How to elope to Martha's Vineyard

here are some tips on planning an elopement on the island of martha’s vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a special little piece of heaven that has become a huge wedding destination for hundreds of couples in the United States. What makes this island such a popular destination is probably due to the unique variety of locations like beautiful beaches, lighthouses, cliffs and historic outdoor scenery - But also the community feeling, talented local vendors, local sourced food, intimate feeling and great summer memories. 

It also became a favorite destination for couples that want to elope and skip all the big wedding traditions, keeping it a secret or bringing some of their closest friends and family along.

When is the best time?

What time of the year should we elope?

Based on the time of year some of the island business might be closed for the season, this will narrow your options. The weather is also something to keep in mind

SPRING

Meteorological officially starts on March 1st. Days are mild with cool nights and mornings. Some business that were closed during the winter season are opening during the months of April, but most of the restaurants will start to open May around Memorial Day weekend.

An advantage in Spring is that some of the beautiful private beaches that are closed during the summer months to tourists, will be open for the general public. Most of them are free if you want to have a ceremony there and you don’t need permission. Here is a list of all beaches from the island and their restrictions, if any.  

SUMMER

The summer months are the busiest and crowded on the island. August is the busiest and hottest month and might be difficult to find accommodations. Your trip needs to be planned well in advance, especially the boat reservations and other logistics. Here is the ferry schedule. If you are looking for a private ceremony on the beach, June might be the best month, especially if you don’t want tourists as witnesses and a more intimate private feel.

FALL

September might be my favorite month on the island! The colors are absolutely gorgeous, August crowds are gone but the island is still alive and everything is still open. September is the biggest wedding month and some venues are booked a year in advance, same with the local vendors. October is still warm and beautiful, some nights will be chilly, but perfect for an outdoor ceremony. Some of the private beaches are reopening for the general public and your options are endless.  

Weekdays vs Weekends

Reasons to Consider a Weekday Elopement

I always recommend going with a weekday elopement if it’s possible.

Fortunately most of my couples trust that having their dream location to themselves on a Wednesday morning or Monday sunset is much better than fighting through the crowds on a weekend - especially if a small and intimate ceremony is desired.

Intimacy - privacy - less trafic

If you are envisioning your ceremony as a private moment by the Lighthouse, weekends might not be ideal, especially because it’s such a small and popular island, chances are it will be quite crowded right where you want to get married. Some places on the island are more popular than others and weekends are definitely more full with day and weekend travelers from the Cape and Boston.

Driving from one town to another in high season can be a nightmare. There are only a few main roads that get you from town to town on Marthas Vineyard and during the summer season you can add 30 - 40 minutes due to traffic, something to be aware of when planning.

Easier reservations and more vendors available

If you’re looking to reserve a ceremony site, the lighthouse, book an airbnb or a famous island hotel, you’ll have a much easier time getting the date and location you want if you elope on a weekday.

The island is easily booked out during the summer months, finding accommodations for your guests can be a headache. 

Also, the island being in such a high demand for weddings and events, the local vendors are only a handful of people and they are most likely booked during the weekend for the bigger celebrations.

where to elope. ceremony spots ideas

Towns

There are 5 main towns that make up the island - Vineyard Haven, Edgartown, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs, Chilmark and Aquinnah. Their vibes and styles are completly different from each other. Based on the location you pick you will have to apply for your marriage license in the same town (more of this to come)

Beaches

You will have to see if the beach you have in mind is closed to the general public during the time of your wedding . Depending on the beach location you choose, it could be important to know about the typical wind direction and intensity, some have waves and all have their own unique sunset outcome. Some of my favorites are Lambert’s Cove Beach (open after 5PM to the public), Lucy Vincent in the shoulder seasons (May, June/Sept/Oct) , Aquinnah Beach and the Cliffs, Edgartown Lighthouse Beach.

Ponds 

Most of the island’s great ponds are situated along the island’s south shore. They host large numbers of visitors like ducks, birds and swans and their colors change with the seasons making a great background for an intimate ceremony. Most beautiful are; Squibnocket Pond, Black Point Pond, Duarts Pond, Chilmark Pond, Farm Pond, see a full list here

Churches: Old Whailing Church, St.Andrew’s Church, The Federated Church, Union Chapel/ Daniel Fisher House, Our Lady Star of the Sea, St Augustine

Clubs - Some of my favorites:  Edgartown Yacht Club / Vineyard Haven Yacht Club / East Chop Beach Club / Oak Bluffs West Chop Yacht Club / Vineyard Haven –Farm Neck Golf Club – Oak Bluffs.

Farms- some of my favorites: Allen Sheep Farm – Chilmark/ Flat Point Farm – West Tisbury / Arrowhead Farm – West Tisbury/ Pond View Farm – West Tisbury

Historic locations: The Ag Hall – West Tisbury/ The Grange Hall – West Tisbury Martha’s Vineyard Museum – Edgartown and Vineyard Haven

Hotels and Inns: see full list here.

OR - You can pick an Airbnb house that has a water view and have your ceremony in the backyard. I’ve photographed some of the best elopements on private properties that were unique and intimate - the couples found them on rental sites. 

Some of my favorites

edgartown lighthouse beach

This is a probably the most famous and desired location for ceremonies and shootings. It’s perfect if you want to have different backdrops; beach, lighthouse, boats, docks and a grassy area. Then you can easily walk towards the town and get a taste of the classic New England vibe in this quaint seaside town. You can also rent the Lighthouse and go on top and have it all for yourself and see a 360 panoramic view of the surroundings.

See photos from elopements at Edgartown Lighthouse Beach

Lambert’s Cove Beach, West Tisbury

This is a well known beach located off Lambert’s Cove Road facing west towards the Elizabeth Islands. It has beautiful fine sand and clear waters and is visually stunning from top of the hill looking down onto the beach and into the horizon. In the summer months the beach is limited to town residents only but it opens up for the general public at 6:30pm ( June 15th to September 15th ) just in time for a beautiful sunset ceremony. To get to the beach you will have to walk a beautiful wooded path that is perfect to take pictures along the way. Once you get there, have a blanket and snacks and stay to watch the sunset ( probably my favorite sunset on the island).

See photos from elopements at Lambert’s Cove Beach

Menemsha public beach and menemsha harbor

This is a top destination on ‘to do’ lists while visiting the island. This beach is thought to have the best sunset on Martha’s Vineyard and many families will gather to see it and picnic there. It’s free and open to public at all times! This is ideal for walking along the rocks at the mouth of the harbor, enjoying lobster rolls from Larsen’s Fish Market and checking out all the fishing boats as this is the last working fishing village. It can get crowded, so having a ceremony there you’ll just have to assume you’ll have an audience, especially on the weekends. There’s a good chance you could have the entire beach to yourself in the Spring and Fall months! It depends on what’s most important to you.

See photos from elopements in Menemsha

Aquinnah beach and the cliffs

Gay Head Aquinnah Beach, also known as Moshup Beach is located between Philbin Beach and the tipping point of the Gay Head Cliffs. The pristine 1/2 mile beach named ‘one of the best walking beaches in America’ by Travel Channel is a beautiful 10 minute walk from the main parking lot. If you are looking to have your ceremony on a beautiful beach, with gorgeous multi-colored cliffs and great sunsets, this is the one! It can often get overcast and foggy, but the scenery is totally worth it. Worth mentioning - parts of this beach are ‘clothing optional’. You can also combine this with the Aquinnah Lighthouse that is located 10 min walking from the beach up the cliffs.

See photos from elopements in Aquinnah

Oak bluffs, state beach and gingerbread houses

Oak Bluffs is the liveliest of the Vineyard’s towns. The options here are endless from colorful iconic gingerbread cottages to the oldest carousel in the country - Flying Horses, Ocean Park, the busy harbor, State Beach or the fishing pier. The town is probably the busiest so you’ll have to get creative with timing and planning, but will be totally worth it. There are plenty of Inns and cottages to rent here so everything can be walking distance and you won’t have to hustle on your wedding day, including amazing restaurants and bars where you can end the night.

See photos from elopements in Oak Bluffs

Marriage license/ Requirements

The State of Massachusetts requires that you file for a marriage license at least three business days, but no more than sixty days before your wedding date. So if you want to get married on the weekend for example, Tuesday is the last day to apply. Both of you have to apply and you can do this in any town at any City or Town Clerk's Office. The fee is $195, the license is valid for 60 days and can be used in any Massachusetts location. Each person must bring proof of their age (a certified birth certificate, or passport)

Officiants

If you want more than ‘just’ an officiant, someone who can write a tailored ceremony through a unique process with unlimited consultations and beautiful personalized writing, Jackie Kane is definitely the go to person.

Vendors 

If you can … hire local vendors! Why? Because they are extremely talented and hard working and because supporting locals is a huge help for them and the island. Considering that the season is just a couple of months, everyone is trying to make up for the months where there is no business. The community is small and and everyone knows each other, so chances are that your final line up have already worked together in the past and they know how everyone is working and that can be in your advantage for everything to be stress free. A very well organized and professional experience held by local vendors who care deeply about this beautiful island - a win for everyone!

PLANNERS/FLOWERS/CAKE/ MUSIC/PHOTO/VIDEO/HAIR /MAKEUP/ TRANSPORTATION

If you want everything completely stress free, hiring a local planner that is specialized in elopements is the best bet. My pick for elopements is My Vineyard Elopement (specializing in small intimate weddings and elopements).

Flowers - If you want to keep it simple, you can have a bridal bouquet and you’re all set. But if flowers make you happy and want a beautiful arch for your ceremony or other flower arrangements, then my go to florist is Aubrey Maria Designs.

Hair and Make up - I recommend always to have someone travel to your Airbnb or hotel room for convenience and for awesome getting ready pictures. 

Other things to consider: Rent a car or get a driver, have a cake delivered to your hotel room from a local bakery, have dinner reservations at a beautiful restaurant.

What activities you can include

There are no rules and a lot of time! You can do anything you want - rent a boat for a sunset cruise, have a lobster picnic in Menemsha, walk with alpacas or fly with a small plane around the island. You can start your day having the a breakfast crepe at Behind the Bookstore, swim in the ocean or a pond, walk the Menemsha Hills hike or jump from the Jaws Bridge. You can rent a jeep and drive around the island. Whatever makes you happy you can include in your wedding day!