When Nathan and Goldie chose Riverview Ballroom wedding photographer Alex Kaplan to document their Orthodox Jewish celebration on August 14th, 2025, they knew they wanted someone who understood both the cultural traditions and how to capture those dramatic NYC skyline views that make this Cliffside Park venue unforgettable.

Why Riverview Ballroom Works for Orthodox Jewish Weddings

Some wedding venues just get it. Riverview Ballroom in Cliffside Park sits perched above the Hudson River with those sweeping Manhattan skyline views that make you actually stop mid-conversation and stare.

The layout naturally separates spaces for the bride and groom before the ceremony, which is essential for Orthodox celebrations. That rooftop terrace handles both the outdoor ceremony setup and those golden hour couple portraits right after vows. Nathan and Goldie’s families moved seamlessly between the ketubah signing, the outdoor ceremony against that Manhattan backdrop, and the elegant indoor reception space.

The venue’s white and gold aesthetic creates this clean canvas that lets traditional elements shine. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the ballroom with natural light during cocktail hour. Those crystal chandeliers add sparkle without competing with what really matters—the people and their joy.

The Rooftop Ceremony at This Cliffside Park Wedding Venue

The rooftop ceremony space is what sets Riverview Ballroom apart from other Bergen County wedding venues. White chuppah covered in orchids and roses, that hazy evening light hitting the Hudson River just right, Manhattan rising up in the distance—it’s the kind of backdrop that needs no filter.

Goldie walked down that aisle with her parents, and the collective gasp from guests wasn’t just about her stunning gown. That view hits different when you’re actually standing there. As a Riverview Ballroom wedding photographer, I’ve learned that this rooftop space photographs beautifully in every season, but there’s something magical about an August evening when the light goes soft and golden.

Nathan stood under that chuppah watching Goldie approach, and you could see it written all over his face—this was the moment. The ceremony honored every tradition while making space for those spontaneous emotional beats that you just can’t script.

The bedeken ceremony, where Nathan veiled Goldie, carried that weight of tradition that makes Orthodox Jewish weddings so meaningful to photograph. These aren’t just rituals—they’re moments connecting generations.

Golden Hour Photography at Riverview Ballroom

Right after the ceremony, we had maybe 20 minutes before the sun dipped below the horizon. This is when Riverview Ballroom really shows off as a wedding venue. That garden area and gazebo give you multiple backdrops without the couple missing much of cocktail hour.

Nathan and Goldie wanted authentic moments, not stiff poses. So we just let them be newlyweds while I captured the way they actually looked at each other. When couples relax and forget about the camera, that’s when the real magic happens.

The transition from daylight to city lights is pure magic at this venue. You get both in one evening if you time it right—golden hour glow and then those twinkling Manhattan lights as blue hour settles in.

The Reception Space and Orthodox Jewish Traditions

The ballroom transformation was seamless. Those towering white orchid arrangements, gold chiavari chairs, and crystal chandeliers created this elegant atmosphere that felt both grand and intimate at once.

The separate dancing spaces worked perfectly for the Orthodox tradition of mechitzah, and the energy in both rooms was absolutely electric. This is where having a Riverview Ballroom wedding photographer who understands Orthodox celebrations really matters—you need someone who knows where to be and when, who respects the traditions while capturing the spontaneous joy.

Capturing the Hora Dancing and Celebration

This is where Orthodox Jewish weddings really come alive. The hora dancing at Nathan and Goldie’s reception wasn’t just tradition—it was pure, unfiltered joy. Watching everyone from the youngest kids to the eldest family members join those circles, the energy building with every rotation, that’s what makes these celebrations so special to photograph.

The chair lifts, the circle dances, those emotional moments between parents and their children—this is where decades of experience photographing Orthodox Jewish weddings makes all the difference. You have to anticipate the moments, understand the flow, and move with the energy of the room.

Wedding Details That Tell the Story

The couple’s attention to detail showed everywhere. That gorgeous three-tier cake with delicate blue and yellow sugar flowers, the thoughtful table settings with gold-rimmed chargers, the towering floral centerpieces—every element worked together.

But what really made this Riverview Ballroom wedding special wasn’t just the aesthetics. It was how Nathan and Goldie made sure every guest felt included, how they honored their families’ traditions while celebrating their own love story, how they chose a venue that could handle all the moving parts of an Orthodox Jewish wedding without missing a beat.

Those colorful scarves and veils during the dancing traditions, the way different generations came together on the dance floor—these are the moments that make Orthodox Jewish weddings so rich with meaning and celebration.

Why Choose Riverview Ballroom for Your Wedding

As a Northern New Jersey wedding photographer with over 30 years of experience shooting everywhere from Manhattan to Bergen County, I can tell you that Riverview Ballroom hits that sweet spot.

You get the dramatic skyline views that usually require a Manhattan venue budget. You get the flexibility to honor Orthodox Jewish traditions properly with spaces that actually work for separated dancing and traditional ceremonies. You get a team that understands how these weddings flow, from the ketubah signing through the last hora dance.

The rooftop ceremony space, the elegant ballroom, those golden hour photo opportunities with the gazebo and gardens—it all just works. Nathan and Goldie’s wedding showed exactly why this Cliffside Park venue has become such a go-to for couples who want both stunning visuals and cultural authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Riverview Ballroom Weddings

Is Riverview Ballroom good for Orthodox Jewish weddings?

Yes. Riverview Ballroom is one of the best venues in Bergen County for Orthodox Jewish weddings. The layout naturally provides separate spaces for the bride and groom before the ceremony, accommodates mechitzah for separated dancing, and the staff understands the flow of Orthodox celebrations including ketubah signings and traditional hora dancing.

Does Riverview Ballroom have outdoor ceremony space?

Absolutely. The rooftop terrace at Riverview Ballroom offers stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, making it one of the most dramatic outdoor ceremony locations in Northern New Jersey. The space works beautifully for chuppah setups and can accommodate large wedding parties while still feeling intimate.

How much does a Riverview Ballroom wedding cost?

Pricing varies based on your date, guest count, and package selections. Contact Riverview Ballroom directly at (201) 224-2211 for current pricing. The venue typically accommodates weddings of various sizes and offers different packages to fit different budgets.

What makes Riverview Ballroom special for wedding photography?

The venue offers multiple photo locations within steps of each other—rooftop terrace with NYC skyline views, elegant white ballroom, garden areas, and a gazebo. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide beautiful natural light, and the transition from golden hour to blue hour with illuminated city lights creates stunning backdrop options throughout the evening.

Can you see the NYC skyline from Riverview Ballroom?

Yes. Riverview Ballroom sits elevated above the Hudson River in Cliffside Park, offering unobstructed panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. You can see the skyline from both the outdoor rooftop terrace and through the ballroom’s large windows, making it feel like you’re getting a Manhattan wedding without the Manhattan price tag.

How far is Riverview Ballroom from NYC?

Riverview Ballroom is located in Cliffside Park, NJ, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It’s approximately 10-15 minutes from the George Washington Bridge, making it easily accessible for guests coming from New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and throughout Northern New Jersey.

Venue & Vendor Credits

Venue: Riverview Ballroom | 700 Palisadium Dr, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010 | (201) 224-2211

Photography: Alex Kaplan Photography | Northern NJ & NYC Metro Wedding Photographer

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Looking for a Riverview Ballroom wedding photographer who understands Orthodox Jewish traditions and knows exactly how to make the most of those incredible NYC skyline views? Let’s talk about your celebration.

The NYC skyline provides the backdrop, but it’s the people, the traditions, and those spontaneous moments of joy that make the real magic. That’s what I’m here to capture as a Riverview Ballroom wedding photographer—not just pretty pictures, but the actual story of your day, the energy of your celebration, the moments you’ll want to relive for decades.

Alex Kaplan
📞 917-992-9097
📧 alex@alexkaplanweddings.com
🌐 https://alexkaplanweddings.com