Couples hoping to get married this spring or summer have had the added stress of having their wedding dates cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Red Barn in Carneys Point is now hoping to help alleviate that stress by hosting mini weddings for $295 that provides an officiant, a cake, photos, music during the ceremony, a first dance and a livestream for family and friends to witness the nuptials.
All you need is two witnesses, a marriage license, face masks and your soon-to-be spouse.
“It’s something that we could do to try to help couples that have really been hit hard," manager Chelsey Schatzan said. "A lot of people have had to cancel their weddings completely or indefinitely postpone (their ceremony). It really is heartbreaking for the couples, and for us to watch them go through that. We were trying to find some way we could help.”
With Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order allowing for events with proper social distancing, The Red Barn saw an opportunity to help couples whose special day was indefinitely postponed -- or outright cancelled.
Pre-pandemic, The Red Barn could be booked for $400 for four hours.
The Red Barn is offering 'mini weddings' for engaged couples for under $300Photo courtesy of Chelsey Schatzan
“Just with the people that I’ve talked to, it’s such a stress reliever for them. Some people spend two years in advance planning a wedding and then it’s being taken away by the pandemic," Schatzan said. "They don’t know if they can do that again, put themselves through all that stress again. This makes it a little easier on them so they can focus on their love.”
The economic downturn amid the pandemic has certainly taken its toll on the Salem County-based property as well. Property owner Brian Dilks also owns the adjacent Friendly Tavern & Venue, another wedding venue used for larger crowds and country dancing.
But unless they are allowed to go back to full operations soon, the Friendly Tavern will most likely be sold to cover financial losses.
Even as the economic downturn takes its toll on The Red Barn and businesses throughout New Jersey and the country, Schatzan is just content to provide optimism for those hoping to tie the knot soon.
“Right now I think it’s the hope that everyone needs," Schatzan said. "It’s the hope that we need and the hope that the couples need.
"It’s like a light in the darkness.”
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Andrew Koob may be reached at akoob@njadvancemedia.com.