Why Bringing Your Own Alcohol Is One of the Best Parts of Hosting Your Wedding at Apollo Fields
One of the questions we hear most often is:
"Can we bring our own alcohol?"
The answer is yes—and in New Jersey, it's actually one of the biggest advantages for couples planning an intimate wedding.
Why BYO Alcohol?
Because Apollo Fields isn't a licensed liquor retailer, New Jersey law requires couples to purchase and provide their own beer, wine, and spirits. While that might sound like one more thing to check off your list, it's usually the opposite. It gives you more flexibility, more personality, and often saves you a surprising amount of money.
Instead of paying a venue's per-person bar package or marked-up drink prices, you're simply purchasing the alcohol itself. For a 50-person wedding, that can translate into significant savings while still allowing your guests to enjoy a beautifully stocked bar.
And the best part? You don't have to figure it all out on your own.
We Don't Just Hand You a Shopping List
Before photography became our full-time career, Terrence and I both spent years behind the bar. We met while bartending in New York City, and hospitality has always been at the heart of what we do.
I've even had the chance to compete—and win—cocktail competitions over the years, so designing drinks is something I genuinely love.
We'll help you think beyond simply stocking bottles.
We'll help you create a bar that feels intentional and fits the overall experience you're creating.
Maybe that's:
A bright, seasonal spritz for a summer garden wedding.
An old fashioned inspired by your favorite neighborhood cocktail bar.
A signature margarita for a taco dinner under the stars.
A simple, elegant wine-forward menu that complements a five-course meal.
Whatever your vision, we'll help you build a menu that feels cohesive with the rest of your wedding.
We'll Help You Buy the Right Amount
One of the biggest worries couples have is buying too much—or worse, not enough.
We've planned bars for weddings, private events, and dinner parties for years, and we'll walk you through exactly what you need based on your guest count, timeline, and drink menu.
We'll help answer questions like:
How many bottles of wine?
How much beer?
How many bottles of liquor?
How much ice?
Mixers?
Garnishes?
Glassware?
We'll even recommend the best places to purchase everything, including stores that allow returns on unopened bottles whenever possible.
Our goal is to make sure you're well prepared without spending money on cases of alcohol you'll never use.
Want Signature Cocktails? We Can Help With That Too.
Signature cocktails are one of our favorite ways to make a wedding feel personal.
We'll happily help you:
Develop recipes.
Choose cocktails that can be efficiently served.
Scale recipes for larger groups.
Pre-batch cocktails so your bartender can serve guests quickly.
Build a menu that complements your food and the overall style of your celebration.
Whether you're envisioning a refined martini hour or a relaxed aperitivo-style cocktail service, we'll help make it feel effortless.
We Have the Bar Covered
Apollo Fields includes a dedicated bar setup, and we have much of the professional barware needed to keep service running smoothly.
If you'd like bartender service, we can provide experienced bartenders who understand both hospitality and the flow of an intimate wedding.
Because your guest count is intentionally smaller, your bar service can feel more like your favorite neighborhood restaurant or cocktail lounge than a crowded banquet hall.
One Less Thing to Stress About
Buying your own alcohol might seem intimidating at first, but most couples leave the planning process realizing it was one of the easiest—and smartest—parts of their wedding.
We'll help you determine what to buy, where to buy it, how much to buy, and how to make it all feel thoughtful and personal.
You bring the bottles.
We'll help turn them into a memorable experience.
