Planning a Martha’s Vineyard Wedding: Five Favorite Venues
We’ve heard our fair share of stories from brides who had been dreaming of a Martha’s Vineyard wedding long before they even met their husbands. As the world around us changes, the island remains a constant in family vacation traditions, its natural surroundings lending themselves well to life’s most memorable milestones. Whether you’ve imagined tying the knot here since childhood or you’re just starting to think about a Martha’s Vineyard wedding, these five favorite venues each offer a storybook setting for your special day.
Old Whaling Church & Dr. Daniel Fisher House – Edgartown
Located right on Main Street, Old Whaling Church takes transportation out of the planning process — it’s a convenient walk from some of the best Edgartown lodging options. The building’s Greek Revival architecture dates back to 1843, when it was established as a house of worship for whaling crews based on the island. Simple white paint and geometric shapes inside and out create a blank canvas for a ceremony as formal or whimsical as you like.
The church shares a lawn with the Dr. Daniel Fisher house, whose beautiful indoor galleries are a great choice for an intimate reception. The terrace and lawn outdoors can be configured in a variety of arrangements, with upscale local tent rentals available to match your style.
Sailing Camp Park – Oak Bluffs
With a perfect combination of indoor and outdoor options, Sailing Camp Park overlooks Lagoon Pond and Vineyard Haven Harbor from atop a bluff. Most couples plan their ceremonies for the waterside edge of the lawn, with the fieldstone fireplace inside as an all-weather backup. The full industrial kitchen is well equipped for catering operations, and wall-to-wall hardwood floors allow all kinds of seating and dancing arrangements under the timber vaulted ceiling.
Allen Farm – Chilmark
This gorgeous stretch of land on the island’s southwest coast is a part-time Vineyard wedding venue and a full-time working family farm. It’s popular with couples interested in sourcing local food, and the views of Chilmark Pond and the Atlantic Ocean are unparalleled. Simple ceremonies down by the pond leave the decorating to Mother Nature, with space for large receptions available up the hill.
The Agricultural Hall – West Tisbury
The “New Ag Hall” is actually a century-old post-and-beam barn that was rebuilt in West Tisbury in 1993. Its rustic charm lets the natural surroundings and the soul of your party shine through, and it can accommodate over 300 people for a seated dinner. This Martha’s Vineyard wedding venue is extremely popular and only hosts a limited number of events, so we recommend planning exceptionally far in advance.
Edgartown Lighthouse – Edgartown
Simple, white, and postcard-ready, the Edgartown Lighthouse makes a historic backdrop for a timeless wedding. Beach sand and sea grass surround the beacon, fading into the water just steps away. Wedding parties can reserve the lighthouse itself, though the beach is public and can’t be closed off for private functions.
Martha’s Vineyard weddings can range in size from a few people to a few thousand, and from simple to unbelievably extravagant. Go ahead and let your imagination run wild — chances are, there’s a way to make your dream wedding come true on the island. All of the venues are within easy driving distance of each other, so you can visit as many as you like in one planning trip. That convenience extends to the big day itself, too — guests will love the central location of our Edgartown hotel.
