If you’re recently engaged and starting to plan your wedding, I’m sure you know that one of the most important things to check off the list quickly is finding your venue! And as a Boston wedding photographer, I know that a beautiful area like Cape Cod can make it so hard to choose, because there are so many gorgeous venues. To help you narrow down your decision, I’ve put together a list of seven of my favorite Cape Cod wedding venues and why I love each of them!

7 of My Favorite Cape Cod Wedding Venues as a Boston Photographer

I’ve had the honor of capturing a lot of Cape Cod weddings, and each and every venue that I’ve been to has been absolutely breathtaking. There are a few standout Cape Cod wedding venues that I can’t wait to share with you! 

Wequassett

A beautiful waterfront resort, Wequassett is FULL of coastal charm. It gives you that dream destination wedding feel without having to deal with the travel chaos! At Wequassett, you’re surrounded by the ocean and gardens, creating a scene that feels like a dream.

Wequassett is perfect for a celebration, big or small, and has several options for your ceremony and reception sites (my personal favorite ceremony spot is the Great Lawn)! Not to mention, it’s also a great space to host your out-of-town guests, because it offers so many on-site activities, including tennis and pickleball courts, pools and beaches, a golf course, and spa services. 

 

Maximum guest count: 350

On-site accommodations?: Yes

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: Yes

Wychmere Harbor Room

Okay, picture this, you’re getting married on a lawn in front of the cutest little coastal house, and then heading inside to a reception space that’s all white-washed walls and dreamy natural light. That’s exactly what the Wychmere Harbor Room gives. It’s simple in the best way, clean, coastal, and super easy to make your own. The whole place has that classic Cape Cod feel without trying too hard. It’s low-key luxe and honestly just such a good spot if you want something that feels relaxed but still beautiful.

 

Maximum guest count: 450

On-site accommodations?: Yes

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: No, only April-December

White Cliffs Country Club

A wedding ceremony on a cliff overlooking Cape Cod Bay? Sign me up! This private event space is timeless and filled to the brim with elegance and tradition. There are so many options for where to host the events of your day, and each one is truly just as gorgeous as the last. I’ll personally never get over the Bay Ballroom, with its floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the coast! 

 

Maximum guest count: 200

On-site accommodations?: No

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: Yes

 

Chatham Bars Inn

Thinking about a beach wedding? This spot is seriously worth checking out. Chatham Bars Inn has those luxury oceanfront views, incredible farm-to-table food (the kind your guests will actually remember), and a harbor view reception space that I swear I’ll never get over. It’s just one of those places that feels effortlessly elegant.

It’s got that full-on Cape Cod destination wedding vibe, but without the whole “actually travel somewhere” part if you’re local. So if you’re from the area and want something that feels like a getaway without leaving home, this place might be your perfect match.

 

Maximum guest count: 250

On-site accommodations?: Yes

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: Yes

 

Shining Tides

Shining Tides is one of those places that just feels cozy and full of history in the best way. The house used to be a summer inn (how cute is that?!) and now it’s been renovated to host weddings, and honestly, they did such a good job keeping all the original charm. It’s right on the water, tucked into the most classic Cape Cod setting. And the best part? They’re dog-friendly!! You already know I’m all about bringing the furry family members along for the big day.

 

Maximum guest count: 200

On-site accommodations?: No

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: Yes

 

The Popponesset Inn

Named Cape Cod’s best wedding location, The Popponesset Inn is a perfect location for an unforgettable wedding. You can even host a wedding weekend here, complete with their post-wedding brunch package! The Popponesset Inn truly checks all the boxes, having everything you could possibly dream of for a Cape Cod wedding. And oh my gosh, the views from the reception tent?! One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. 

 

Maximum guest count: 200

On-site accommodations?: Yes

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: Yes

 

Wychmere Dune

A truly breathtaking backdrop, Wychmere Dune is one of those Cape Cod wedding venues that you can truly see why it’s so popular. Having a beach wedding (with the most STUNNING sunsets) and a reception in a room with a soft, inviting color palette is something straight out of a dream. And not to mention the dance floor underneath the chandeliers… a fairytale setting to dance the night away! 

 

Maximum guest count: 450

On-site accommodations?: Yes

All-inclusive?: Yes

Indoor and outdoor options?: Yes

Year-round wedding availability?: No, only April-December

How to Choose Your Cape Cod Wedding Venue

If this blog post is making it become super apparent that it’s going to be tough to choose between Cape Cod wedding venues, there are a few more tips that can help you narrow it down!

• Think About Your Wedding Style

This may look like making a Pinterest moodboard and putting different venues on it, or looking at other wedding galleries from each venue. Are you looking for more of a blank slate that you can add some bold wedding colors to, or a quintessential, coastal, Cape Cod wedding filled with light blue hues and charming decor? This will absolutely help you narrow down which venue fits your vibe the best! 

 

• Think About Your Guests

This is an important consideration, especially if you’re having lots of loved ones from out of town. Think about where your guests will stay (and if you should opt for one of the venues with on-site accommodations) and what they will have to do while they’re visiting, like all the options that Wequassett offers! 

• Consider the Food

There’s just nothing like New England cuisine, and food can make or break your wedding reception! Check out all the menus that each of the Cape Cod wedding venues has to offer, and see which one fits your taste the best. 

• Make a List of Must-Haves

One of the best ways to narrow down which wedding venue fits your vision the best is to make a list of must-haves with your partner, and see which venues have all of them, and kick out which ones don’t! 

• Tour Your Favorites

You won’t really know which wedding venue is best for you until you experience it. Make a list of your favorites, schedule tours, and see which one sparks joy. When you know, you know! 

More Cape Cod Wedding Tips

As a Boston wedding photographer who has tons of experience capturing weddings, here are some final thoughts and tips for planning your Cape Cod wedding:

The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Cape Cod

You truly can’t go wrong with a New England wedding season. Spring brings blooms and comfortable temperatures, summers bring a serene, coastal feel, fall brings rich colors and cooler days, and winter brings cozy indoor celebrations. My personal favorite time to plan a Cape Cod wedding is the summer, because there’s just something magical about a New England summer. 

For the most options and comfort (for you AND your guests), April-December will be the peak season for a Cape Cod wedding. 

What to Do In Cape Cod

Cape Cod is full of outdoor activities because of how naturally beautiful it is. My personal favorite things to do in the area include sunset cruises, beach days, and wandering around Provincetown!

Start Planning Your Wedding Early

Cape Cod is a very popular wedding destination, so vendors book up fast! Make sure to start planning early to get your top choices. 

 

Lauren Dobish | Boston Wedding Photographer

I’m not sure if this blog made it easier or harder to choose between Cape Cod wedding venues, but I do hope you got some helpful tips out of it at the very least! Find some wedding day highlights from some of these venues, like this Chatham Bars Inn wedding and this Wequassett Resort wedding. If you’re ready to book a Boston wedding photographer who will capture all the light, love, and joy in your day, you can click to inquire here. I can’t wait to see your love story!