elopements/microweddings →
weddings →
theatre →
portraits →
for photographers →
personal →
news →
helpful articles →
engagement →

explore by category

I capture the unspoken — the glances, the silences — drawing from New York's pulse and the richness of global cultures. Every wedding is its own intricate narrative. Rooted in theatre and life's everyday rhythms, I document moments both transient and timeless. 

Hey, I'm susan!

Crystal Plaza Wedding Photos

Crystal Plaza in Livingston, New Jersey is a historic mansion designed by Stanford White, the architect responsible for the original Madison Square Garden and the arch at Washington Square Park. Built in the late 1800s, owned and operated by the Janoff family for over 100 years, and now one of the premier wedding venues in northern New Jersey. Over 30 crystal chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom. Five acres of manicured gardens. One event at a time.

A bride and groom standing close together near ornate columns at a Crystal Plaza wedding, bathed in golden sunset light.

About the Venue

Located at 305 West Northfield Road in Livingston, New Jersey, Crystal Plaza was originally constructed as a private residence by Stanford White. The Janoff family has owned and operated it for four generations, currently led by Max Janoff alongside his father, aunt, and brother. The venue hosts one event at a time, ensuring the full staff and the team’s attention are dedicated to your wedding day. Kosher and glatt-kosher catering is available through dedicated on-site kitchens.

A monochrome image of a man in a tuxedo smiling and touching his chin, standing outdoors at Crystal Plaza with trees in the background.

The Event Spaces

The Grand Ballroom is the heart of the venue: 5,000 square feet, over 30 crystal chandeliers (the source of the venue’s name), a gold-detailed ceiling, ornate columns, a round marble dance floor, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden, and a Juliet balcony overlooking the room. Accommodates up to 350 guests.

The Atrium is a contemporary multi-purpose space with white and silver Italian hardwood flooring, an unobstructed 50-foot skylight, and crystal chandeliers. Used for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and after-parties.

The Gardens cover five acres of manicured grounds with a gazebo, Italian-imported street lamps, and seasonal blooms. The primary outdoor ceremony space is one of the most photographed areas of the property.

The Penthouse is a 3,000-square-foot getting-ready suite on the second level with a salon area, manicure stations, makeup chairs, a lounge, a full bar, and wardrobes. One of the most luxurious getting-ready spaces of any New Jersey wedding venue.

The Vault is a sub-level space for pre-event activities and private functions with a golf simulator, barbershop, punching bag, pool table, wine cellar, and cigar ventilation. A genuinely unusual amenity.

A bride in a white dress and veil looks to the side, standing in a wooded area with soft, natural light filtering through the trees during her Crystal Plaza wedding.

Photography at Crystal Plaza

The Grand Staircase for couples and wedding party portraits. The Grand Ballroom under the chandeliers for formal portraits and reception coverage. The Atrium under the 50-foot skylight for ceremony coverage with extraordinary natural light. The gardens and gazebo for outdoor ceremony and portrait sessions. The fountain area in front of the mansion for classic exterior portraits. The Penthouse for getting-ready coverage with beautiful natural light.

One reviewer noted that it was raining on their wedding day, and the indoor portrait options were so strong that they almost did not mind. That is a good sign.

Elegant multi-tiered wedding cake adorned with white flowers, displayed at Crystal Plaza in a dimly lit room with glowing candles in the foreground.

Frequently Asked Questions: Crystal Plaza Weddings

Where is Crystal Plaza located?

305 West Northfield Road in Livingston, New Jersey, in Essex County. Approximately 25 miles from Manhattan.

A bride and groom embracing tenderly at a Crystal Plaza wedding among blooming pink flowers, with the bride's veil trailing and detailed dress visible.

What is Crystal Plaza?

A historic mansion designed by Stanford White, built in the late 1800s, and owned by the Janoff family for over 100 years. One of the premier wedding venues in northern New Jersey, with a Grand Ballroom with over 30 crystal chandeliers, five acres of manicured gardens, a 50-foot skylight Atrium, a 3,000 square foot Penthouse getting-ready suite, and one-event-at-a-time exclusivity.

Who designed Crystal Plaza?

Stanford White, the architect responsible for the original Madison Square Garden, the arch at Washington Square Park in Manhattan, and the Tiffany building on Fifth Avenue. The building dates to the late 1800s and has been maintained and restored by the Janoff family ever since.

A newlywed couple shares a romantic dance at their Crystal Plaza wedding, surrounded by guests holding sparklers during a nighttime outdoor celebration.

What makes Crystal Plaza distinctive as a wedding venue?

The Stanford White architecture. The four-generation family ownership. The one-event-at-a-time policy. The Penthouse suite as a getting-ready space. The combination of the Grand Ballroom with 30-plus crystal chandeliers and the five-acre garden for outdoor ceremonies. Few New Jersey venues offer this level of indoor photographic richness alongside equally strong outdoor spaces.

A bride joyfully dancing in a ballroom at a Crystal Plaza wedding, surrounded by applauding guests at the reception.

Does Crystal Plaza offer kosher catering?

Yes. Crystal Plaza has dedicated on-site kitchens for standard, kosher, and glatt kosher catering. This is relatively unusual among New Jersey wedding venues and makes it a top choice for couples who require kosher service.

How many guests can Crystal Plaza accommodate?

The Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 350 guests for dinner and dancing. The gardens can host up to 350 guests for outdoor events.

Do you photograph weddings at Crystal Plaza?

Yes. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it!

A joyful bride running with sparklers at a Crystal Plaza wedding, surrounded by cheering guests at night.

join now

Join the Susan Stripling inner circle for exclusive insights into the art of photography & firsthand updates.

meet susan →

Get to know the artist who captures NYC's essence. Discover Susan's journey, her inspirations, and the passion that drives her every click. 

behind the camera

connect with susan →

Have a moment or a vision you want captured forever? Reach out and let's discuss how we can bring your photographic dreams to life. 

let's create together

explore galleries →

Delve into a world where every frame tells a story, where dramatic elegance meets timeless beauty. Discover the story of multiple events through Susan's lens. 

artistry beyond the ordinary

where will your journey bring you next?