Nostalgia gets to everyone and Taylor and Travis are no exception. As a kid, Taylor spent her summers at the Jersey Shore in Stone Harbor, traveling every summer from her family’s Christmas tree farm in Reading, Pennslyvannia. Her family owned a house on the bay, across the street from the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.
The Jersey Shore is where Taylor’s music career really began — right on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. She would perform short acoustic sets, and hand out CDs with two songs.
Stone Harbor also means a lot to Jason’s wife Kylie Kelce, who spent her summers growing up on those same beaches. The Jersey connection gave Taylor an easy bond with her future sister-in-law. Jason and Kylie have a large house on the Sea Isle City beach, which means Travis, too, has wiggeled his toes in some of the best sand anywhere.
There really is no place better than the Jersey Shore. Except the Meadowlands. Both are amazing for completely different reasons. For the best wedding ever? Incorporate both!
The Garden State Parkway exit between Sea Isle City and Stone Harbor is Exit 13, which leads to the 7 Mile Island, a barrier island in Cape May County, which includes Stone Harbor and Avalon. How NJ-romantic is that? How numerologically-meant-to-be?
New Jersey loves Taylor (and by association, her “Wood,” too, see “Life of a Showgirl” Track 9). Our love for Taylor is just about up there with Jersey originals like Bruce and Bon Jovi. The Garden State is one of the most Taylor-Swift-obsessed states, ranking 7th in the nation based on data like fan engagement and search. And our Official State Sandwich is the Taylor Swift Ham, Egg, and Cheese.
One of Taylor Swift’s earliest songs, “Smokey Black Nights,” is written about her time at the shore. In the video for “Seven,” a young version of Swift is shown wearing a hooded sweatshirt with “Sea Isle City” printed on it.
She has never been a stranger down the shore, even before she knew the Kelce’s existed, let alone had a house to visit. In 2011, she took a post-Christmas trip to Cape May County, where she shopped, ate, and people mostly left her alone, because Jersey is cool like that.
In 2016, Taylor “crashed” the wedding of two fans — Max Singer and Kenya Smith — at Brant Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach Island. And then in 2023, as a guest, she attened the Long Beach Island wedding longtime musical collaborator and fellow New Jerseyian, Jack Antonoff, and actress Margaret Qualley at Parker’s Garage + Oyster Saloon in Beach Haven.
First, Let’s Squash Some Wedding Day Rumors
Rhode Island — where the nuptials are rumored to be held on Saturday, June 13 — is not in the top 10 states with the most Swifties. And while that could be an appealing privacy aspect, the Swiftie fan network has sophisticated and far-reaching communication capabilities. If they want to camp near her wedding, they will find a way. (The state with the most Swifties, just FYI? Florida.)
So many positives point to Rhode Island, but it just doesn’t feel right or make sense. Yes, the Ocean State was the 13th to ratify the Constitution in 1790 and Taylor is in the process of a $1.7 million renovation on her ocean-front $17.7 million mansion in the Watch Hill Neighborhood of historic Westerly.
Yes, there were multiple rumors that she offered to pay another couple to move their wedding date from their already-booked June 13 nuptuals. Yes, there are perfect venues practically nextdoor to her mansion if she decides not to do the party at home.
Why June 13, 2026 is the Wrong Date
RI aside, the wedding won’t be on June 13. Why? It’s the date Ed Sheeran’s North American “Loop Tour” begins, kicking off in Glendale, Arizona.
Longtime friends and collaborators, Taylor recently said during multiple podcast and other interviews that Ed Sheeran’s involvement at the wedding is almost a certainty, and it “would be hard to keep him from it.” She added if there’s a stage, he will sing.
(The rumor mill is churning that the two are on the oust. He did complain publicly that he heard about her engagement on Instagram along with the rest of the world. Would she pick a date he couldn’t make because she doesn’t want him singng at her wedding?)
Rumors aside, we’re going to say no to June 13, 2026, which also happens to fall in the middle of FIFA World Cup 26, when there are 4 matches, including in the Meadowlands:
⚽Match 5: Group C in Boston
🥅Match 6: Group D at BC Place in Vancouver
⚽Match 7: Group C in New York/New Jersey at MetLife Meadowlands, N.J.
🥅Match 8: Group D in the San Francisco Bay Area
Also, Taylor was just nominated to the Songwriters Hall of Fame for 2026. Should she get the votes (this is the first year she’s eligible) the induction ceremony will be around that time in June 2026. This year’s ceremony is on June 12; last year, June 13.
Assuming Taylor wants Ed at her wedding, that puts Oct. 3, another Swifitie-13-approved date, also out of the wedding day running. Ed’s tour in is Atlanta, Georgia. An October 2026 date would also assume that Travis is retiring from the NFL after this, his 13th season.
So many questions! SO many people, places, and schedules to consider!
Sunday, Aug. 23 — another Swift date that is important to her and adds up to 13 — could be the perfect time. Post World Cup and still pre-NFL should a Season 14 come to light, Aug. 23 was the release date of her 2019 album Lover, and when she announced her 2017 album Reputation. She has a song called “August” from 2020’s Folklore. Some places have deemed August “Taylor Swift Appreciation Month.”
(Ed does NOT have a show on Aug. 23!)
Getting Back to TnT’s Shore to Meadowlands Extravaganza
Let’s ponder these “only in the Meadowlands” options.
- The nostalgia factor. The state of New Jersey practically belongs to you and Travis. Your wedding should be a long weekend, starting with the shore you both know. Make it your first day to start getting ready for the BIG DAY, stay overnight, have a lavish beachfront breakfast.
- Do you want to be incognito as you head out? Call Edge Auto in Newark. They have every kind of vehicle because they cater to movie sets. They can whisk you away in a fancy car — or a catering truck, any kind of truck, really. How about a food truck or a specially-shaped vehicle to move harps and other string instruments? You ask, they will get.
- Once you’re back in the Meadowlands, you have so many varied hotels and restaurants to choose from lavish to casual, interesting AirBnB experiences and historical buildings. I’m sure a cool locale like the Liberty Science Science at Liberty State Park in Jersey City will host you over night for a fun overnight gathering for the wedding party or even all of your guests.
- Iswold Castle at Felician University in Rutherford, will find a way to accommodate your bridal party (guests too) in an amazing way. Built in 1869, the historic castle called Iviswold was remodeled in 1887 as a three-story turreted mansion with 25 rooms, including balconies, a music room, and in the 1930s, an indoor pool was added (it’s long gone). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its among six castles listed in the Garden State.
5. Angelo’s Restaurant: Located at 263 Ridge Rd, Lyndhurst, it’s the perfect size for an intimate luch or dinner with with the bridal party, or just family.it was opened in 1952 by Angelo Piccirillo (Sept. 7, 19–March 23, 2013 at the age of 94) and is now owned and run by his daughters, Lisa Piccirillo and Diane Iocolano. They took over from their mother, Lucy Piccirillo (Nov. 15, 1923–Sept. 20, 2017), who was always a significant figure at the restaurant, and famous for her homemade manicotti. Locals refer to Angelo’s as one of the most exceptional family-run restaurants in the area.
6. Across the street, 256 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, grab the best Italian pastries ever at the Lyndhurst Pastry Shop. The late Gerardo “Jerry” Lanzerotti, the son of an Italian immigrant, opened the Lyndhurst Pastry Shop in 1948 with his brother Joseph. More than 50 years later, the Lanzerotti family is still making daily batches of pignoli cookies studded with pine nuts, the best cannollis in North Jersey, and Italian pastries. People also line up for its homemade Italian ice.
7. Elia’s Restauant, 240 Hackensack St, East Rutherford, is owned and operated by Rutherford resident Annamaria Adinolfi and her mom Anna Rosati. The elegant restaurant features authentic Mediterranean cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Executive chef Jose Luis Falcon prepares every dish with exclusive devotion to Mediterannean cuisine. The restaurant has an open kitchen, stunning fish display, and prepares lavraki, fagri, and more, “just as our ancestors did.”
8. The Union Bar & Provisions, 170 Union Ave, East Rutherford, is one of the new restaurant kids on the block, adjacent to the Rutherford Train Station. A newly built, modern two-level tavern with two dining rooms plus outdoor deck seating, Its made-from-scratch menu revolves around fresh, local ingredients. Featuring elevated comfort food, daily specials, and signature fries, it also excels at entrees like seared salmon, fish and chips, meatloaf and has a raw bar. Managing Partner is Michael McCarthy; co-owners are Patrick Dunne and William Murray
9. Gianna’s, 843 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, is an old world style Italian restaurant that serves very generous family style portions for two or more as well as single orders if desired. It’s menu includes favorites like Bruschetta Napoli, Bucatini Siciliana and Vitello Parmigiana, along with an extensive variety of specialties like its sought-after Burrata.
10. La Fortaleza, 335 Paterson Plank Rd, Carlstadt, says every dish it makes is the soul of Mexico and every bite reflects the love for its land and culture. The intersection of tradition and hard work, the restaurant strives to provide warmth and flavor in every corner. With locations in Passaic, , owner Arturo Ortega, a native of Puebla, Mexico opened a location in Passaic first and aside from the new Carlstadt eatery, now has locations in Garfield, Lodi, and Clifton.
11. Biggies Clam Bar, 430 NJ-17, Carlstadt, was founded in 1946 by Joseph Yaccarino, with two locations in Hoboken, Madison Steet and Newark Street. Madison Street closed in 2016, as well as its location in Kingsport, Tennesse; The Newark Street, Hoboken restaurant closed in 2018. Carlstadt, which opened in 2010, is the last remaining restaurant and run by fourth generation family members.
12. Segovia Restaurant, 150 Moonachie Rd, Moonachie, Moonachie, family-owned and operated for 40+ years, this popular Spanish and Portuguese restaurant, is known for its large portions of authentic Iberian cuisine, especially paella, seafood, and steak. Specializing in modern takes on authentic dishes, many recipes were inspired by family. Segovia’s popular items include paella, mariscadas, and its large selection of steaks, with a focus on high-quality Angus beef.
13. The Barrow House, 1296 Van Houten Ave., Clifton, is a Colonial-Era Farmhouse restaurant located on the site of a former farm. Modeled after a traditional Hall & Parlor Home, the space is comprised of seven unique rooms. owned by the Skopos Hospitality Group, a company co-founded by brothers Dean and Thomas Maroulakos. The brothers transformed the historic 19th-century farmhouse into a restaurant and bar in 2016. Its rustic American Farm Fare menu.
