Swept Away

From the ocean cliffs of Maine to the pristine beaches of Nantucket, these coastal destinations offer sand, surf, and idyllic "I do" backdrops.

: Photo by Nicole Friedler.

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Martha’s Vineyard

By Julie Suratt

With its cobblestone streets, white picket fences, and gray-shingled homes accented by vibrant blue hydrangea, the Vineyard is charming without veering toward twee. Its folk are instantly warm and welcoming—the locale otherworldly. Although it’s a mere 45 minutes from the mainland, it feels decades removed. The Vineyard plays host to as many as 30 weddings every weekend throughout the summer. Is that reason enough to get married there? No, but it proves two things: There’s got to be something pretty special about the island to draw that many couples, and, more importantly, you need to book well in advance.

Venues
Accommodations: Harbor View Hotel & Resort, Edgartown, 508-627-7000, harborview.com
Rehearsal dinners: The Grange Hall, West Tisbury, 508-627-4440, mvpreservation.org; Black Dog Tall Ships, 508-693-1699, blackdogtallships.com
Ceremony spots: The Old Whaling Church, Edgartown, 508-627-4440, mvpreservation.org; on the beach (contact the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce for permit information, 508-693-0085, mvy.com)
Reception sites: Lambert’s Cove Inn, West Tisbury, 508-693-2298, lambertscoveinn.com; Beach Plum Inn, Menemsha, 508-645-9454, beachpluminn.com; Dr. Daniel Fisher House (see caption below)
After-party: Outerland, Edgartown, 508-693-1137, outerlandmv.com
Honeymoon night: Charlotte Inn, Edgartown, 508-627-4751

Vendors
Band: Beetlebung Steel Band, 508-627-3786
Bridal boutique: Tulle, 508-687-9039, tullebride.com
Bridal party gifts: C. B. Stark, Edgartown and Vineyard Haven, 888-227-8275, cbstark.com
Caterer: Fella Caters Catering, Clambakes & Event Design, 508-693-1572, fellacaters.com
Cake: Cakes by Liz, 508-696-8444, cakesbyliz.com
DJ: The Sound Choice, 508-693-3266
Florist: Flowers by Donaroma, 508-627-8366, donaromas.com
Hairstylist: Maggie’s Salon on Martha’s Vineyard, Vineyard Haven, 508-693-2875, maggiessalon.com
Makeup: Makeup Artistry by Patrice, Edgartown, 508-627-5755
Photographer: Nicole Friedler, 508-696-4890, friedlerphotography.com
Tent: Tilton Tents, 508-693-9173
Wedding planner: Lynne Buckmaster-Irwin, 508-696-7658, vineyardweddings.com

A weatherproof tent artfully transforms the yard at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in the village of Edgartown. Built in 1840, the house is considered one of the finest examples of Federalist architecture on the island. Edgartown, 508-627-4440, mvpreservation.org.