A Cape Cod wedding is more than just an event, it’s an experience. And behind every magical wedding is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to bring each couple’s vision to life.
From wedding planners and venue coordinators to photographers and florists, each vendor plays an essential role in crafting a seamless and unique celebration. Here’s a look at the magic behind planning and executing a Cape Cod wedding to remember.
The Visionary: Wedding Planners
“We love to hear from couples about who they are, where they live, what they do, and their connection to the Cape before we jump into any of the details about the wedding weekend and how we can help there,” says Jamie Bohlin, owner of Cape-based Cape Cod Celebrations. “Planning a wedding on the Cape often means navigating unpredictable weather, high tides, winds, and even local permitting rules—but the payoff is worth it.”
Stephanie Diaz Eldredge, Cape Cod Celebrations’ “Wedding Ninja” and Master of Marketing, adds, “Couples begin with us at all different stages in their wedding planning, so we love to get as many details before jumping in!”
The Cape Cod Celebrations team typically begins the process with a sit-down consultation to learn more about the couple’s personalities and vision for their dream day. They create a detailed “workbook” filled with personal questionnaires, Pinterest vision boards and planning tools. From there, they design a comprehensive plan, covering everything from floral arrangements to logistics for beach ceremonies.
With over 80% of Cape Cod wedding couples traveling from out of state, the team at Cape Cod Celebrations ensures a smooth experience by coordinating travel logistics, accommodations and schedules. Bohlin’s advice? “Get a wedding planner! But also consider all the factors when selecting the location and date—from venue access for your guests, traffic, and hotel costs, to weather—and have an idea of your budget before you start looking at venues.”
Diaz Eldredge adds, “If you can, give your guests time during the wedding weekend to explore the Cape. Providing a list of the couple's favorite Cape Cod pastimes will point them in the right direction.”
The Dream Makers: Venue Coordinators
For Kelsey Mannion, sales manager at the oceanfront Pelham House Resort in Dennis Port, every wedding is a unique and exhilarating experience. “Pelham House Resort is the only venue on the Cape that offers a full-property buyout for our wedding couples. This allows guests to experience a weekend together (at the beach!) rather than just a five-hour reception,” she explains. “This means full exclusivity of our resort and all 33 guest rooms, with options to host all surrounding wedding events on property if they choose.”
Mannion and her team oversee everything from setting up the ceremony site to coordinating on-site catering. “Our team streamlines the planning process by touring the property with the couple, planning details, and being there day-of to execute and act as their on-site wedding coordinator,” she says. They are even watching the weather down to the minute on the day of an outdoor ceremony or event. “Our team always has a Plan B in case we need to quickly pivot.”
Clarissa Davis, associate director of sales at the historic Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, agrees that Cape Cod weather can be a challenge. “Be ready with a Plan B,” she advises. The venue offers multiple indoor and outdoor options, from a private farm to elegant indoor spaces and the classic sunset ceremony on the beach. “Don’t dwell on things that are out of control like weather,” says Davis. “Focus on the family and friends coming together for a wonderful celebration.”
Capturing Moments: Photographers
Every wedding needs a storyteller, and photographers like Alex Gordias of Alex Gordias Photography capture those stories beautifully. “Cape Cod is like a playground of beautiful spots, each with its own charm,” he says. “Some of my favorites are the sweeping sand dunes at Race Point in Provincetown, the classic beauty of Chatham Lighthouse, and the vibrant gardens at Heritage Museums & Gardens.”
Gordias loves scouting the Cape’s hidden gems to match a couple’s personality, story and style. Wayne Chinnock of LoveDays Photography shares this passion. “I love when couples have their own favorite location that means something to them,” he says.
Their advice for couples is simple: embrace every moment. “The best advice I can give is to just be yourselves and enjoy each moment,” says Gordias. Chinnock adds, “Plan on taking a few deep breaths during the day to soak it all in. Celebrate on your own terms. When you do this, you’ll enjoy your day so much more and look incredible in your photos.”
The Creators: Florists, Bakers, and Musicians
Local florists like Stephanie Romanowicz of Foraged Floral and Kristina Kliment of Botanique of Cape Cod draw inspiration from the Cape’s unique landscape. “You can ask your florist to source locally if they can,” says Romanowicz. “The Northeast is producing more flowers and foliage every year.” Kliment adds, “Selecting flowers that are in season and locally grown supports our farmers and brings authenticity to the event.”
Local bakeries turn dessert into an art form, crafting edible masterpieces that reflect each couple's unique wedding style. At The Casual Gourmet, custom wedding cakes range from timeless tiered designs to contemporary creations, often incorporating local ingredients, distinctive flavors, and inspiration drawn from the coastal aesthetic.
Music ties everything together, and local musicians like Dan Flonta of the Cape Cod String Quartet set the perfect tone. “We love to play Pachelbel's Canon” he says. “Its timeless beauty, flow, and incredible harmonies make it a perfect match for the romantic atmosphere of a wedding ceremony on Cape Cod.”
What Makes It All Worthwhile
For Cape Cod wedding professionals, no two weddings are alike. But working in such a picturesque and welcoming place makes it all worth it. “For me, being a native Cape Codder, it is so heartwarming to see couples fall in love with the Cape or decide to get married here,” says Bohlin.
A Few Final Tips from the Experts:
1. Plan Ahead: Book your venue and vendors at least 1–2 years in advance.
2. Be Weather-Ready: Have a backup plan for Cape Cod’s unpredictable weather.
3. Trust Your Team: Your vendors are here to help you relax and enjoy every moment.
Planning a Cape Cod wedding takes a village, but with the right team and the Cape’s natural beauty, it’s an unforgettable celebration of love. For more inspiration while planning your wedding on Cape Cod, visit CapeCodWedding.com.