How to Elope on Cape Cod: A Complete Guide for Getting Married on the Cape

written by Destination Elopement and Cape Cod Wedding Photographer Sydney Sims

Cape Cod, with its charming seaside villages, stunning beaches, and picturesque landscapes, is a perfect location for couples looking to elope. Having grown up in New England myself, I have a soft spot for summers spent on the Cape, from admiring the hydrangeas in bloom to watching Cape Cod Baseball League games. Eloping or having your wedding here is for the couple with a love of a classic wedding feel mixed with quintessential coastal charm. This guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your dream elopement on Cape Cod, from choosing the perfect ceremony location to finding the best accommodations.

1. Best Places to Elope on Cape Cod

Cape Cod offers a variety of beautiful spots for your elopement, but it’s important to note that certain areas may require permits, especially if you’re planning a ceremony on public land or beaches. Here are some popular permitted ceremony locations:

• Cape Cod National Seashore:
  • Guest Limit: Depending on the location, the guest limit can vary. Smaller, more intimate ceremonies are best suited to this protected area, with groups generally limited to 20-30 guests.
  • Permit Requirements: A special use permit is required for any ceremony on the National Seashore. It’s advisable to apply well in advance, as there may be restrictions during peak tourist seasons.
  • Popular Spots: Marconi Beach, Herring Cove Beach, and Coast Guard Beach are among the most picturesque locations within the National Seashore.
• Chatham Lighthouse Beach:
  • Guest Limit: This iconic beach can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, typically up to 50 guests.
  • Permit Requirements: A permit is required from the Town of Chatham. The beach is a popular spot, so early planning is crucial.
• Nauset Beach in Orleans:
  • Guest Limit: Suitable for small ceremonies of up to 25 guests.
  • Permit Requirements: A permit from the Town of Orleans is necessary for ceremonies. This beach is known for its long stretches of sand and stunning ocean views.
• Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich:
  • Guest Limit: This beautiful garden venue is perfect for intimate ceremonies and can accommodate up to 75 guests.
  • Permit Requirements: The venue requires booking in advance, and there are specific guidelines for events held on the property.
• Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket:
  • While they are technically their own islands and experiences, I have to give a special mention to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. I will be creating wedding and elopement guides special to them!

2. Weather on Cape Cod: Best Time of Year for your Cape Cod Wedding

Cape Cod’s weather can vary greatly throughout the year, and timing your elopement to match the best conditions can ensure a perfect day.

• Spring (April to June): Spring on Cape Cod is beautiful, with blooming flowers and mild temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F. However, early spring can be cool, and the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to have a backup plan.
• Summer (July to August): Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F. While the weather is ideal, popular spots can be crowded. If you choose to elope in the summer, consider a sunrise or sunset ceremony to avoid the crowds. I’d also advise eloping on a weekday if you choose a public location, or reserve a venue or private space for your ceremony.
• Fall (September to November): Fall is one of the best times to elope on Cape Cod, with cooler temperatures (60°F to 75°F) and the beautiful fall foliage. The crowds thin out after Labor Day, making it a more peaceful time to get married.
• Winter (December to March): Winter is the quietest time on Cape Cod, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 50°F. If you’re looking for solitude and a unique winter coastal setting, this could be an ideal time, though be prepared for cold and windy conditions.

Best Time to Elope: Late spring and early fall are generally considered the best times to elope on Cape Cod due to the mild weather and fewer crowds.

3. Best Outdoor Locations and Intimate Venues on Cape Cod

Cape Cod offers a range of outdoor locations and intimate venues perfect for elopements:

• Outdoor Locations:
  • Race Point Beach, Provincetown: Known for its dramatic dunes and stunning sunsets, this beach is perfect for a serene seaside elopement.
  • Great Island Trail, Wellfleet: This location offers a more rugged, natural setting with beautiful views of the bay, ideal for couples seeking privacy.
  • Scargo Tower, Dennis: A historic stone tower offering panoramic views of the Cape, perfect for a unique and memorable ceremony.

• Intimate Venues:
  • Captain’s House Inn, Chatham: This charming inn offers beautiful gardens and a historic setting for an intimate ceremony.
  • Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster: A luxurious venue with beautiful beachside locations, ideal for couples wanting a mix of elegance and natural beauty.
  • Twenty-Eight Atlantic at Wequassett Resort, Harwich: A stunning venue with waterfront views, perfect for a sophisticated yet intimate elopement.

4. Closest Airports

Cape Cod is accessible from several airports, making it convenient for couples and their guests traveling from afar:

• Barnstable Municipal Airport (HYA): Located in Hyannis, this is the closest airport to Cape Cod, with regional flights connecting to Boston and New York.
• Logan International Airport (BOS): Located in Boston, about 70 miles from Cape Cod. Logan is the largest airport in the area, offering numerous domestic and international flights. The drive from Boston to Cape Cod takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• T.F. Green Airport (PVD): Located in Providence, Rhode Island, about 75 miles from Cape Cod. This airport is another good option, with a similar driving time to Cape Cod as from Boston.

Most couples opt to rent a car from the airport and enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Cod, which adds to the experience of a destination elopement.

5. Best Places to Stay on the Cape

Whether you’re looking for a cozy inn or a luxurious resort, Cape Cod offers a variety of accommodations for couples and their guests:

• For Couples:
  • Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham: A luxury resort with stunning ocean views, perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
  • The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn, West Harwich: A modern, stylish inn offering a quiet and intimate setting.
  • The Palmer House Inn, Falmouth: A charming bed and breakfast with a historic feel, perfect for a cozy and romantic stay.
  • AutoCamp Cape Cod, Falmouth: AutoCamp offers a stylish glamping experience with luxury Airstreams, canvas tents, and cabins. Perfect for couples seeking a blend of nature and comfort, it features fire pits, a clubhouse, and easy access to nearby beaches—a unique and cozy option for your stay.

• For Couples with Guests:
  • Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, Harwich: A high-end resort offering spacious accommodations and beautiful event spaces for ceremonies and receptions.
  • Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster: A large resort with a variety of accommodation options, perfect for hosting guests and celebrating together.
  • The Mansion at Ocean Edge, Brewster: Offers luxurious accommodations and is perfect for couples who want to host a small, intimate gathering with close family and friends.

6. Unique Experiences to Include in Your Cape Cod Elopement

Cape Cod offers a variety of unique activities that can make your elopement truly memorable. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, consider incorporating one of these experiences into your special day.

1. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Experience the beauty of Cape Cod from a different perspective with a romantic horseback ride along the beach. Here are two highly rated companies offering beach rides:

• Emerald Hollow Farm (Brewster): Known for its scenic trail rides that lead to the beach, Emerald Hollow Farm offers private guided rides perfect for couples looking to add a touch of adventure to their elopement.
• Ridge Valley Stables (Truro): Offering beach and trail rides through the stunning Cape Cod landscapes, Ridge Valley Stables provides an intimate and peaceful experience for eloping couples.

2. Whale Watching Tours

Cape Cod is one of the best places on the East Coast for whale watching. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close can be a thrilling addition to your elopement:

• Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch (Provincetown): A top-rated company with experienced naturalists on board, Dolphin Fleet offers informative and exciting tours that often include sightings of humpback, finback, and minke whales.
• Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises (Barnstable): Departing from Barnstable Harbor, this company provides an unforgettable whale-watching experience, with knowledgeable guides and excellent chances of spotting a variety of marine life.

3. Sunrise or Sunset Boat Tours

A boat tour at sunrise or sunset offers breathtaking views of Cape Cod’s coastline, providing a serene and romantic setting for your elopement. Here are some highly rated tour companies:

• Cape Cod Catamaran Sailing Charters
• Captain Curley’s Sailing Charters (Wellfleet)

7. General Planning Tips

• Photography: Cape Cod’s natural beauty provides countless opportunities for stunning photos. Plan to capture a variety of settings, from the beach to the dunes to the charming village streets.
• Attire: Consider the coastal weather when choosing your elopement attire. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal for summer, while layers and wind-resistant materials are better for cooler months.
• Permits and Legal Requirements: Make sure to secure any necessary permits for your ceremony location and obtain a Massachusetts marriage license. You can apply for a marriage license at any town or city hall in Massachusetts, and there’s a mandatory three-day waiting period before it’s valid.
• Guest Considerations: If you’re planning to include guests, consider their travel and accommodation needs. Cape Cod offers a range of lodging options, from luxury resorts to quaint inns, making it easy to accommodate groups of various sizes.

Eloping on Cape Cod offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, charming settings, and intimate venues. With the right planning, your Cape Cod elopement can be a magical experience that you and your partner will cherish forever. I would love to be a part of helping your day come together and moe importantly, capturing it all. Click here to learn more about my services.