Behind the Scenes with the Gerish Family at a North Jersey Farm Venue

Behind the Scenes with the Gerish Family at a North Jersey Farm Venue

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When you book a wedding at Born to Run Farm, you're not just renting a space. You're joining a story that started in 1978 when Jay and Joan Gerish fell in love with a mountain top in Glen Gardner and decided to make it theirs.

We're still here, still family owned, and we'd like to share what happens behind the scenes at our farm. Not the polished Instagram version, but the real work and heart that goes into turning a functioning cattle farm into your wedding day backdrop.

How a Working Farm Becomes Your Wedding Venue

Most couples book a venue and show up on their wedding day without thinking much about what happens in between. We think differently. The months between your deposit and your ceremony involve real decisions, real work, and a family that's been doing this since long before weddings were part of the picture. Here's what actually happens behind the scenes when you choose Born to Run Farm.

The Land Jay and Joan Chose

Jay and Joan purchased this property on Point Mountain as a family getaway and horse training space. They wanted the views. They got mountain top scenery that still stops people mid sentence when they arrive for the first time.

In 2016, we opened the farm to weddings. Since then, we've hosted couples who wanted something different from a ballroom. You'll see why when you visit. The elevation, the open air, and the fact that you can watch our animals grazing while your guests arrive change the feeling of a celebration.

It's Still a Real Farm

We run about 30 cows, a dozen sheep, two donkeys, and a crew of chickens and barnyard animals. None of them leaves for the market. They live their full lives here, and yes, your guests will probably meet a few during cocktail hour.

That's intentional. We're not a farm themed venue. We're an actual farm that hosts events, and the animals are part of what makes this place feel grounded and real.

What We Do Before You Arrive

When you book with us, the Gerish family starts planning your day months. We walk the property with you. We talk through ceremony placement, where the tents go, and how your guests will move from one space to another without feeling crowded or confused.

Our staff supports you from booking to the final dance. You'll have golf cart service, parking coordination, and someone who knows every corner of this farm available throughout your event. We handle setup, so you can focus on getting ready and enjoying the people you invited.

Guidance, Not a Template

We don't hand you a wedding blueprint and tell you to follow it. Every couple gets a different setup because every couple has different priorities. Some want intimate ceremonies under our arbor with 50 people. Others bring 200 guests and need the full Dorothy package with the bridal suite, outdoor lounge furniture, and both tents running.

We customize based on what matters to you. That's what we mean when we say personalized. We ask questions, we listen, and then we configure the farm to match your vision.

What's Included in Your Booking

All of our wedding packages come with the essentials. You get a ceremony site set up with an arbor, chairs, and benches. Cocktail hour has wine barrel bars ready to go. Reception includes a bar, dance floor, and as many as 240 white resin folding chairs, depending on your guest count.

We provide table numbers, umbrellas, staff support, and a fire pit for when the sun sets and your guests want to gather outside. If you're hosting more than 75 people, we bring in a bathroom trailer sized to your headcount. Parking is on site, and our golf carts help anyone who needs assistance getting around the property.

Our three main packages, The Daisy, The Elouise, and The Dorothy, build on each other. The Daisy gives you two tents, round tables, a 28 by 18 foot dance floor, and full ceremony and reception setups. The Elouise adds 20 farm tables and our vintage horse trailer bar. Dorothy includes everything, plus five hours in the bridal suite before your ceremony, outdoor lounge furniture, and an engagement photo session here on the farm.

You can also add options like a champagne wall or extra lounge pieces if your event calls for it.

Working with Your Vendors

We keep a list of preferred vendors, caterers, photographers, florists, entertainment, and transportation, because we know who does great work in this setting. But we built this venue for flexibility. You bring the people you trust, and we make sure they have what they need to deliver.

Our team coordinates with your vendors on setup and timing. We've worked with enough planners and caterers to know how to keep things moving without making anyone feel rushed.

When Your Day Arrives

On your wedding day, you'll have access to the property for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Our staff is on site managing logistics, the tents, the flow, the little things that can derail a timeline if no one is paying attention.

You get to be present. That's our goal. You shouldn't be worrying about whether chairs are in the right spot or if the bar is stocked. We handle that, so you can focus on the people in front of you.

Why We Still Do This

The Gerish family could have kept this as a private retreat. We chose to open it to couples because weddings done well, in a space that feels authentic, create something bigger than one day. Your guests leave talking about the light, the animals, the way the farm felt alive during your celebration.

That's the part we care about. Not just hosting an event, but giving you a place that becomes part of your story. One that started with Jay and Joan on a mountain top in 1978, and now includes every couple who's said their vows here since 2016.

If you'd like to see the property in person, contact us at 973-349-0129 or email Joseph@borntorunfarm.com. A reservation is necessary to visit, but we'll walk you through the farm and talk through what your day could look like here in Glen Gardner.

FAQS

Do we need a reservation to visit Born to Run Farm?

Yes, a reservation is necessary to view the property. You can call us at 973-349-0129 or email Joseph@borntorunfarm.com to schedule a tour. We'll walk the property with you and discuss your vision for your event.

What's included in your wedding packages?

All packages include ceremony site setup with arbor, chairs, and benches, cocktail hour wine barrel bars, reception bar, dance floor, tables, up to 240 chairs, staff support, golf cart services, parking, fire pit, table numbers, umbrellas, and a bathroom trailer for guest counts over 75. Our three packages, The Daisy, The Elouise, and The Dorothy, each add more features like farm tables, vintage horse trailer bar, bridal suite access, lounge furniture, and engagement photos.

Can we use our own vendors?

We have preferred vendors we recommend because we know they do excellent work at farm venues. However, we built this space for flexibility, so you can bring the vendors you trust. Our team will coordinate with them to ensure smooth setup and execution.

What makes Born to Run Farm different from other North Jersey wedding venues?

We're a real working farm, not a farm themed space. The Gerish family has owned this land since 1978, and we still run about 30 cows, a dozen sheep, two donkeys, and barnyard animals. None leave for the market. Your celebration happens on an active farm with mountain top views, and every wedding is personalized to the couple rather than following a standard template.