The Beach Times
Planning Your Dream Wedding on Cape Cod
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Photo courtesy of Brian Switzer- Friends of Nobska Light
With wedding season just around the corner, now is the time to start looking at Cape Cod wedding venues. After all, there isn't another area in the country that matches not only the natural beauty of Cape Cod, but also the diversity and volume of places, whether it's a beach resort or small park on an ocean edge, at which to tie the knot.
It doesn't matter if you're looking for a small, intimate venue for you and a few family members or a large outdoor center with enough space to accommodate hundreds of people, the Cape has you covered. Take the time to look at the broad range of places to get married on Cape Cod and while you're at it, consider booking your vacation rental now, so that you're not left without anywhere to stay when the big day arrives.
Full Wedding Packages
If you're the type who likes to book everything together and well in advance, so you're not left worrying about the details, later on, Cape Cod has some large venues that will cover the ceremony, reception, and catering. Keep in mind that most of these venues are extremely popular and you'd be wise to get on the phone today to book if you're set on one of these locations.
In Sandwich, Heritage Museum and Gardens is set on over 100 acres of flowery, tree-filled garden, making it an exceptional place to say your vows. Here, you can go ahead with an outdoor ceremony in the garden or beside the Flume Fountain before making your way inside for a reception at the on-site Automobile Gallery. This museum is a one-of-a-kind event venue that all of your guests will be talking about for years to come.
Fancy a beachfront wedding? Of course you do, and Chequessett Yacht Country Club in Wellfleet is the place to have it. The club is enormous, taking up about 106 acres worth of space, and features views of the oceans, forests, and river from its various points. Many couples choose to hold their ceremony right on the club's private beach before having their reception in the Clubhouse or Boathouse.
Photo courtesy of Cape Cod Celebrations, Justin Hackworth Photography
Elegance is the name of the game at The Cape Club, an 18-hole championship-level golf course with multiple places to get hitched. At the golf club, you can say your vows by a wonderfully-maintained fairway or overlooking Buzzards Bay from one of the on-site hilltops. The indoor Ballroom is a breathtaking reception location, as it features a cathedral-type ceiling, chandeliers, marble floors, and pretty much everything you could imagine in an upscale wedding venue.
Small, Intimate Venues
Of course, not everyone needs a massive venue to hold hundreds of people and take up thousands of dollars of your budget. Small ceremonies are common on Cape Cod because there are so many intimate places to go. In addition, you won't have as much trouble booking the smaller sites because they aren't as commonly used. You'll have to take the time to find the proper contact person to reserve these locations.
There is a gazebo at Nauset Beach in Orleans, and you can use it to get married. There is a small fee associated with booking it, although it's far less expensive than a beach club, and once you have it reserved, you can enjoy its waterfront location and the beautiful views on your special day. The gazebo isn't extensive and you'll need to fill out the necessary applications ahead of time, but it provides a wonderfully memorable wedding location. As an added bonus, it has a roof, so you won’t have to worry about rain spoiling your special day.
Falmouth is home to Nobska Lighthouse, a scenic, and free, place to hold your ceremony. The venue can only hold 30 people, and there is limited parking, but the location is spectacular. Keep in mind the lighthouse doesn't have any facilities and there is a one-hour time limit. As such, you'll basically have time to say your vows before getting out of there and heading to your reception venue.
Another free place to marry is Scargo Tower in East Dennis. This venue overlooks Scargo Lake and has some of Cape Cod's most breathtaking sunsets. You'll only be able to fit a few people here, and the parking lot is tiny, making it perfect if your guest list solely has parents and close friends on it. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Making the Most of Your Reception
After the ceremony comes your wedding reception, which, no offense, is what everyone is truly here for anyway. As a result, choosing the best reception venue to meet your needs and the needs of your guests is very important.
If you've chosen an all-in-one wedding venue, you won't have to worry about the reception. If you've selected a scenic, off-the-beaten-path wedding venue, however, coming up with a memorable reception location is a priority.
One thing that many visitors to Cape Cod are now doing is holding their reception right at their vacation rental property. This setup is the best of both worlds because they can book an amazing property, some of which are large enough for many of their guests to stay at, and then organize a delicious dinner and reception after the ceremony.
"Many Cape Cod weddings take place in beautiful, private locations that need many things brought in to make it happen, so that is why we have compiled a list of the top 5 things to consider when planning an at home event," says Jamie Bohlin of Cape Cod Celebrations. Using a wedding planner to coordinate all those details will pay off in spades so you can relax and enjoy your big day.
If you can find a vacation home rental that is large enough and willing to accommodate your reception, it can save you money while providing you with one the perfect venue. Cape Cod weddings are truly unique because of the opportunity to orchestrate your wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner, and reception in one location.
You’ll also be able to stay together with your friends and family throughout your time on the Cape, although you might want to find yourself a secondary vacation rental for your wedding night...
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