Looking for a James Ward Mansion wedding photographer in Westfield, NJ? I’m Alex Kaplan, and I’ve been photographing weddings at the James Ward Mansion and throughout Northern New Jersey for over 30 years. This historic Westfield venue is one of my favorites to shoot – that spiral staircase, the ballroom architecture, the natural light. If you’re getting married at James Ward Mansion, this blog will show you exactly what to expect and how the venue photographs.

About James Ward Mansion Westfield

The James Ward Mansion is located at 169 East Broad Street in downtown Westfield, New Jersey. This isn’t a converted banquet hall – it’s an actual historic mansion with real architectural character.

The centerpiece is that dramatic spiral staircase in the main ballroom. Gold metalwork, two-story ceiling, natural light pouring in from French doors and windows. White walls with gold trim, herringbone wood floors, ornate ironwork gates, stained glass windows. Every corner of this venue photographs well.

The main ballroom handles both ceremony and reception. The venue staff flips the space during cocktail hour while guests are in the skylight patio area. You also get a bridal suite and groom’s suite for getting ready.

Parking is handled through municipal lots nearby – Lot #1 is closest to the mansion (metered weekdays, free weekends), and Lot #3 at South Avenue train station is always free on weekends. Easy access for your guests.

Location bonus: Mindowaskin Park is a five-minute walk if you want outdoor portraits, though the mansion gives you enough variety that leaving isn’t necessary.

Why James Ward Mansion Photographs So Well

After 30 years shooting weddings across Northern New Jersey and Bergen County, I know what makes a venue work photographically. James Ward Mansion delivers.

That spiral staircase is the obvious star – gold decorative metalwork, perfect for dramatic bridal portraits. But you’ve got 8-9 distinct portrait locations inside: the main ballroom, upper balcony, white curved staircase with iron gates, fireplace wall, rooms with different architectural details. Most venues give you two or three good spots. This place gives you variety all day.

Natural light situation is solid. Floor-to-ceiling French doors and windows mean good light even for late afternoon ceremonies. The chandeliers and wall sconces provide warm ambient light for reception that photographs beautifully without heavy additional lighting.

Size works in your favor too. Big enough to feel impressive, small enough that 80 guests feels full without being cramped. Everyone’s in the same space, which means better energy and easier candid photography.

Getting Ready at James Ward Mansion

Elizabeth and Nicholas booked 9 hours of coverage starting at 2pm. Both got ready in separate suites at the mansion.

Eli’s dress was fitted lace bodice with long sleeves and a cathedral train. She also had a removable overskirt that turned it into a full ball gown for portraits, which she removed later for dancing.

Pro tip: If you want getting-ready shots with dad or groomsmen, we can stage those while the bride is putting on her dress. That’s what we did with Nick and his dad. Gets you the shots without making the guys sit around for hours.

First Look and Portrait Session

Nick didn’t want to be outside (sensitive eyes), so we did the first look inside the main ballroom. With this venue’s architecture, you don’t need to go outside anyway.

Portrait Strategy at James Ward Mansion

Here’s how we structured portraits: first look, immediate family, then couple portraits hitting every architectural element. The ballroom with the spiral staircase, upper level with ornate ironwork and stained glass, white staircase with decorative gate.

Eli wanted solo bridal walk shots – photos that felt like she was walking toward getting married. We shot those before guests arrived in the ballroom and near the staircase. Simple setup, powerful result.

The couple wanted their wall art images in the ballroom with architectural details visible – chandeliers, stairs, fireplace. Nick also wanted a full lift shot. We got both.

Extended family photos? We kept them in the ceremony space immediately after the ceremony. Told the venue manager we’d stick to the front of the room while they flipped it for reception. Five to fifteen minutes, quick groupings, everyone to cocktail hour on time.

Ceremony at James Ward Mansion

Ceremony started in the main ballroom. Small processional – groom with his mom, his dad and sister, bride’s stepdad and sister, ring bearer, flower girl with her mom, then Eli with her mom.

I always tell officiants to step aside for the kiss. Clears the background, makes for a cleaner shot. And I remind couples to hold that kiss an extra beat or two. Most couples kiss for half a second. You need three seconds minimum to get the shot.

The Peruvian Pom-Pom Exit

Instead of bubbles or sparklers, Elizabeth and Nicholas did a Peruvian tradition with colorful pom-pom garlands. In 30 years of shooting weddings, I’d never seen this before.

Guests held bright red, yellow, and blue yarn ball garlands vertically, creating this tunnel of color. Everyone cheering, the couple laughing, colors everywhere – exactly the kind of moment that makes wedding photography fun

Reception Details

Cocktail hour was in the patio space with the skylight – indoor but feels like outdoor. Then everyone moved into the main ballroom for dinner and dancing.

Multiple first dances – the couple together, each with their moms, plus a traditional Peruvian dance. Speeches during dinner. We also did table shots throughout reception. Those casual moments with your different friend groups? That’s what people actually want to look at years later.

The hora loca at the end is when a Latin American wedding goes from “nice reception” to “absolute party.” Inflatable props, music cranks up, everyone hits the dance floor. The photos from that part of the night are always gold.

Tips for James Ward Mansion Weddings

If you’re booking James Ward Mansion for your wedding, here’s what you need to know:

Getting Ready: Both suites have good natural light and space for hair/makeup teams plus family.

Ceremony to Reception Flip: The venue staff flips the main ballroom during cocktail hour. If you want post-ceremony family photos, tell the venue manager ahead of time. They’ll hold the front space for 10-15 minutes.

Access: There’s a back entrance with an elevator for vendors. Front entrance has stairs.

Portrait Timeline: Plan for first look and all portraits before ceremony. The venue gives you enough variety that you won’t run out of locations. If you want Mindowaskin Park outdoor shots, factor in 15-20 minutes travel time.

Guest Capacity: Works well for intimate to mid-size weddings. 80 guests felt perfectly full without being crowded.

Why Couples Choose James Ward Mansion

I’ve photographed weddings at dozens of venues across Northern New Jersey, Bergen County, Union County, and the tri-state area. James Ward Mansion hits that sweet spot between impressive and intimate.

Your photos will look like you got married in a grand historic mansion (because you did), but your guests won’t feel lost in some massive impersonal ballroom. The staff knows what they’re doing, downtown Westfield location is easy to find, and parking is handled.

That spiral staircase, the ballroom with natural light, the ornate details throughout – it all photographs beautifully. Add a staff that can flip ceremony to reception efficiently, and you’ve got a venue that just works.

James Ward Mansion Wedding Photographer | Contact Alex Kaplan Photography

Need a James Ward Mansion wedding photographer who knows this Westfield, NJ venue inside and out? I’ve been photographing weddings at James Ward Mansion and throughout Northern New Jersey for over 30 years. I know the best angles for that spiral staircase, how the lighting works at different times of day, and how to maximize your portrait time while keeping your timeline moving.

Alex Kaplan Photography serves Westfield, Bergen County, Union County, Northern New Jersey, and the entire tri-state area including NYC and Hudson Valley.

Call or text: 917-992-9097
Website: alexkaplanweddings.com
Email: alex@alexkaplanweddings.com

I’d love to talk about your James Ward Mansion wedding and show you more images from this venue. Let’s make sure your wedding photos showcase everything that makes this Westfield location special.

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Serving Northern New Jersey, Westfield, Union County, Bergen County, NYC, and the Hudson Valley since 1995.