Princeton University Wedding

There’s something undeniably special about celebrating your wedding at a place steeped in history, prestige, and timeless beauty.  Princeton University, one of the oldest and most esteemed institutions in the United States, is a wedding venue offering all these qualities and more.  A Princeton University wedding is memorable and unique, from its stunning architecture to its hallowed halls. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll delve into the many facets of weddings at Princeton University, including locations for getting ready, ceremonies, and receptions.

Of course, I’ll explore picture-perfect photo locations on and off campus to ensure your wedding album is an actual work of art. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this journey through the incredibly gorgeous world of Princeton University weddings.

A Princeton Wedding Experience

Getting Ready for the Wedding

When preparing for your wedding at Princeton University, there are charming and elegant options for you and your families/wedding parties. Many couples get ready at the Nassau Inn, a historic hotel just a short walk from the university’s main entrance. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and beautifully appointed suites, the Nassau Inn is a wonderful place (you can also get married here, too!).

Ceremony Locations

Princeton University offers a variety of unique settings for your wedding ceremony. The Princeton University Chapel’s soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for a grand (yet intimate) ceremony. It’s an extraordinary location with a breathtakingly long aisle!

For couples seeking a more natural setting, the Prospect House and Garden, once the residence of Princeton’s university presidents, is a serene and picturesque location ideal for an outdoor ceremony.

Reception Venues

Once the ceremony ends, it’s time to celebrate with friends and family at one of Princeton’s elegant reception venues. The Nassau Inn’s Prince William Ballroom, with its rich wood paneling and crystal chandeliers, is a classic choice for a reception that exudes timeless elegance. The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment’s spacious atrium, with its soaring glass walls and lush greenery, is a stunning and eco-friendly option for a more intimate and modern setting.

Fun facts about Princeton University

As one of the most prestigious and historic universities in the United States, Princeton has made its mark in academia and popular culture. Here are some interesting tidbits and pop culture references about Princeton University:

• Princeton University has served as a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows, including “A Beautiful Mind,” “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” and “House, M.D.”
• Princeton University alumni include U.S. Presidents James Madison and Woodrow Wilson, First Lady Michelle Obama, actors Jimmy Stewart and David Duchovny, and author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• The campus is home to one of the largest public art collections in the United States. It features works by renowned artists like Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Pablo Picasso.
• The Princeton University Art Museum, located on campus, houses an impressive collection of over 100,000 works of art, including pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Warhol.

Picture-Perfect Locations at Princeton University

1. The Princeton University Chapel: The Princeton University Chapel, with its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained-glass windows, provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop for timeless and elegant wedding photos. It’s a great spot for your ceremony and an ideal location for photos. Nooks and crannies of gorgeous light are inside the chapel, and beautiful green spaces are outside.
2. Prospect House and Garden: Prospect House and Garden offers many picturesque spots for wedding photos in a more romantic and natural setting. The lush greenery, vibrant flower beds, and charming pathways are private and quiet.
3. Nassau Hall: As the oldest building on campus, Nassau Hall exudes history and grandeur that translates beautifully into wedding photos. The stately columns, ivy-covered walls, and imposing facade create a dignified and elegant setting for my photography style.
4. Cannon Green: Located in the heart of campus, Cannon Green is a picturesque open space surrounded by historic buildings and lush greenery. The iconic “Big Cannon” and “Little Cannon” monuments and the picturesque stone walkways provide unique and charming photo opportunities that are iconic to Princeton’s precise essence.
5. The FitzRandolph Gate: The FitzRandolph Gate, the main entrance to Princeton University, is a stunning wrought-iron structure that serves as a symbolic gateway to academia. Its intricate design and imposing presence create a striking and memorable backdrop for your wedding photos.

Nearby Locations for Additional Photo Opportunities:

• Palmer Square (Nassau St & Palmer Square W, Princeton, NJ 08542). Just steps away from Princeton University, Palmer Square is a charming shopping and dining destination featuring beautiful architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. Its European-inspired charm and picturesque storefronts make it an ideal location for romantic and whimsical wedding photos.
• The Princeton Battle Monument (500 Mercer St, Princeton, NJ 08540). Located near the university, the Princeton Battle Monument commemorates the pivotal Battle of Princeton during the American Revolutionary War. The impressive monument, surrounded by a lovely park, provides a historical setting for your wedding photos.
• Institute for Advanced Study (1 Einstein Dr, Princeton, NJ 08540). The Institute for Advanced Study, situated close to Princeton University, is a prestigious research institution that has hosted many notable scholars, including Albert Einstein himself. The serene, tree-lined grounds and elegant buildings create a sophisticated and intellectual backdrop for your wedding photos.
• Marquand Park (68 Lovers Ln, Princeton, NJ 08540). A short drive from the university, Marquand Park is a picturesque and tranquil oasis. It features lush gardens, walking paths, and a beautiful collection of trees and plants. 

In conclusion…

Princeton University is a wedding venue offers a unique blend of history, elegance, and romance, making it an unforgettable setting for your wedding day.

From the awe-inspiring Princeton University Chapel to the serene Prospect House and Garden, the campus provides a variety of stunning locations for both ceremonies and receptions.

With many picture-perfect photo spots on and off campus, your wedding album will be a testament to your love and happiness.

As you embark on your journey as a married couple, you can take comfort in knowing that the memories you create at Princeton University will be as enduring and timeless as the hallowed halls.