How To Plan A Dreamy Cape Cod Elopement | The Complete Guide
White sandy beaches, charming lighthouses, towering dunes, and beautiful marshlands provide stunning backdrops for a Cape Cod elopement. Cape Cod is a hooked shaped peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean located in Southeastern Massachusetts. If your dream beach wedding consists of a ceremony by the Atlantic Ocean with just your partner or with a small select group of close family members and friends then eloping on Cape Cod is the perfect option.
Why You May Choose To Have A Cape Cod Elopement
- You envision yourself having a day with just you and your partner or a select few close family members or friends to watch you say “I do”.
- Having a sunrise ceremony on the beach and then exploring Cape Cod with your best friend the rest of the day is totally up your alley!
- You love the ocean and when you close your eyes and picture where you’d like to say your vows you have your toes dipped in the sand.
- Your ideal wedding meal of choice is local Cape Cod seafood- fried clams, lobster rolls, oysters from Wellfleet.
- By opting for a Cape Cod elopement or intimate wedding you can still have the beach wedding of your dreams, but incorporate your values for sustainability.
Travel and Logistics for Your Cape Cod Wedding
Getting to the Cape involves various travel options depending on your starting location. The following table provides estimated driving times without traffic:
| Route | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|
| Boston to Falmouth | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Boston to Chatham | 1 hour and 35 minutes |
| NYC to Falmouth | 4 hours and 30 minutes |
| NYC to Chatham | 4 hours and 45 minutes |
If your final destination on the Cape is to Provincetown, then skip the traffic and hop on one of the many ferry options. Boston Harbor Cruises: The P-Town Ferry, Salacia, has an average trip time of 90 minutes underway from dock to dock. Bay State Cruise Company: Travels from Boston to P-town in 95 minutes. For those flying, the Barnstable Municipal Airport located in Hyannis (HYA) and Provincetown Municipal Airport (PVC) are your best options.
Photography Styles and Full Day Coverage
Professional photography is essential to tell the entire story of your celebration. David A. Smith, a Cape Cod Wedding + Elopement Photographer, notes: “I will not impose a time limit on your wedding + elopement day.” You give a start time, and he is there until all the events of the day and/or reception are covered. David provides couples with photos shot DIGITALLY AND ON FILM to give couples dreamy cinematic-style photography.
Sarah Murray is another expert option, being an award winning fine art elopement, wedding, portrait, and boudoir photographer based on Cape Cod. Fascinated by light, history and nature, Sarah is devoted to capturing portraits that tell the story of who you are today. Her goal is to evoke the fresh breeze of Spring, the first warm hints of Summer, the golden beauty of Autumn and the wonderland of Winter.
Top Venue Inspiration on the Cape
Pelham House Resort
The Pelham House Resort is a hidden gem on the coast of Cape Cod. It is a picturesque venue with its charming architecture and elegant interiors. It’s the perfect blend of modern luxury and classic New England charm. This stunning indoor event space provides breathtaking ocean views from the many windows that surround the room.
Wychmere Beach Club
Wychmere Beach Club offers a quintessential Cape Cod wedding vibe. Coastal decor glows in the candlelight as the sun sets. The Overlook is a beautiful grass area, overlooking a picturesque harbor in Harwich Port right around the corner from the venue. Not only can you take advantage of the beach for portraits, but you can also hold your ceremony on the sand, sharing vows in front of family and friends.
Planning and Coordination Resources
The Mass Gov website is an incredible resource for all your information on what to do before, during, and after you get married in Massachusetts. Additionally, some photographers like David A. Smith can also help coordinate a wedding. If you need any assistance in planning, vendor selection, travel arrangements, scheduling, or any other situation that might arise, expert assistance is available every step of the way for you and your partner.