Courtney and Chris tied the knot on a gorgeous October day at Bonnet Island Estate, a gorgeous New Jersey wedding venue. And it was the kind of wedding that dreams are made of! With a soft color palette, classic florals, and a picture-perfect waterfront setting, their day felt timeless, romantic, and effortlessly chic from beginning to end. I’m so honored to have captured it all—and can’t wait for more celebrations like this one!

Styled flatlay of neutral, feminine wedding invitation suite Bonnet Island Estate
Close-up of bridal earrings, perfume and pearls in Bonnet Island Estate
Badgley Mischka bridal heels, styled around ribbon and pearls
Bridal gown, veil, and shoes, hanging from mirror in Bonnet Island Estate
Hand-painted illustration of Bonnet Island Estate with rings and invitation
Hand-painted illustration of Bonnet Island Estate with rings on top
Smiling bride in pearl robe, inside Bonnet Island Estate bridal suite
Bride holding a glass of champagne and showing off engagement ring
Smiling bride and bridesmaids inside Bonnet Island Estate bridal suite
Bride smiles and reaches for bridal gown in Bonnet Island Estate
Mother of bride helps bride button the back of her bridal gown

A Chic & Sunny Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Day

The day began in Bonnet Island Estate’s stunning and light-filled bridal suite, where Courtney got ready with her girls. Her classic white gown was paired with the dreamiest pearl-dotted veil that floated in the breeze during portraits (obsessed!). Meanwhile, the bridesmaids wore silky ‘matcha’ dresses that added the perfect touch of color. Bonus: they complemented the soft green and white florals beautifully.

Mother of bride and bride smile while getting ready in Bonnet Island Estate bridal suite
Smiling bride puts on bridal earrings in Bonnet Island Estate suite
Bonnet Island Estate bride wears bridal gown and pearl embellished veil
Bride straps her bridal shoes on
Mother of bride helps fasten bride's shoes in Bonnet Island Estate
Bride smiles in bridal gown and veil in Bonnet Island Estate bridal suite
Bride holds her wedding day perfume
Bride sprays her wedding day perfume while wearing bridal gown
Bride smiles while bridesmaids fluff her dress and veil
Classic green and white bridal bouquet, covered by bride's veil
Bride smiles while bridesmaids help make sure she is ready for the aisle
Smiling bride wears gown and veil in Bonnet Island Estate bridal suite
Bride and the mother of the bride share a smile
Bride's father holds hands with bride during their first look
Groom wearing tux and bowtie smiles before putting on jacket
Groom in jacket in Bonnet Island Estate groom suite
Flatlay of groom's shoes, bowtie, cufflinks and watch
Groom in black tux takes a sip of beer in Bonnet Island Estate suite

Bonnet Island Estate: A Luxury Wedding Venue in Long Beach Island, New Jersey

Before the ceremony, Courtney and Chris shared the sweetest first look! It was an intimate moment just for the two of them that set the tone for the rest of the day. They exchanged their vows in Bonnet Island Estate‘s charming Boathouse Chapel, filled with natural light, all their closest people, and a whole lot of love. Afterward, guests moved outside to enjoy cocktail hour by the water, complete with sweeping bay views and a salty ocean breeze.

Groom faces away right before his first look with his bride
Bride taps groom on shoulder for their first look
Groom turns to see his bride during their first look in Bonnet Island Estate chapel
Bride and groom share a kiss during their first look
Bride and groom hold hands during their first look
Bride and groom kiss in front of Bonnet Island Estate altar with flowers and candles
Groom kisses bride on forehead while bride smiles
Bride and groom hold hands during their first look
Bride and groom hold hands and walk in front of their altar at Bonnet Island Estate
Bride holds classic green and white bridal bouquet
Bride and groom hold hands in front of altar during their first look
Bride and groom smile in front of altar with flowers and candles
Bride holds her bridal bouquet and smiles in front of altar Bonnet Island Estate
Bride and groom share a kiss in front of altar
The water off the dock at Bonnet Island Estate
English Rose Garden with flowers at Bonnet Island Estate
Ceremony programs with seashells
Bonnet Island Estate boathouse with pink flowers
White folding chairs set up for ceremony
Green and white hanging flowers for Bonnet Island Estate ceremony
Bride and her father enter the Boathouse Chapel for ceremony
Father walks bride down aisle of Bonnet Island Estate
Ceremony guests smile as they watch bride and groom
Bride and groom stand at altar with bridesmaids and groomsmen
Bride and groom hold hands during ceremony as groomsmen look on
Bride places wedding ring on groom's finger during wedding ceremony
Bride and groom share their first kiss
Newly married bride and groom celebrate as they walk down aisle

Courtney & Chris’s Romantic Wedding at Bonnet Island Estate, Luxury New Jersey Venue

Sun-drenched dock. Beautifully manicured grounds. Every corner of Bonnet Island Estate offers a picture-perfect backdrop. And Courtney and Chris took full advantage! Their portraits were glowy, romantic, and effortlessly elegant. That golden October light paired with waterfront views? An absolute dream combo.

Groom twirls bride under greenery and string lights
Bride and groom kiss surrounded by greenery, plants, and string lights
Bride and groom hug under pearl veil
Bride and groom hug and smile while veil blows
Bride and groom hold hands and walk down path under string lights
Bride and groom hold hands and smile
Groom places hand on bride's back
Bride and groom kiss in front of rock wall at Bonnet Island Estate
Classic green and white bridal bouquet
Bride and groom smile while bride holds green and white bridal bouquet
Bride and groom hold hands outside Bonnet Island Estate
Bride and groom smile and touch noses after getting married
Bride and groom smile in front of Bonnet Island Estate
Groom adjusts tux jacket button
Bride and groom kiss while bride's veil blows in wind outside Bonnet Island Estate
Bride and groom smile and hold hands
Bride and groom smile and hold hands
Bride and groom kiss in front of tall grass
Bride and groom kiss while veil blows behind bride
Bride and groom smile and hold hands on dock in front of water
Bride and groom smile and hold hands on Bonnet Island Estate dock
Bride and groom kiss on Bonnet Island Estate dock with guests in background
Bride and groom smile and hold hands on Bonnet Island Estate dock
Bride and groom share a kiss on Bonnet Island Estate dock
Bride and groom kiss surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen
Bride and bridesmaids hold bouquets and walk while smiling
Sage green bridesmaid dresses with babies breath bouquets
Bride smiles surrounded by smiling bridesmaids carrying bouquets
Groom and groomsmen smile with hands in pockets
Bride smiles down at her two flower girls
Groom and groomsmen walk and smile in tuxedos
Bride and groom kiss surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen

Reception Perfection at Bonnet Island Estate’s Beautiful Ballroom

The reception space at Bonnet Island Estate is effortlessly elegant. It has natural wood accents, soaring ceilings, and beautiful light pouring in from every angle. Courtney and Chris kept the design timeless with lush white and green florals, letting the space shine while adding romantic warmth through candlelight. Later in the evening, Courtney surprised everyone with a chic outfit change! This took the party energy to the next level. We love a bride who knows how to make an entrance (twice!).

Bonnet Island Estate dock at sunset
Welcome sign on easel inside Bonnet Island Estate
Wedding escort cards sitting in sand
Bonnet Island Estate indoor wedding reception with green and white flowers
Frosted acrylic table numbers on wedding table
Menu card tucked in napkin on tablescape with green and white flowers
Indoor wedding reception with green and white flowers and candlelight
Bonnet Island Estate ballroom indoor wedding reception
Frosted acrylic bar sign next to green and white flowers
Classic four-tier wedding cake with green and white flowers
Bride and groom smile and celebrate as they enter their reception
Bride and groom have first dance on dance floor while guests watch
Bride and groom end first dance with a dip kiss in Bonnet Island Estate Ballroom
Bride and groom sit at sweetheart table and smile during toasts
Guests cheers their glasses during reception toasts
Bride and groom smile as they cut their wedding cake at Bonnet Island Estate
Bride and groom smile while they dance during reception

Getting Married at Bonnet Island Estate: What Makes This New Jersey Wedding Venue So Special

If you’re dreaming of a romantic coastal wedding with elegance, ease, and incredible photo ops, Bonnet Island Estate offers the perfect setting. Nestled in the heart of Long Beach Island, this luxury New Jersey wedding venue combines natural beauty with all-in-one convenience—making it one of my all-time favorite places to photograph.

Here’s why Bonnet Island Estate is such a standout:

  • Private coastal setting – With serene waterfront views, a charming boathouse chapel, and on-site accommodations for the couple and their VIPs, it’s the ultimate all-in-one destination.
  • Endless photo opportunities – From golden hour portraits on the dock to quiet, candid moments in the gorgeous bridal parlor, every part of the estate was made to be photographed.
  • Seamless experience – You can get ready, say “I do,” and celebrate—without ever needing to leave the property. It’s elegant, effortless, and stress-free (just like it should be!).
  • Light-filled chapel ceremony – The boathouse chapel is one of the estate’s most iconic spaces, with its beautiful windows, natural wood interior, and warm coastal charm.
  • Elegant reception space – The ballroom features soft natural wood, soaring ceilings, and plenty of space to celebrate in style.

In addition to the venue itself, Bonnet Island Estate is located just minutes from the best of LBI! Your guests can enjoy everything this classic Jersey Shore destination has to offer. From beach days and boardwalk strolls to ice cream spots, local seafood, boutique shopping in Beach Haven, and sunset views at Barnegat Lighthouse. It’s the kind of wedding weekend that feels like a mini vacation—for you and your guests!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer – Associates for Susan Elizabeth Photography
Venue – Bonnet Island Estate
Entertainment – Marquee Band
Florist – Sue Boonstra
Hair – Airbrush Artistry & Hair Design
Makeup – Airbrush Artistry & Hair Design
Bridal Gown – Bijou Bridal
Bridal Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dresses – Azazie
Groom/Groomsmen Attire – The Black Tux
Stationery – Shine Wedding Invitations
Cake – The Bake Works

Susan Elizabeth Photography is a New Jersey and Florida wedding photographer specializing in timeless, romantic weddings with a signature light and airy vibe. If you loved this Bonnet Island Estate wedding inspiration, take a peek at Kim & Geoffrey’s big day or get in touch to start dreaming up ~your~ day!

Classic Coastal Bonnet Island Estate Wedding in New Jersey | Courtney & Chris

bride and groom kissing at bonnet island estate in manahawkin NJ

Documentary Soul

E

An editorial eye with a