Watermark is an Asbury Park wedding venue hovering above the boardwalk, beach, and Atlantic Ocean. It’s a 5,000-square-foot indoor space and 3,000-square-foot open-air deck that has been redefining what a Jersey Shore wedding looks like since 2008. No formal seated dinner. No buffet line. Just the never-ending cocktail party with delicious passed appetizers, gourmet mini meals, a sushi chef rolling to order, and a full open bar featuring handcrafted specialty cocktails. If you've been looking at wedding venues and thinking none of them feel quite right — this one might.
The Never-Ending Cocktail Party — What That Actually Means
Watermark's approach to weddings is deconstructed by design. Food is passed continuously rather than served at a table. Guests mingle, eat, drink, and dance without the formal structure of a traditional reception. The result is a wedding that feels like the best party you've ever thrown because it is.
Farm Table during the first two hours — charcuterie, jumbo shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, antipasto, seasonal fruit — all continuously replenished
Passed hors d'oeuvres — choose from seared lamb chops, mini lobster rolls, bacon-wrapped scallops, filet mignon bites, and more
Mini Meals in hour three — choose three gourmet entrées served in small bowls including filet mignon, seared sea scallops, and pan-seared halibut
Sushi Chef Station — rolling fresh hand-crafted sushi and sashimi to order on premises
Full open bar for the first 3.5 hours — premium spirits, fresh-squeezed juices, scratch-made mixes, and Watermark's signature wedding cocktail menu
Coffee bar included — self-serve with to-go cups for the end of the evening
Client provides dessert — Watermark sets up and breaks down the dessert bar
The Setting — Day, Sunset, or Night
Three distinct rooms. Two completely different atmospheres depending on when you start.
Daytime receptions capture the full drama of Watermark's ocean views: sophisticated, sun-drenched, beach chic. Evening receptions shift into candlelit nightclub territory with higher energy, DJ-forward. Sunday weddings can do both starting in daylight, incorporating sunset, crossing into evening. The soft seating throughout like leather loveseats by the fireplace, deep sectional couches framing ocean views, large banquettes wrapping the main room. It gives the space a warmth that most venues with this kind of view don't bother with.
5,000 square feet of interior space — three distinct rooms
3,000 square feet of open-air exterior deck above the boardwalk and beach
Leather loveseats flanking a cozy fireplace, large banquettes, deep sectional couches with ocean views
DJ fully supported — plug and play sound system throughout
Live bands considered on a case-by-case basis
Elevator for guests, caterers, and deliveries
Availability and Timing
Watermark hosts weddings from late September through early June. No weekend bookings mid-June through mid-September due to summer beach traffic. Saturday receptions must be completed by 5pm — no Saturday evening weddings. Sunday and Friday receptions have no timing restrictions. Four-hour receptions with one-hour extensions available on Sundays and Fridays.
Weddings hosted: late September through early June
Saturday afternoon receptions — must complete by 5pm
Sunday receptions — no timing restrictions, can run daylight through evening
Friday evening weddings — November through March only, 125-guest minimum
Weekday receptions considered year-round
75 to 225 guests — micro weddings of 40 to 60 considered on a case-by-case basis
Pricing
Full-service (venue, bar, and three-course food service): $175 per person
Sushi Chef & Station: $20 per person additional (required for groups over 150)
Outside catering (venue and bar only): $18,000 for up to 150 guests, $75 per person above 150
Ceremony hour: $1,500 flat fee
One-hour extension (Sunday/Friday only): $1,000 flat fee
Day-of coordinator/Maître D': $350
20% gratuity and NJ State Tax applied to food and bar bill
Watermark is one of the most distinctive wedding venues on the Jersey Shore. Contact us today for more information.
