Martha’s Vineyard Wedding Planning Guide

Located off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is the embodiment of New England coastal charm, making it an ideal location to host your wedding. In contrast to Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard is a larger island with a more diverse landscape. On Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll find rolling hills, cliffs, historic lighthouses, beaches, and a seasonal population. It’s also known as one of the top sailing destinations on the East Coast. Often frequented by novice and seasoned sailors alike.

If you are searching for an exceptional location to plan your wedding in New England, I recommend taking a look at Martha’s Vineyard. The island has its own storied history with a rich tapestry of culture, including charming towns, clambakes, coastal cottages, and scenic beaches. You can find more details on planning your Martha’s Vineyard wedding through the details below.

Obtaining Your Martha’s Vineyard Marriage Certificate

To get married on Martha’s Vineyard, you will need to file for a marriage license in the state of Massachusetts. An out-of-state marriage license cannot be used. However, you can apply for your Martha’s Vineyard marriage license at any city or town clerk’s office. If you prefer to apply in person once you’ve arrived on Martha’s Vineyard, you may do so at the following town clerk’s offices: Tisbury, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury, Chilmark, or Aquinnah.

To apply for your Martha’s Vineyard marriage license, you will need to bring or show proof of the following documentation & information.

• Valid identification (passports, driver’s licenses, state IDs, or military IDs)
• Your Social Security number (if you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to provide a reason)
• Your legal names and the last name you plan to use after marriage 
• Your current physical address
• Your dates of birth and where you were born
• The names of your parents (including maiden names) and whether or not your parents were married when you were born

There will be a mandatory three-day waiting period from the time you file your marriage intention to when you will be able to pick up your marriage license. However, you may be able to obtain a waiver. To obtain a waiver, you must first file your intentions with the town or city clerk. Then you must fill out an application for a waiver, and it must be signed by both of you at a probate or district court. After a short hearing, the court may immediately issue your marriage certificate, allowing your marriage to be performed without the three-day waiting period. 

Best Time of Year to Plan a Wedding on Martha’s Vineyard

Winter

Much of the commerce and tourism on the island is seasonal, and many businesses close or enjoy reduced hours during the winter months. However, a few select resorts and wedding venues remain open. While a winter wedding is possible, the lack of available amenities may make things more difficult for you and your guests.

Average Winter temperatures: 30° – 40° F

Spring

Spring is a highly desirable time to plan a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. The weather is milder than the summer months, and you and your guests will enjoy the vibrant greenery and flowers in bloom. Local resorts, venues, and businesses will be open and available. But keep in mind, peak wedding season and tourism happen during Spring and Summer, so your Martha’s Vineyard Spring wedding will require some advance planning.

Average Spring temperatures: 40° – 60° F

Summer

Summer is peak tourism season on Martha’s Vineyard. The island comes to life as visitors take to the beaches and enjoy slow afternoons exploring bike paths, historic lighthouses, and locally loved hotspots. It’s also a beautiful time to plan a wedding. The heat is highest in the afternoon, with the soft sea breeze coating the evening air. Making it an ideal time to dine and dance under the open sky. Much like Spring, a Summer wedding on Martha’s Vineyard will take some advance planning to ensure your selected venue and wedding vendors are available for your preferred date.

Average Summer temperatures: 70° – 80° F

Fall

Fall is another highly desirable time for a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. The temperatures are mild, and the summer heat is beginning to decompress, welcoming a new, mild season. New England fall foliage comes out to play, and the local beach tourism begins to dissipate. You can expect a Martha’s Vineyard fall wedding to embrace the beauty of the island, with an unrivaled atmospheric presence.

Average Fall temperatures: 60° – 70° F

Transportation

One key element to planning a Martha’s Vineyard wedding will be the transportation for you and your guests to arrive on and navigate the island. Martha’s Vineyard does not offer a connecting bridge from the mainland to the island. However, there are two ways to arrive on the island: by boat or by plane. 

If you or your guests are taking the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard, you can expect about a one-hour ride when departing from Massachusetts, except when departing from Chappaquiddick Island. When departing from Rhode Island, the ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard will last just under two hours.

Additionally, you may be wondering if you can bring a car to Martha’s Vineyard through one of the ferry services. There are two ferry services listed below that allow you to bring a vehicle on board. However, keep in mind that parking on the island can be very limited (which you may need to relay to your wedding guests), and it may be best to explore the island through a separate mode of transportation.

Ferry’s Departing from Massachusetts

The Steamship Authority

Departs from Woods Hole, Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven

High Speed Ferry Ride

Passenger & Vehicle Spaces Available

Book your ticket online

Hy-Line Cruises

Departs from Oak Bluffs

Seasonal Passenger Ferry

Book your tickets online

Island Ferry Queen

Departs from Falmouth

Seasonal Passenger Ferry

Book your tickets online

The Chappy Ferry

Departs from Chappaquiddick Island

Passenger & Vehicle Spaces Available

Book your tickets online

Departing from Rhode Island

Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry

Departs from North Kingstown, RI

Seasonal Passenger Ferry

Book your tickets online

Flights to Martha’s Vineyard

If you prefer the ease of flying to Martha’s Vineyard, you and your guests have the option of booking a flight. JetBlue, Delta, and American Airlines offer seasonal fares to Martha’s Vineyard. JetBlue offers service from Boston Logan or New York’s JFK Airport. Delta provides services from Boston Logan or New York’s LaGuardia. Lastly, American Airlines offers service to Martha’s Vineyard from Washington, DC.

Shuttle Service Throughout the Island

Martha’s Vineyard transit authority is open year-round and operates throughout the island. You can find further details on buses and shuttles by following this link.

Bikes & Mopeds

Additionally, many visitors on the island choose to explore by riding bikes (the island is known for its many bike paths) or renting Mopeds. There are reputable shops where you can rent either mode of transportation, all throughout the island.

Martha’s Vineyard Wedding Venues​

There are several Martha’s Vineyard wedding venues throughout the island for hosting a celebration filled with quintessential coastal charm. Below, you’ll find details on 11 unique Martha’s Vineyard wedding venues. I’ve listed historic venues, venues that offer overnight accommodations, and venues that directly overlook the still, calm waters surrounding the island. Find further details on each of the venues below.

1. The Winnetu – Edgartown

The Winnetu on Martha’s Vineyard is a spectacular seaside resort and wedding venue. It’s a Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue with overnight accommodations for your guests, allowing you to create an immersive wedding weekend. Wedding ceremonies at The Winnetu take place on the resort’s lawn directly overlooking South Beach. Meanwhile, wedding receptions can be held indoors at the resort restaurant, The Dunes, or outdoors on the lawn (with the option to tent). For your cocktail hour, The Winnetu offers their ocean view deck or a dedicated space on their lawn. When it comes to Martha’s Vineyard wedding venues that provide an all-in-one experience, The Winnetu sets the bar for service and location.

2. Grange Hall – West Tisbury

A Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue available through the Vineyard Preservation Trust, Grange Hall is a historic home that offers two distinct spaces for your reception. The first is their main hall, which can accommodate up to 150 seated guests, or up to 200 guests for a flowing cocktail reception. The second available space is the upstairs theater, which can accommodate up to 75 guests. The venue is available year-round and has an atmosphere of chic, pastoral charm.

3. Old Whaling Church – Edgartown

Also available through the Vineyard Preservation Trust, the historic ‘Old Whaling Church’ is open to couples for hosting their wedding ceremony on Martha’s Vineyard. Wedding ceremonies at the Old Whaling Church take place in the chapel, lined with gleaming white wooden pews. This particular space has the ability to accommodate up to 470 guests and is also open year-round.

4. Dr. Daniel Fisher House – Edgartown

Located next door to the Old Whaling Church is the historic Dr. Daniel Fisher House. The reception venue is a well-preserved federal-style home that embodies quintessential New England architecture with ornate details. This Martha’s Vineyard wedding reception venue has space both indoors and outdoors for hosting your celebration. The interior of the home can accommodate up to 50 seated guests or up to 125 guests for a flowing cocktail reception. Outdoors, the Dr. Daniel Fisher House can accommodate up to 250 seated guests or up to 300 guests for a flowing cocktail reception. Additionally, you can opt to either tent the grounds or enjoy an al fresco dining experience under the stars on the night of your wedding.

5. Harbor View Hotel – Edgartown

Located in Edgartown, the Harbor View Hotel is a sprawling resort and wedding venue that has been a Vineyard staple for over the last 130 years. Originally opening its doors in 1891, Harbor View Hotel maintains much of its original Martha’s Vineyard charm, but with a recent restoration, inclusive of all the modern amenities you and your guests will need for a full wedding weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. In total, there are 5 distinct spaces on the grounds to host your wedding. The Great Lawn, Edgartown Ballroom, Menemsha Room, Chilmark Room, and a space dubbed ‘Behind the View’. Each of these spaces is unique, offering a variety of views and guest accommodations for weddings with anywhere from 24 – 200 guests in attendance. 

6. Allen Farm Sheep & Wool Company – Chilmark

Allen Farm Sheep & Wool Company has been operating on Martha’s Vineyard in Chilmark since 1762. The farm also acts as a Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue, taking on a limited number of weddings per year during Spring & Fall. Additionally, a wedding taking place at Allen Farm Sheep & Wool Company is typically booked up to 18 months in advance. Weddings at the Allen Farm take place outdoors, overlooking the tranquil waters of Menemsha Lake. You will be given the option to host your wedding reception completely al fresco or given the option to tent. In the days leading up to your wedding, Allen Farm also has on-site lodging for you and the members of your wedding party. Including two homes and cottages on their grounds.

7. Farm Neck Golf Club – Oak Bluffs

Whether you are hosting a Martha’s Vineyard wedding with a grand-scale guest list or a more intimate wedding day celebration, Farm Neck Golf Club offers space for an idyllic setting. Additionally, membership is not required for hosting a wedding at this expansive venue. Weddings at Farm Neck Golf Club take place outdoors on their vast lawn under a tented space adorned with glowing lights. For a more intimate-sized event, the club offers a space called the ‘back porch’, an elegant setting surrounded by scenic views.

8. Captain Morse House – Edgartown

A beautiful sprawling estate in Edgartown, the Historic Captain Morse House is available to be booked out for your stay or as your Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue. Located on the famous North Water Street, both front porches of the Captain Morse House directly overlook Edgartown Harbor. This luxury vacation home rental can host your wedding ceremony and reception on their grounds; however, you may be required to request a special event permit for your event. You will also have the option to tent, if requested. Due to its size and nature, the Captain Morse house is ideal for weddings with fewer than 100 guests in attendance.

9. Lambert’s Cove Inn & Resort – West Tisbury

A boutique resort nestled among 8 acres in West Tisbury, Lamberts Cove Inn & Resort provides overnight accommodations and all-inclusive weddings on Martha’s Vineyard. Lush, colorful, English-style gardens in an exclusive setting await your wedding ceremony at Lambert’s Cove. Wedding receptions at Lambert’s Cove take place on the Great Lawn with tented seating to accommodate up to 150 guests. If you are hosting a Martha’s Vineyard wedding with an intimate-sized guest list, indoor receptions take place at the resort’s restaurant, Woods. Additionally, Lambert’s Cover has dedicated space for your cocktail hour on either their lawn or under their gazebo. 

10. Martha’s Vineyard Museum – Vineyard Haven

Enjoy an iconic piece of Martha’s Vineyard history with a wedding at Martha’s Vineyard Museum. The museum campus is available for hosting weddings on Martha’s Vineyard, both grand and intimate. You’ll need to reach out to the museum directly to check if your preferred wedding date is available. For more information on making Martha’s Vineyard Museum your wedding venue, follow this link.

11. Atria – Edgartown

Atria is an island staple and one of the most beloved culinary institutions that Martha’s Vineyard has to offer. They also double as a wedding venue with several private event spaces available. There are five distinct ways to host your wedding at Atria in Edgartown, depending upon your total guest count. The first is a full restaurant buyout, which can accommodate anywhere from 75-100 seated guests with room for a DJ booth. Next, you can opt for an outdoor celebration on the tented patio or lawn, which can accommodate up to 100 seated guests. The main dining room is also available for dinner service and can host up to 100 seated guests. If you are planning an intimate-sized Martha’s Vineyard wedding, you can host your reception at Atria in the private dining room with up to 24 guests or in the brick cellar bar with up to 50 guests. 

Can you get married on the beach at Martha’s Vineyard?

Yes, it is possible to host your wedding on one of the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard. However, it will take an incredible amount of planning, logistics, and permits to do so. If you wish to host a Martha’s Vineyard wedding overlooking the water, I highly recommend selecting one of the ocean-front wedding venues listed above. If you have your heart set on planning a beach wedding on Martha’s Vineyard, you will need an accomplished Martha’s Vineyard wedding planner to help you work on the permit process, along with the rentals needed for constructing a wedding along the shore.

Martha’s Vineyard Wedding Photographer

As an experienced Martha’s Vineyard wedding photographer, I personally love the breathtaking details the island has to offer for the backdrop of your engagement and wedding photos. If you arrive on the island a few days in advance of your wedding date, we will have time to enjoy an engagement photo shoot at one of the many historic lighthouses on the island. The lighthouses are iconic pieces of architecture that embody the island’s storied history, allowing you to enjoy a piece of your love story alongside a quintessential New England setting.

To find more details on the experience I offer as a New England wedding photographer, you can follow this link. Or, if you’re considering hosting your wedding on Nantucket, you can find a guide to planning a Nantucket wedding here.