Whether your dream is to get married on the beach at sunset or in a historical whaling church with majestic columns, Cape Cod and the surrounding islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket provide these venues and so many more. With a few insider tips, we’re determined to make your day as special as you’ve always imagined!
As someone who got married at The Harborview Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard and hosted a very small (10 people!) wedding, I can tell you that the backdrop of a quaint, nautical town on the Vineyard made it an unforgettable experience all on its own. Your guests will fall in love with the lighthouses, the local shops, and the cozy cottages tucked all around — whether you’re planning for 10 or 500 guests!
Popular spots
The wedding season on Cape Cod in Massachusetts starts around May and slowly ends in October (with the busiest months being September and October), and couples are flocking more and more to this East Coast destination for the variety of venues it offers. Some of the most popular wedding sites are Truro Vineyards, Old Whaling Church, Historic Highfield Hall, and Nauticus Marina, just to name a few. “The Vineyard and Nantucket offer tranquility with a feeling of secluded luxuriousness. From the small streets, the quaint homes, gingerbread cottages and great beaches, there is no doubt why we are one of the top wedding destinations in the country”, comments India Rose, owner of Martha’s Vineyard Wedding Studio and Soiree on Martha’s Vineyard.
Photo ops
One of the best parts of getting married on Cape Cod is the immense stage you have — whether you want a photograph in front of every lighthouse (and there are plenty to choose from!) or you’re dead-set on supporting local artisans and using local honey as your souvenirs, Cape Cod welcomes you with open arms.
“For some of the best wedding photos, I love the Vineyard lighthouses for that island and nautical charm, but I also love up-island towns like Chilmark and Menemsha for their country and farm-like backdrops.” says India Rose. Nantucket also has some amazing locations, such as the view from Topper’s Restaurant. Host your wedding overlooking the waves and enjoy a catered wedding dinner at the restaurant; even better, you can book your guests and your own stay at The Wauwinet, right where the restaurant is located.
Keep it local
And remember, the Cape and the islands have all you’ll ever need locally. Don’t haul rental items and linens from home, or even worse, spend money shipping them. Check with local venues for rental sites that supply tableware, linens, props and more. Avoid getting your wedding favors mangled in the mail and connect with a local artisan to create uniquely inspired favors: local honey, special tea blends, handmade jewelry, and even custom-made chocolate bars for your guests.
Have a backup plan
India’s parting advice, “If you have your heart set on getting married on the beach, make sure you have a weather backup plan. New England has unpredictable weather and planning a beach wedding adds to the stress you already have! Also, most Vineyard public beaches won’t allow you to set up chairs on the beach, so your guests will have to stand for the ceremony unless it is a private location.”
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