Weddings

Provincetown has been a gay mecca for a century, but it transformed into a wedding destination almost overnight. That was in 2004, the year Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage. Gay weddings and Provincetown were a natural fit—after all, the town had a long history of embracing the LGBTQ+ community (and its beautiful vistas certainly didn’t hurt). Ever since, gay and lesbian couples have flocked to land’s end, turning to Provincetown’s venues, florists, musicians, and caterers to make this age-old tradition their own.

Today, the Town packs a staggering number of possibilities within its 17 square miles—and many of them are one-of-a-kind. You can nestle your toes in the sand as you recite your vows in front of a handful of your closest friends and family. You can exchange rings on a sun-soaked pier as 150 guests look on. You can even charter a boat and get married at sea.

Here, the only limit, it seems, is imagination—and the size of your guest list. If you love the idea of a bonfire on the beach complete with a lobster cookout, Provincetown offers it. If you dream of having a simple ceremony in the long shadow of a lighthouse, Provincetown offers it. If you imagine getting married at the base of the Pilgrim Monument, in the dunes of the National Seashore, or in a museum surrounded by beautiful paintings, Provincetown offers it, and plenty more.

Couples looking to tie the knot will find welcoming venues and businesses from ocean to bay and beyond. The website Provincetown Weddings provides a helpful list of resources for the nuptial-minded. There, you’ll find information on caterers, venues, limo and trolley services, and salons and spas to make your big day as unique and memorable as you imagine it.