Nantucket is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the country — and it’s easy to see why. This small island, located off the coast of southern Massachusetts, is the epitome of “quiet luxury.” Nantucket weddings pair elegance with a fresh, coastal aesthetic. Plus, your friends and family will have plenty of reasons to extend their visit long after the last guest leaves the dance floor.
Discover our top 5 reasons for hosting a Nantucket wedding — and see how real couples embraced the best that this tranquil island has to offer. Best of all, you’ll find tips and resources for planning your own seaside soirée against this beautiful New England backdrop.
But First, Step Inside this Seaside Wedding at The Nantucket Hotel…
1. The Elegant Venues
With its rich history and luxury accommodations for summer travelers, Nantucket boasts many fashionable wedding venues. You’ll find waterfront resorts, boutique inns, historic landmarks, and private clubs.
PartySlate makes it easy to find your dream Nantucket wedding venue with our curated directory. If a particular venue catches your eye, make sure to click into its PartySlate profile to learn more about the space.
PartySlate Pro Tip: Consider The Nantucket Hotel for a quintessential New England wedding. This historic hotel has been a Nantucket staple since 1891 — and as the island’s only year-round hotel, you can even book this charming venue for an off-season celebration.
2. The Ocean Views
It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque backdrop to an outdoor wedding than Nantucket. With pristine sandy beaches and idyllic harbors, this seaside haven is known for its scenic beauty. World-renown beaches include Surfside Beach, Madaket Beach, and Cisco Beach.
While you cannot reserve public beach space for a private event, you can host a ceremony on specific public beaches for your “toes in the sand” nuptials. The Town of Nantucket authorizes all beach event permits, but be mindful that some beaches require additional permits. We always recommend working with a Boston-based wedding planner to ensure a seamless planning process—especially when planning a beachside wedding.
3. The Historic Architecture
Visiting Nantucket feels like taking a step back in time. Instead of traffic lights and concrete strip malls, you’ll find charming cobblestone streets, cedar-shingled roofs, and wrap-around porches. Nantucket takes pride in its preservation of historical architecture, so expect to discover beautifully-maintained buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
In addition to charming shops and historic homes, the island is home to many historic lighthouses. Sankaty Head Lighthouse wows with panoramic coastal views — and serves as a stunning spot for a “first look.”
4. The Outdoor Activities
Chances are your guests will want to spend time exploring this beautiful island, so we highly recommend planning an extended weekend of fun-filled activities. Consider chartering a sailboat or embarking on a whale-watching excursion for a memorable experience that you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come. For a more leisurely seaside experience, opt to watch one of Nantucket’s famous regattas.
Of course, the beach isn’t the only place worth exploring. Head inland to discover sandy dunes, salt marshes, and wildlife refuges like The Linda Loring Nature Foundation. Come evening time, head back out to the coast and view the sunset from breathtaking vantage points like Brant Point Lighthouse or Madaket Beach.
5. The Culinary Delights
Foodies adore Nantucket for its charming cafés, upscale restaurants, and more relaxed fare. You’ll find fresh New England staples as well as global menus that rival some of the best spots in Manhattan.
Make sure you work with a skilled Boston-based caterer to design and execute a quintessential New England dining experience. Use the PartySlate directory filters to narrow your search by services, pricing, and more. Make sure to look for the “featured” tags to learn more about PartySlate’s top recommendations. From there, you can send an inquiry through the directory or their PartySlate profile.
People Also Ask…
Where can I find a wedding planner for my Nantucket nuptials?
A stress-free wedding starts with hiring a skilled full-service wedding planner. Not only will a planner troubleshoot any unforeseen obstacles during the planning process and day-of, they can also save you money (yes, really).
Head to PartySlate’s curated directory to find a Boston wedding planner, as most planners will travel regionally. Use the filters to narrow your search by services, pricing, and more. If you see a planner that you like, make sure to click into their PartySlate profile to see real examples of their work and learn more about their business. From there, you can send an inquiry through the directory or their PartySlate profile.
Where can I find more inspiration for my coastal wedding?
PartySlate is your go-to resource for the best wedding and event inspiration. Click on the following to discover classic and trending wedding ideas for a chic coastal celebration.
featured caterer
Kate’s Table ~ Catering + Events
We love how Kate’s Table ~ Catering + Events serves unique and delicious dishes with an East Coast twist. Based in Boston, this full-service team of caterers works with clients to curate the perfect menu for the perfect event. photographer: Timwill photography