Guide to Planning a Martha’s Vineyard Wedding

Martha’s Vineyard has been called ‘the jewel of New England’ and it’s easy to see why. It’s an island full of history and breathtaking views that you’ll never forget! Moreover, the ocean is the most beautiful backdrop for a wedding. Surrounded by majestic cliffs and white sandy beaches, this is the perfect place to get married.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic venue or something more modern, we’ve got you covered with our guide on planning a Martha’s Vineyard wedding!

The Best Wedding Venues for your Martha’s Vineyard Wedding

The Winnetu Oceanside Resort

The only property located at South Beach, Edgartown. This place also allows you to choose from several options as locations for your ceremony. 

Your ceremony can be hosted:

• On South Beach, which is accessible via our private beach path
• In-town at a church, or location of your choice, easily accessible via our antique vehicles or shuttles
• At the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, our West Lawn
• Custom-tailored Menu
• Rehearsal Dinners, Welcome Receptions, & Goodbye Brunches

Lamberts Cove Inn

A newly renovated retreat set on a farm in West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard. You can book ceremonies in their English Garden and have tented receptions on the Great Lawn. Not to mention they provide on-site catering. In addition, The entire inn, Woods restaurant, and eight acres of grounds are all yours for the weekend. We welcome you to transform Lambert’s Cove Inn into your ideal destination wedding venue on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Lodging for up to 40 people on-site
• Private beach access for all inn guests
• Catering by top-rated restaurant, Woods
• Horse-drawn carriage rides and sunset sail charters
• On-site ceremonies and reception venues
• Flexible payment terms

Harbor View Hotel

Exchange vows in front of Edgartown harbor and enjoy a reception on our Great Lawn. Dance until the late hours at the ballroom that overlooks it all! Moreover, the attentive staff will be sure to make this perfect event happen with ease, leaving you free to fully savor every moment.

The Bettini Restaurant and Roxy Pool Bar chefs would love nothing more than showering you with the freshest seafood in dishes perfect for your wedding day.

• Curated Treats
• Horse-drawn Wedding Carriage
• Also available for winter weddings 

Menemsha Inn & Cottages

A perfect retreat for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. The inn features 15 charming guest rooms with views of both oceans and gardens (12 separate cottage rentals are also available) as well as 3 rental homes. Surrounded by incomparable seascapes, this 30-acre property is sure to please any couple looking for relaxation from their hectic lifestyle or job routine!

The Hayloft Barn is the perfect spot for a small 25-person intimate reception that also allows the use of the outdoor lawn and garden. It is also an ideal event venue fit for 40 seated guests or a 100 person cocktail party. You will be impressed with the size of this stunning venue, perfect for large groups or a small intimate gathering. 

The Tea House is the perfect place for a casual wedding reception with up to 50 guests and a private porch overlooking the lovely vineyards. The view of the sunset is stunning!

• Beautiful indoor and outdoor venues for small intimate gatherings and large groups.
• Catering by award winning Beach Plum Inn Restaurant 
• Authentic Martha’s Vineyard seafood at Home Port Restaurant

Captain Morse House

As you stroll through the green, manicured lawns and relax on one of many cozy patio spaces around this grand 12 bedroom home, we can’t help but imagine how beautiful it would be for a bride to walk down an outdoor aisle under three magnificent Lindens surrounded by loving friends and family. Relish your reception with the delicious food from area-restaurant favorites inside the beautifully lit Sperry Tent!

• Hosts for a sit-down reception of 100 people or a cocktail party of up to 150 guests
• Select tents from several of premier party planner headquarters
• Catering from delicious nearby restaurants, all within walking distance!

Atria

This venue contains a full range of spaces for your wedding ceremony and hosts many other venues for dinner and cocktail hour. You’ll be able to follow your ceremony outside and have a cocktail hour. Then, when it’s time for dinner, the space easily converts into an elegant indoor ballroom with all of the ambiance you’re looking for!

• Indoor and outdoor dining areas for elegant and casual wedding receptions
• The Brick Cellar Bar with a social backdrop as a premier party spot for drinks and dancing after your reception
• A tented patio with it own outdoor bar and sound system
• A private dining room with a private bath and candle lit fireplace for the truly intimate and casual of gatherings.

The Atlantic

This venue provides three idyllic venues for your private events and boasts a tasteful dining menu. If you’re looking for something different from your average bar, the 200-seat, multi-level restaurant has a variety of indoor and outdoor dining experiences along with a festive nightlife. 

• Off-site catering available for parties up to 500 guests.
• Serves elegant dishes including Wild Salmon and Certified Angus and Japanese A5 Kobe steaks.
• In-home catering

East Chop Lighthouse and East Chop Club

East Chop Lighthouse provides the perfect New England backdrop for wedding ceremonies. The lighthouse is close to East Chop Club where some couples have their reception. Altogether, this is a beautiful ceremony and reception duo that provides you everything you could want for a New England wedding.

• Historic lighthouse on a bluff
• A convenient ceremony and reception duo
• Beautiful scenery with a wonderful ambience
• Caters deliciously fresh seafood 

Other Great Wedding Venues You Can Try:

Aquinnah Cliffs, 31 Aquinnah Cir, Aquinnah, MA 02535

One of the best spots in the entire island to watch the sunset. Seen from the clifftop is Gay Head Lighthouse which can rent you a space for a private ceremony. This site makes a beautiful photo op session for your wedding and is very popular at sunset. 

Lighthouse Beach, 230 N Water St, Edgartown, MA 02539

Imagine having an outdoor wedding during a stunning sunset in front of a strikingly beautiful lighthouse — it would definitely be a moment to remember. Great for intimate and casual ceremonies.

• Most famous beach on Martha’s Vineyard
• Free to anyone
• Lighthouse can be reserved through the Martha’s Vineyard Museum for photos and more with the beach remaining open to  the public.

How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard

A year-round ferry service makes it easy to get to and from Martha’s Vineyard. The Steamship Authority ferry allows service to walk-on passengers as well as cars. This Ferry leaves from Woods Hole on Cape Cod and is an easy 45 minute trip.

In the busy seasons, there are many ferry options available from different locations, including Rhode Island, NYC, Northerns New Jersey and more. 

There are also flights available year-round from Logan Airport in Boston and other airports during the warmer months.

Activities

My personal favorite thing to do on Martha’s Vineyard is to grab some giant chocolate chip pancakes from the Right Fork Diner. This cozy little spot sits on the Katama Airfield and allows you to look out on planes of all sizes coming and going right in front of you. When I was a kid my Grandfather kept his plane at the Katama Airfield and I have such fond memories of eating these pancakes that were bigger than my face and then getting to drive his glider plane around the field and play backgammon with him and his friends in the hangar. 

You could go touring on one of Martha’s Vineyard’s nature and wildlife preserves — I suggest trying the Long Point Wildlife Refuge which is known for its many rare plants and wildlife! You could also go for a quick picnic in one of the island’s many scenic beaches. 

If you want to see a rich piece of history then try the Flying Horse Carousel. It’s the oldest continuously operated carousel in America. It takes you on a ride through generations of holiday nostalgia as many generations of islanders and tourists have once rode on this relic. Brush the horse’s tail and feel like one of those Vineyard Islanders as they take an old-fashioned spin around this historic landmark dating back to 1844!

Food Places to Consider at Martha’s Vineyard

Back Door Donuts 

With exceptional donuts, coffee, staff, and prices, Back Door Donuts can cater your wedding desserts through cakes, donuts, and other pastries. Their signature Apple fritters and Cinnamon Rolls donuts will leave you risk gaining a few pounds for more!

ArtCliff Diner

Most customers seem to agree that standing in line at the ArtCliff Diner is worth the wait. They have been serving home-away-from-home meals at Martha’s Vineyard since 1943! Their food trucks allow them to bring their heartwarming meals right to your wedding reception.

Linda Jean’s Restaurant

A restaurant that has been serving home-style American eats and seafood since 1976, with bottomless coffee on the side. They provide an excellent catering menu for couples who want delicious home-style meals at their wedding.

7a Foods

7afoods is a spot that offers fresh, homemade dishes straight from the farm. They dish out breakfast and lunch for all those who are looking to try something new in their routine. In addition, their menu is designed to provide the most sustainable food possible. The organic produce and hormone-free meat ensures you are eating fresh, healthy cuisine every time!

Scottish Bakehouse

A cozy café that has signature egg sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, tasty soups and salads made with locally sourced ingredients. They cater to big and small parties with delicious meals and decadent made-to-order cakes and desserts for your special celebrations.

Giordano’s Restaurant and Clam Bar

Nostalgic dishes and a friendly atmosphere await hungry families in this nostalgic Italian restaurant. They have many fine Italian and American menu options to choose from for your wedding reception.

Nomans

With a full bar and an all-day menu, Nomans provides many resources for your reception. They can be a great venue for small, intimate gatherings. Serving thoughtfully prepared food with a crafted drink list The delicious food makes for a great place to enjoy the memorable occasion.

Planning a wedding is hard work. Luckily, Martha’s Vineyard offers an abundance of resources and inspiration to help out with the process. From figuring out where to eat or what to do in town, we’ve compiled everything you need for your perfect day on our blog. If you are interested in learning more in-depth wedding planning tips and tricks, you can check out our blog!

Whether it be about getting there from Boston or planning the big night itself, we’re here to make sure that your destination wedding goes off without a hitch! Do you have any questions? Let us know by sending us an email.