Few places in New Jersey lend themselves to a wedding weekend quite like Cape May County. Whether your guests are traveling from North Jersey, Philadelphia, New York or beyond, they’ll feel as though they’ve escaped to a true seaside destination—without ever boarding a plane. From welcome parties and rehearsal dinners to beach days, golf outings, winery visits, shopping and farewell brunches, there’s no shortage of ways to turn your celebration into an unforgettable long weekend.
Cape May has long been one of New Jersey’s most beloved wedding destinations—and for good reason. But there’s so much more to Cape May County than its namesake town. In fact, the county is home to a collection of distinctive Shore communities, each offering its own unique wedding experience. Couples can exchange vows at an historic Victorian hotel in Cape May, celebrate at a beachfront resort in Avalon, gather at a charming farm in West Cape May, or embrace the fun, laid-back atmosphere of a brewery in Wildwood.
Together, these towns offer an incredible variety of wedding venues. There are grand historic hotels and boutique inns, yacht clubs, golf clubs, waterfront restaurants, wineries, gardens and private estates. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate gathering with your closest friends or a lavish celebration overlooking the ocean, you’ll find a venue that perfectly reflects your style.
Why Get Married in Cape May County?
Cape May County offers more than beautiful places to get married—it creates an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. Here are just a few reasons why it’s one of New Jersey’s most sought-after wedding destinations:
A Venue for Every Style
Whether you’re planning a celebration for 30 guests or 300, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. There are beachfront resorts, grand historic hotels, wineries, golf clubs, private estates and charming inns.
A Destination Your Guests Will Love
Guests can spend the weekend relaxing on the beach, exploring charming downtowns, dining on fresh seafood, touring local wineries and breweries or taking in some of the East Coast’s most spectacular sunsets.
Easy to Reach
Although Cape May County feels like a true vacation destination, it’s surprisingly accessible. It’s an easy drive from anywhere in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland. And nearby airports for out-of-state guests.
A Celebration They’ll Always Remember
The combination of stunning scenery, exceptional venues, outstanding dining and a relaxed coastal atmosphere creates the kind of wedding weekend guests will be talking about long after they return home.
Planning Tips
Choose the Setting That Fits Your Style
While oceanfront weddings are always popular, don’t overlook Cape May County’s wineries, breweries, historic estates, golf clubs, boutique inns and waterfront restaurants. Some couples discover their perfect venue isn’t on the beach at all.
Consider the Season
Reserve Hotel Rooms Early
If you’re planning a summer wedding, encourage guests to book accommodations as soon as possible. Hotels and vacation rentals can fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends, and rates typically increase as availability becomes limited.
Think Beyond the Reception
One of the biggest advantages of getting married in Cape May County is turning your celebration into an entire weekend. Look for venues that can accommodate rehearsal dinners, welcome parties or farewell brunches. Or are conveniently located near restaurants, beaches and attractions.
Have a Rain Plan
Outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours are beautiful, but coastal weather can be unpredictable. Ask each venue where events will be held if it rains and whether the indoor backup space is just as appealing as the original plan.
Wedding File Favorites
To help narrow your search, we’ve selected a handful of standout venues that showcase the very best of what Cape May County has to offer. From beachfront resorts and historic estates to wineries and waterfront destinations, these Wedding File Favorites each offer something truly special.
Avalon Golf Club
Where: Cape May Court House, NJ
Style: Golf Club
Guest Capacity: Up to 400
Details: For couples looking beyond the beach, Avalon Golf Club offers a beautiful golf course setting just minutes from Avalon, Stone Harbor and Cape May. Exchange vows overlooking the manicured fairways before celebrating in one of the venue’s elegant reception spaces. They can accommodate intimate weddings as well as celebrations for up to 400 guests. With scenic views, exceptional service and affordable and customizable wedding packages, Avalon Golf Club is an ideal choice for couples planning a full-service Cape May County wedding.
View more about weddings at Avalon Golf Club here
MudHen Brewing Company
Where: Wildwood, NJ
Style: Brewery
Capacity: 40 to 250
Details: If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed than the traditional ballroom, MudHen Brewing Company offers one of Cape May County’s most distinctive wedding venues. Located just minutes from Wildwood’s beaches and boardwalk, this full-service venue combines industrial-chic style, award-winning craft beer and exceptional cuisine. They have a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces that can accommodate everything from intimate celebrations to receptions of more than 200 guests. Whether you’re planning a casual coastal wedding or an elegant evening celebration, MudHen’s experienced events team will help create a wedding that’s uniquely your own.
View more about weddings at MudHen Brewing Company here
Abbie Holmes Estate
Where: Cape May Court House, NJ
Style: Historic Farmhouse
Capacity: Up to 100
Details: Tucked away in Cape May Court House, Abbie Holmes Estate is a favorite among brides. A beautifully restored 1829 farmhouse offers a chapel for ceremonies, a conservatory for receptions, inviting porches and manicured gardens.
Beach Plum Farm
Where: West Cape May, NJ
Style: Farm-to-Table
Capacity: Up to 130
Details: Beach Plum Farm specializes in private events that focus on farm-to-table family-style dining. The property accommodates up to 60 guests inside the Hoop House or as many as 130 under a sailcloth tent. Weddings require a full weekend property buyout.
Congress Hall
Where: Cape May, NJ
Style: Hotel
Capacity: Up to 250
Details: The iconic Congress Hall offers couples the opportunity to exchange vows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There are a variety of elegant reception spaces, including a sailcloth tent on the Grand Lawn.
ICONA Avalon
Where: Avalon, NJ
Style: Hotel
Capacity: Up to 300
Details: ICONA Avalon combines the beauty of an oceanfront setting with the convenience of a full-service luxury resort. Couples can exchange vows on the beach before celebrating in elegant reception spaces. Guests enjoy the comfort of staying on-site just steps from the sand.
Isaac Smith Vineyard
Where: Cape May, NJ
Style: Vineyard
Capacity: Up to 130
Details: Isaac Smith Vineyard offers a romantic setting where couples can exchange vows among the vineyard. Celebrations are held in a beautiful reception tent overlooking the property.
The Peninsula Cape May
Where: Cape May Court House, NJ
Style: Bed & Breakfast
Capacity: Up to 100 for tented weddings
Details: The Peninsula Cape May offers a one-of-a-kind adults-only setting. Couples and their guests can enjoy stylish accommodations, a resort-style pool and elegant event spaces overlooking the Cape May Canal.
More Cape May County Wedding Venues by Town
In addition to our Wedding File Favorites, Cape May County is home to dozens of exceptional wedding venues. We’ve organized these venues by town so you can quickly explore the locations that best fit your wedding vision.
Cape May
Home to everything from grand beachfront resorts and historic Victorian inns to waterfront restaurants and iconic event spaces. Cape May offers one of New Jersey’s most diverse collections of wedding venues.
Cape May Convention Hall — This beachfront wedding venue offers sweeping ocean views and spaces for both intimate and larger receptions.
The Carriage House — Just a short walk from the beach, The Carriage House provides an inviting setting for smaller weddings.
The Chalfonte Hotel — This historic Victorian hotel offers timeless charm for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners and welcome parties.
Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May — Overlooking the Harbor, this private yacht club combines classic nautical elegance with beautiful waterfront views.
Emlen Physick Estate — This beautifully restored Victorian mansion offers a distinctive historic backdrop with landscaped grounds that create an unforgettable setting.
Exit Zero Ferry Park — Set along the Delaware Bay, Exit Zero Ferry Park is known for its spectacular sunsets and relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Grand Hotel Cape May — With beachfront accommodations, elegant ballrooms and ocean views, the Grand Hotel makes it easy to turn your wedding into a complete destination weekend.
ICONA Cape May — Beachfront ceremonies, elegant reception spaces and sweeping ocean views with a classic coastal setting.
Inn of Cape May — Charming beachfront Victorian hotel with modern comfort. Great choice for smaller weddings overlooking the ocean.
La Mer Beachfront Resort — Couples can exchange vows just steps from the beach before celebrating in elegant reception spaces at this upscale oceanfront resort.
The Lobster House — A longtime Cape May favorite, The Lobster House offers waterfront private dining spaces. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties and intimate receptions.
The Mad Batter — Housed within Cape May’s historic Carroll Villa Hotel, The Mad Batter offers intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners with acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine in a Victorian setting.
Overlook at Stowaways — Perched above Cape May Harbor, The Overlook at Stowaways features panoramic waterfront views and a relaxed coastal atmosphere for smaller celebrations.
Peter Shields Inn — Award-winning cuisine, oceanfront views and the charm of a historic beach house make Peter Shields Inn a favorite for intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners.
Southern Mansion — This beautifully restored Victorian estate is surrounded by manicured gardens, offering an elegant setting for romantic celebrations.
Union Park Dining Room at Hotel Macomber — Overlooking the beach, this historic oceanfront restaurant provides an elegant setting for intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners featuring award-winning cuisine.
Virginia Hotel — Sophisticated yet intimate, this boutique hotel offers exceptional dining, luxurious accommodations and elegant event spaces for smaller weddings.
Washington Inn — Known for award-winning cuisine and romantic gardens, the inn is a favorite for intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners.
Wilbraham Mansion — One of Cape May’s most distinctive historic inns, Wilbraham Mansion offers Victorian charm and elegant spaces for intimate weddings and celebrations.
Cape May Court House
Just minutes from the beaches, Cape May Court House offers everything from elegant country clubs to scenic farms and garden venues.
Central Park Farm — Surrounded by open fields and mature trees, Central Park Farm provides a peaceful countryside backdrop for rustic and outdoor weddings.
Provence Cape May — Inspired by the South of France, Provence Cape May blends elegant architecture, gardens and exceptional cuisine for intimate celebrations.
Stone Harbor Golf Club — Beautiful fairways, landscaped gardens and versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces make Stone Harbor Golf Club a favorite for weddings of all sizes.
The Shore Club — Elegant ballrooms, outdoor ceremony space and full-service wedding packages allow couples to customize celebrations ranging from intimate gatherings to larger receptions.
Cape May Point
Nature lovers will appreciate Cape May Point’s peaceful beaches, protected landscapes and intimate waterfront venues.
Cape May Point State Park — Exchange vows surrounded by dunes, nature trails and views of the iconic Cape May Lighthouse at one of New Jersey’s most scenic ceremony locations.
Rhythm of the Sea — This welcoming beachfront inn offers ocean views and intimate weddings for up to 40 guests.
Diamond Beach
This quiet oceanfront community is known for spectacular ocean views and relaxed coastal atmosphere.
ICONA Diamond Beach — This stylish beachfront resort offers oceanfront ceremonies, elegant ballrooms and luxurious accommodations.
North Cape May
Known for its waterfront sunsets and relaxed coastal atmosphere, North Cape May offers unique venues perfect for intimate weddings and private celebrations.
Nauti Spirits Distillery — Set on a 60-acre coastal farm, Nauti Spirits Distillery offers a unique setting for intimate weddings and private events with handcrafted spirits and scenic outdoor spaces.
Ocean City
Ocean City combines classic Shore charm with elegant waterfront venues overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and the bay. Planning tip: Since Ocean City is a dry town, most wedding venues are BYOB. Couples can supply their own alcohol through their caterer or a licensed bartending service.
Breakwater at the Dunes — Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, Breakwater at the Dunes features contemporary event spaces with panoramic ocean views.
The Flanders Hotel — A historic Ocean City landmark, The Flanders Hotel offers grand ballrooms, ocean views and on-site accommodations for celebrations of all sizes.
Ocean City Yacht Club — This waterfront yacht club overlooks the marina and bay, providing a sophisticated setting for sunset ceremonies and elegant receptions.
Port-O-Call Hotel — Overlooking the Ocean City Boardwalk, Port-O-Call Hotel offers oceanfront ceremonies, elegant reception spaces and comfortable accommodations.
Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City’s waterfront restaurants and yacht clubs offer a relaxed coastal setting for destination weddings.
Deauville Inn — Set along the bay, The Deauville Inn pairs beautiful waterfront views with versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces for celebrations throughout the year.
Yacht Club of Sea Isle City — Overlooking the marina, this classic yacht club offers panoramic bay views and elegant reception spaces for unforgettable waterfront weddings.
Stone Harbor
Known for its quiet sophistication, Stone Harbor is home to intimate venues with beautiful waterfront settings.
The Reeds at Shelter Haven — Breathtaking bay views and elegant indoor and outdoor spaces. Couples love the sunset ceremonies, waterfront receptions and luxurious boutique accommodations.
Spiaggetta — This upscale waterfront restaurant offers an intimate setting with exceptional Italian cuisine and beautiful bay views for weddings and private celebrations.
Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor — This charming community venue offers a classic Jersey Shore setting for intimate weddings and private celebrations.
Yacht Club of Stone Harbor — Elegant reception spaces and sweeping waterfront views have made Yacht Club of Stone Harbor a longtime favorite for coastal weddings.
West Cape May
Historic estates, vineyards and sculpture gardens make West Cape May one of the county’s most picturesque wedding destinations.
Cape May Winery & Vineyard — Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and gardens, Cape May Winery & Vineyard offers a romantic winery setting with award-winning wines and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces.
Rea’s Farm — Centered around a beautifully restored event barn, Rea’s Farm combines rustic charm, open farmland and scenic countryside views for unforgettable weddings and celebrations.
Sperlak Gallery & Sculpture Gardens — Lush gardens, outdoor sculptures and a creative atmosphere provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for intimate weddings.
Willow Creek Winery & Farm — With vineyards, beautifully landscaped grounds and multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces, Willow Creek Winery offers one of the area’s most picturesque winery wedding settings.
Wildwood/Rio Grande
For couples looking for something beyond the traditional ballroom, Wildwood and Rio Grande offer several truly distinctive venues.
Everly at Railroad — Historic architecture meets modern industrial design at this stylish venue, creating a unique backdrop for weddings and celebrations.
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum — Housed inside a restored World War II aircraft hangar, this one-of-a-kind venue offers dramatic aviation history and expansive event space for unforgettable weddings.
Woodbine
Known for its rural beauty and peaceful countryside, Woodbine offers rustic farm venues surrounded by woodlands, open fields and natural scenery.
Pembrook Farm — This 30-acre working horse farm blends rustic charm with a peaceful woodland setting, creating a unique backdrop for country weddings near the Jersey Shore.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cape May County Wedding Venues
What is the best time of year to get married in Cape May County?
Cape May County hosts weddings year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Summer is ideal for beach weddings and destination weekends. Spring and fall feature milder weather, beautiful scenery and often better venue and hotel availability. Winter weddings can also be a wonderful option, especially at historic inns and waterfront resorts.
Can you get married on the beach in Cape May County?
Yes. Several venues offer beachfront ceremonies, while some public beaches may require permits through the municipality. If you’re planning a beach wedding, be sure to ask about permit requirements, guest accessibility and weather backup plans.
How far is Cape May County from Philadelphia and New York City?
Cape May County is approximately 90 minutes from Philadelphia and about 2½ to 3 hours from New York City. It’s an easy destination for guests traveling by car. Atlantic City International Airport is about 45 minutes away, while Philadelphia International Airport offers the widest selection of flights.
Which Cape May County wedding venues offer accommodations?
Many of the county’s most popular venues also offer on-site accommodations or are located within walking distance of hotels. Congress Hall, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, ICONA Avalon, Grand Hotel Cape May and La Mer Beachfront Resort are a few.
Are there wedding venues for small weddings in Cape May County?
Absolutely. Cape May County is home to numerous venues perfect for small weddings, including boutique hotels, waterfront restaurants, vineyards and inns. Even some of the larger venues offer private event spaces for smaller celebrations.
Are Cape May County wedding venues available year-round?
Yes. While Summer is the busiest season, many venues host weddings throughout the year. Spring and Fall are especially popular because of the comfortable temperatures. Winter often offers greater availability and potential cost savings.
How far in advance should I book my venue?
Popular Cape May County wedding venues often book 12 to 18 months in advance for peak-season Saturdays. If you’re hoping to get married during the summer or holiday weekends, begin touring venues as early as possible.
About Wedding File
Wedding File is New Jersey’s premier online wedding planning resource, featuring expert advice, curated venue guides, vendor recommendations and Real Wedding inspiration. Founded by former New Jersey Bride Editor Molly Gregor, Wedding File helps couples discover exceptional venues and trusted wedding professionals throughout New Jersey.
