Dara and Brian had a perfect Mallard Island Yacht Club wedding in the summer down at Long Beach Island, NJ. Technically it’s Manahawkin, but it’s close enough. The weather was incredible, the bridal party was down to have a great time, and hair and makeup ran right on time.
About Mallard Island Yacht Club
Mallard Island Yacht Club sits on its own private island in Manahawkin Bay just west of the Long Beach Island causeway. The property was built specifically for weddings, so almost every square foot has been designed to photograph well: a small private chapel for ceremonies, a covered pier and gazebo for cocktail hour, a marble-floored ballroom with floor-to-ceiling bay windows, and a separate dockside groom’s shack with cornhole and a full bar. The bridal suite is one of the more extravagant ones on the Jersey Shore, with high ceilings, marble baths, and bay views straight out the window. Capacity tops out around 250 for a seated reception, and the bay sunsets through the chapel are the reason you book this place.
Ceremony & Reception: Mallard Island Yacht Club
Dress: Priscilla of Boston
Florist: Janae Santana
DJ/Band: Jon Bates Bands
Mallard Island Groom Shack
Brian and his groomsmen were hanging out in the groom’s shack, which is not in the main building but sits close to the pier out back. They did an excellent job with all the nautical details. I try to keep the vibe laid back during prep, so I gave the guys a little direction and had them play cornhole and have fun.
Mallard Island Yacht Club Bridal Suite
So you know, the owners of Mallard Island are not messing around. The bridal suite is one of the most opulent and extravagant suites I have seen in my 500-plus weddings photographed. The views, the marble, the high ceiling, and the decor: no expense was spared when building this stunner. If you are a bride getting ready there, I guarantee you will feel fantastic from the surroundings alone.
Mallard Island Yacht Club Wedding Portraits
Dara and Brian had a private first look together down by the chapel. No one else was around, just the couple. We then had a great time hitting all the beautiful shooting locations on the grounds. There is no reason to leave the venue to photograph here. The small beach, the pier, the garden area in front of the pier, the chapel, and underneath the building are just a few of the spots we used.
Mallard Island Wedding Ceremony
In the summer the chapel has its side doors and covers up so that you can get the beautiful ocean breeze keeping you and your guests comfortable. The light is stunning in the chapel and you rarely need to use a flash, as there is such an abundance of natural light immersing everyone.
Mallard Island Wedding Reception
The reception is stunning at Mallard Island. The dance floor is semi-open at night, and the black marble floors are incredible. The grounds are also magnificent to photograph the couple at night, and if the groomsmen have cigars, light them up. I had a fantastic day with Dara and Brian and wish them the best.
View Dara and Brian’s full wedding album.
Considering Mallard Island Yacht Club for Your Wedding?
Mallard Island is one of my top picks when couples want a Jersey Shore wedding on the bay without renting a tent or hauling everything to the beach. For more nearby options, see my 7 Best Jersey Shore Wedding Venues guide.