If your vibe is beach bride coupled with a dash of charm and some vintage details, look no further than Cape May, New Jersey.
-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
Dubbed the country's first seaside resort, the quaint expanse is chock-a-block with Victorian homes and adorable local shops, all edged with wide Atlantic beaches. And at the proverbial center of it all stands the aptly named Congress Hall.
First built in 1816, the grand and stately property welcomes brides and their guests with classic seaside elegance.
There’s a formal ballroom that reflects the storied appeal of the hotel and a gorgeous lawn just outside its arched doorways. The green space is the heart of the hotel with culinary programming in the summer season and a sweet holiday fair come Christmas. Welcome dinners and brunches can be hosted here while after-parties often take place in the Boiler Room, a subterranean pizza place. A clubby cocktail lounge and the Blue Pig Tavern, named for a 19th century gaming hall, and the Annie Knight Suite are perfect perches for more intimate gatherings.
Of course this being a full-service resort, the 104-room Congress Hall also houses a luxe spa, sparkling outdoor pool, and access to the postcard-perfect beach where a dedicated team sets up photogenic loungers and umbrellas. Honeymooning couples will want to reserve a cabana (wedding site fees start at $15,000; menus start at $295 per guest; caperesorts.com).
More Local Favorites
The Beach Shack Vintage motel vibes meet a very now service-first experience at this sister property of Congress Hall. The laid-back Rusty Nail is a buzzy barefoot bar and restaurant perfect for a chill wedding party.
The Virginia Hotel A gingerbread house with 24 guest rooms and a wide porch that’s kissed by ocean breezes, this adults-only property is best for brides who want an intimate gathering in a gorgeous garden or historic dining room.
Beach Plum Farm Cottages Weddings at this spectacular 62- acre expanse are a true farm-to-table experience, since much of the food is sourced here. Guests repose in one of five adorable cottages.
Legally Wed: Marriage licenses are issued at the local registrar office in New Jersey. Couples must appear in person and furnish a social security number, copies of birth certificates, and, if applicable, divorce decrees and/or death certificates. There is a 72-hour waiting period; the license is valid for six months.
