Somerset Hills Hotel Holds Contest For Free Wedding

The Somerset Hills Hotel has launched a contest offering one winning couple a free wedding for up to 100 guests. All other couples who enter the contest prior to a drawing scheduled for Jan. 23, 2011 also will receive a 10-percent discount when booking a wedding at the hotel, said Gina Martin, the hotel's director of catering.

"It's about giving back to the community, and also about trying to advertise ourselves," said Sonny Patel, president and chief executive officer of Net Hospitality.

The hotel, located at 200 Liberty Corner Road in Warren Township, on the border of Bernards Township, has been a part of the community for more than 20 years, Patel said. He said the hotel currently is planning renovations with a focus on providing entertainment through its Tap Room Bar.

The hotel officially kicked off its "Win A Wedding Contest" late last week. Entrants are asked to come into the hotel and fill out an entry form at no cost. For further information, potential entrants can call the hotel at 908-660-4506, ext. 109. Martin can be reached at email at GMartin@shh.com. Details of rules and regulations of the contest will soon be posted on the hotel's website, according to the hotel's publicity.

Martin said entry forms will be handed out at a bridal show scheduled at the hotel from on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. 

The winner will be selected during the Somerset Hills Hotel Bridal Show on Jan. 23, 2011, Patel said. The wedding can take place up to April of 2012. The winners would receive a complete wedding, including catering, flowers, a five-hour open bar, wedding cake, cocktail reception, bridal suite and more, according to the hotel.

The winning couple will be asked to pay for additional guests if they invite more than 100 people, Martin said.

A strained economy has taken a toll on how people plan their weddings, Patel said. He said the hotel now books about 35 to 40 weddings each year, down from about 50 to 60 wedding events a few years ago. He added couples are on average spending less on the event, about $15,000 to $20,000, rather than $25,000 as in the past.