A Nantucket wedding.
Massachusetts island roughly 30 miles at sea, reached by ferry from Hyannis or by air to ACK.
A Nantucket wedding is an island celebration roughly 30 miles at sea, reached by Steamship Authority or high-speed ferry from Hyannis or by air to ACK. The venue landscape spans the cobblestone downtown, Brant Point, and Sconset, and includes historic clubs, inns, tented private estates, and event spaces. Honest lead: this is the most demanding booking calendar in Massachusetts and lodging books earliest of anywhere in the state.
Weddings in Nantucket.
What a Nantucket wedding costs.
Ranges below are estimates. Actual quotes vary by season, day of week, guest count, venue, and services selected.
Nantucket is the peak-priced island market in Massachusetts and runs well above the state average once ferry freight, vendor travel, and island lodging are factored in. Request current pricing directly from any venue.
Seasons in Nantucket.
Peak season runs mid-June through late September. Late May, early June, and late September to mid-October offer better ferry and lodging availability with reliable weather.
Planning around the weather.
Ocean-moderated summers are cooler than the mainland with strong sea breeze and possible fog. Hurricane season peaks August through October. Every outdoor ceremony needs a tent or indoor rain plan.
Travel, lodging & getting around.
- Nantucket Memorial AirportACK· approx. 5 to 15 minutes to most venues drive
- Boston Logan InternationalBOS· approx. connect via short flight to ACK or ferry from Hyannis drive
- Cape Cod Gateway (Hyannis)HYA· approx. regional connections to ACK drive
Steamship Authority ferries and high-speed passenger ferries run from Hyannis year-round. Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) receives regional flights and seasonal direct service from several East Coast cities.
Steamship Authority car reservations for peak Saturdays sell out months in advance for both guests and vendor trucks. Move guests as foot passengers and rely on shuttles, island taxis, and rideshare. Coordinate a shuttle plan with your venue.
Downtown, Brant Point, and Sconset inventory is finite. Reserve a primary hotel or inn block 12 to 18 months out and publish rental-home guidance early. Peak Saturdays fill first in the state.
Downtown parking is scarce and largely permit or metered. Use venue-provided or contracted shuttles rather than relying on guest cars.
Nantucket marriage license basics.
Massachusetts marriage licenses are filed as a Notice of Intention with any city or town clerk. Both parties must file in person. After a three-day waiting period, the clerk issues the license, which is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in the state. On Nantucket, couples file with the Town and County of Nantucket Clerk. Confirm current fees, hours, and ID requirements directly with the town clerk before you travel.
Requirements may change. Verify current information with the issuing government office.
Things to do in Nantucket.
Cobblestone downtown, Brant Point Light, Sconset village and the Bluff Walk, Madaket Beach sunsets, cycling the paved paths, and Whaling Museum tours.
Planning a Nantucket wedding: FAQ
Where do we get a marriage license for a Nantucket wedding?
File a Notice of Intention with the Town and County of Nantucket Clerk, or any Massachusetts town clerk. The license is valid statewide.
How long is the Massachusetts waiting period?
Three days from filing. The license is then valid for 60 days.
How do guests get to Nantucket?
Steamship Authority or high-speed ferry from Hyannis, or flights into ACK.
Should guests bring cars?
Generally no. Ferry car reservations sell out months ahead and downtown parking is scarce. Foot-passenger travel plus shuttles works better.
When is the best time of year for a Nantucket wedding?
Mid-June through late September is peak. Late May, early June, and late September to mid-October offer better availability with reliable weather.
How far in advance should we book?
12 to 18 months for peak Saturdays; longer for holiday weekends. Nantucket has the earliest booking calendar in the state.
Do we need a permit for a beach ceremony?
Ceremonies on Nantucket beaches or public land generally require a town permit. Conservation Foundation, Land Bank, and Trustees sites have separate policies.
What is the weather risk from hurricanes?
Tropical activity peaks August through October. Every outdoor ceremony needs a tent or indoor rain plan.
What venue types does Nantucket offer?
Historic clubs, downtown inns and hotels, tented private estates, and event spaces around the harbor and beaches.
How do vendors get to the island?
Vendor trucks ride the Steamship Authority and need reservations booked well in advance. Some vendors coordinate shared freight.
Where should guests stay?
Downtown, Brant Point, and Sconset. Reserve a primary hotel or inn block 12 to 18 months out and publish rental-home guidance early.
How does Nantucket compare on cost?
Nantucket runs well above the Massachusetts state average once ferry freight, vendor travel, and island lodging are factored in.
Nantucket regional data sources
Cost context on this page references The Knot's national Real Weddings Study; season and weather guidance references NOAA; Massachusetts marriage license details reference the official state authority.
- Source: The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study · The Knot
- Source: National Weather Service forecasts (NOAA) · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Source: Massachusetts: apply for a marriage license · Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Mass.gov: Apply for a marriage licenseCommonwealth of Massachusetts(verified 2026-07-11)
- Mass.gov: Marriage in MassachusettsCommonwealth of Massachusetts(verified 2026-07-11)
- Town and County of Nantucket official websiteTown of Nantucket(verified 2026-07-11)
Last reviewed 2026-07-11. This page is updated as conditions change.