When you picture your wedding reception at Willow Creek Winery, imagine your guests gathered under the vaulted beams of our Tasting Room, surrounded by the glow of candlelight and the gentle hum of conversation. Our Cape May estate feels like a world apart but is just minutes from the beach and downtown. The vineyard’s European lodge style and garden setting offer a rare mix of comfort, beauty, and celebration space, all within a single destination.
Willow Creek Winery’s Tasting Room works well for wedding receptions because it offers space for up to 300 guests, an easy flow from outdoor ceremonies to indoor dining, on-site catering, estate-grown wine service, and multiple connected spaces that support both intimate and large celebrations. The layout, amenities, and planning support create a smooth reception experience.
We’ve hosted gatherings from intimate dinners to full receptions of more than 300 guests. Every couple uses our spaces a little differently, and our Events Team helps tailor the flow to your group’s size and style.
Celebrating in the Tasting Room
The Tasting Room is the heart of the winery. With post-and-beam ceilings, a stone fireplace, and room for up to 300 guests, it’s designed for both elegance and ease. Guests can mingle at the bar, relax by the fire, or step outside to the covered porch for views of the vines. The setting feels warm year-round, ideal for seated dinners or cocktail-style receptions.
Because our culinary team and wine program are on-site, the transition from ceremony to celebration is seamless. Once vows are complete, often on the Vineyard Bar Patio or Estate Lawn, guests move naturally into the Tasting Room for dining and dancing.
How the Spaces Work Together
Our vineyard offers multiple ceremony locations, each leading smoothly into cocktail hour and reception areas. The Vineyard Bar Patio is a favorite spot for hors d’oeuvres and wine service, while the Tasting Room sets the stage for dinner. For couples planning a larger guest list, the Estate Lawn creates a sense of arrival with views across the vines.
No matter your layout, the flow remains simple: say your vows surrounded by vines, enjoy your first toast under the open sky, and continue the night in comfort indoors.
Dining and Wine Service
Every reception at Willow Creek Winery centers around good food and great wine. We handle on-site catering, so you can count on consistent quality and timing. Because we’re a working vineyard, our bar focuses on estate-grown wines, with options for couples who wish to bring in outside beer or liquor vendors.
For plated receptions, our standard setup includes full dinner service, coffee and tea, and cake cutting. Cocktail-style events often feature passed hors d’oeuvres, stations, and flexible seating. Our team works closely with each couple to plan the menu flow within your chosen time frame.
Planning and Personalization
No two weddings look alike here. Some couples add fire pits for a relaxed outdoor lounge, while others reserve additional décor or lighting through outside vendors. Market lights, for example, are handled by planners who can install them in our outdoor spaces. Our Events Team can recommend vendors for decorations, entertainment, or coordination, depending on the size of your event.
We keep planning simple with a single main contact through our events department. They’ll guide you through guest counts, timelines, and room setups. For couples staying nearby, our on-site cottages and our sister property, The Southern Mansion in Cape May, make weekend logistics easier.
Conclusion
Beyond the reception, Willow Creek Winery offers built-in photo opportunities. From the rows of vines and landscaped gardens to the golden light across the meadows, couples find countless places for portraits. Many also schedule their rehearsal dinner or next-day brunch on the property to keep guests together across the weekend.
We love seeing each couple bring their story to the vineyard. Whether your vision leans rustic or refined, our team will help you use the Tasting Room and surrounding spaces to fit your plans. To start, reach out to schedule a personalized wine tasting tour and consultation.
FAQs
How many guests can the Tasting Room accommodate?
The space comfortably holds up to 300 guests for receptions.
Can we bring our own beer or liquor?
Yes. Our in-house bar serves wine only. You’re welcome to bring outside beer and liquor vendors with prior approval.
Do you allow outside catering?
No. All catering is handled on-site to ensure consistency and quality.
Is there parking and accessibility for guests?
Yes. We have ample on-site parking and wheelchair-accessible areas throughout the venue.