The Highlawn Reviews

Reviews

Awards

58

+11 User photos

• Jenna Sent on 01/02/2022
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  Perfect wedding experience

  My husband and I planned a last minute wedding at the Highlawn. We cancelled our wedding many times in the past due to covid and decided to try once more at the Highlawn. Planning a wedding in 4 weeks generally isn’t easy, but the whole team was all hands on deck. We were in contact with all of the members constantly, they recognized concerns and addressed immediately.
  We ended up having the most beautiful wedding and are very grateful for this amazing experience. The venue looks gorgeous, the food was unreal, and the views were breathtaking. It was perfect.

  My husband and I planned a last minute wedding at the Highlawn. We cancelled our wedding many times in the past due to covid and decided to try once more at the Highlawn. Planning a wedding in 4 weeks generally isn’t easy, but the whole team was all hands on deck. We were in contact with all of the members constantly, they recognized concerns and addressed immediately.
  We ended up having the most beautiful wedding and are very grateful for this amazing experience. The venue looks gorgeous, the food was unreal, and the views were breathtaking. It was perfect.
• Brittany Sent on 09/28/2019
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  Amazing Venue!

  Highlawn made our day so special. Chris the banquet manager makes everyone priority. All of our guests loved the food atmosphere and the amazing NYC skyline view!

  Highlawn made our day so special. Chris the banquet manager makes everyone priority. All of our guests loved the food atmosphere and the amazing NYC skyline view!

  • +4 photos
• Ashley Sent on 02/08/2019
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  A great venue

  This was the first venue we went to visit where they were prepping for a wedding & the guests were already on site about to go to the ceremony. I was happy to see things were going smoothly for the bride and groom. Seeing them in action really allowed us to get a picture of what they would be doing for us & I think that helped, not to mention the skyline view that would be during dinner.

  This was the first venue we went to visit where they were prepping for a wedding & the guests were already on site about to go to the ceremony. I was happy to see things were going smoothly for the bride and groom. Seeing them in action really allowed us to get a picture of what they would be doing for us & I think that helped, not to mention the skyline view that would be during dinner.
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• Caren Sent on 08/10/2019
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  Flexible planning, good view, good food

  The People: Chris Gellings is our venue manager. Chris was very warm and accommodating. After communicating with Chris, we thought that Chris runs a great team at Highlawn, he's very experienced and caring, and he has attention to details. On our wedding day, the staff gives good directions, and we received good reviews from our guests on the reception serving crew and the bartender(she made me a really tasty and ins worthy drink). We had full confidence in Chris leading up to our big day, and I didn't worry about anything about the venue and the logistics that day(actually I didn't notice anything that day, it was just really smooth...). We did not hire any day-off coordinator or wedding planner.
  
  The Venue: we love the view! Everyone loves the view! It's on a cliff with Manhattan skyline far away and lots of lots of green. It's very relaxing and refreshing for us and our guests from the city. My only complaint is about the ceremony garden. They removed the bushes around the garden this summer and it lost that close and intimate feeling. I didn't like how the setting was changed after we booked the venue. But it was ok at the end of the day.
  
  The Food: yes, cocktail hour shrimp was fantastic! We had a buffet for the reception. Steak, rack of lamb, the crepe, peking duck, and homemade mash potato are very very good.
  
  Others: bridal suite is tiny. There's no suite for the guys. If this is very important for you, then this is not the venue for you.
  We had the daytime slot from 11am to 4pm. The restaurant downstairs is not open till 5. So we had the whole venue to ourselves. This is very important for me.
  
  

  The People: Chris Gellings is our venue manager. Chris was very warm and accommodating. After communicating with Chris, we thought that Chris runs a great team at Highlawn, he's very experienced and caring, and he has attention to details. On our wedding day, the staff gives good directions, and we received good reviews from our guests on the reception serving crew and the bartender(she made me a really tasty and ins worthy drink). We had full confidence in Chris leading up to our big day, and I didn't worry about anything about the venue and the logistics that day(actually I didn't notice anything that day, it was just really smooth...). We did not hire any day-off coordinator or wedding planner.
  
  The Venue: we love the view! Everyone loves the view! It's on a cliff with Manhattan skyline far away and lots of lots of green. It's very relaxing and refreshing for us and our guests from the city. My only complaint is about the ceremony garden. They removed the bushes around the garden this summer and it lost that close and intimate feeling. I didn't like how the setting was changed after we booked the venue. But it was ok at the end of the day.
  
  The Food: yes, cocktail hour shrimp was fantastic! We had a buffet for the reception. Steak, rack of lamb, the crepe, peking duck, and homemade mash potato are very very good.
  
  Others: bridal suite is tiny. There's no suite for the guys. If this is very important for you, then this is not the venue for you.
  We had the daytime slot from 11am to 4pm. The restaurant downstairs is not open till 5. So we had the whole venue to ourselves. This is very important for me.
  
  
• Erica D. Sent on 01/08/2019
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  Wonderful Wedding, Awesome Serivce

  My husband and I were so happy with our decision to use The Highlawn Pavillion. We were blown away with the service and attention to detail. Chris was fantastic to work with, the food was wonderful, and the wedding cake blew us away. It was such a special evening and we are so happy!

  My husband and I were so happy with our decision to use The Highlawn Pavillion. We were blown away with the service and attention to detail. Chris was fantastic to work with, the food was wonderful, and the wedding cake blew us away. It was such a special evening and we are so happy!
• Nicolette Sent on 10/06/2018
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  We had our wedding reception at the Highlawn Pavilion on 8-5-18. We were extremely happy with our venue from start to finish. We were looking for a place that had a great view, great food and was a little different than your typical NJ ballroom wedding venue. The venue itself has an incredible view and beautiful grounds for pictures. We worked with Paul to plan the event and he was extremely flexible, helpful and easy to work with. He helped us work out all of our details and made us feel confident our day would go without a hitch. I cannot say enough about how delicious the food was. All of their food and desserts are made in house and I had many guests say it was the best food and dinner they've had at a wedding. The staff was great and it was the perfect venue for our wedding. If you are looking for a place that will wow your guests with its food, view, rustic villa feel and great service, the Highlawn is the place for you.

  We had our wedding reception at the Highlawn Pavilion on 8-5-18. We were extremely happy with our venue from start to finish. We were looking for a place that had a great view, great food and was a little different than your typical NJ ballroom wedding venue. The venue itself has an incredible view and beautiful grounds for pictures. We worked with Paul to plan the event and he was extremely flexible, helpful and easy to work with. He helped us work out all of our details and made us feel confident our day would go without a hitch. I cannot say enough about how delicious the food was. All of their food and desserts are made in house and I had many guests say it was the best food and dinner they've had at a wedding. The staff was great and it was the perfect venue for our wedding. If you are looking for a place that will wow your guests with its food, view, rustic villa feel and great service, the Highlawn is the place for you.
• Danielle Sent on 11/24/2017
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  We have nothing but good things to say about Chris and his team at the Highlawn !! They helped to make our wedding on October 27, 2017 flawless and the best night of our lives. The food was great the service was great and the whole night is still being talked about! Chris was always available to answer any of our many questions and took all of our requests seriously, they made all of our dreams reality, and then some! Thank you so much to everyone at the Highlawn! We thoroughly recommend this venue, the pricing was right, the food was impeccable, the atmosphere is romantic and the view is breathtaking!!

  We have nothing but good things to say about Chris and his team at the Highlawn !! They helped to make our wedding on October 27, 2017 flawless and the best night of our lives. The food was great the service was great and the whole night is still being talked about! Chris was always available to answer any of our many questions and took all of our requests seriously, they made all of our dreams reality, and then some! Thank you so much to everyone at the Highlawn! We thoroughly recommend this venue, the pricing was right, the food was impeccable, the atmosphere is romantic and the view is breathtaking!!
• Gregory Sent on 09/13/2017
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  We were thrilled with our positive experience at Highlawn Pavilion from 11am to 5pm on 3 September,2017. Key to our satisfaction was the cooperation and time extended to us, months in advance, by the Banquets Manager Paul Keenan and his very capable colleague, Christopher. Paul spent all the the time we needed with us going over the details of logistics, food and the ceremonial/religious aspects of planning a wedding for 110 people months in advance of the event. We were thoroughly impressed and satisfied with this level of cooperation.
  
  On the day of the wedding we had rain, but as promised the Highlawn team "made lemonade out of lemons" and assembled the wedding area, including the chuppah, entirely to our satisfaction and the ceremony was very dignified and beautiful. We had a lot of enthusiastic young folks in attendance and the microphones for the speeches were all in working order, the dance floor was full, the food and wine and bar area were impeccably prepared.
  
  It was our first daughter to be married and we were thrilled! When the event was over, the staff had prepared on a cart excess flower arrangements, wedding cake and any other wedding paraphanelia belonging to us, to take home. We didn't even have to ask!
  
  Regarding the transactional aspects, i can say there were no surprises; the rates offered by HP are very competitive.
  
  The key to success was the professionalism of the staff, our primary contacts being Paul Keenan prior to the event, and Norma, the irrepressible Maitre D', during it.
  
  Thanks HP!

  We were thrilled with our positive experience at Highlawn Pavilion from 11am to 5pm on 3 September,2017. Key to our satisfaction was the cooperation and time extended to us, months in advance, by the Banquets Manager Paul Keenan and his very capable colleague, Christopher. Paul spent all the the time we needed with us going over the details of logistics, food and the ceremonial/religious aspects of planning a wedding for 110 people months in advance of the event. We were thoroughly impressed and satisfied with this level of cooperation.
  
  On the day of the wedding we had rain, but as promised the Highlawn team "made lemonade out of lemons" and assembled the wedding area, including the chuppah, entirely to our satisfaction and the ceremony was very dignified and beautiful. We had a lot of enthusiastic young folks in attendance and the microphones for the speeches were all in working order, the dance floor was full, the food and wine and bar area were impeccably prepared.
  
  It was our first daughter to be married and we were thrilled! When the event was over, the staff had prepared on a cart excess flower arrangements, wedding cake and any other wedding paraphanelia belonging to us, to take home. We didn't even have to ask!
  
  Regarding the transactional aspects, i can say there were no surprises; the rates offered by HP are very competitive.
  
  The key to success was the professionalism of the staff, our primary contacts being Paul Keenan prior to the event, and Norma, the irrepressible Maitre D', during it.
  
  Thanks HP!
• Maria Sent on 09/10/2017
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  Had to book a VERY last minute rehearsal dinner for a large party. Gorgeous views & great atmosphere. Very attentive staff. Live music was great. Dinner took a tad bit long but we had an extremely large party. The booker and hostess were very accommodating. Highly recommend purely for the location, views & photo ops!

  Had to book a VERY last minute rehearsal dinner for a large party. Gorgeous views & great atmosphere. Very attentive staff. Live music was great. Dinner took a tad bit long but we had an extremely large party. The booker and hostess were very accommodating. Highly recommend purely for the location, views & photo ops!
• Melissa Sent on 08/07/2017
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  Oh my gosh where to begin about this amazing venue. Our wedding day was so beautiful and we have Paul and Norma at the Highlawn to thank for that. They exceeded our expectations! Paul from the very beginning was so accommodating and so chill which I loved right away because I know the day of the wedding I wouldn't have to stress. From the start of it was such an easy planning process they work with you budget wise especially when you guarantee them a certain number. Anytime I had any questions Paul got back to me right away. The day of the wedding was great, the weather wasn't perfect we were hoping for the amazing view of NYC but that was something no one could control. But we were able to have the ceremony outside and everything went perfectly. The room was decorated exactly how I asked it was so gorgeous and the food was delish! Def go for the perogies at cocktail hour all my guests were raving about them. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the Cod and it was perfect. From the wait staff to the bartenders superb service! Cake and Viennese hour was just beautiful. I highly recommend Highlawn I loved the fact that it is not your typical wedding venue very different and vintagy which is what I was looking for. Everything else the venue has to offer speaks for itself, the view, food and service. Very happy Bride & Groom-Melissa & Luis 6-16-17

  Oh my gosh where to begin about this amazing venue. Our wedding day was so beautiful and we have Paul and Norma at the Highlawn to thank for that. They exceeded our expectations! Paul from the very beginning was so accommodating and so chill which I loved right away because I know the day of the wedding I wouldn't have to stress. From the start of it was such an easy planning process they work with you budget wise especially when you guarantee them a certain number. Anytime I had any questions Paul got back to me right away. The day of the wedding was great, the weather wasn't perfect we were hoping for the amazing view of NYC but that was something no one could control. But we were able to have the ceremony outside and everything went perfectly. The room was decorated exactly how I asked it was so gorgeous and the food was delish! Def go for the perogies at cocktail hour all my guests were raving about them. I had the filet mignon and my husband had the Cod and it was perfect. From the wait staff to the bartenders superb service! Cake and Viennese hour was just beautiful. I highly recommend Highlawn I loved the fact that it is not your typical wedding venue very different and vintagy which is what I was looking for. Everything else the venue has to offer speaks for itself, the view, food and service. Very happy Bride & Groom-Melissa & Luis 6-16-17
• Michelle Sent on 03/22/2017
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  Amazing!!! Chris gave me the most beautiful amazing wedding. He was responsive and responsible honest caring supportive incredible. The highlawn pavilion had amazing food. They made the most beautiful cake. I was a very nervous and controlling pride and at every turn the staff put me at ease. It is beautiful with a great view and amazing staff. Please speak with Chris if you're hoping to make your dream wedding come true!

  Amazing!!! Chris gave me the most beautiful amazing wedding. He was responsive and responsible honest caring supportive incredible. The highlawn pavilion had amazing food. They made the most beautiful cake. I was a very nervous and controlling pride and at every turn the staff put me at ease. It is beautiful with a great view and amazing staff. Please speak with Chris if you're hoping to make your dream wedding come true!
• Katie Sent on 07/29/2016
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  My husband and I are so pleased we chose Highlawn for our wedding in July 2016. The planning process was stress-free; Paul made it easy to make decisions, and was accommodating to our wishes.
  On the night, the food was amazing, and the service impeccable. The cocktail hour flowed and there was plenty of food, I didn't see anything run out. The peking duck rolls were amazing, and my guests raved about the crepes and seafood. The dinner was amazing, we both ate the filet mignon, but our guests loved the salmon and chicken too. My vegetarian guests said that they were very accommodating. The viennese hour for dessert was exquisite, and the cake (made in house) was delicious.

  My husband and I are so pleased we chose Highlawn for our wedding in July 2016. The planning process was stress-free; Paul made it easy to make decisions, and was accommodating to our wishes.
  On the night, the food was amazing, and the service impeccable. The cocktail hour flowed and there was plenty of food, I didn't see anything run out. The peking duck rolls were amazing, and my guests raved about the crepes and seafood. The dinner was amazing, we both ate the filet mignon, but our guests loved the salmon and chicken too. My vegetarian guests said that they were very accommodating. The viennese hour for dessert was exquisite, and the cake (made in house) was delicious.
• Alaina Sent on 08/29/2016
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  We had the perfect wedding at Highlawn Pavilion! We chose to do a daytime wedding so we started with an 11:30am ceremony outside, followed by a 12:00pm cocktail hour in the ground-floor bar area with access to the outdoor patio, and a 1:00pm reception upstairs in the banquet hall. Choosing your menu is super fun because there are a ton of choices and everything was delicious. I especially loved that they had a Peking Duck station as a choice for one of the cocktail hour station, and a Raw Bar with oysters and shrimp was included!!! Very eclectic options as well as traditional favorites so there is really something for everyone.
  
  The location is beautiful (views of NYC from one of the highest points in NJ), and also convenient to get to from the city. We had many guests who came from NYC and those who didn't carpool or drive were able to take the NJ Transit train to Newark and take a 15-minute cab ride over.
  
  Paul, the Private Dining Manager, was easygoing and accommodating throughout the planning of our event. We wanted an apple cocktail to go along with our New York theme and he was able to make our "Big Apple Sangria" happen! I also had a bunch of decorations I wanted set up for the ceremony and the reception, and Paul's team did a great job accommodating this and following my detailed instructions on how everything should be set up. While this was technically not something they were required to do per the contract, they were very nice to go the extra mile on this especially since I did not have a wedding coordinator/planner.
  
  Five stars for the food, the location, the ambiance, the service, and the overall wonderful experience!

  We had the perfect wedding at Highlawn Pavilion! We chose to do a daytime wedding so we started with an 11:30am ceremony outside, followed by a 12:00pm cocktail hour in the ground-floor bar area with access to the outdoor patio, and a 1:00pm reception upstairs in the banquet hall. Choosing your menu is super fun because there are a ton of choices and everything was delicious. I especially loved that they had a Peking Duck station as a choice for one of the cocktail hour station, and a Raw Bar with oysters and shrimp was included!!! Very eclectic options as well as traditional favorites so there is really something for everyone.
  
  The location is beautiful (views of NYC from one of the highest points in NJ), and also convenient to get to from the city. We had many guests who came from NYC and those who didn't carpool or drive were able to take the NJ Transit train to Newark and take a 15-minute cab ride over.
  
  Paul, the Private Dining Manager, was easygoing and accommodating throughout the planning of our event. We wanted an apple cocktail to go along with our New York theme and he was able to make our "Big Apple Sangria" happen! I also had a bunch of decorations I wanted set up for the ceremony and the reception, and Paul's team did a great job accommodating this and following my detailed instructions on how everything should be set up. While this was technically not something they were required to do per the contract, they were very nice to go the extra mile on this especially since I did not have a wedding coordinator/planner.
  
  Five stars for the food, the location, the ambiance, the service, and the overall wonderful experience!
• Norma Sent on 06/12/2016
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  We had our wedding on May 6th, 2016 at the Highlawn Pavilion. The venue itself is gorgeous and the staff is excellent. I would like to especially recognize Paul, who helped us plan everything up until the wedding. He was very patient and flexible with our time and provided us all the information we needed and more prior to our big day. During our special day Norma took over and made sure everything was well coordinated from the start to the end. Norma made sure that the wedding party was on cue and fed us during the excitement of the reception. Our guests continue to compliment us on the excellent food and the great time they had. There was than enough room for our guests and a huge dance floor. The decor is perfect and we barely needed any extras. Not only would recommend Highlawn Pavilion to anyone seeking to get married in grand style; we are recruiting family and friends to get married there so that we can attend and enjoy the same way they enjoyed our wedding!
  Norma and Danny
  
  

  We had our wedding on May 6th, 2016 at the Highlawn Pavilion. The venue itself is gorgeous and the staff is excellent. I would like to especially recognize Paul, who helped us plan everything up until the wedding. He was very patient and flexible with our time and provided us all the information we needed and more prior to our big day. During our special day Norma took over and made sure everything was well coordinated from the start to the end. Norma made sure that the wedding party was on cue and fed us during the excitement of the reception. Our guests continue to compliment us on the excellent food and the great time they had. There was than enough room for our guests and a huge dance floor. The decor is perfect and we barely needed any extras. Not only would recommend Highlawn Pavilion to anyone seeking to get married in grand style; we are recruiting family and friends to get married there so that we can attend and enjoy the same way they enjoyed our wedding!
  Norma and Danny
  
  
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  User2321105 Sent on 09/17/2015
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  My husband and I are very happy with our venue choice - The Highlawn was excellent on all points.
  The ceremony space is beautiful, the huppah is unique and the view cant be beat. The food is exceptional - not your typical banquet hall catering. The staff is reliable and professional. Last but not least, it is an exceptional value - our wedding looked like it cost 4 times what we paid.
  
  If you want a special, intimate, classic and elegant feel to your wedding - The highlawn is an excellent pick. We couldn't be happier!

  My husband and I are very happy with our venue choice - The Highlawn was excellent on all points.
  The ceremony space is beautiful, the huppah is unique and the view cant be beat. The food is exceptional - not your typical banquet hall catering. The staff is reliable and professional. Last but not least, it is an exceptional value - our wedding looked like it cost 4 times what we paid.
  
  If you want a special, intimate, classic and elegant feel to your wedding - The highlawn is an excellent pick. We couldn't be happier!
• Erica Sent on 10/06/2015
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  We got married at the Highlawn Pavilion at the end of August 2015. It was truly a fantastic experience with this venue from top to bottom! We worked with Chris Gellings in the banquet department, who is a fun, friendly guy and was a great help to us in the whole process. He worked with us to find ways to secure our top choice venue within a budget we could afford.
  On wedding day, the entire staff of the Highlawn was extremely helpful and professional. The service was first rate, especially from Chris and Norma, the maitresse d'hotel, who ran a tight ship and kept everything going smoothly. They got everybody in order for the ceremony and made sure that happened on time. It was a gorgeous day for our outdoor ceremony, which I'd had my heart set on after seeing the garden area with its stunning view. The setup, both indoors & out, was great for our wedding w/120 guests. The presentation was impeccable, drinks were plentiful, and the food was amazing - I only wish I'd gotten to eat more of it! Norma kindly prepared a tray of food in the bridal suite for me and my bridesmaids who'd spent cocktail hour outside taking photos, but I was too busy to eat much, and only had a couple tastes before going out to be introduced. I should add that Chris made me sure my husband & I did sit down for the dinner portion and at least get to eat, and I admit that after tasting a tiny bit of the butternut squash soup that I thought I was going to skip while greeting folks, I sat right back down in my chair and wolfed it all down... it was delish!
  My only suggestion would be a larger bridal suite. They expanded recently, but it's still very small. With me, 5 bridesmaids + 2 person hair/make-up team we were suffocating, and 3 bridesmaids prepped in the bathroom, which didn't allow for good photos of all the girls getting ready together.
  Overall, I unreservedly give this venue and its staff an excellent 5 star rating!

  We got married at the Highlawn Pavilion at the end of August 2015. It was truly a fantastic experience with this venue from top to bottom! We worked with Chris Gellings in the banquet department, who is a fun, friendly guy and was a great help to us in the whole process. He worked with us to find ways to secure our top choice venue within a budget we could afford.
  On wedding day, the entire staff of the Highlawn was extremely helpful and professional. The service was first rate, especially from Chris and Norma, the maitresse d'hotel, who ran a tight ship and kept everything going smoothly. They got everybody in order for the ceremony and made sure that happened on time. It was a gorgeous day for our outdoor ceremony, which I'd had my heart set on after seeing the garden area with its stunning view. The setup, both indoors & out, was great for our wedding w/120 guests. The presentation was impeccable, drinks were plentiful, and the food was amazing - I only wish I'd gotten to eat more of it! Norma kindly prepared a tray of food in the bridal suite for me and my bridesmaids who'd spent cocktail hour outside taking photos, but I was too busy to eat much, and only had a couple tastes before going out to be introduced. I should add that Chris made me sure my husband & I did sit down for the dinner portion and at least get to eat, and I admit that after tasting a tiny bit of the butternut squash soup that I thought I was going to skip while greeting folks, I sat right back down in my chair and wolfed it all down... it was delish!
  My only suggestion would be a larger bridal suite. They expanded recently, but it's still very small. With me, 5 bridesmaids + 2 person hair/make-up team we were suffocating, and 3 bridesmaids prepped in the bathroom, which didn't allow for good photos of all the girls getting ready together.
  Overall, I unreservedly give this venue and its staff an excellent 5 star rating!
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  User1897477 Sent on 10/31/2014
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  The Highlawn Pavilion was such an amazing place for our rehearsal dinner! If not for the ceremony accommodations, we would have had our wedding there. The view was incredible and everyone loved the food and service!

  The Highlawn Pavilion was such an amazing place for our rehearsal dinner! If not for the ceremony accommodations, we would have had our wedding there. The view was incredible and everyone loved the food and service!
• Kimberly Sent on 01/28/2015
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  Our wedding at Highlawn was PERFECT! We had so much fun and didn't worry about one thing! The food was so good--we both got filet mignon and heard great things about all our other options from others. We chose a chicken dish and a fish dish as well. The cake looked beautiful and tasted just as good as it looked (red velvet!). We had a beautiful day, and the view was just unbelievable. The moon that night was incredible--it had this red glow to it. We really got so many compliments on the food and the venue. Paul was incredible to work with. He helped us plan our day and was so attentive to me both for the time leading up to the wedding, as well as on the actual day. We really appreciated our personal maitre d' who was also so attentive and made sure both my husband and I ate a little bit of everything. The cocktail hour was better than anything I've ever been to!
  
  The ballroom is perfect for an average size wedding. We ended up with 141 guests (138 adults) and we had plenty of room for everyone. Highlawn is beautiful--it looks like an Italian villa and is decorated as such. There are tons of windows looking out at the NYC skyline. It is a lovely, intimate, perfect venue located on an expanse of land on the Eagle Rock Reservation.
  
  It was truly a perfect day.
  

  Our wedding at Highlawn was PERFECT! We had so much fun and didn't worry about one thing! The food was so good--we both got filet mignon and heard great things about all our other options from others. We chose a chicken dish and a fish dish as well. The cake looked beautiful and tasted just as good as it looked (red velvet!). We had a beautiful day, and the view was just unbelievable. The moon that night was incredible--it had this red glow to it. We really got so many compliments on the food and the venue. Paul was incredible to work with. He helped us plan our day and was so attentive to me both for the time leading up to the wedding, as well as on the actual day. We really appreciated our personal maitre d' who was also so attentive and made sure both my husband and I ate a little bit of everything. The cocktail hour was better than anything I've ever been to!
  
  The ballroom is perfect for an average size wedding. We ended up with 141 guests (138 adults) and we had plenty of room for everyone. Highlawn is beautiful--it looks like an Italian villa and is decorated as such. There are tons of windows looking out at the NYC skyline. It is a lovely, intimate, perfect venue located on an expanse of land on the Eagle Rock Reservation.
  
  It was truly a perfect day.
  
• Amanda Sent on 02/23/2014
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  Incredible everything. My friends cannot stop raving. Service, food, value, view and everything else - just a delight and my daughter cannot stop talking about the dreams of her Sweet 16 coming true. Chris, Paul and the whole staff were just amazing. Thanks.

  Incredible everything. My friends cannot stop raving. Service, food, value, view and everything else - just a delight and my daughter cannot stop talking about the dreams of her Sweet 16 coming true. Chris, Paul and the whole staff were just amazing. Thanks.
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  User1417951 Sent on 11/03/2013
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  My husband and I cannot say enough how obsessed we are with our wedding! We are so grateful to have chosen the Highlawn. Paul Keenan was so easy to work with. Our guests couldn't rave enough about the food. The room looked breathtaking and thankfully the sky was clear so all of our guests had a view! Omg love this place!!!

  My husband and I cannot say enough how obsessed we are with our wedding! We are so grateful to have chosen the Highlawn. Paul Keenan was so easy to work with. Our guests couldn't rave enough about the food. The room looked breathtaking and thankfully the sky was clear so all of our guests had a view! Omg love this place!!!
• Stephanie Sent on 08/31/2013
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  This was a great place for a wedding. The view was amazing and staff very accommodating. The food was delicious. .

  This was a great place for a wedding. The view was amazing and staff very accommodating. The food was delicious. .
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  User1136961 Sent on 04/17/2013
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  Hats off to all staff at the Highlawn for making our wedding the best day of our lives. Paul Keenan (Banquet Manager) did anything that we asked and took care of our requests beyond expectations. Norma who ran the party was a true professional. The food at the Highlawn is second to none as is the bar. The scenery is the best around and I can't say enough great things about the place.

  Hats off to all staff at the Highlawn for making our wedding the best day of our lives. Paul Keenan (Banquet Manager) did anything that we asked and took care of our requests beyond expectations. Norma who ran the party was a true professional. The food at the Highlawn is second to none as is the bar. The scenery is the best around and I can't say enough great things about the place.
• Lidiya Sent on 08/11/2014
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  I reserved the private room upstairs for my mother's 65th birthday party! The food was very tasty with lots of options (including birthday care), great service and amazing view of NYC. That weekend NJ received a significant amount of snow (20+ inches). The restaurant was very accommodating, and did not cancel our party. Thank you for being so flexible!

  I reserved the private room upstairs for my mother's 65th birthday party! The food was very tasty with lots of options (including birthday care), great service and amazing view of NYC. That weekend NJ received a significant amount of snow (20+ inches). The restaurant was very accommodating, and did not cancel our party. Thank you for being so flexible!
• Stefi Sent on 10/29/2012
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  The day we met with Paul and saw the Highlawn Pavilion venue, we knew we would have our wedding here! The ambiance cannot be compared to anything else! It's the perfect size for a wedding of about 150 people. Paul was amazing because he was always cool, calm and collective. He made every decision easy and with no fuss! Norma was a doll the night of the wedding! I think she can read minds because everything was taken care of for us so we could effortlessly enjoy our night!! Our guests raved about the delicious food which was another big reason we went with Highlawn! We can't wait to have our anniversary dinner there!!

  The day we met with Paul and saw the Highlawn Pavilion venue, we knew we would have our wedding here! The ambiance cannot be compared to anything else! It's the perfect size for a wedding of about 150 people. Paul was amazing because he was always cool, calm and collective. He made every decision easy and with no fuss! Norma was a doll the night of the wedding! I think she can read minds because everything was taken care of for us so we could effortlessly enjoy our night!! Our guests raved about the delicious food which was another big reason we went with Highlawn! We can't wait to have our anniversary dinner there!!
• Jeana Sent on 09/24/2012
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  NYC/Central NJ: One of THE places to consider!!! I have worked at some of the best wedding locations in the world and Highlawn Pavilion is a gem! My wedding and reception was a dream come true due largely to Highlawn Pavilion. Paul K. and his team are as saavy and experienced as they are kind and polite. The majority of my guests were from Manhattan/NYC area; and they were all impressed by the billion dollar view of Manhattan, Newark and Jersey City (it's the highest point in NJ), the fine cuisine, the garden and building classic Italian villa styling and the nice and accommodating staff!!! We had over 150 people and not one of them felt unattended or left without feeling like a VIP. Paul K. is a gentleman and his experience provided great assurance in planning the cocktail hour menu to the dinner menu to small details in wedding decor. His working relationships with area DJs, photographers/videographers helped me communicating with them on working together as a team. Thank you to the Highlawn Pavilion family!

  NYC/Central NJ: One of THE places to consider!!! I have worked at some of the best wedding locations in the world and Highlawn Pavilion is a gem! My wedding and reception was a dream come true due largely to Highlawn Pavilion. Paul K. and his team are as saavy and experienced as they are kind and polite. The majority of my guests were from Manhattan/NYC area; and they were all impressed by the billion dollar view of Manhattan, Newark and Jersey City (it's the highest point in NJ), the fine cuisine, the garden and building classic Italian villa styling and the nice and accommodating staff!!! We had over 150 people and not one of them felt unattended or left without feeling like a VIP. Paul K. is a gentleman and his experience provided great assurance in planning the cocktail hour menu to the dinner menu to small details in wedding decor. His working relationships with area DJs, photographers/videographers helped me communicating with them on working together as a team. Thank you to the Highlawn Pavilion family!

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