Hosting a teen birthday celebration in Union County means choosing a venue that understands both your teen’s excitement and your need for peace of mind. The Gran Centurions in Clark has hosted Sweet 16s and teen celebrations for over 30 years and knows exactly what makes these events work: flexible spaces, food teens genuinely enjoy, and a team that handles the details so you can focus on the fun.

Parents choose this venue for teen birthdays because it offers flexible room sizes, fresh food teens enjoy, clear policies, and a structured four hour schedule supported by a coordinator. It provides easy access, free parking, and a setup that keeps teens engaged while giving parents confidence that the event will run smoothly./p>

Our family run venue sits just off Garden State Parkway Exit 135, with free parking and easy access from Middlesex and Somerset counties. We offer four event spaces, scratch made food, and a coordination team that stays with you from your first tour through the last dance.

Flexible Layouts for Any Guest List

The Gran Centurions offers four distinct rooms, each designed to accommodate parties of different sizes and styles. The Crystal Ballroom accommodates 100 to 400 guests, with a Saturday minimum of 125, making it ideal for families inviting extended relatives, school friends, and everyone in between. The Diamond Ballroom accommodates 75 to 150 people and features an outdoor deck where teens can step outside to dance and socialize.

For more intimate gatherings, the Tiffany Room and Platinum Room seat 60 to 100 guests and 65 to 100 guests, respectively. The Platinum Room features a scenic balcony, while the Tiffany Room offers deck access. Our grounds also include a gazebo and patio area that are perfect for photos, fresh-air breaks, or small-group conversations away from the main party.

Freshly Prepared Food, Designed for Teen Celebrations

The Gran Centurions takes pride in its scratch-made cuisine, with all sauces and pasta made fresh daily. Owner and chef Garry Ruane, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, oversees his award-winning culinary team, ensuring every dish is crafted to perfection. Chef Ruane also grows all the fresh herbs used in our dishes on-site. For teen birthdays, we design menus around what young guests love, offering choices like Chicken Fingers & Fries, Mini Cheese Burgers, Penne Vodka, Chicken Française, Meatballs Marinara, and Pepper Steak.

Every Sweet 16 package includes a Pizza Station with cheese and pepperoni, a Wing Station where you select two sauces from BBQ, Buffalo, Garlic Parmesan, and Teriyaki. Salads include Tossed, Caesar, or Mixed Greens with cranberries, pecans, and raspberry vinaigrette. We include a Fruit Display, Fresh Baked Rolls, Vegetable Medley, and Roasted Potatoes. Dessert is included with every package, featuring a full Ice Cream Sundae Bar complete with syrups, toppings, and sugar cones. For an extra treat, a Fresh Waffles & Ice Cream station can be added to elevate the experience.

Customizable Beverage Packages for Every Celebration

Our Sweet 16 packages run for 4 hours, with extended options available: a Soda Station, a Shirley Temple Station, a Coffee and Tea Station, and an Ice Cream Sundae Bar. For adult guests who’d enjoy wine or beer, bartender service is available for a flat fee. Enhancements like Mimosa, Sangria, Unlimited Soda & Juice, a Champagne Toast, Prosecco, or a Non-Alcoholic Toast can be added to elevate the experience.

Domestic beers include Bud and Coors Light. Imported options are Heineken and Corona. Wine upgrades feature Portillo Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. We also offer Open Bar packages (Standard or Premium, four or five hours), Open Light Bar, and Tab or Cash Bar setups. You decide what fits your crowd and budget. 

A Schedule That Supports the Teen Birthday

Sweet 16 events at The Gran Centurions run four hours and are available on Friday and Saturday. That window gives you time for arrival, cocktail hour with passed appetizers or stations, a plated or buffet meal, cake cutting, dancing, and sendoff.

We assign a dedicated coordinator who manages the timeline from your first tour to the last song. Lighting, linens, vendor communication, and room turnover all happen without you having to manage logistics. Parents consistently tell us this hands-off approach makes the day feel effortless, and your teen enjoys the celebration while you get to be present instead of troubleshooting.

Built-In Essentials and Optional Add-Ons

Your Sweet 16 package includes the room, tables, chairs, and all the food and beverage elements listed above. We provide the Pizza Station, Wing Station, Salsa Bar, Fruit Display, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, and the core menu you select. Additional fees apply; your coordinator will review all costs during your consultation.

You’ll book your own DJ or live music. We can recommend local DJs if you need suggestions. If you want a custom cake beyond what’s included, you’ll order that separately, and we’ll cut and serve it. We don’t offer décor services, so centerpieces, backdrops, or balloon arches are coordinated with an outside vendor. Decorations cannot be attached to walls or doors, and confetti is not allowed. Any damage to the room will be charged.

Clear Policies That Protect Your Planning

The Gran Centurions require your final guest count seven days before the party. If your number drops and you don’t update us, you’ll be charged for the original count. All payments must be completed seven days before your event.

A  Non-refundable deposit is required when you sign the contract. If deposits aren’t paid in full, we reserve the right to rebook the room. Special pricing is available for younger guests. Call (732) 382-1664 or request our pricing guide through the website to see current rates for your guest count and date.

Easy to Reach from Across Union County

The Gran Centurions are located at 440 Madison Hill Road in Clark, just off the Garden State Parkway Exit 135. Parents driving from Middlesex County or Somerset County reach us in under 20 minutes. We have plentiful free parking, so carpools and families arriving at the same time won’t struggle to find a spot.

Rahway River Park is nearby if you want to take photos before or after the party. Local hotels and restaurants make it easy for out-of-town guests to stay close and explore the area.

Conclusion

The Gran Centurions has been hosting events for more than 30 years, and our family-run team understands how teen parties differ from adult celebrations. Young guests need space to move, food they recognize, and an atmosphere that feels celebratory without excessive formality. Parents need clear communication, predictable costs, and a team that stays engaged throughout the event.

Families return for younger siblings’ birthdays, quinceañeras, and eventually weddings because they know what to expect from us.

If you’re ready to lock in a date or see the rooms in person, contact us at (732) 382-1664. You can also request our pricing guide online or follow us on Instagram @gran_centurions to see recent setups. We’ll walk you through menu options, room layouts, and what to expect on the day.

FAQs

Can we bring our own DJ or entertainment for a Sweet 16?

Yes, families book their own DJ or live music for teen parties. The venue doesn’t provide entertainment, but recommendations for trusted local DJs are available upon request. Pricing is arranged directly between you and the entertainer.

How does the timeline work for a teen birthday party?

Sweet 16 events run for four hours, typically on Friday or Saturday. That includes arrival, cocktail hour, dinner (plated or buffet), cake cutting, dancing, and sendoff. A dedicated coordinator manages the timeline, vendor communication, and room turnover so parents can enjoy the celebration without handling logistics.

What happens if our guest count changes close to the event?

The final guest count is due seven days before the party. If your number drops and isn’t updated, you’ll be charged for the original count. If it increases, notify the coordinator as soon as possible so adjustments can be made to setup and billing.

Can adult guests have alcoholic beverages during the party?

Yes, bartender service is available for a flat fee. You can add Mimosa, Sangria, Champagne Toast, Prosecco, or a Non-Alcoholic Toast. Beer and wine options include domestic and imported selections, and complete bar packages are available. You choose what fits your guest list and budget.

Is there parking, and how do guests get to the venue?

The Gran Centurions is located at 440 Madison Hill Road in Clark, just off the Garden State Parkway Exit 135. Families from Middlesex and Somerset counties typically arrive in under 20 minutes. Free on-site parking is available, with plenty of space for carpools and group arrivals.