Where New Jersey Ends…Your Forever Begins

Katlyn Mogavero, ACPWC, Certified Professional Wedding Planner

Set against Cape May’s soft sands and the steady rhythm of the Atlantic, weddings at The Grand Hotel blend Victorian seaside charm with the personal touches that make each celebration uniquely its own.

Now, with the debut of its newly renovated oceanfront 5th-floor Penthouse Ballroom, The Grand is entering a striking new chapter. The reimagined space is nothing short of breathtaking—an airy, light-filled setting where panoramic ocean views stretch endlessly beyond expansive windows. Inside, a refined palette of soft whites, warm wood tones, and subtle gold accents creates an atmosphere that feels both elevated and effortlessly coastal. The result is a space that feels fresh, timeless, and unmistakably tied to the beauty of Cape May.

Yet beyond the setting, much of what makes a wedding at The Grand so memorable is the guidance of Katlyn Mogavero.” An ACPWC Certified Professional Wedding Planner, Katlyn is widely regarded as one of the best in South Jersey—and her reputation alone brings couples through The Grand’s doors. With a calm, intuitive approach, she curates every detail, from ideal photo timing based on sunset and tides to thoughtful elements that reflect each couple’s story.

“I’m here to ensure they feel completely at ease, confident that they are in the best hands,” Katlyn says. “I’ll be with them every step of the way. To have a small part in one of the most meaningful days in a couple’s life is truly amazing.”

For more than 16 years, Katlyn has planned an extraordinary range of weddings at The Grand—from elegant black-tie affairs to barefoot beach ceremonies. Her ability to bring any vision to life, seamlessly and beautifully, has become a defining part of the Grand Hotel experience.

“It’s like a destination, but closer to home,” she adds. With amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, beach cabanas, and diverse dining options, guests often turn wedding weekends into full vacation experiences.

That versatility extends to the venue itself. The Grand can accommodate up to 320 guests across four distinct ballrooms, each offering its own unique atmosphere. The crown jewel, the Penthouse Ballroom, now newly transformed, hosts over 300 guests with sweeping ocean views. The recently renovated beach chic Grand Ballroom on the first floor accommodates up to 200, while the Wicker and Crystal rooms provide intimate settings for gatherings of 20 to 50 guests. Unlike many venues, The Grand offers flexibility without strict guest minimums—an increasingly valuable feature for today’s couples.

Seasonality is another standout. While summer remains a favorite, Cape May’s charm truly shines year-round—especially in the winter months.

“In recent years, March, April, November, and December have become incredibly popular,” Katlyn notes. And in December, Cape May takes on a particularly magical quality, with its historic streets, twinkling lights, and festive décor creating a setting that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie. Katlyn leans into that atmosphere, incorporating cozy touches like warm apple cider, seasonal accents, and soft pashminas to create an unforgettable winter wedding experience.

For Katlyn, the relationships she builds extend far beyond the wedding day.

“I’m still in touch with brides from 15 years ago,” she says. “I make it a point to stay part of their lives—watching them grow their families, buy homes, celebrate milestones. The Grand becomes part of their story, and they keep coming back.”

With its beautifully renovated ballrooms, iconic seaside setting, and a planning experience led by one of South Jersey’s most sought-after professionals, The Grand Hotel continues to redefine the Cape May wedding experience—where timeless beauty meets thoughtful detail, and where every celebration feels as special as the setting itself.  

 609-884-5611 x519

katlynm@grandcapemay.com