Imagine exchanging vows with the gentle lapping of waves as your backdrop. A wedding on the water offers a unique and romantic setting that captures the hearts of many couples. From intimate beach ceremonies to grand lakeside celebrations, water view venues provide a stunning canvas for creating unforgettable memories on your special day.
The United States boasts an array of breathtaking locations for couples dreaming of a waterfront wedding. This guide explores the best wedding venues on the water across the country, from ocean view resorts along the coasts to serene lake wedding destinations inland. Whether you’re drawn to the crashing waves of a beach wedding or the tranquil beauty of a riverside ceremony, you’ll discover options to suit every style and budget. Get ready to dive into a world of waterfront wedding possibilities that will make your big day truly extraordinary.
Beachfront Bliss: Oceanside Wedding Venues
The United States offers a wealth of breathtaking oceanside wedding venues, stretching from the rocky shores of New England to the sun-kissed beaches of California. These coastal locations provide couples with stunning backdrops for their special day, combining natural beauty with luxurious amenities.
East Coast Beach Weddings
The Atlantic seaboard boasts over 2,000 miles of coastline, offering a diverse range of wedding venues. In Maine, the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport captures classic New England charm with its iconic lighthouse and lawn receptions under peaked tents. Further south, the Oceanview of Nahant in Massachusetts allows couples to exchange vows on the unforgettable Beach Stone Terrace with unobstructed Atlantic views.
For those seeking Southern charm, the Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort in South Carolina offers ceremonies right on the sand or in the sweet Fripp Island Chapel. The resort provides access to acres of pristine beachfront and a variety of accommodation options.
Gulf Coast Celebrations
The Gulf Coast presents a perfect blend of white sandy beaches and warm waters for wedding celebrations. The Beach Club in Gulf Shores, Alabama, is ideal for intimate gatherings, with private beaches spanning roughly five football fields along the Gulf of Mexico.
In Florida, the South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island invites couples to celebrate with sun, surf, and exceptional service. The resort’s dedicated staff ensures a memorable experience against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches.
West Coast Ocean Views
California’s coastline offers some of the most picturesque settings for oceanfront weddings. The Monterey Beach Station in Monterey allows couples to soak up the sun as they exchange vows with the stunning Monterey Peninsula as their backdrop. Guests can enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the oceanfront terrace while taking in breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
For a touch of luxury, the L’Auberge Del Mar in Del Mar represents the best of California’s coastal offerings. Couples can host their ceremony close to the ocean at Seagrove Park, a lawn right at the water’s edge, before moving to the Pacific Terrace for sweeping ocean views.
From coast to coast, these oceanside venues offer couples the opportunity to create unforgettable wedding memories with the soothing sound of waves and the beauty of the ocean as their witness.
Lakeside Luxury: Inland Water Wedding Locations
For couples seeking a waterfront wedding without the ocean, inland lakes offer a serene and picturesque alternative. From the Great Lakes to mountain retreats and Southern charm, lakeside venues provide stunning backdrops for unforgettable celebrations.
Great Lakes Grandeur
The Great Lakes region boasts numerous elegant wedding venues with breathtaking views. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Miller Room and Coast offer panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan. These venues combine sleek decor with lavish atmospheres, accommodating up to 250 guests. For a truly unique experience, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, surrounded by Lakes Michigan and Huron, turns a wedding weekend into a luxurious getaway.
Mountain Lake Retreats
Nestled in the mountains, lakeside venues offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and rustic charm. The Loeks Retreat Center, overlooking Lake Michigan, provides spectacular water and sunset views from its dining room and deck. For a more intimate setting, couples can choose BlueBridge, set among 10 acres of stunning hardwoods and pines, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and small ponds with fountains.
Southern Lake Charm
Southern lakes add a touch of warmth and hospitality to waterfront weddings. The River House, located along the St. Joseph River, offers a luxurious 16,000 sq ft home in a picturesque setting. For those desiring a mix of tradition and natural beauty, Stonegate Manor, situated between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan, embraces couples with mature trees and a sense of nostalgia as they enter through stone gates.
These lakeside venues offer diverse options for couples, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, all with the tranquil beauty of inland waters as a backdrop.
River Romance: Riverside Wedding Destinations
River weddings offer a unique blend of natural beauty and romantic ambiance. From the mighty Mississippi to the scenic Columbia River Gorge and the historic Hudson River Valley, these waterways provide stunning backdrops for couples seeking a wedding on the water.
Mississippi River Venues
The Mississippi River, spanning 2,320 miles across 10 states, has inspired countless artists and now serves as a picturesque setting for weddings. Along its banks, couples can find a variety of venues to suit their style.
In Minnesota, Legacy Hill Farm in Welch offers an eco-friendly option with an outdoor amphitheater and open-air pavilion. Nearby, Willow Brooke Farm in Red Wing boasts a historic 1873 barn and 80 acres of rolling hills, perfect for rustic-chic celebrations.
Moving south, Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin, Wisconsin, impresses with its Italian-inspired architecture and vineyard views. For a more urban feel, The Merrill Hotel in Muscatine, Iowa, provides a modern riverfront setting with its ballroom overlooking the water.
In the heart of the South, Memphis, Tennessee, offers several riverside options. The River Hall at River Inn allows couples to exchange vows in waterfront gardens, while The Peabody Hotel combines vintage charm with luxurious amenities.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge, a National Scenic Area, offers breathtaking views and diverse wedding venues. The Griffin House stands out with its exceptional vistas and hospitality, making it a photographer’s dream location.
For a more secluded feel, Bridal Veil Lakes provides a peaceful, forest-surrounded setting. The Columbia River Gorge Hotel combines scenic beauty with historic charm, offering on-site accommodations for a complete wedding experience.
Rustic charm meets natural beauty at the Tin Roof Barn, featuring orchards, fields, and a one-of-a-kind barn. For larger gatherings, Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington, set on 175 wooded acres, offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options with stunning mountain views.
Hudson River Valley
The Hudson River Valley, known for its lush landscapes and rich history, provides a romantic backdrop for waterfront weddings. This region, one of the oldest grape-growing areas in the U.S., is perfect for wine enthusiasts planning their special day.
Venues in this area range from elegant estates to historic landmarks, all nestled among rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. The changing seasons offer diverse settings, with late spring to early summer considered the ideal time for Hudson Valley weddings.
For those seeking a break from city life, the Hudson Valley offers hidden gem venues steeped in nature. Couples can choose from locations that provide not only beautiful ceremony and reception spaces but also opportunities for hiking, boutique shopping, and exquisite dining experiences.
Conclusion: Making Waves with Your Water Wedding
Waterfront weddings offer a unique and captivating experience for couples looking to tie the knot in a memorable setting. From the crashing waves of oceanside venues to the tranquil beauty of lakeside retreats and the romantic allure of riverside locations, the United States boasts a wealth of options to suit every taste and budget. These stunning backdrops provide not just a beautiful setting for the ceremony, but also create an atmosphere that enhances the entire wedding experience.
As couples plan their special day, they now have a wide array of choices to consider, each offering its own charm and advantages. Whether it’s the sun-kissed beaches of California, the serene lakes of the Midwest, or the historic rivers of the East Coast, there’s a perfect waterfront venue waiting to be discovered. This variety ensures that every couple can find a location that aligns with their vision, making their wedding day truly unforgettable and providing a gorgeous backdrop for cherished memories that will last a lifetime.