New England Wedding Locations: Local Treasures

Nantucket

Visitors are frequently overcome by a strange feeling of déjà vu while strolling Nantucket's ubiquitous cobblestone streets and long, sandy beaches. Don't panic. You have seen these vistas before—on postcards and in movies and J.Crew catalogs. The island is, quite possibly, the most charming place on the planet (or at least on the Atlantic seaboard), and the ultimate setting for a destination wedding.    

That's not to say it's all lighthouses and picket fences. The venerable WHITE ELEPHANT resort, the go-to spot for outdoor weddings overlooking the water, recently added a modern "loft" suite in Nantucket Town that's practically made for housing bridal parties and hosting brunches (508-228-2500, whiteelephanthotel.com). Couples looking to host a big reception—and those unwilling to gamble on the weather—can try the GREAT HARBOR YACHT (508-325-5200, ghyc.com). The clubhouse's great room, with its 30-foot ceilings and post-and-beam décor, is ideally suited for celebrations, and chef Tom Berry's presence in the kitchen guarantees tasty eats.   

Speaking of food, there's no better place for a rehearsal dinner than the venerable AMERICAN SEASONS restaurant (508-228-7111, americanseasons.com). The organic fare—much of it from island farms—is out-of-this-world good, but the intimate candlelight setting seals the deal. Cap off the weekend with a cruise from Straight Wharf to a sumptuous Sunday brunch at the Wauwinet hotel's restaurant, TOPPER'S (508-228-8768, wauwinet.com). It's a sure-fire way to make sure your guests leave the island as enchanted as when they arrived.  DONNA GARLOUGH

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