7 of the Best Wedding Venues in the Dreamy Coastal Town of Nantucket
If you like us were captivated by the elegant and classic scenery of Nantucket as seen in Netflix’s latest hit ‘The Perfect Couple’, then get ready to be even more intrigued by the idea of hosting a wedding there. Renowned for its cobblestone streets, premium dining, luxury hotels and charming inns, Nantucket is a picturesque island located off the coast of Massachusetts filled to the brim with idyllic charm and a rich Maritime history. With a landscape characterised by sandy beaches, rolling dunes and incredibly stylish ‘home from home’ cottages and mansions, it’s a pretty dreamlike spot to get married in. Add to that it’s vibrant art scene and exceptional foodie offering serving fresh catches of the day, we can’t think of many places better for a wedding weekend packed with wholesome activities.
Below we’ve listed 7 of our favourite wedding venues there to help get you inspired.
1. The Nantucket Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the historic Brant Point neighbourhood just moments away from the cobbled streets of Downtown and the beach, The Nantucket Hotel offers an idyllic backdrop for a wedding filled with New England charm. As Nantucket’s only year round hotel, it is defined by tradition and warm hospitality, and has been welcoming guests since 1891. Featuring the island’s largest and most elegant island style Ballroom, it can seat up to 220 guests and is complete with antique oak flooring, dramatic high ceilings, a raised stage and large private bar. Suitable for any season, it can be fully air-conditioned in the Summer and heated in the cooler months. Host your ceremony outside in their Shell Garden space or inside the hotel, followed by a cocktail hour on the deck or in the restaurant. The venue has 4 bedrooms available for the wedding party and is in walking distance of further inns and hotels.
2. The Wauwinet
Located on the Northeastern end of the island, tucked between the ocean and the bay, The Wauwinet is an iconic luxury resort, filled with plenty of waterfront spaces, award-winning catering and plenty of coastal charm. Say your vows on the ocean fronted lawn or on the golden sand beach, followed by plenty of delicious New England cuisine overlooking the Nantucket Bay. With 33 guest rooms and cottages, the hotel can be turned into a wonderful private retreat for you and up to 200 wedding guests, with their on-site team organising everything across the weekend. From a clambake on the beach and bike tours around the island to a farewell brunch on the deck, they know the perfect options to really bring your wedding weekend to life.
3. White Elephant
Named on Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels List for 10 consecutive years, White Elephant is a spectacular waterfront setting for weddings on the harbour. Featuring 4,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, professional catering and dedicated wedding planners, you can host a wedding here for up to 300 guests, with the ability to hire the entire property. Start with a ceremony on the Harbourview Lawn followed by dinner, drinks and dancing under the stars on their Harbourview Terrace. On the days around the wedding enjoy treatments at their spa, relax in their comfy wicker loungers overlooking the water, cruise the harbour in a Hinckley Picnic Boat and finish the celebration with a delicious brunch.
4. Harbourview Nantucket
Experience the luxury of quintessential island living from the comfort of your own private cottage by hosting your wedding at Harbourview Nantucket. Made up on a collection of 10 beautifully designed private cottages all perched close to the shoreline, you can hire out the full space for a classic and charming wedding venue. Surrounded by pristinely kept gardens and with direct access right onto the beach, the venue enjoys panoramic harbour views and is conveniently located close to the town centre. The venue can host up up to 75 guests and has 11 luxury rooms for your guests to stay in.
5. Wychmere Beach Club
Combining the timeless Americana style of Cape Cod with nautical elegance, Wychmere Beach Club is a beautifully bright and well appointed wedding venue located right on the beachfront. It has 3 different wedding spaces for you to choose from, each with their own unique charm. The Ocean Room can host 160 guests for dinner and has views of both the harbour and Nantucket Sound. It functions as an indoor/outdoor space, and benefits from an expansive rooftop deck. The Harbour Room is attached to the Hydrangea Room and Patio where you can enjoy a lovely cocktail hour before heading into the main room for your reception of up to 300 guests. Finally the Dune Wedding Venue has incredible views out to sea, with two floors of indoor/outdoor spaces. Blending modern sophistication with seaside elegance, you can host up to 240 guests here as you dance on the driftwood floors and soak in the sunset up on the rooftop terrace.
6. Heritage Museums and Gardens
Located within picturesque grounds along the shoreline of Shawme Ponds, this enchanting wedding venue is filled with joy and wonder. Showcasing an internationally renowned collection of plants and also home to a world-class American automobile collection, they have 100 acres of peaceful grounds for you to enjoy. Their Heald Center is a versatile venue and can host receptions for up to 130 guests and can expand further onto the outdoor terrace for added space and ambience. Their JK Lilly III Auto Gallery is a cool and memorable setting for a cocktail reception and they have further outdoor spaces if you wanted to pop up a marquee.
7. Hadwen House
A historic Greek revival mansion built back in 1846 for the the famous Nantucket whaling merchant and silver retailer William Hadwell, this prestigious home is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and is nestled amongst the historic mansions of main street. Inside you’ll find a beautifully decorated house museum and outside you’ll find flourishing English style gardens, both of which are the perfect spots to host your wedding proceedings with up to 110 of your guests.