Need advice on Atlantic City...

[trillionaire]

So, FI and I have been discussing places to elope... (to be clear, we are getting married privately, just the two of us, but we have a date set. Some people call it eloping, private wedding, destination wedding, what have you, but I call it eloping, since it''s just us.)

Anywho, we''ve tossed out Old Town Alexandria, VA, and Annapolis, MD. We live in Alexandria, so that wouldn''t be very different from our usual stomping grounds, but we could stay at a really nice hotel and do things we don''t normally do, go to really expensive restaurants, etc. Annapolis is a little more ''out of the ordinary,'' but still very ''local''. So FI threw out the idea of Atlantic City, NJ.

Now, neither of us have ever been there, I don''t want it to be cheesy, but we are only going away for the weekend (honeymoon will be later), so Friday (mid day), Saturday and Sunday, and there would be a lot more to do in Atlantic City than in Annapolis, and Old Town. We were looking at staying at The Water Club hotel at Borgata, and not sure what else... anyone have any thoughts or ideas for Atlantic City, including saying that its the worse idea you have ever heard... We are getting married in late September, so I''m hoping it will be less busy, in the ''off season''. We went to Myrtle Beach in late September a few years ago, and it was nice that it was not cosmic and busy... it was very laid back and enjoyable.

Are there any decent beaches in the Atlantic City area? We will probably get married on a beach, in the sand.
Any really cool must do stuff in Atlantic City?
Great restaurants?


Thanks for your help!

Trill

 

[princessplease]

Ah, Trill!!!! Yay for considering AC!!!!!!!!! I live about an hour from there, and have been so many times!!!

The Water Club is simply stunning. There are no words. The decor is beyond beautiful, and is simply breathtaking. If you''re looking for a little bit more modern rooms, though, I''d go with the Borgata. They remind me more of a Vegas suite, so it really depends on the feel you guys want. Both have AMAZING spas and pools, and I believe that when you stay at one, you can use the other''s pools and spas. FI and I recently stayed at the Borgata, and had a 1500 square foot suite with amazing ocean views. The Water Club has the same. I would definitely eat at Izakaya in the Borgata, which is a modern Japanese fusion restaurant with the most amazing sake. You''re past Labor Day, which is when everyone leaves the shore that stays there for the summer, so it will be more calm down there.

In AC, I''d definitely make a few hours for the Walk, which are a bunch of very nice outlets
Linky. You MUST take a trip over to Casears for the Pier Link which has incredible shopping and dining. I''d eat at Buddakan Link, which is another Asian fusion, but much different than Izakaya or The Continental Linky which is a modern tapas style restaurant. You can''t go wrong with either. I''d also head to the Quarter at the Trop, even if it''t just to walk around because the decor is so awesome. It''s this amazingly cool indoor replica of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and there are some more amazing restaurants. There, I''d recommend Cuba Libre Link, which serves INCREDIBLE Cuban food, or The Palm Link, which is one of, if not the best, steakhouses in the Philly/NJ area.

As far as marrying on the beach, I''d stay away from AC''s beaches. They''re rather dirty, and the beach is very short (maybe 2,000 ft max from boardwalk to the ocean). There is also a ton of hustle and bustle going on off of the boardwalk because of all of the casinos. I''d make the trip to Sunset Beach in Cape May. It''s about an hour drive, but trust me, it would be worth it. I''m attaching a picture of Sunset Beach. If there is anything you''d like to know, please ask.

 

[trillionaire]

Date: 2/21/2010 6:06:42 PM
Author: princessplease
Ah, Trill!!!! Yay for considering AC!!!!!!!!! I live about an hour from there, and have been so many times!!!

The Water Club is simply stunning. There are no words. The decor is beyond beautiful, and is simply breathtaking. If you''re looking for a little bit more modern rooms, though, I''d go with the Borgata. They remind me more of a Vegas suite, so it really depends on the feel you guys want. Both have AMAZING spas and pools, and I believe that when you stay at one, you can use the other''s pools and spas. FI and I recently stayed at the Borgata, and had a 1500 square foot suite with amazing ocean views. The Water Club has the same. I would definitely eat at Izakaya in the Borgata, which is a modern Japanese fusion restaurant with the most amazing sake. You''re past Labor Day, which is when everyone leaves the shore that stays there for the summer, so it will be more calm down there.

In AC, I''d definitely make a few hours for the Walk, which are a bunch of very nice outlets
Linky. You MUST take a trip over to Casears for the Pier Link which has incredible shopping and dining. I''d eat at Buddakan Link, which is another Asian fusion, but much different than Izakaya or The Continental Linky which is a modern tapas style restaurant. You can''t go wrong with either. I''d also head to the Quarter at the Trop, even if it''t just to walk around because the decor is so awesome. It''s this amazingly cool indoor replica of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and there are some more amazing restaurants. There, I''d recommend Cuba Libre Link, which serves INCREDIBLE Cuban food, or The Palm Link, which is one of, if not the best, steakhouses in the Philly/NJ area.

As far as marrying on the beach, I''d stay away from AC''s beaches. They''re rather dirty, and the beach is very short (maybe 2,000 ft max from boardwalk to the ocean). There is also a ton of hustle and bustle going on off of the boardwalk because of all of the casinos. I''d make the trip to Sunset Beach in Cape May. It''s about an hour drive, but trust me, it would be worth it. I''m attaching a picture of Sunset Beach. If there is anything you''d like to know, please ask.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the recommendations! I did look into Cape May, it seemed pretty quiet and low key. An hour drive isn''t too bad, but we''ll have to decide it we want to spend 2 hours driving on our wedding day, after driving from DC the previous night. I think I''ll have to take a trip to AC to check it out if that''s what we decide to go with. I always said that I wanted to get married on a beach, which I now say is less important, but FI is insisting that he doesn''t want me to regret it, so even a small, dirty (lol) beach may do. The beach near Annapolis is no gem, and Old Town Alexandria doesn''t have one. I love the beachs in NC, but I don''t think I want to make that drive...

As far as the Water Club Vs. The Borgata, I think I was more impressed with the Water Club room photos, but I could find info on pricing for the larger suites. The suites at the Borgata WERE AMAZING (Opus and Piatta), but without knowing the price, I was a little dubious. I will however, keep your recommendations in mind

I like the AC would give us tons of things to do, and lots of fun photos. I want a very simple ceremony, followed by a day of walking around in my dress, and I think we could have a lot of fun with that in AC. I''m pretty excited about the prospect, and also all the

food you mentioned! FI family is from New Orleans, and we both love Asian Fusion, not to mention that FI will do anything for a good steak!

I really can''t thank you enough, you have been MORE than helpful, and are helping me to be more excited than skeptical about AC!

 

[princessplease]

Date: 2/21/2010 6:29:36 PM
Author: trillionaire

Date: 2/21/2010 6:06:42 PM

Author: princessplease

Ah, Trill!!!! Yay for considering AC!!!!!!!!! I live about an hour from there, and have been so many times!!!


The Water Club is simply stunning. There are no words. The decor is beyond beautiful, and is simply breathtaking. If you''re looking for a little bit more modern rooms, though, I''d go with the Borgata. They remind me more of a Vegas suite, so it really depends on the feel you guys want. Both have AMAZING spas and pools, and I believe that when you stay at one, you can use the other''s pools and spas. FI and I recently stayed at the Borgata, and had a 1500 square foot suite with amazing ocean views. The Water Club has the same. I would definitely eat at Izakaya in the Borgata, which is a modern Japanese fusion restaurant with the most amazing sake. You''re past Labor Day, which is when everyone leaves the shore that stays there for the summer, so it will be more calm down there.


In AC, I''d definitely make a few hours for the Walk, which are a bunch of very nice outlets

Linky. You MUST take a trip over to Casears for the Pier Link which has incredible shopping and dining. I''d eat at Buddakan Link, which is another Asian fusion, but much different than Izakaya or The Continental Linky which is a modern tapas style restaurant. You can''t go wrong with either. I''d also head to the Quarter at the Trop, even if it''t just to walk around because the decor is so awesome. It''s this amazingly cool indoor replica of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and there are some more amazing restaurants. There, I''d recommend Cuba Libre Link, which serves INCREDIBLE Cuban food, or The Palm Link, which is one of, if not the best, steakhouses in the Philly/NJ area.


As far as marrying on the beach, I''d stay away from AC''s beaches. They''re rather dirty, and the beach is very short (maybe 2,000 ft max from boardwalk to the ocean). There is also a ton of hustle and bustle going on off of the boardwalk because of all of the casinos. I''d make the trip to Sunset Beach in Cape May. It''s about an hour drive, but trust me, it would be worth it. I''m attaching a picture of Sunset Beach. If there is anything you''d like to know, please ask.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the recommendations! I did look into Cape May, it seemed pretty quiet and low key. An hour drive isn''t too bad, but we''ll have to decide it we want to spend 2 hours driving on our wedding day, after driving from DC the previous night. I think I''ll have to take a trip to AC to check it out if that''s what we decide to go with. I always said that I wanted to get married on a beach, which I now say is less important, but FI is insisting that he doesn''t want me to regret it, so even a small, dirty (lol) beach may do. The beach near Annapolis is no gem, and Old Town Alexandria doesn''t have one. I love the beachs in NC, but I don''t think I want to make that drive...


As far as the Water Club Vs. The Borgata, I think I was more impressed with the Water Club room photos, but I could find info on pricing for the larger suites. The suites at the Borgata WERE AMAZING (Opus and Piatta), but without knowing the price, I was a little dubious. I will however, keep your recommendations in mind

I like the AC would give us tons of things to do, and lots of fun photos. I want a very simple ceremony, followed by a day of walking around in my dress, and I think we could have a lot of fun with that in AC. I''m pretty excited about the prospect, and also all the

food you mentioned! FI family is from New Orleans, and we both love Asian Fusion, not to mention that FI will do anything for a good steak!


I really can''t thank you enough, you have been MORE than helpful, and are helping me to be more excited than skeptical about AC!

You''re welcome! AC is a blast, and we really enjoy going down there. We go about 8 times/year for gambling/shopping/eating.
FI stayed in the Opus suite, and it was $210 on a Friday night, but that was in January, but it''d definitely be more in September, but the room was just incredible. I''d say it''d probably be ~$299-399/night.
The Pier at Caesar''s has a really awesome outside pier over the ocean that is beautiful if you''re looking for something pretty that is in Atlantic City.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. There is so much fun to be had in AC, and I just hate how it has a reputation of being icky. Of course there are areas that are bad, but as long as you stay around the nicer casinos (Borgata, Water Club, and Harrahs, which are actually off of the boardwalk, away from the other casinos) and Caesars and Tropicana, you''ll be great.

 

[JerseyGrl81]

I agree with Princess that a wedding on the beach in Atlantic City might be less than ideal. AC is a great place, but there are a lot of homeless people on the boardwalk and the beach is less than ideal. Cape May is probably the nicest beach area near by, but it is about an hour trip. If you are looking for somewhere a little closer I would suggest Ocean City, NJ. It is about a 1/2 hour away. http://www.oceancitychamber.com/ Good Luck with your planning!

 

[trillionaire]

Date: 2/21/2010 10:08:28 PM
Author: JerseyGrl81
I agree with Princess that a wedding on the beach in Atlantic City might be less than ideal. AC is a great place, but there are a lot of homeless people on the boardwalk and the beach is less than ideal. Cape May is probably the nicest beach area near by, but it is about an hour trip. If you are looking for somewhere a little closer I would suggest Ocean City, NJ. It is about a 1/2 hour away. http://www.oceancitychamber.com/ Good Luck with your planning!

Thank you for the suggestion Jersey. A half hour is definitely more do-able, especially if we are paying hourly for a photographer... we're going to want pictures at the beach, but also back in the city.

ETA: I will probably drive up there with a girlfriend or FI so that we can scope things out, so we won't use the AC beach sight unseen. We can also see OC, NJ and Cape May... sounds like a fun trip!

 

[megumic]

Personally, Cape May kicks AC's bum when it comes to a wedding. I much prefer the ambiance of local restaurants, bed & breakfasts with beautiful quaint decor and a beach nearby, as opposed to high-rise hotels, casinos, mediocre food and bums on the boardwalk. While AC is a great place to have fun and gamble, I personally don't think it's suitable for a wedding.

ETA: Especially on 9/25 - Cape May will be GORGEOUS! But I'd book now!!!

 

[JerseyGrl81]

You might also want to check out Brigantine. It is a neighboring beach to AC. It is much nicer IMHO. Check out this website for more details about getting married on the beaches near AC. http://atlanticcityweddings.com/articles/outdoorsites.htm

You could always have your ceremony somewhere in AC and then take pictures on the beach in Bringantine.

 

[trillionaire]

Date: 2/21/2010 10:19:34 PM
Author: megumic
Personally, Cape May kicks AC''s bum when it comes to a wedding. I much prefer the ambiance of local restaurants, bed & breakfasts with beautiful quaint decor and a beach nearby, as opposed to high-rise hotels, casinos, mediocre food and bums on the boardwalk. While AC is a great place to have fun and gamble, I personally don''t think it''s suitable for a wedding.

ETA: Especially on 9/25 - Cape May will be GORGEOUS! But I''d book now!!!

Thanks Megumic!

It''s hard to say, since neither of us have been to Cape May or AC, but because it is just the two of us, we are leaning towards something fun, rather than something just romantic. I''m not a big ''wedding person'', so the more normal and non-wedding it feels, the better.

Especially because it is just a weekend... it would be like running off to Vegas, only locally. The honeymoon that we are shooting for is pretty remote (bungalow in a jungle), and more of a ''just us'' experience. So, we''re still exploring our options, but it definitely sounds like I need to plan a weekend trip soon! FI''s b-day is next month, so maybe we''ll go then. It might be easier to decide once we''ve laid eyes on the place. I did naturally lean towards Cape May after FI suggested AC, but neither of us are that big on B&B''s... something about being in rooms that look like old bedrooms weirds us both out, though we both really like the idea conceptually. Whenever we''ve discussed staying at one, we always opt for a hotel instead, lol.

 

[trillionaire]

Date: 2/21/2010 10:27:07 PM
Author: JerseyGrl81

You might also want to check out Brigantine. It is a neighboring beach to AC. It is much nicer IMHO. Check out this website for more details about getting married on the beaches near AC. http://atlanticcityweddings.com/articles/outdoorsites.htm

You could always have your ceremony somewhere in AC and then take pictures on the beach in Bringantine.

I haven''t heard of that beach, thanks, will look at that one too! I can''t tell you all how much I appreciate your help with this!

 

[trillionaire]

From website:

Atlantic City Beaches

Reservations/Permits:

Beach Ceremonies: Every beach town has their own requirements. In Atlantic City, permits are now required to hold a ceremony on the beach even if you have only two people and a minister. Additionally, you need to insure the city for $1 million dollars for that day.