Sweet Spots

Nantucket

Beached: A sandy walk near Brant Point Lighthouse. Photograph by Nantucket Island Resorts.

Few things are more appealing than an island wedding. Conversely, few things induce more headaches than planning an island wedding. Still, if any place in New England is worth said headache, it’s Nantucket. Once home to Native Americans and whalers, the upscale island has more than 80 miles of beach-and the ritziest inhabitants this side of Wellesley. But money can’t buy a more romantic setting than the wind-swept dunes, cobblestone streets, and gorgeous sunsets. (Wedding photos by the water are a must.)

Unconventional décor at the Nantucket Whaling Museum. Photograph by Claudia Kronenberg.

For the best rooms with the best views, reserve early at the Wauwinet resort or its sister property, the White Elephant, which has a new on-site spa for bridesmaid pampering. (Another idea for prewedding bonding? Pick-your-own peaches at Bartlett’s Farm.)Those clamoring for a more authentic experience should check out the new Veranda House, a “retro-chic” inn where many rooms have balconies.

A reception tent at the Wauwinet resort. Photograph by Nantucket Island Resorts.

Island style at the White Elephant. Photograph by Nantucket Island Resorts.

Nantucket has myriad spots for ceremonies, from stately in-town churches to the haunting Great Point Lighthouse. (The latter requires nerves of steel, however, as it’s subject to beach closures.) And many local halls and museums can be rented for receptions, including the newly overhauled Nantucket Whaling Museum. With the right amount of foresight (and just a hint of bridezilla tenacity), you can get hitched here without a hitch. -Sascha de Gersdorff

Venues: The Wauwinet, 800-426-8718, wauwinet.com; White Elephant, 800-445-6574, whiteelephanthotel.com; Veranda House, 877-228-0695, theverandahouse.com; Great Point Lighthouse, 508-228-5646, thetrustees.org; Nantucket Whaling Museum, 508-228-1894, nha.org.

Rehearsal Dinner: The Jetties, 508-228-2279, thejettiesnantucket.com.

Local Planner: Caroline Reilly, ACK-tivities, 508-228-6648, acktivities.com.

Photographers: Cary Hazlegrove, 508-257-9691, hazlegrove.com; Laurie Richards, Pixel Perfect, 508-325-7270, pixel-perfect-images.com.