Couple kissing on the beach

Waterfront Weddings at Chatham Bars Inn

For brides who dream of getting married on the water, nothing else will do. Whether you’re looking for a “toes in the sand” beach wedding or an oceanside ceremony at a gorgeous, historic venue, Chatham Bars Inn is the clear choice in Chatham and on Cape Cod as a whole.

Ready to book? Fill out an inquiry form or give us a call today at 508.945.0096, ext. 6775.

Wondering why you might want to get married on the water? Or why you should Chatham Bars Inn as your wedding venue? Let’s discuss.

Why choose an oceanfront wedding venue?

Many people dream their whole lives of getting married on or near the beach. With the ocean as the backdrop for one of the biggest days of your life, the look and feel of a waterfront wedding is hard to beat. The reasons to choose an oceanfront wedding venue go further than just aesthetics, however.

Beach ceremonies make incredible destination weddings.

Destination weddings might require a bit more planning on behalf of the bride, groom and guests, but they’re absolutely worth it. Holding your wedding at a destination can make it feel like a more intimate affair, as only the true VIPs are likely to make the trip out. Guests are also more likely to make your wedding into a mini-vacation (especially if they take advantage of wedding-related discounts on room bookings at the Inn!), meaning you’ll have more time to interact with them on your big day and truly enjoy their company.

Casual works on the beach. So does upscale.

Want a ceremony with a more casual vibe? Choose a beach wedding in the summertime. Ditch the high heels for flip flops and the tuxedos for button-down shirts and shorts. Your wedding will still be picture-perfect, but everyone will be much more comfortable hanging out on the beach all day long.

Want a more upscale ceremony? Consider getting married on the beach in the winter. We do waterfront ceremonies all year long, but there’s something truly special about a black tie reception on the water, complete with an outdoor whiskey bar to give your guests the warm-up they need.

The beach is beautiful all on its own.

When you get married on the water, you don’t need to go overboard setting up decorations and curating a particular look for your ceremony. The sand, the sun and the water are plenty beautiful already. With some simple floral arrangements to set the scene and make it yours, you’ll have a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding with minimal headaches.

Just remember: you’re outside, so plan accordingly.

Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with even the best-laid plans. A beach wedding might get hot, cold, windy or rainy, all in the course of a single afternoon. At Chatham Bars Inn, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that you and your guests are comfortable, and in the event of rainfall, we always have a backup venue for you so you can continue your ceremony without a hitch.

Chatham Bars Inn Beach Weddings: Frequently Asked Questions

Marquee at Chatham Bars Inn

The following are some frequently asked questions about booking a waterfront wedding at Chatham Bars Inn. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call to talk through your plans and start the booking process!

Can you get married on the beach at the Inn all year long?

At Chatham Bars Inn, you can get married on the beach in every season, including winter.

How long in advance should you book your wedding at Chatham Bars Inn?

We suggest that you book your date at least 16 months in advance. If that’s not possible, no worries - we’ve accommodated last minute ceremonies before. Just give us a call at your earliest convenience and we’ll try to work something out!

What waterfront venues are available at the Inn?

Most of our weddings take place on our Wedding Lawn, with the ocean as a backdrop. You’ll have full access to the beach on the day of your wedding.
“Toes in the Sand” ceremonies on the beach are also possible! Let us know what you’d prefer and we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.

How many guests can you accommodate?

We can accommodate up to 250 guests.

How many weddings do you book per day?

We only book one wedding per day, so you won’t be rushed out to make room for another ceremony.

What is your rain policy?

In case of rain, we’ll set up an indoor space for you.

What kinds of dining options are available for weddings and receptions?

Our catering team will create a custom menu for your reception based off of your needs, with much of the produce sourced directly from the Chatham Bars Inn farm.

Where are receptions usually held?

Generally, wedding receptions are held at our Beach House Grill. Beach bonfires can also be arranged if you’d like to keep the party going late.

Are weddings at Chatham Bars Inn dog-friendly?

If you’d like your pooch to be part of the ceremony, great! We’re totally dog-friendly.

Are weddings at Chatham Bars Inn accessible?

Weddings on the water at Chatham Bars Inn are totally wheelchair-accessible.

Want to start the planning process? Fill out an inquiry form or give us a call today at 508.945.0096, ext. 6775.

For more information, view our wedding brochure.

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