How to Get Married in Martha's Vineyard

If you want a wedding with pedigree, consider Martha's Vineyard, a scenic island in Massachusetts. At this famous playground for the wealthy, you can be married on land, on sea, or even in a lighthouse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• marriage license

1. Log onto the Vineyard Gazette Magazine Wedding Planner web page at www.mvweddingplanner.com for links to wedding locations and services. You can order a printed copy of the wedding planner online.

2. Choose a venue for your wedding. There are many historic churches in the area, as well as charming inns, lighthouses, vineyards and romantic beaches.

3. Consider a reception with local flavor, such as a clam bake.

4. Get a marriage license for the state of Massachusetts. There is a three-day waiting period from the time you get your license until you can be married. Visit www.mass.gov for more information.

5. Get married and enjoy every minute of this very special event.

Tips & Warnings

• Favorite beaches for wedding ceremonies include Lighthouse Beach, Land Bank Beach, Lambert's Cove Beach, Fuller Street Beach and Menemsha Public Beach. Some area inns have private beaches which are available for more private affairs.
• Historic venues include the Grange Hall in West Tisbury, the Old Whaling Chapel, and the Dr. Daniel Fisher House in Edgartown.
• Some local sights worth seeing are the Flying Horses Carousel (the country's oldest operating carousel), the historic Polly Hill Arboretum, and charming Edgartown.
• If you decide to get married on the beach, have a back-up plan. Wind and rain can be a problem at any time of year.