When you’re planning an indoor wedding at a winery, you want a space that feels alive with natural charm but keeps the weather out of the equation. We built Willow Creek Winery & Farm Tasting Room with exactly that in mind. The post-and-beam ceiling and sweeping stone fireplace bring vineyard character inside, and the room seats up to 300 guests without losing its warmth.
Plan an indoor wedding by using the Tasting Room for your ceremony and reception, then organizing guest flow from covered cocktail spaces into dinner and dancing. Confirm what is included like tables, linens, staffing, and catering, and choose add-ons if needed. Reserve on-site cottages early and build photo time into the schedule.
Planning an indoor celebration here means you can lock in your timeline without tracking hourly weather forecasts or building backup plans around wind and rain. Your ceremony can flow into cocktails and dinner without your coordinator hovering over a radar app, and your guests can focus on the toast instead of whether they need an umbrella. The space does the work for you.
Indoor Space That Works for Real Celebrations
Our Tasting Room is where most couples host their seated dinner or cocktail reception. The space holds up to 300 for full wedding receptions with a dance floor. You’ll find 60-inch round tables that seat up to ten, wooden cross-back chairs, and floor-length ivory damask linens already included. The stone fireplace anchors one end of the room, and the post-and-beam ceiling keeps the vibe cozy even when the guest list grows. If you’re working with a planner or florist, they’ll appreciate the neutral palette and the natural texture the space already offers.
We keep planning simple with a single main contact through our events department. Your venue coordinator walks you through table layouts, timing, and vendor coordination so you’re not juggling emails with five different people. You’ll also receive an exclusive list of highly recommended service providers who know the property and how to make the most of the indoor spaces.
Ceremony Options That Keep You Covered
Some couples choose to say their vows outside on the Winemaker’s Patio or the Estate Lawn, then move indoors for cocktails and dinner. Others hold the entire event inside the Tasting Room. Both work well. If the weather is unpredictable or you simply prefer the intimacy of an indoor ceremony, the Tasting Room can be set for chairs facing the fireplace or the French doors. The room transitions quickly, so your ceremony setup flows into cocktail hour without a long wait for your guests.
We also offer a tent option if you want an outdoor ceremony with a weather backup. You’re not locked into one choice months in advance.
How Guests Move Through Your Event
For a traditional indoor wedding, the flow usually starts with cocktails on the Vineyard Bar Patio, where guests sip wine under cover and enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres. Then everyone moves into the Tasting Room for dinner. You’ll have access to butler service for appetizers, a salad course, your choice of two entrées plus a vegan option, and a coffee and tea station. Cake cutting is included in the package.
If you’re hosting a cocktail-style reception, the Tasting Room still anchors the event. You’ll have two displayed hors d’oeuvres, six butler-served items, a salad display, and three hours of service. This setup works well for 25 to 100 guests who want to mingle rather than sit for a plated meal.
What Comes Standard and What You Can Add
Every wedding at Willow Creek includes your venue coordinator, the linens, tables, chairs, flatware, china, and wine and water glasses. You’ll also have access to the grounds for photos before or after the ceremony, even if you’re hosting the reception indoors. On-site parking is included, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
If you want to extend your event beyond five hours, add a fire pit for cocktail hour, or include a sangria bar; these are available as enhancements. Gold Chiavari chairs, additional bartenders, a champagne toast setup, and late-night snack stations are also on the list. You can review the full menu of add-ons with your coordinator once your date is secured.
Service and Staffing You Can Count On
We provide trained bartenders for every event. Our bar serves wine only, but you’re welcome to bring in beer and liquor from designated local distributors. After the event, we secure any remaining alcohol for the next day’s pickup. A minimum wine purchase applies to all weddings, and we recommend planning for at least one case per every 40 guests and one favor bottle per every two guests age 21 and over. That way, everyone has a chance to enjoy what we grow and produce here.
If you need help finding vendors for decorations or entertainment, our events team can point you in the right direction. We’ve worked with florists, DJs, and photographers who understand the layout of the Tasting Room and know how to use the natural light and architectural details to your advantage.
Lodging and Nearby Stays
We have six on-site rental cottages available year-round. Each cottage includes a kitchen, seating, and proximity to the winery, beaches, and downtown Cape May. These book up quickly during summer, fall harvest, and spring bloom, so reserve early if you want to offer them to your wedding party or family.
Our sister property, The Southern Mansion, is a boutique hotel in Cape May’s historic district with 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens. It’s a five-minute walk to beaches, shops, and restaurants, and it includes newly renovated private bathrooms with hand-painted tile showers, a full gourmet breakfast, and complimentary on-site parking.
Photo Opportunities Around the Property
Even if you’re hosting your reception indoors, you’ll have access to the vineyard vistas, spectacular gardens, and the life-sized Alice in Wonderland fantasy chessboard for photos. The scenic vineyard road and rolling vines create a strong backdrop for portraits, and the natural light in late afternoon works well for both couples and group shots. Your photographer will appreciate the variety, and your guests can explore the grounds during cocktail hour if the weather cooperates.
We’re minutes from downtown Cape May and the beach, so if you want to plan a portrait session at a nearby landmark, that’s easy to coordinate. Your events team can help you map out a timeline that includes travel time and makes the most of the indoor and outdoor spaces on our property.
Conclusion
We’ve hosted weddings with 25 guests gathered around the fireplace and receptions with 300 people dancing under the post-and-beam ceiling. The Tasting Room adapts, and our team makes sure the details work for your group size and your vision. If you’re ready to see the space in person and talk through your timeline, let’s get you on the calendar.
Book a personalized tour and consultation by calling 609.770.8782 or emailing info@willowcreekwinerycapemay.com. We’ll walk you through the Tasting Room, show you the ceremony options, and answer your questions about service, timing, and what’s included with your booking.
FAQs
What is the maximum capacity for an indoor wedding reception at Willow Creek Winery?
The Tasting Room comfortably accommodates up to 300 guests with a dance floor for a full wedding reception.
Can we hold both our ceremony and reception indoors?
Yes. The Tasting Room can be set for an indoor ceremony and then transitioned for your reception. You can also choose to hold your ceremony outdoors on the Winemaker’s Patio or Estate Lawn and move indoors for dinner. A tent option is available as a weather backup for outdoor ceremonies.
What is included with our indoor wedding booking at Willow Creek Winery?
Your booking includes a venue coordinator, floor-length ivory damask linens, 60-inch round reception and cocktail tables, wooden cross-back chairs, flatware, china, wine and water glasses, cake cutting, a coffee and tea station, and children and vendor accommodations. You’ll also have access to the grounds for photos and on-site parking.
When is the final headcount due, and can we make adjustments?
Your final headcount is due 28 days before your wedding, along with each guest’s meal selection and any food allergy information. If you need to discuss adjustments before that deadline, reach out to your venue coordinator to review your options.