Hamptons Wedding Venues:
Everything You Need to Know
There are many reasons why couples adore Hamptons wedding venues, from the views, to the coastal-cool vibe, to the opportunity to say “I do” in one of New York’s most luxurious locales. Even some mega-famous celebrities have wed in the Hamptons! Whether you’re locally-based or planning a destination wedding, there are a few things to remember when considering Hamptons wedding venues. Do you want an indoor or indoor event? Would you prefer to get married at one of the charming, lowkey Sag Harbor wedding venues, or are boho chic Montauk wedding venues more your aesthetic? And one of the trickiest questions, is the Hamptons wedding cost within your price point? With so many options from East Hampton wedding venues to Montauk and everywhere in between, there’s usually a way to find something within your price point, as long as you are open to considering different types of Hamptons wedding venues.
If you need inspiration for your day, take a look at our gallery of real weddings that took place at Hamptons wedding venues. You’ll see weddings at tons of different Eastern Long Island wedding venues to give you an idea of the different vibes and options in each area. It’s extremely helpful to see what each of the Hamptons wedding venues look like with decor, so that you get an idea of how you can make the space your own—and the complete list of wedding vendors are right there, so that you can reach out to the vendor team who brought your favorites to life.
What’s the best time of year for a Hamptons wedding?
When selecting your Hamptons wedding venue, it’s important to understand how the seasons affect this area and the availability to host your big day there. Hamptons wedding venues are extremely popular, especially during summer, so if you’re targeting a specific date, try to reach out at least a year in advance.
Hamptons wedding venues are beautiful during all seasons. If you want to soak up the views of the Long Island Sound with an outdoor celebration at one of the popular Montauk wedding venues (or nearby East Hampton wedding venues), consider the summertime. Or if you’re happy with indoor Southampton wedding venues, for instance, there’s more flexibility to host your wedding any time during the year.
If you’re interested in an outdoor event, some locations on the water include Sag Harbor wedding venues or a Hamptons wedding house rental. But these aren’t the only options—there are also spots in other parts of the area, such as Westhampton wedding venues. Some country clubs in the Hamptons are near the sea too. If outdoor Hamptons wedding venues are your priority, stick to late spring, summer, and autumn.
If you’re seeking out indoor Hamptons wedding venues, you can plan your ceremony and reception any time of year. You can choose a spot with an ocean view, like one of many Eastern Long Island wedding venues, and you won’t have to worry about a rain plan. If you’re looking for an indoor Hamptons wedding venue, there are plenty of options, from event halls to ballrooms to estates.
Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Hamptons wedding venues is peak season: summer. If you’re looking to get married during the summer (especially on a holiday weekend), expect your Montauk wedding cost to be a lot higher. The same goes for East Hampton wedding venues, Southampton wedding venues, and more.
During the off-season, weather might not be as ideal, but you can expect lower prices and more availability. Booking a Hamptons wedding venue during “shoulder season”, the time period before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, significantly reduces cost. There are major price differences between high and low seasons, so if you’re dreaming of Montauk wedding venues but want to keep the Montauk wedding cost down, this could be the perfect solution.
What are the different types of Hamptons wedding venues?
One reason why Hamptons wedding planners are so helpful is because they have a thorough understanding of the different Hamptons wedding venues—and they’re experts on what works best for your overall theme. Whether you’re looking at Sag Harbor wedding venues, East Hampton wedding venues, or really any South Shore Long Island wedding venues, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, you’ll need to decide if you want to focus on indoor or outdoor wedding venues. If you choose to look at indoor Hamptons wedding venues, you won’t have to worry about inclement weather, coming up with a contingency plan (needing a tent, for example, could drive up your Hamptons wedding cost), or electricity. But if you select an outdoor Hamptons wedding venue, the main “pro” is that you can prepare for seriously unforgettable views. Some of these wedding venues even have indoor and outdoor spaces, such as country clubs in the Hamptons, so you can take advantage of both options during your event.
Wondering how exactly to decide on your dream Hamptons wedding venue? Consider your guest list, because that number could determine which Hamptons wedding venues will be able to accommodate your guest count. And don’t forget that the season and your budget will also factor into your Hamptons wedding planning.
Some couples prefer Hamptons wedding venues that offer planning, catering, and even floral design services, as this all-in-one offering helps simplify the planning process. If this is a priority, be sure to ask Hamptons wedding venues if this is available, or seek out one of many Hamptons wedding planners to confirm this with prospective venues. Other Hamptons wedding venues, however, will ask you to source your own team of wedding professionals. Start by selecting one of the best Hamptons wedding planners, and your trusted pro can help curate the rest of your vendor team.
There are many different types of Hampton wedding venues, so take your time sourcing the best fit for your and your partner. First, consider the geographical location. Are you set on Montauk wedding venues? Or, are you open to exploring other Eastern Long Island wedding venues, such as East Hampton wedding venues or perhaps Sag Harbor wedding venues? With so many options available, you’re sure to find the best spot for your big day.
If you’re interested in outdoor Hamptons wedding venues, consider one of the region’s beautiful vineyards for the views and access to delicious wine. The Hamptons is known for its beaches, which means you can have a toes-in-the-sand ceremony—especially if you’re planning for a summer fete. Montauk wedding venues are perfect for couples looking for a beachside celebration, but that’s truly the perk of almost all of the near-countless South Shore Long Island wedding venues. Sag Harbor wedding venues are another favorite for couples who want a waterfront wedding, since the village is positioned along Sag Harbor Bay and its handful of beautiful coves. At many Westhampton wedding venues (which are technically considered Southampton wedding venues), you can expect abundant gardens and plenty of waterfront options to boot. Just before you reach the most eastern point of the Hamptons in Montauk, beautiful East Hampton wedding venues are a dime a dozen.
If you’re interested in an indoor Hamptons wedding venue, hotels (especially those with ballrooms) can accommodate large and small parties alike. Private homes and estates are popular choices too, so consider a Hamptons wedding house rental if you want a more intimate celebration. And we know that you really can’t go wrong with a backyard Hamptons wedding.
For couples who want to explore more unique Hamptons wedding venues, a museum could make for a super special event. And for those couples looking for a wedding with a more rustic flair, the Hamptons is home to a variety of farms and barns. This area is also known for its incredible restaurants, so you could transform one of those into the most chic (not to mention, super private) Hamptons wedding venue.
Country clubs in the Hamptons are also the ultimate location for your big day. Just keep in mind that these are typically available to members only.
How much does a wedding in the Hamptons cost?
While there’s no definitive number to answer the question, “How much does a wedding in the Hamptons cost?”, it’s important to know the facts. The area has a reputation for being one of New York’s most luxurious, celebrity-studded spots, so it’s understandable if you want to learn more about the Montauk wedding cost—or overall Hamptons wedding costs. Because of the Hamptons’ high cost of living, you’ll find that Hamptons wedding venues—and your big day—will likely cost more than weddings held in other parts of the country. The average New York wedding cost was $27,533 in 2020. Of course, that number varies depending on several factors. By contrast, the average cost of a wedding in the US in 2020 was $20,300. Your venue will be your largest expense, so allocate about 45% of your overall budget for the Hamptons wedding cost of the venue alone. If East Hampton wedding venues are too costly, for example, consider other spots on Long Island that might be a better fit for your budget.
In addition to the cost of Hamptons wedding venues, you should factor in some hidden or lesser-known costs that might surprise you while planning your special day. Prepare to add gratuity for important vendors, such as your Hamptons wedding planners, photographers, and more. And, if you choose New York City-based vendors, keep in mind you’ll pay for their transportation and accommodations to and from the Hamptons.
When searching for Hamptons wedding venues, you may be able to purchase a special package to reduce the overall Hamptons wedding cost. We also recommend considering the off-season for your event, which could help you secure your dream Hamptons wedding venue and save some money.
How do you find Hamptons wedding vendors?
Once you’ve decided which venue you’d like, you’ll have to confirm that your preferred vendors are available for your Hamptons wedding. Of course, some Eastern Long Island wedding venues will have vendors they recommend, but you might need to find your own (especially if you go for a private residence, for example). There are plenty of options, and you can generally find vendors that operate in both New York City and all of Long Island. So, whether you decide on one of the Southampton wedding venues, Westhampton wedding venues, or other areas, you have a wide array of vendors to choose from.
If you need help sourcing your vendors, it’s important to first select one of the many Hamptons wedding planners. Because these experts have planned many events in the past, they know which vendors to recommend for your big day. You can also take inspiration from real weddings in the area to learn more about the Hamptons wedding planners, florists, photographers, and other experienced pros who brought their special events to life.
You can also ask your venue for guidance. Southampton wedding venues will be familiar with the best vendors in the area, just as East Hampton wedding venues will be familiar with the leading providers in that area.
How do you get to the Hamptons?
There are several ways to get to the Hamptons, but you first need to determine where exactly you’re traveling. For example, a Westhampton celebration is significantly closer to New York City (and its airports) than one of the Montauk or East Hampton wedding venues that are farther east.
If you need to fly to your Hamptons wedding venue, there are three major airports in the New York City area: Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy, Laguardia Airport. There are several smaller airports in the Hamptons, but in general, your best bet is to fly in from one of the bigger airports.
If you’re coming in from New York City and the airports listed above, you will likely take the Long Island Railroad. The Hampton Jitney is a motorcoach that can also help transport you from the city to the several spots in the Hamptons (which won’t be far from Montauk or East Hampton wedding venues, and other destinations along the way). It’s also a great option for those traveling to Sag Harbor wedding venues, which will be more north of other South Shore Long Island wedding venues.
There are plenty of exciting things to do in the Hamptons too, and we recommend checking out everything from wineries to museums (and don’t miss out on the great shopping). If you’re having out-of-town guests visit (or are visiting the area yourself), consider providing a list of things to do in the Hamptons for all attendees.