Cape May is located on the Jersey Shore, known for its historic charm and picturesque landscapes. If you’re dreaming of a seaside wedding with a touch of elegance and timeless beauty, Cape May offers some of the most stunning venues that will make your day unforgettable.
Cape May Wedding Venues
Choosing Cape May for your wedding is like stepping into a vintage postcard. This quaint town, nestled at the southernmost tip of New Jersey, is America’s oldest seaside resort town and a perfect blend of Victorian charm and coastal beauty. From its iconic lighthouse to its sweeping ocean views, Cape May is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that captures the hearts of everyone who visits.
Cape May’s charm extends beyond its physical beauty. The town offers a unique, laid-back atmosphere that invites couples and their guests to relax and enjoy every moment. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Cape May’s wedding venues provide the perfect setting, each with its own character and style. From luxurious beachfront resorts to historic hotels, Cape May offers something for every couple looking to celebrate their love in a truly special place.
A quick note about pricing: Wedding pricing changes frequently and can vary based on season, day of the week, guest count, and package selections. Any pricing below should be used as a starting point while planning. Always contact the venue directly for its current packages and availability.
Congress Hall
Congress Hall is more than just a venue; it’s a piece of Cape May’s history. As the oldest seaside resort in America, this iconic oceanfront property has been hosting weddings for over a century. The historic charm of Congress Hall, combined with its luxurious amenities and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, makes it one of the most sought-after wedding destinations at the Jersey Shore.
The resort’s Grand Ballroom, with its elegant design and spacious layout, can accommodate up to 250 guests, making it an ideal location for large celebrations. The Grand Lawn, with its sweeping ocean views, offers a stunning setting for outdoor ceremonies, allowing couples to exchange vows with the sound of waves crashing in the background. Beyond the ceremony and reception, Congress Hall provides a complete wedding experience with its full-service restaurants, lounges, a night club, and a sea-inspired day spa, ensuring that every aspect of your big day is perfect.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed rehearsal dinner by the pool or a grand reception in the ballroom, Congress Hall provides the perfect blend of history, luxury, and seaside beauty, making it an exceptional choice for your Cape May wedding.
What’s Included at Congress Hall:
- Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests
- Oceanfront ceremonies on the Grand Lawn
- Full-service restaurants and lounges
- Night club and sea-inspired day spa
- On-site wedding specialists
Beach Plum Farm
Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May is a beautiful alternative to Cape May’s traditional beachfront and hotel wedding venues. The working farm offers a more relaxed, garden-inspired setting surrounded by fields, gardens, rustic buildings, and plenty of greenery.
Weddings can take place throughout the farm’s different spaces, making this an especially good option for couples who want their wedding weekend to feel private and removed from a traditional ballroom while still being minutes from downtown Cape May.
What’s Included at Beach Plum Farm:
- Estimated site fee: Around $15,000
- Food & beverage: Farm-to-table catering; reported minimums around $235 per person
- Setting: Working farm with gardens, fields, barn and outdoor spaces
- Accommodations: Five cottages sleeping up to approximately 32 guests
- Wedding weekend: Accommodations and farm setting make multi-day celebrations possible
- Location: West Cape May, a short drive from downtown and the beach
Pricing varies by date, season, guest count, and package. Contact Beach Plum Farm directly for a current proposal.
Willow Creek Winery
Willow Creek Winery offers a completely different take on a Cape May wedding. Located in West Cape May, the winery replaces the traditional oceanfront setting with vineyards, greenery, and open space while still keeping couples and their guests close to downtown and the beach.
The winery hosts everything from intimate celebrations to large weddings, making it one of the more versatile Cape May wedding venues for couples who want an outdoor, vineyard-inspired celebration.
What’s Included at Willow Creek Winery:
- Guest capacity: Approximately 25–350 guests
- Estimated site fee: Starting around $1,500–$3,500 depending on season and day
- Estimated catering: Packages reported around $216+ per person
- Ceremony: On-site vineyard ceremony options
- Food & beverage: In-house catering with wine packages
- Setting: Vineyard, gardens, winery, and outdoor spaces
- Wedding weekend: Options for additional events and celebrations
Pricing varies significantly by season, guest count, and package. Contact Willow Creek Winery for current pricing.
The Inn of Cape May
The Inn of Cape May is a historic oceanfront hotel dating back to 1894, giving couples the combination of Victorian Cape May character and a location just steps from the beach. Its historic ballroom is the largest event space, while smaller private rooms can be used for rehearsal dinners, intimate celebrations, and other wedding weekend events.
With 51 guest rooms and in-house catering, it’s another strong option for couples who want their venue and accommodations in one place while still being within walking distance of downtown Cape May.
What’s Included at The Inn of Cape May:
- Guest capacity: Up to 140 guests in the Ballroom
- Estimated pricing: Approximately $190–$220 per person depending on season
- Food & beverage minimum: Typically around $19,000–$22,000 based on season
- Catering: In-house seasonal catering
- Additional spaces: Ocean 7 Private Dining for up to 65 guests and Pre-Function Room for up to 60
- Accommodations: 51 on-site guest rooms with preferred room blocks
- Location: Historic oceanfront hotel within walking distance of downtown Cape May
Pricing and minimums vary by season and package. Contact the Inn directly for a current wedding proposal.
Chalfonte Hotel
Steeped in history and Southern charm, the Chalfonte Hotel offers a wedding experience like no other. As the oldest continuously operating hotel in Cape May, the Chalfonte exudes a warm ambiance that transports you and your guests to a bygone era. The hotel’s Victorian architecture and beautiful grounds provide a romantic setting that is perfect for an unforgettable wedding celebration.
The Chalfonte’s Secret Garden is an ideal location for an intimate outdoor ceremony, surrounded by lush greenery and the scent of blooming flowers. After the ceremony, guests can mingle on the sweeping verandas, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while taking in the timeless beauty of the hotel. The Magnolia Room, with its grand decor, is perfect for a reception where you can dance the night away in a setting that feels both elegant and inviting.
Couples who choose the Chalfonte Hotel for their wedding can expect a personalized experience tailored to their unique vision. The hotel offers various packages that accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations with up to 200 guests. With 70 guest rooms and two adjacent cottages, the Chalfonte can host your family and friends for an extended celebration, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s Included at Chalfonte Hotel:
- Outdoor ceremonies in the Secret Garden
- Sweeping verandas for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
- Magnolia Room for receptions, accommodating up to 150 guests
- Complimentary suite for the wedding night
- Reduced guest room rates for wedding guests
Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May
The Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May offers a waterfront setting overlooking Cape May Harbor, making it a great option for couples who want a coastal wedding without getting married directly on the beach. The property combines marina views with indoor and outdoor event spaces, including its Main Dining Room and Wedding Pavilion.
The venue can accommodate weddings of up to 200 seated guests, with smaller spaces available for more intimate celebrations. Couples can also host their ceremony on-site for up to 180 guests.
What’s Included at Corinthian Yacht Club of Cape May:
- Guest capacity: Up to 200 seated guests
- Site fee: $8,500 for the Main Dining Room + Wedding Pavilion; full buyout available for $11,000
- Food & beverage minimum: Approximately $195–$225 per person depending on day and rental option
- Ceremony: Up to 180 guests; $1,500 ceremony fee
- Smaller weddings: Spaces available for approximately 50–75 seated guests
- Bar: Sailor and Captain bar packages available separately
- Setting: Waterfront pavilion, terrace, dining spaces, and Cape May Harbor views
Pricing and package details are subject to change. Contact the venue for current rates and availability.
ICONA Diamond Beach
For couples dreaming of a beachfront wedding, ICONA Diamond Beach offers one of the most unique and exclusive settings in New Jersey. Located on one of the state’s only private beaches, ICONA provides a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding that feels both intimate and grand. Whether you’re envisioning a barefoot ceremony on the sand or a more formal event with ocean views, ICONA Diamond Beach can bring your wedding dreams to life.
ICONA’s wedding packages are designed to provide a seamless experience from start to finish. The oceanfront venue includes on-site ceremonies, private cocktail hours, and a premium open bar. Couples can choose from a variety of reception styles, including plated dinners, stations, and buffets, all crafted by the venue’s talented culinary team. With a bridal getting-ready room, room blocks for guests, and valet parking available, every detail is taken care of to ensure your day is perfect.
It truly is a magical venue here in Cape May for a wedding!
What’s Included at ICONA Diamond Beach:
- Estimated venue fee: Approximately $3,000–$7,000 depending on date and space
- Ceremony: Private beachfront ceremony options
- Cocktail hour: Private cocktail hour options
- Food & beverage: Reception dinner and bar packages available
- Dinner: Plated, buffet, or station-style options
- Accommodations: On-site resort rooms for couples and guests
- Setting: Private beach and oceanfront resort
Wedding pricing varies considerably based on season, guest count, and package selections. Contact ICONA for a current proposal.
Southern Mansion
Southern Mansion is a historic Victorian estate located in the heart of Cape May. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the property is a beautiful option for couples who love Cape May’s historic architecture but want something more intimate than a large beachfront hotel or resort.
The mansion can accommodate celebrations of up to approximately 150 guests and also offers on-site accommodations, making it particularly appealing for intimate destination weddings and wedding weekends.
What’s Included at Southern Mansion:
- Guest capacity: Up to approximately 150 guests
- Estimated wedding pricing: Approximately $11,000–$15,000+ depending on season and package
- Ceremony: Garden and on-site ceremony options
- Reception: Indoor and outdoor celebration options
- Accommodations: 24 on-site guest rooms
- Catering: Food service coordinated through the venue
- Setting: Historic Victorian mansion and landscaped gardens
Pricing varies by season, date, and wedding package. Contact Southern Mansion directly for current rates.
Grand Hotel of Cape May
The Grand Hotel of Cape May is a beautiful combination of both elegance and excellence. It is a premier wedding destination in one of the most charming seaside towns on the East Coast. With its Victorian charm and modern amenities, the Grand Hotel provides a unique blend of history and luxury. This makes it a top choice for couples looking to celebrate their special day in style.
The Grand offers several spaces depending on the size of your celebration. The Oceanfront Penthouse Ballroom accommodates up to 300 guests and features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape May, while the Grand Ballroom offers a more intimate option for up to 150 guests. Couples can also choose an outdoor ceremony on the Oceanfront Sundeck or directly on the beach.
What’s Included at Grand Hotel of Cape May:
- Guest capacity: Up to 300 indoors; 350+ on the Oceanfront Sundeck
- Wedding packages: Approximately $145–$205+ per person depending on package, date, and season
- Reception: 4–5 hours depending on wedding package
- Ceremony options: Beach, Oceanfront Sundeck, or indoor ceremony
- Food + bar: Open bar, cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres, and plated, buffet, or stationed dinner options depending on package
- Accommodations: On-site rooms, discounted guest rates, and complimentary two-night stay for the couple with wedding packages
- Extras: Chiavari chairs, linens, day-of coordination, and preferred vendor list
Pricing and package details are subject to change. Contact the venue for current rates and availability.
Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate offers one of the most unique historic settings for a wedding in Cape May. The 1879 Victorian estate is surrounded by landscaped grounds, allowing couples to celebrate against a backdrop that’s deeply connected to Cape May’s history.
Couples can host an outdoor ceremony at the estate’s gazebo for up to 120 guests, while ceremony and reception rentals are also available for couples who want to celebrate entirely on the property. Unlike an all-inclusive hotel or resort, the estate operates more as a venue rental, allowing couples to bring in catering and other vendors to customize their celebration.
What’s Included at Emlen Physick Estate:
- Guest capacity: Up to 120 guests for gazebo ceremonies
- Ceremony pricing: Approximately $500–$800 depending on guest count and insurance
- Ceremony + reception pricing: Approximately $2,000–$8,000 depending on season and brunch vs. dinner
- Reception length: Up to 4 hours
- Spaces: Estate grounds, gazebo, garden tent, and canopied patio
- Rentals: Tables and chairs included with ceremony + reception rentals
- Important to know: Food, catering, and certain rental/permit fees are additional
Pricing and package details are subject to change. Contact Cape May MAC for current rates and availability.
Cape May Convention Hall
Cape May Convention Hall offers couples an oceanfront wedding setting directly along Cape May’s beachfront promenade. Its central location makes it especially convenient for couples who want the beach and downtown Cape May to be a major part of their wedding weekend.
Unlike Cape May’s historic hotels and estates, Convention Hall offers more of a dedicated event-space experience. Couples can bring their own vision to the celebration while still having the Atlantic Ocean immediately outside.
Its location also makes it easy for guests staying throughout Cape May to experience the town before and after the wedding, whether they’re spending the afternoon at the beach, walking through downtown, or continuing the celebration somewhere nearby.
What’s Included at Cape May Convention Hall:
- Oceanfront event location
- Large indoor event space
- Beachfront promenade access
- Wedding and private event rentals
- Central Cape May location
- Nearby beach ceremony possibilities
- Convenient access to downtown hotels, restaurants, and attractions
Planning a Cape May Wedding Weekend
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a wedding venue in Cape May is everything that happens outside of the actual wedding.
Your guests can make an entire weekend out of the trip, spending time at the beach, walking through downtown Cape May, grabbing drinks, exploring local restaurants, or simply enjoying a few days at the Jersey Shore.
That also opens up so many possibilities beyond the wedding day itself.
You could plan a casual welcome party the night before, meet everyone for drinks after your rehearsal dinner, spend the morning after the wedding at brunch, or even plan your engagement session somewhere around Cape May before the wedding weekend arrives.
If many of your guests are traveling, I’d think about your venue as more than simply the place where you’re having your reception. Consider where everyone will stay, how they’ll get around, and what kind of experience you want them to have throughout the weekend.
What to Consider When Choosing a Cape May Wedding Venue
When you’re touring venues, it’s easy to get distracted by how everything looks.
But there are a few practical things I’d pay attention to too.
Think about whether you can hold your ceremony and reception in the same location, where you’ll get ready, what happens if it rains, how much travel will be required during the day, where your guests will stay, and whether the venue fits the overall atmosphere you want.
I’d also pay attention to light and timing.
If having sunset portraits on the beach is important to you, we’ll want to consider when sunset happens relative to your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. If you love a venue because of its gardens or outdoor spaces, you’ll want enough time in the schedule to actually enjoy them.
Your venue affects so much more than the backdrop of your photographs. It shapes the flow of your entire wedding day.
Planning a Cape May Wedding?
Hi, I’m Taylor, a New Jersey wedding photographer documenting weddings throughout Cape May, the Jersey Shore, New York City, Philadelphia, and beyond.
My approach is a mix of candid storytelling and gentle direction when you need it. I want you to have beautiful portraits, but I don’t want your wedding day to feel like one long photoshoot.
Once you’ve chosen your venue, I’ll help you think through the timeline, lighting, portrait locations, family photos, and all of the little logistical pieces that allow you to spend more of your wedding actually experiencing it.
Because your photos should show more than what your Cape May wedding looked like.
They should remind you how it felt.