Do You Love Farms? Would You Like To Get Married On One?

Has it always been your dream to get married - or hold another type of milestone celebration - on a farm?

You may soon be able to.

The Jersey Assembly has passed legislation that would permit special agricultural events to be held on preserved farmland – with certain restrictions.

Assemblywoman Celeste Riley – the sponsor of the measure – says “there is a reason why New Jersey is called the Garden state. In addition to its great industrial past, New Jersey has a proud farming heritage that deserves to be showcased and preserved. This bill will encourage preservation of agricultural lands through educational and recreational activities for individuals and families.”

Under the bill, special occasion events would be permitted on preserved farmland, as long as the income generated from the special events accounts for less than 50 percent of the annual gross income of the preserved farmland; the special events advance the agricultural or horticultural output of the farm and promotes agricultural tourism; and the special events are conducted on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or federal or state holiday, or another day with approval of the State Agricultural Development Committee.

The legislation defines a “special event” as a wedding, other lifetime milestone event or another special event as determined by a county agricultural development board.

The measure now heads to the state Senate for consideration.