Here Comes the Bayonet Bride

Last year seven brides and grooms got hitched at Bayonet Farm in Holmdel, an authentic, historic farm with rustic charm and gorgeous vistas. Word must have gotten around because already this year 11 more weddings are booked.  And the year is only half over.

With the increase in bookings at Laura Harding's estate comes also an increase in fees. Rates were doubled in 2011 to help offset the costs of recent renovations and improvements, such as bathrooms in the Red Barn and an adjacent gravel parking lot. (Holmdel residents get a reduced rate.)

The township provides the space. But food, beverages, tables, chairs, decorations, tents and everything else that goes with a wedding service or reception is the responsibility of the couple.

“They have to bring in everything,” said Jeannette Tompkins of Holmdel's office of Parks and Recreation, “and make sure everything is carried back out when the event is over.”

Alcohol is allowed by special permit only, which requires a $500 deposit.

 June, September, and October are already booked. Since the Red and Gray Barns have no air conditioning, July and August are still wide open for those who don't fear putting up with a little heat in their wedding finery. No central heating means no winter nuptials.

The 2010 wedding season brought $13,000 in revenue to township coffers, according to figures from the newly appointed Bayonet Farm Committee at their March 15 meeting.

Applications are available in the Parks and Recreation office in Town Hall.

2011 Fees

Rate for Residents

Rate for Non-Residents

Grounds

$300 / day

$600 / day

Gray Barn

$150 / per hour

$300 / per hour

Red Barn

$200 / per hour

$400 /per hour

A refundable security deposit of $250 plus fees must accompany an application, says Tompkins, of Parks and Recreation.

Editor's note: Bride-to-be Robin Klinger is blogging about her upcoming Oct. 1 wedding at Bayonet Farm. You can read her story here.