The Best Wedding Venues on Martha’s Vineyard

Janelle Larsen, left, and Dakota Fogg.

There truly is no better place to celebrate life’s monumental events than Martha’s Vineyard. From the smallest gathering to the largest parties imaginable, the Island is home to spectacular venues that cater to any possible need you may have in your quest to commemorate the big moments in your life. From the scenic and historic to the chic and trendy, we have it all. Many venues on-Island will even provide you with on-site assistance from professionals to help you plan the perfect bash, leaving you and your guests to take in the vistas and soak up the moment. Here’s a peek at the many places on the Island looking to help you get your party on. 

Aquinnah

Gay Head Light: Perched atop the clay Cliffs at the western tip of Aquinnah, the 51-foot-tall brick lighthouse was erected in 1856. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum manages the structure, which is still functional. Though the lighthouse itself has no real amenities, the view is sublime. The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant, the Outermost Inn, and Philbin Beach are all within walking distance.

9 Aquinnah Circle, Aquinnah 
508-627-4441
marthasvineyardhistory.org

 

Outermost Inn: Nestled near the famous Gay Head Cliffs and adjacent to the equally famous Gay Head Light, the inn offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Philbin Beach is a short way away.

81 Lighthouse Rd., Aquinnah
508-645-3511
outermostinn.com

 

The Vanderhoop Homestead: The Historic Vanderhoop Homestead is available through the town of Aquinnah. With beautiful views of the Atlantic from its perch atop the hills of Aquinnah, the Vanderhoop Homestead’s charm and expansive landscape mix natural beauty and historic importance into a breathtaking sight.

35 South Rd., Aquinnah
508-645-7900
aquinnah-ma.gov

 

Chilmark and Menemsha

Allen Farm: Allen Farm offers one-of-a-kind vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, often with sheep grazing in the foreground. Divided by South Road, the landward side of the farm houses most of the buildings, including the farm’s wool shop. The seaward side is where large wedding tents are erected. During summer evenings, these tents can often be seen glowing in the distance.

421 South Rd., Chilmark
508-645-9064
allenfarm.com 

 

Beach Plum Inn: Surrounded by several acres of pasture, woodland, and ornamental gardens, this antique inn’s oldest beams and posts are purportedly shipwreck timbers. The inn overlooks Menemsha Harbor and affords lovely water views. Inn amenities include tennis courts and acclaimed in-house restaurant. Menemsha Village is only a short walk away.

50 Beach Plum Lane, Menemsha
508-645-9454
beachpluminn.com

 

Captain Flanders Inn: Located off North Road in Chilmark, the inn was originally built by 18th century whaling Capt. Richard Flanders, and sits on 60 acres of meadow, pasture, and woodland. In addition to the rooms available at the main house, the inn also boasts a stone cottage and a wooden cottage for lodging. Large wedding tents are frequently assembled in the surrounding fields. Menemsha is a short ride away by car or bicycle.

440 North Rd., Chilmark
508-645-3123
captainflandersinn.com

 

Chilmark Community Center: Located a stone’s throw from Beetlebung Corner in the rural heart of Chilmark, this public building offers a decent-sized space complete with a stage, kitchen facilities, and men’s and women’s restrooms. It’s available to Chilmark residents or those sponsored by Chilmark residents. 

520 South Rd., Chilmark
508-645-2100
chilmarkcommunitycenter.org

 

Edgartown

Dr. Daniel Fisher House: Located next to the Whaling Church on Main Street in Edgartown, this Greek Revival mansion is also a Vineyard Trust property. Built for wealthy maritime merchant and manufacturer Daniel Fisher, who in the mid-19th century owned the largest whale oil works in the world, the Fisher House boasts formal gardens, an antiques-laden interior, and capacity for up to 250 people. Numerous shops and the Edgartown waterfront are short walks from the building.

99 Main St., Edgartown
508-627-4440
mvpreservation.org

 

Edgartown Lighthouse: Perhaps the Island’s most famous wash-ashore, this cast iron lighthouse hails from Crane’s Beach in Ipswich. It was barged to Edgartown by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939. The Martha’s Vineyard Museum manages the lighthouse, which — like its Island relatives in East Chop and Gay Head — has no real amenities beyond its beauty.

121 North Water St., Edgartown
508-627-4441
marthasvineyardhistory.org

 

Edgartown Yacht Club: Located directly adjacent to the water, the Edgartown Yacht Club offers luxurious amenities, and recently underwent renovations to its main clubhouse. With beautiful views of Edgartown Harbor, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for a maritime lovers’ reception. 

1 Dock St., Edgartown 
508-627-4361 
edgartownyc.org

 

Harbor View Hotel: From its rocking chair–lined veranda, this 123-year-old, 124-room hotel has perhaps the best view of Edgartown Harbor and the Edgartown Lighthouse to be had. Receptions can be held in the Edgartown Room, the Water Street Dining Room, or on the lawn under a pavilion tent. The hotel recently underwent renovations, and comprehensive in-house wedding planning is available.

131 North Water St., Edgartown
508-627-7000
harbor-view.com

 

Old Whaling Church: The dominant piece of architecture on Edgartown’s Main Street, this Greek Revival church was commissioned by a group of whaling captains in the second quarter of the 19th century. The building is now part of the Vineyard Trust. Its features include a Carl Wendte mural recently restored by Margot Datz, a Simmons and Fisher pipe organ, seating capacity for 500, and reception space for 150 in the Baylies Room beneath the main church chamber.

89 Main St., Edgartown
508-627-4440
mvpreservation.org

 

Winnetu Oceanside Resort: Located in Katama adjacent to South Beach, the Winnetu is an expansive vacation and resort complex. It offers in-house wedding planning, in-house catering, extensive lodging capacity (including suites, cottages, and large homes), immediate beach access, and the chauffeured use of several antique vehicles.

31 Dunes Rd., Edgartown
508-310-1733
winnetu.com

 

Oak Bluffs

East Chop Lighthouse: Situated on Telegraph Hill in Oak Bluffs, this cast iron tower was built in 1878. Originally wooden, it was the last lighthouse to be erected on the Island. Though the U.S. Coast Guard owns it, the lighthouse is managed by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. The lighthouse underwent an extensive restoration in 2007. Beautiful as it is, it boasts practically no amenities, but affords wonderful views.

229 East Chop Dr., Oak Bluffs
508-627-4441 
mvmuseum.org

 

Ocean Park Bandstand: Situated on a vast lawn with Nantucket Sound on one side and banks of Victorian houses on the other, the bandstand in this Oak Bluffs park provides pared-down elegance for a reasonable rate from the Oak Bluffs Parks Commission. Shop-lined Circuit Avenue and the Steamship Authority terminal are nearby.

Seaview and Ocean Avenues, Oak Bluffs
508-693-0072
Oakbluffsma.gov

 

Sailing Camp Park: Owned by the Patriot Trail Girl Scout Council until 1983, the 16-acre camp and environs are municipal property under the auspices of the Oak Bluffs Conservation Commission. The campgrounds overlook Lagoon Pond, providing a lovely backdrop for ceremonies. The main structure is simple and wooden with high ceilings, a full kitchen, and a beer and wine license.

177 Barnes Rd., Oak Bluffs
508-693-6777
oakbluffsma.gov

 

Union Chapel: Built in 1870, this octagonal structure was designed to be a nonsectarian house of worship from the outset. Owned and managed by the Vineyard Trust, the building can be occupied by up to 385 people. The chapel boasts a soaring cupola, stained glass windows, and superlative acoustics. It is located in Oak Bluffs adjacent to many gingerbread houses.

55 Narragansett Avenue, Oak Bluffs
508-627-4440
mvpreservation.org

 

Vineyard Haven

Martha’s Vineyard Museum: Overlooking the Lagoon and Vineyard Haven Harbor, with an expansive green lawn and beautiful landscaping, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum has recently relocated to the Old Marine Hospital in Vineyard Haven, and is available for weddings. The newly refurbished building is available for use as well, with prior arrangement. 

151 Lagoon Pond Rd., Vineyard Haven
508-627-4441
Mvmuseum.org

 

Tashmoo Spring Building: An old brick waterworks beside Lake Tashmoo, the spring building has been fully restored from a dilapidated condition, and is now managed by the Tashmoo Spring Building Area Management Committee. In addition to the interesting architecture of the pump station itself, the building sits in a lush setting, with pretty views of the lake.

400 West Spring St., Vineyard Haven
508-693-3100
Tisburyma.gov

 

Vineyard Haven Yacht Club: Set on the edge of Vineyard Haven Harbor, the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club offers members, or those sponsored by members, lovely water views, including the comings and goings of the Steamship Authority ferries. The club’s amenities include a full kitchen, numerous outdoor decks, a private beach, and a long pier.

45 Owen Little Way, Vineyard Haven
508-693-3080
vhyc.org

 

West Chop Club: Located adjacent to the West Chop Lighthouse in Vineyard Haven, the club offers members, or those sponsored by members, access to three private beaches, 10 tennis courts, eight of which are clay, 21 guest rooms, and picturesque seaside views. 

162 Iroquois Avenue, Vineyard Haven
508-693-1005
westchopclubmv.com

 

West Tisbury

Grange Hall: Built two years before the Civil War, the Grange Hall and its grounds host art shows, antique markets, and the West Tisbury Farmers Market, as well as large private gatherings such as wedding receptions. The spacious building was the site of the Agricultural Fair until the late 20th century, when it was sold to the Vineyard Trust, the entity that still owns and manages it. 

1067 State Rd., West Tisbury
508-627-4440
mvpreservation.org

 

Agricultural Hall: With a maximum capacity of over 1,500 people, this expansive wooden structure boasts one of the largest interior spaces on Martha’s Vineyard. With horse corrals and woodlands in the background, the Ag Hall sits in a vast field off State and Panhandle roads in West Tisbury. Home of the Agricultural Fair and the fair’s host, the Agricultural Society, its amenities include a full kitchen, men’s and women’s restrooms, and nearly infinite parking.

35 Panhandle Rd., West Tisbury
508-693-9549
marthasvineyardagriculturalsociety.org

 

Lambert’s Cove Inn, Farm, and Restaurant: The grounds of this secluded inn have a beflowered garden specifically designed for weddings. It is planted to ensure colorful blossoms throughout three seasons. Capturing the pastoral romance of West Tisbury, the grounds are also home to a farm with friendly chickens and goats, gardens, and grassy fields enclosed by forest. The restaurant features a farm-to-table menu by Chef Jimmy Alvarado.

90 Manaquayak Rd., West Tisbury
800-535-0272
lambertscoveinn.com