E & J Manor

Pros

• NOOR is the absolute best place to throw a party, with unmatched elegance, ambience, service, and organization.
• The staff were helpful, accommodating, courteous, and professional every step of the way.
• The day went extremely smoothly thanks to NOOR's staff.
• The venue is stunning and versatile, with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, including an amazing outdoor patio.
• The catering/food was delicious and exceeded expectations.
• The team (Stefany, Lauren, Robert, Gillian, Mariah, Rachel) listened to needs and ensured everything ran smoothly.
• The ceremony in the Terrace and the reception in the Sofia Ballroom were perfect and better than imagined.
• The bridal suite and chairs provided by NOOR helped reduce planning stress.
• Guests were consistently impressed and shared positive feedback.
• The pricing was described as reasonable and affordable.
• The overall experience was incredible and unforgettable, with top-notch service and organization.

Cons

• They noted there were not enough comfy seats for socializing.
• They found the food to be mediocre.
• They mentioned the venue is beautiful but not ADA accessible.
• They warned that the venue charges vendors to be on its preferred vendor list.
• They felt many items included in packages came with additional costs far exceeding their budget.
• The Open Air Photo Booth malfunctioned and would not print guests' photos.
• Personal items like gifts and sunglasses were reportedly removed during cleanup and not recovered.

Review

NOOR and its Sofia Ballroom offer a dramatic, elegant setting that repeatedly shines through in a wide range of events - from weddings to birthdays to corporate gatherings. Across the board, guests consistently singled out the venue's beauty and adaptable spaces: a terrace that feels outdoorsy yet refined, and the Sofia ballroom that can host a full reception with ease. Many couples appreciated how the space itself already carries a strong sense of occasion, meaning they didn't need heavy decorating to achieve a stunning look. For ceremonies, the option to host in the Terrace and move to the Sofia ballroom for a reception proved to be a flexible and attractive setup. In several reviews, the venue's built?in features - such as provided chairs and a spacious bridal suite - helped reduce planning stress and kept costs reasonable, with noted affordability helping many weddings stay within budget.

The people at NOOR appear to be a standout part of the experience. A recurring theme is how helpful and accommodating Stefany and Lauren were throughout the planning process and on the day itself. One couple described their assistance as "courteous, professional, and never told us something couldn't be done," from the initial inquiry to the closing moments. Others praised individual staff members - Gillian, Mariah, Robert, Rachel - who stepped in to ensure things ran smoothly, coordinated with vendors, and kept the day on track. The sense from many reviews is that NOOR's team is responsive, attentive, and oriented toward making the event feel seamless, from setup to guest management and logistics.

Several reviews highlight the venue's strengths in service, ambience, and food. Guests repeatedly called the catering "delicious" and praised the range of menu options, noting that the food consistently met or exceeded expectations. The d?cor and atmosphere were described as elegant and beautiful, with particular appreciation for the indoor/outdoor options and the striking architectural details. Families and corporate groups alike reported that the staff treated their events with care and attention, and many guests received compliments about the level of organization, communication, and hospitality.

As with any venue, there are caveats that prospective clients should consider. A notable portion of feedback centers on pricing transparency and the venue's vendor policies. One review warned that NOOR charges each vendor to be on a "preferred vendor list," a point that caused some concern about how vendor selections are managed and how visibility translates into cost. Another indicated a mismatch between what was promised in an exclusive package and what actually appeared on the final bill, suggesting a need for clearer communication about inclusions to avoid runaway costs. A few guests perceived a focus on profit as conflicting with a truly client?centered experience, underscoring the importance of thorough discussions about inclusions and expectations before signing a contract.

Accessibility and some practical aspects also emerge in the feedback. While many rave about the venue's beauty, one review notes that NOOR is not ADA accessible, a critical point for guests with mobility needs. The physical layout - indoor and outdoor spaces - offers many beautiful views and photo opportunities, but the accessibility caveat is an important consideration for large weddings and events with a broad guest list. There are also occasional operational hiccups mentioned: an Open Air Photo Booth that malfunctioned and failed to print photos, with management subsequently compensating by printing and offering digital links; and a cautionary note to keep an eye on personal belongings during table clearing, following an incident where charger plates and guests' items were removed before guests could collect them. Such anecdotes remind future clients to confirm vendor support and to designate a clear plan for handling gifts and personal items.

Beyond the logistics, the tone of the reviews is a blend of high praise and tempered caution. Many attendees describe NOOR as a top choice for celebrations, with marriages, retirements, and milestone birthdays marked by memorable, well?executed events. A number of reviewers specifically credit NOOR for delivering "an incredible" experience - even suggesting they would consider NOOR again for future events - and some say it's the best place to host celebrations because of its elegance, service, and atmosphere. Yet a few reviews remind readers that there are other venues with compelling offerings, encouraging potential clients to explore options and verify inclusions, costs, and accessibility ahead of time.

In sum, NOOR appears to be a beloved option for those seeking a refined, photogenic venue with strong staffing and a track record of smooth execution. The synergy between the space and the team - coupled with dependable catering and a capable event?planning presence - creates an environment that many couples remember fondly. While the overall sentiment leans highly positive, the feedback also highlights practical considerations: confirm what is included in any package, understand vendor policies and potential fees, verify accessibility needs, and discuss contingency plans for services like photo booths or item handling. For couples who value a dramatic setting, attentive staff, and a high?touch planning experience, NOOR and the Sofia Ballroom consistently deliver with warmth and professionalism - augmented by a few realistic cautions to keep the planning process transparent and stress?free.

This part of Pasadena, California, offers a convenient and bustling neighborhood with a variety of amenities catering to seniors. There are several dining options nearby including Taco Bell, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald's for quick and easy meals. Additionally, there are cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks for leisurely coffee outings. For healthcare needs, pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy are within close proximity. There are also reputable medical facilities like Doheny Eye Center and Methodist Hospital of Southern California nearby. Places of worship like Saint Rita's Catholic Church and Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church provide spiritual support within the community. The area also offers several parks for outdoor recreational activities such as Arcadia County Park and Lacy Park. Overall, this neighborhood in Pasadena combines convenience, healthcare access, dining options, and recreational facilities making it an appealing choice for senior living.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.4 miles)
• El Pollo Loco (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Donut King (1.4 miles)
• Din Tai Fung (1.7 miles)
• Johnny Rockets Santa Anita Mall (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.6 miles)
• Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar (3 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Flo's Coffee Shop (5.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Theaters

• 0206 Amc Bar Santa Ani (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Doheny Eye Center (2 miles)
• Santa Anita Medical Plaza (2.2 miles)
• Healthcare Partners Medical Group (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Methodist Hospital of Southern California (2.3 miles)
• Huntington Memorial Hospital Nicu (4.2 miles)
• Hope (6.2 miles)
• City Of Hope (6.3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center (7.6 miles)
• Prado Center (8.1 miles)
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Rita's Catholic Church (2.4 miles)
• San Marino Community Church Nursery School (2.7 miles)
• Arcadia Chinese Baptist Church (2.8 miles)
• First Evangelical Church Arcadia (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Arcadia County Park (2.7 miles)
• Lacy Park (2.7 miles)
• Live Oak Park (3.3 miles)
• Rosemead Park (4.1 miles)
• Garfield Park (4.3 miles)
• Almansor Park (4.4 miles)
• Brookside Park (4.9 miles)

Transportation

• Metro - Monrovia Station (4.5 miles)