Sea gulls’ nest weddings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have our wedding ceremony on the beach?
Yes, you can be married on the beach! However, a permit is required from the National Park Service that Sea Gulls Nest will obtain for you. Beach ceremonies are allowed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in May, June, and September. However, in July and August, beach ceremonies are allowed on Fridays and Sundays, but NOT Saturdays.
If you would like to have your reception at Sea Gulls’ Nest on a Saturday in July or August, you can be married on our deck - many couples get married right inside the party deck reception area with the beautiful views of the ocean and bay. The way Sea Gulls’ Nest is set up, there is a natural aisle formed which can serve as the traditional aisle a bride walks down to join her waiting groom. Many couples get married on our deck, and during the cocktail hour the couple goes down to the beach to get some really nice ‘beach shots’.
Wedding ceremonies on the beach do have restrictions enforced by the National Park Service. For a full list of these restrictions and the permit process to have a beach ceremony, please inquire.
Does Sea Gulls' Nest charge extra to have our ceremony on the Sea Gulls' Nest deck or on the beach?
The deck is free of charge. For a beach ceremony, there is a non-refundable $100 fee for a permit issued by the National Park Service.
Can Sea Gulls’ Nest lend us any chairs for our beach wedding for our guests?
Yes we can. Beach ceremonies are allowed up to 10 chars to be used by those who cannot stand, or perhaps for the special relatives of the bride/groom. Since Sea Gulls’ Nest has no jurisdiction over the beach, we cannot place the chairs. You can assign some friends or relatives to bring the chairs to the beach and then return them to us right after your ceremony.
Does Sea Gulls’ Nest have a portable speaker and microphone that is battery operated to use for our beach wedding?
We can rent one for you.
Please note: No generators allowed - only self powered.
If it rains on our wedding day and we cannot have our ceremony on the beach and need to be married on the deck of Sea Gulls’ Nest, do we get our $100 returned for the permit issued by the National Park Service?
Sorry, but no. Sea Gulls’ Nest will obtain the permit for you to simplify the process - however, the permit is non-refundable once issued by the National Park Service.
What if I don’t have enough guests to meet the minimum? Can I still have my wedding at Sea Gulls’ Nest?
Yes! But you will need to add either some food items and/or upgrade your bar to reach the minimum.
What is the minimum number of people we can have and still have a party?
We do not set minimums in terms of number of guests. We set our minimums to a dollar amount.
$6500 for all nights. This minimum includes any ‘add ons’, except the linen package for $500.
What months are you open to have weddings?
Mid May thru the end of September.
Is it cheaper if we have our party on a Friday or Sunday rather than on a Saturday?
No. We have a short season, and all parties are the same cost regardless of the day of week. Please note: Beach Ceremonies are NOT allowed in July and August on Saturday nights. If you want a beach ceremony in July or August, you can be married on a Friday or Sunday. In May, June, and September Saturday beach ceremonies are allowed. A permit is required from the National Park Service that Sea Gulls’ Nest will obtain for you. There is a non-refundable $100 fee for the permit that will be added to your final invoice.
What about linens, table ware, and decorations for my party? How does all of that work?
For a more "upscale" look, we rent for you tablecloths, buffet skirting, and linen napkins. We also use our custom made chair covers in an off-white (Ivory) linen. This ‘linen package” is $500. You can choose your linen colors from an array of color choices offered by the Party Corner (the vendor we rent linens from). The linen package is a good price. It would cost the wedding couple more to rent on their own (and not to mention the energy and time involved). We use real silver utensils for appetizer and main course, as well as classicware plates (a high end plastic plate that has an upscale/china look - you can google ‘classicware’ to view it.)
The wedding couple is responsible for supplying their centerpieces. For table centerpieces and decorations, keep in mind that we have sea breezes that may blow out candles, and knock over tall and/or fragile items. Balloons are NOT allowed in Sandy Hook due to the hazard to wildlife.
As for 'who' decorates, we set up tables, put on the chair covers, put on the table cloths, and put your centerpieces on the tables (if they are simple). However, for more elaborate/time consuming decorations, it is your responsibility to either decorate yourself, or hire someone to decorate the tables and deck on the day of your party.
Can we drop off our centerpieces, escort cards, etc. before our wedding day?
Yes. You can drop off the day before after 1pm. Please bring people to help you.
If we can have ‘real’ silverware, can I also have ‘real’ glassware and plates?
Sea Gulls’ Nest does not have ‘real’ glassware or plates, nor can we accommodate it for a wedding. We think our ‘style’ fits in very well with our location and overall feel of Sandy Hook. The Classicware plate we use is actually very nice - it has an upscale ‘wedding’ look.
Do we have to have the Open Bar that comes with your Wedding Package?
No, you do not. You can have just beer & wine, or a cash bar (whereby your guests pay for their own alcohol). With both the beer/wine choice and cash bar, there is an additional charge for a bartender @ $35 per hour (for each bartender). Open Bar (part of the Wedding Package) and Premium Bar (upgrade) have the bartender(s) included in the price. Obviously with just beer/wine or cash bar (or no bar) the wedding package per person price will need to be adjusted. Our minimums still apply, regardless of the bar package.
What is the difference between the Open Bar that comes with the Wedding Buffet package and the upgrade for Premium Bar?
The Open Bar uses house brand alcohol for vodka, gin, tequila, scotch, and bourbon. For rums, Open Bar has a house light rum, as well as Captain Morgan, Malibu and Meyers. Open Bar does not come with cordials, and specialty alcohol such as Kahlua, Grand Marnier, etc. Open Bar comes with Coors Light, Corona, and Yuengling, and the wines are Red, White, and Zinfandel.
Premium Bar comes with popular name brand alcohol, including both Absolut and Smirnoff vodkas, cordials, specialty alcohol (such as Kahlua), and in addition to the three beers that come with the Open Bar we add Corona Light.
Bartenders are included in both Open and Premium Bar.
How do we handle guests that have drunk too much alcohol and can’t/shouldn’t drive home?
Care are not allowed to be left overnight in the parking lot. You may want to consider renting a bus to bring your guests to and from Sea Gulls’ Nest. Two bus companies we can recommend are Shamrock Bus Company (732-787-1113) or Keelen Bus Company (732-870-1001).
What about parking availability for evening parties on the weekends?
There is never a problem with parking on weekend evenings. Most beach goers leave the park starting around 2 PM, and by the time an evening party begins there are plenty of spaces to park in. The National Park Service does NOT charge for parking in Sandy Hook after 4:00 PM.
Can we make food substitutions?
In some instances, we can substitute certain foods for others. We do NOT substitute seafood for any non-seafood item on our menu. Please inquire for a specific substitution.
I know Sea Gulls’ Nest also has a BBQ menu. Can we have that instead?
Yes, you can. Our BBQ menu is mostly used for daytime company outings to Sandy Hook, or sometimes casual evening parties. However, if a wedding couple wants a more casual, ‘beach-like’, menu, our Nest BBQ is available. Please click here to see our Nest BBQ. (Our minimums still apply, regardless of menu.)
Please note: You can also have a ‘blend’ of our Nest BBQ and Wedding Menu. For example, choose the Nest BBQ but add in grilled mahi or clams, as an example.
Can we eliminate food and reduce our cost per person?
Not for the appetizers or main course. The reason for this is that if we eliminate one particular food item, then the guests will just eat more of another. So, for us, we are still supplying the same amount of food.
However, if you choose to eliminate all the desserts at the dessert table - cakes/pies, make your own ice cream sundaes - and fresh fruit, then we can reduce your per person cost. You cannot eliminate just PART of the desserts. If you want to eliminate desserts, then ALL desserts are eliminated. We can just serve your wedding cake as the dessert (no extra charge for serving your cake). Coffee and tea is still offered even if you eliminate desserts.
Another option is to choose our Nest BBQ menu rather than our wedding menu. It is more casual, but for some couples, it may be just what they are looking for! (Minimums apply for all menus.)
Can we go on the beach if we are having an evening party?
Yes. As per the Park Rules, the public is allowed to use the beach up until 10pm. The amount of time you can spend on the beach depends upon the time of your party. Some evening parties enjoy being on the beach prior to the actual start time of the party. After 10PM, no one is allowed on the beach by regulation of the National Park Service.
Can we bring our own wedding cake?
Yes! You can certainly bring a special cake to celebrate your wedding. However, our Dessert Table (which comes with the Buffet) offers a wide variety of desserts. Most weddings bring (or have delivered) a wedding cake in addition to our Dessert Table. For a list of local bakeries, please go to our web page listed as ‘Outside Services’.
Does Sea Gulls' Nest charge extra for the couple to bring a wedding cake?
No! We do not charge a cutting fee, or any other kind of fee typically associated with a cake brought in from the 'outside'. Nor do we charge extra if you bring a cupcake type of wedding treat for your guests. (Although, this is not necessary since our dessert table has a lot of desserts on it!)
Can we bring our own alcohol to the party?
No. Due to the restrictions we have on our liquor liability insurance, we cannot allow anyone to bring their own alcoholic beverages.
Can we rent the deck and bring in an outside caterer?
If there is a particular menu item you'd like that we do not have on our menu - just ask us and we will work with you on your menu. Sometimes when the couple wants a particular dish that we cannot make, we will ‘allow’ an outside caterer to deliver the dish already prepared and we will add it to the buffet. (We will need to determine if we have the room and time to heat it up if it is a hot dish.) The couple must pay for this dish directly to the outside caterer, and the cost of this is NOT deducted from our fees. Any outside caterer must be insured.
Can Sea Gulls’ Nest recommend a photographer/DJ/Florist etc?
Yes. Please click here for outside services. The photographer listed on our web site (Highlight Productions) is excellent, and offers a nice discount to all couples who have their reception at Sea Gull’s Nest.
Do you have any food for vegetarians?
There are non meat items, such as mozzarella/tomato/basil, pasta, caesar salad, string beans, and potatoes. If you need more elaborate vegetarian dishes, please inquire.
What is the maximum number of guests I can have?
200 guests. However, the best use of our space is up to 160.
Do you offer a champagne toast?
Yes we do. For $4 a person, we offer a champagne toast with plastic champagne flutes. PLEASE NOTE: many couples will just have their guests use whatever beverage they are drinking to 'toast'. It's a way to save money and put that money towards something else.
How late can our party go?
The National Park closes at 10PM. Although Sandy Hook closes at 10PM, you will not be ‘chased out’ of the park by the park rangers, or Sea Gulls’ Nest. You will certainly have time to say goodbye to your guests, and gather all your gifts, etc.
What if it rains? Will our guests get wet?
No! Sea Gulls' Nest has a permanent protective canopied roof. Additionally, we have drop down see-thru plastic sides to protect guests from rain.
Does Sea Gulls' Nest have air conditioning?
No we do not. However, with our 2nd level deck location, and being right on the ocean, we have nice sea breezes to keep all guests comfortable. Additionally, we have hidden fans throughout the deck to keep the air moving for added comfort on rare nights with no breeze.
Are there mosquitos at Sea Gulls’ Nest since it is basically ‘outdoors’?
Our ocean breezes greatly help prevent mosquitos from coming in from the land to the west. On evenings when there is no breeze (not common), we have fans hidden amongst our ferns that simulate breezes. As dusk approaches and night falls on a very still night or a night where the wind comes from the west (not the ocean), there can be some mosquitos. However, if this does happen, it only occurs after sunset, and, we hand out personal repellent wipes to your guests. Don’t let the threat of a few mosquitos deter you from having your wedding ‘outside’ - we have yet to have anyone wish they had chosen an indoor location after having their wedding reception at Sea Gulls’ Nest.
Do we have use of the entire Sea Gulls' Nest restaurant when we book a party?
Our parties use our 'party deck'. We have a very large area of our deck that is used exclusively for parties. The 'outside' deck (no roof, no walls) on the Northeast section of the deck level is for the public and is not available for use for our catered parties. The party deck actually has the best views of both ocean, and bay, and sunsets.
How private is our party?
Very! Our party deck area is separate from the rest of the restaurant. Most party guests have no idea there is a restaurant on the other side of the deck. The public is not allowed into the party deck area.
Will Sea Gulls' Nest have live music for their regular patrons at the same time we are having our party? How does that work?
The party will not hear the live musician on the outside deck of the restaurant. The party deck is on the other side of the restaurant, and, the party's DJ or band will be the only thing the party guests will be hearing. The live musician on the restaurant side is never an issue for the party occurring on the party deck.
Where are the bathrooms for our guests? Do our guests use the same bathrooms on the plaza level as the beach goers?
When the deck level was built by the National Park Service, it was not intended for what is has become - a deck restaurant and catering facility. Thus, bathrooms were never built on the deck level, and there is nowhere to build them. All restaurant patrons and party guests need to use the public bathrooms that are located on the plaza (ground) level. During the hours the party has booked, we have a male and female bathroom attendant keeping the bathrooms thoroughly clean. There is a bit of time during the beginning of the party that party guests will encounter beach goers who are preparing to leave the park after their day at the beach. However, once those beach goers leave, the rest of the evening the bathrooms are empty except for the restaurant patrons and party guests using them. We recommend for parties that the wedding couple provide a basket in the ladies room that has soaps, napkins, tissues, etc., and perhaps place a few candles around the sinks. The female bathroom attendant will make sure that the basket is 'watched over'. Having a basket in the men's room is unnecessary.
Will our guests need to pay the $10 entrance fee to the park?
Parking after 4:00 PM is free every day. So, evening parties are not affected by the parking fee.
Can my guests leave their cars in the parking lot overnight if they have been drinking and cannot drive home?
No! The National Park Service will not allow cars to be left overnight. Your guests need to have a designated driver if they plan on drinking. Or, the host can rent a bus from an outside location and bus their guests to and from the party. Two bus companies we can recommend are Shamrock Bus Company (732-787-1113) or Keelen Bus Company (732-870-1001).
What are the types of things the National Park Service forbids?
No balloons. No throwing of rice at a wedding. No releasing of doves/birds. No tiki torches. No one can be on the beach after 10pm. Beach ceremonies have other restrictions - please inquire.
What kind of centerpieces do you recommend?
For weddings, flowers in a heavy glass vase (short and square vase perhaps) is simple and nice. Votives can also be nice, but be aware that sea breezes will blow out candles unless their is some glass protection higher than the wick. Electric votives can be used instead. Some people do 'beach themes', such as an arrangement including sea shells, and/or starfish, sometimes sand. Anything tall needs to be heavy or weighted down due to sea breezes. The high top tables do not have a lot of surface room, so keep any table decor small and simple. Sometimes a smaller version of what goes on the larger tables is nice. There is a store in Red Bank (close to Sandy Hook) that specializes in beach wedding items - you may want to visit their web site: www.shorechic.com
Do most weddings have escort cards for assigned table seating?
Most all have seating/place cards. Sometimes there are no place cards, but a few tables are 'reserved' for the bride/groom/wedding party, and perhaps a table or two for the parents and close relatives of the bride/groom. Sometimes the wedding couple want just a 'table for two' (sweetheart table) reserved just for them.
Please keep in mind that for most parties the high top tables will be needed for seating and not just used for casual mingling. Those high top tables seat 4 or 5. The 'regular' tables seat 10 maximum. We can go over the number of tables you will need - depends on the number of guests that will attend.
If you do not have assigned seating for your guests, it can create a frustrating situation for some of your guests who cannot find a suitable spot to sit if they want to sit with a grouping of 4 or more. Unless you have a fairly small number of guests invited (under 75), we strongly suggest assigned table seating.
Please Note: If you have any guests who are bringing children who may need a high chair, then you MUST seat those guests at a ‘regular’ table, and NOT a high top table that has stools. High-Chairs will NOT fit at one of our high top tables (the high-chair is too low).
How do we figure out the number of tables we will need?
Once we know your head count, we will be able to go over the tables and seating.
Is there an aisle for the bride and wedding party to walk down?
Yes, we actually have a nice aisle/walkway for the traditional 'walk'.
Do you have direction cards to include in our invitations?
No, we do not. However, feel free to use/copy and paste directions from our Web site: Click Here
Where can my guests stay if staying overnight in the area?
We have a good list on our web site - Click Here.
Where can I get a cake for my party? Will they deliver?
If you scroll down this page of our Web site, there is a list of local bakeries that make nice cakes and deliver.
If we don't want to hire a DJ or band, can we bring an ipod and play music that way?
We do not have a separate speaker system for parties. DJs and bands bring their own equipment and speakers. If you want to use an ipod, you will also need to bring your own speakers. Our party deck area is equipped with 'house speakers', but it plays what is playing in the restaurant. These speakers are small, and not capable of providing the kind of volume needed for a party. When we do have a party going on, we turn off our house speakers so the sound does not interfere with your DJ or band.
Do you have electrical outlets for the DJ or band we hire?
Yes!
Do you have an elevator?
Yes, we do! It can be used by the DJ/band, and of course by any guests who cannot or prefer not to use the stairs.
Can I see Sea Gulls' Nest even though you are not open now? (This question gets asked during the off season)
Yes, even though the deck is empty, you can still get a tour of the deck and a full explanation of 'how things work'.
Do you have a dance floor?
Not in the usual sense. However, we do create a large 'dance area' on our deck for dancing and mingling. Plenty of open space. Very safe flooring.
Do we have to pay the full price for our photographer and DJs to eat?
No. ‘Vendors’ that are not seated at guests tables, such as the photographer(s) and DJ(s) are only charged $25 a person. They can have anything on the buffet, but they are not allowed any alcohol.
Are the ferns we see in the photos part of Sea Gulls’ Nest?
Yes. The ferns are part of Sea Gulls’ Nest decor. They can NOT be removed.
Since Sea Gulls’ Nest does not have a ‘real ‘address, how do I give my guests directions to Sea Gulls’ Nest?
Sea Gulls’ Nest does have a ‘real’ address, but GPS units can not locate it. Please click here for our directions page that will be most helpful to your guests and for you to use for invitations.
PLEASE NOTE: On an occasional beautiful Saturday or Sunday from July thru mid-August the parking lot for Sea Gulls’ Nest can often stay full until 4 to 4:30 from beach goers. A good solution is to let your guests know that right past parking lot D (where Sea Gulls’ Nest is located) is parking lot E. Your guests can simply park in parking lot E and walk the short distance back to Sea Gulls’ Nest in area D.
If gratuity is included in our per person price, do we still need to tip the staff?
Unlike waiters who make their living from tips, the Sea Gulls’ Nest catering staff receive their wages from Sea Gulls’ Nest. However, if you feel you’d like to give an extra ‘thank you’, it is common for a wedding couple to give a cash tip to the Sea Gulls’ Nest catering staff. Typically we have 3 to 4 staff members on the catering team for your wedding. (The catering staff all wear a soft yellow polo shirt with a Sea Gulls’ Nest logo on the left chest.) Bartenders are usually tipped by your guests, but sometimes the wedding couple tips them as well. A ‘typical’ tip ranges from $25 to $50 per staff member.
Please know that a tip is not expected, and you will receive excellent service regardless.
What is the process of booking a wedding at Sea Gulls' Nest?
The wedding couple first inquires about open dates and schedules a visit to Sea Gulls’ Nest. A courtesy hold is placed (no charge) while the couple awaits the proposal and contract that is put together based on a ‘form’ that is sent via email to be filled out by the wedding couple. Once the proposal and contract is emailed, the couple has two weeks to sign the contract and secure their wedding date/reception with a $1000 deposit.
The week before the wedding we will need the 'final head count'. That final head count is what the couple will be charged. Full payment is due (less the deposit) BY the day of the wedding. We accept cash, check, credit cards for both deposits and final payments.
PLEASE NOTE: The proposal that is generated is not 'set in stone'. It is not the final cost of the party. It is just based on the initial information we gather from the form the couple fills out. By signing the contract, the wedding couple is not obligated to the head count or menu on the proposal. However, the couple is obligated to have the wedding at Sea Gulls’ Nest, and the deposit guarantees the wedding and is non refundable.
