The Ultimate Cape Cod Elopement Guide

Dreaming of an intimate, kick-ass getaway to elope? Cape Cod is THE place for couples who want a laid-back vibe while soaking in stunning coastal beauty. Whether you’ve been vacationing here for years or it’s your first time on “the Cape,” this guide will help you plan a beautiful Cape Cod elopement. Let’s get ready for an epic adventure and take a look at everything you need to know about eloping on this iconic stretch of Massachusetts coastline!

8 Best Cape Cod Elopement Locations

Cape Cod is home to some of the most stunning beaches and scenic spots in New England. Whether you’re dreaming of sunrise, sunset, or midday vows, you’ll want to choose a location that matches the vibes you’ve dreamed up! 

Cape Cod National Seashore

This federally protected area stretches along the outer Cape, offering multiple beaches to choose from, each with a unique vibe. You’ll find some of those specific beaches next! The beaches here are known for their unspoiled beauty, wildlife, and hiking trails.

During the season, entrance fees are only necessary at park beaches and are not mandatory in most other areas of the park. At select beaches, beach entrance fees at Cape Cod National Seashore are collected daily from late June through Labor Day and on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to mid-September. The fee is $25 per vehicle.

Race Point Beach

Located in Provincetown, Race Point Beach is known for its stunning views, dramatic dunes, and chances to spot whales from the shore. Being here during sunset is particularly epic!

This beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so a daily entrance fee applies. The cost is around $25 per vehicle during the peak season, and there’s ample parking available. 

Herring Cove Beach

Also in Provincetown, Herring Cove Beach is a popular destination for its calm waters, beautiful sunsets, and laid-back atmosphere. Its west-facing shoreline makes it perfect for golden hour photos. 

Like Race Point, it’s part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so the same parking fee applies—around $25 per vehicle. The parking lot is close to the beach, so it’s easily accessible for guests or couples looking for a relaxing beach vibe!

Mayflower Beach

Located in Dennis, Mayflower Beach is known for its soft, powdery sand and tranquil waters, creating the perfect setting for a beautiful and intimate ceremony. Parking fees vary because this beach is not part of the National Seashore. During the summer, parking for the day costs around $30 per vehicle. Arrive early, as the parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends.

Nauset Beach

Located in Orleans, this vast beach is great for couples wanting a more natural, untamed landscape. It’s got great waves for surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing, if that’s something you’d like to do on your elopement day.

It’s not part of the National Seashore, so you’ll need to pay a daily parking fee of about $30 in the summer. While parking fills up quickly in the summer, the experience is truly worth it! And because the beach is so vast, there’s plenty of room to find a private corner for your ceremony.

Coast Guard Beach

Located in Eastham, Coast Guard Beach is one of the most scenic beaches on Cape Cod, with long stretches of sandy shoreline and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so the $25 entrance fee applies. 

However, parking at Coast Guard Beach is limited and usually requires taking a shuttle from a nearby parking lot at Little Creek (the shuttle is free with the parking pass).

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Want a lighthouse backdrop for your elopement? Chatham Lighthouse Beach gives you that iconic Cape Cod scenery. Located near the Chatham Lighthouse, this beach offers picturesque views and a more tranquil setting. 

You’ll need to get a $20 beach pass, but there’s no admission fee to the lighthouse. There’s a small lot near the lighthouse with limited free parking, but it fills up quickly in the summer. Some visitors park in town and walk or bike to the beach.

Marconi Beach

This Wellfleet beach offers a more secluded feel with rolling dunes and a dramatic landscape. It’s one of the best places for a sunrise ceremony on the Cape!

Like some of the other beaches on the list, it’s part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, so the same parking fee applies—around $25 per vehicle.

Where to Stay in Cape Cod

Cape Cod is full of charming Airbnbs for your stay! These could be perfect for a private elopement with just the two of you or a few of your closest loved ones (not affiliated with any of the Airbnbs, just some research so you don’t have to).

• Cute Cottage 
• Harborside Haven
• Private Beach on Nantucket Sound
• Tiny Home in Dennis
• Breezy Vibes Cottage
• Beach House
• Ocean Front Cape Condo

When to Elope in Cape Cod

The best time to elope in Cape Cod is May. You’ll get to avoid the busy summer crowds, still get nice, mild weather and blooming flowers. It’s the best choice for good weather and more privacy. It will also be cheaper to find accommodations with off-peak pricing!

Summer is fantastic, Cape Cod really comes alive then. The sun is shining, seafood is at its best and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the coast, however, weekends and holidays can get SO busy! If you want to have a summer elopement, I highly recommend eloping on a weekday.

Early fall here still feels like summer, however, it cools down rather quickly by November. Fall is stunning with the gorgeous foliage, and you’ll get fewer crowds.

Best Places to Eat in Cape Cod

Here’s a list of some of the best places to eat in Cape Cod. My Cape Cod elopement couples usually look for local lobster and seafood joints with that charming hole-in-the-wall vibe and fun atmosphere, so these are some suggestions for you if you’re into that as well!

• Arnold’s Lobster & Clam Bar – opens seasonally from May! It’s a classic Cape Cod seafood shack with no frills fun vibe!

• Sesuit Harbor Cafe – another classic clam shack that offers scenic outdoor dining overlooking the Northside Marina and Cape Cod Bay.

• The Lobster Pot – this is a Provincetown classic that has been in town for decades! I love the neon sign outside, which really gives that classic seafood shack vibe, and those harbor views are seriously unbeatable as well!

• Moby Dick’s – it’s another casual seafood spot, it’s a classic in the area with picnic-style seating and a fun, laid-back vibe. Their lobster rolls, fried scallops, and Wellfleet oysters are must-tries.

• Kream ‘N Kone – this old-school seafood shack is known for its fried seafood platters—fried clams, scallops, shrimp, and fish and chips. It’s a great casual spot for your stay in Cape Cod!

Fun Cape Cod Elopement Activities

Make your Cape Cod elopement a full-blown adventure! There’s so much to do and explore on the Cape, and here are some ideas for you:

• Explore Provincetown (also known as P-Town) – this place is known for its lively, LGBTQ+ friendly community and fun atmosphere. You’ll love exploring the eclectic shops, galleries, and restaurants that line Commercial Street and all the colorful streets. P-Town is also famous for its drag shows and nightlife, so definitely check those out!

• Check out the Gardens – this is more specific if you’re eloping here during the summer. The saltbox homes are surrounded by gardens bursting with color, especially the iconic hydrangeas that practically scream New England charm. So take a stroll through the neighborhoods and get those views for a budget-friendly activity.

• Take a Sailboat Ride – Cape Cod offers some incredible boat tours where you can catch a stunning sunset or even say your vows while cruising through the Atlantic. Whether you’re into sailing, whale watching, or simply floating along the Cape’s coastline, this is a must-do elopement activity. And you can do one better and book a private sailboat for just the two of you!

• Check Out the History – Cape Cod is steeped in history! Did you know that Cape Cod was once a bustling whaling community in the 1800s? You can visit museums and historic sites that tell the tale of its seafaring days. Stop by the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown or visit one of the many lighthouses that dot the coastline!

• Whale Watching – Cape Cod is one of the best places to spot whales. Hop on a whale-watching tour and witness these majestic creatures up close. The whale-watching season begins around mid-April and runs through October, but the peak time is from June to September.

There are plenty of other things you could do, and as your Cape Cod elopement photographer I’d be happy to give you specific ideas fitting your dream elopement day!

Traveling to and Around Cape Cod

While the charm of Cape Cod is undeniable, getting here and around the area can be tricky, especially during peak season.

• Driving: If you’re driving from Boston, plan accordingly—traffic can get crazy, especially on weekends. Leave early in the morning or late at night to avoid the gridlock. If you’re planning to stay in the Outer Cape (Provincetown, Truro, etc.), plan extra time as it’s a bit farther from the bridges.
• Take a Ferry: Ferries are a scenic and relaxing way to reach Provincetown from Boston. Skip the traffic and enjoy the ride!
• Flying in: The Cape is 75 miles away from Logan Airport in Boston, so you can fly in there from nearly anywhere. 

Cape Cod has a great site that explains the transportation options, flights, busses, and more. You can check it out here!

Legal Requirements for Your Cape Cod Elopement

To get married in Cape Cod, you’ll need a marriage license from a town or city hall in Massachusetts. You can get your marriage license anywhere in the state that is convenient for you, but out-of-state marriage licenses are NOT valid! There’s a 3-day waiting period after you apply, so make sure to plan accordingly. 

Provincetown and Dennis are great options for picking up your license here.

Depending on your elopement location, you may need to get an elopement permit. You’ll need to get a special use permit for elopements on protected lands like the Cape Cod National Seashore. As your elopement photographer, I’d be happy to help you find out whether your elopement needs a permit and where to get it!

My Cape Cod Elopement Packages

I hope that this blog will help you plan your perfect Cape Cod elopement! And if you’re looking for someone to help you create your dream day and document it while we’re at it, I’d LOVE to help!

Whether you’re looking for a two-day epic adventure or an intimate, heartfelt ceremony, my Cape Cod elopement packages are designed to capture the magic of your day. Each package includes an elopement how-to guide, custom timelines (hello, plan A, B, and C!), and local vendor recommendations to make planning stress-free and exciting.

From sunrise vows to horseback riding and stargazing under the Cape Cod sky, these packages offer it all. The Two-Day Adventure is perfect for couples who want to stretch their experience across multiple days, capturing memories through photography, videography, and even drone coverage. For those seeking a balanced day, the Partial Day Experience is the most popular package, providing 8 hours of coverage to capture your vows, explore local attractions, and wrap it up with a sunset first dance. The Mini Day Experience offers 4 hours of photography, ideal for couples looking for a more intimate, cozy celebration.

No matter which package you choose, I’m here to make sure your elopement is nothing short of cinematic, romantic, and totally kick-ass!

You can learn more about my Cape Cod elopement packages here! And if you’d like to learn more about what I can do for you, just reach out to me here!