private forest ceremony. Picture towering trees and a quiet, romantic atmosphere.

• The Grand Ballroom (Indoor Ceremony)
  If you prefer indoor comfort or a timeless setting, the Grand Ballroom is a perfect choice. With its soaring ceilings and wall-to-wall windows, the space is bright, elegant and inviting. It also serves as an ideal rain plan! Still offering gorgeous natural light and an intimate atmosphere without sacrificing the beauty of your ceremony.

• The “Secret” Grass Ceremony Location

  One of my favorite ceremony setups at Running Deer is actually the lesser-known ceremony option on the grass right beside the Pergola overlooking the golf course. Most couples don’t even realize this setup is possible, but it creates such a beautiful, expansive backdrop with uninterrupted golf course views behind you. It feels more open, immersive and connected to the landscape while still keeping the convenience of the main ceremony area nearby.

  Weather backup: You can move an outdoor ceremony inside day-of if needed. The team flips spaces quickly so guests stay comfortable and your timeline stays calm.

Cocktail Hour: Stations, Displays & Butlered Bites

Cocktail hour at Running Deer is designed to wow your guests while keeping service smooth and continuous.

Butlered hors d’oeuvres (you choose a selection):
From scallops wrapped in bacon, bistro steak skewers with chimichurri and spicy tuna tartare to mushroom ravioli, arancini, and caprese shooters, both classic and elevated options are covered. (Vegetarian, vegan, GF, and DF items available.)

Signature stations & displays (venue rotates by season and package):

• Gourmet Grazing Table — Charcuterie, cheeses, jams, breads, fruit, nuts, and more (with a Mediterranean section of hummus, tzatziki, olives, marinated veggies + pita).

• Chilled Seafood & Raw Bar — Jumbo shrimp cocktail, clams/oysters on the half shell, classic sauces and mignonette.

• Forged From Fire / Griddle & Carvery Elements — Chef-driven hot stations that guests love to watch.

• Fan Favorites — Wood-Fired Flatbreads, Street Tacos, Cheesesteaks, and Slider Trios (beef, chicken, crab cake) with all the fixings.

One of my couples actually came from a family of chefs, and they worked directly with Running Deer’s head chef to design a custom menu for their wedding. It was such a personal touch and showed how flexible the culinary team is in making the dining experience truly unique to each couple. Whether you want to keep things classic or bring in ideas that reflect your own background and tastes, the team is open and collaborative.

The Grand Ballroom Reception

Your celebration continues in the Grand Ballroom, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of rolling greens. The neutral palette pairs beautifully with any design—minimal, modern, garden-romantic, or full black-tie.

What couples love about receptions at Running Deer:

• Five-hour reception with open bar (two signature cocktails included)

• Champagne toast for all guests

• White Chiavari chairs, tables and linen & napkin color choices

• Wedding suites + men’s lounge for comfortable getting-ready spaces

• Built-in monitors to showcase engagement photos or a video loop

• Votive candles for a soft reception glow

• Guided timeline flow with an on-site wedding coordinator

• Outdoor spaces for mingling and portraits on the course

Capacity note: The ballroom comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests with a designated dance floor.

Bar & Beverage Experience

Every package includes a 5-hour open bar with a deep lineup of spirits, plus two signature cocktails designed around your tastes.

Sample spirits (rotating by availability):
Tito’s or Ketel One vodkas, Bombay/Tanqueray gin, Dewar’s/Johnnie Walker Red, Bulleit/Jameson/Jim Beam, Captain Morgan/Bacardi/Malibu, Camarena/1800 tequila, amaretto, Baileys, Kahlúa, and more.

Beer & wine selections:
Curated reds and whites (think cabernet, merlot, chardonnay, pinot grigio, champagne) plus domestic and import beers(Bud Light, Yuengling, Coors/Miller, Corona/Heineken/Blue Moon).

Love local? Running Deer can feature South Jersey craft picks like Glasstown, Bonesaw, Neck of the Woods, and Three 3’s (selections vary seasonally).

Dessert: Chocolate Indulgence Room, Cake & Coffee Bar

Chocolate Indulgence Room
A signature, interactive dessert experience that goes beyond a simple table: think chocolate mousse, cheesecake drops, cake pops, petits fours, truffles, macarons, and warm milk & dark chocolate fondue with all the dippers (churros, brownies, fruit, pretzels, and more). All goods are baked by their partner Stella Baking Company.

Custom Wedding Cake
Once your date is set, schedule a tasting with the bakery (typically two months in advance) to choose flavors, fillings and design for a cake that’s truly yours.

Coffee & Espresso
Finish with La Colombe coffee & espresso, teas, hot chocolate and flavored syrups. Cordials available via the open bar for an after-dinner “coffee cocktail.”

Late night snack ideas: Pretzel wall, sliders, breakfast-at-night…ask the Private Events Team about current enhancements.

My Insider Photography Notes at Running Deer

After photographing weddings here for years, I know Running Deer like the back of my hand. Here are a few things I’ve learned from working through every season of the year:

Spring Weddings at Running Deer

• The golf course comes alive with soft greens and flowering bushes, creating light, airy backdrops for portraits.

• The Pergola is surrounded by fresh blooms, making it a natural choice for outdoor ceremonies.

• Spring sunsets are earlier, which means planning golden hour photos right after dinner works beautifully. The trees right next to the outdoor cocktail hour usually has gorgeous spring light.

We love Spring Weddings at Running Deer Golf Club. Maybe you’d be interested in this pastel wedding!

Summer Weddings at Running Deer

• August hydrangeas are always a showstopper along the path! Big, vibrant and perfect for colorful portraits near the garden.

• Long daylight hours mean you’ll have plenty of time for portraits with golden light, even after cocktail hour.

• Shady wooded spots near The Timbers (or on the complete opposite side of the venue) are ideal for staying cool during mid-afternoon photos.

Want to see a full summer wedding gallery? Make sure to click here and start dreaming of what your Summer wedding at Running Deer would feel like.

Fall Weddings at Running Deer

• The tree line along the path and by the Timbers turns shades of red and orange. Stunning for foliage shots and intimate portraits.

• I always recommend sneaking out for twilight portraits. Fall nights create a blue, glowing light that feels cinematic.

• The rustic charm of The Timbers and the colored foliage works beautifully with seasonal florals and décor.

See More of this November wedding at our favorite Ron Jaworski wedding venue.

Winter Weddings at Running Deer

• The Grand Ballroom shines during winter weddings, especially with the market lighting strung across the ceiling.

• Running Deer sets up a Christmas tree during the holiday season, perfect for magical indoor portraits.

• Winter light is softer and more diffused, making indoor and outdoor portraits equally flattering. Photos in front of the outdoor windows is some of my favorite, even light all year-round at this venue.

We had the opportunity to photograph Running Deer’s winter wedding show! Click here to see more about everything the venue showcased to their 2027-2028 couples.

Why This Matters

Because I know the venue so well, I can anticipate where the best light will be at any time of day, in any season. I know which blooms will be out, which spots hold color into late fall and which indoor spaces sparkle in the winter. That experience means your photography feels effortless, you won’t need to think about logistics and you can just enjoy your day.

Planning Support & Timeline Flow

Running Deer’s Private Events Team guides you from inquiry to send-off:

1. Inquiry & Tour → 15-minute intro call + private venue tour

2. Dates & Booking → Simple agreement + clear payment milestones

3. Details Meeting (~6–8 weeks out) → Finalize timeline, layout, menu and logistics

4. The Big Day → Coordinator leads setup, ceremony flow, vendor liaison and timeline

Access & logistics:

• Suite access time is coordinated with the events team, but most of my couples get ready right at the venue in their suites, which is where we typically start our coverage.

• Pets are welcome for ceremony and portraits (with a handler), then safely off-site for food & beverage service.

Why Couples Choose Running Deer

• Single-event focus for undivided attention

• Ceremony flexibility (Pergola, Timbers, or indoor ballroom) + day-of weather backup

• Grand Ballroom with soaring ceilings and floor-length windows

• Chef-driven culinary program (both elegant and fun)

• 5-hour open bar with signature cocktails

• Thoughtful planning team + on-site coordinator

• Endless photo locations on a gorgeous golf course

Frequently Asked (Helpful) Notes

• Capacity: Up to 200 guests with dance floor and DJ area.

• Coordinators: A wedding coordinator is included to manage details and keep things on time.

• Dietary needs: The culinary team can accommodate allergies and preferences with advance notice.

• Food safety & service: All food and beverage is provided and handled by venue staff (no outside food service/leftovers to-go).

Running Deer Golf Club is part of the Ron Jaworski Golf family of wedding venues, known throughout South Jersey and Pennsylvania for their beautiful courses and exceptional event spaces. Along with Running Deer, their collection includes Ramblewood Country Club, Valleybrook Country Club, Blue Heron Pines Golf Club, Downingtown Country Club, and RiverWinds Golf & Tennis Club. Each has its own personality, but all share the same commitment to creating weddings that feel effortless and unforgettable.

Planning Your Running Deer Wedding

If you’re seeking a South Jersey venue with woodsy ceremony options, a grand indoor reception space and a team who keeps the day stress-free, Running Deer Golf Club is one of my favorite choices. Share this guide with family (and vendors!) as you plan, then schedule a tour to see it all in person.

Our team would be honored to photograph your Running Deer wedding! “Our approach is all about emotional, story-driven coverage, highlighting not just what happened, but how it felt. Every in-between moment is held with intention, so when you look back, you’ll be fully immersed in your wedding day all over again. If you’re planning a wedding at Running Deer and want photography rooted in care and purpose, contact me here.

Vendor-friendly resource: Vendors are welcome to share this post with their couples considering Running Deer—it’s a helpful first look at ceremony spaces, reception flow, culinary highlights and planning support.