If you’ve ever dreamed of a Cape Cod wedding that feels both breathtaking and unpretentious, Nauset Beach Inn in Orleans, MA might just be your place.

Perched on the Cape Cod National Seashore, this collection of cozy cottages overlooks endless ocean views and sandy dunes that seem to stretch straight into forever. There’s a stillness to this spot—a kind of magic that can only happen when the Atlantic is your backdrop and the people you love most are within arm’s reach.

It’s a venue that celebrates both intimacy and wonder, and for Ashley and Marco, it was the perfect setting to gather their closest family and friends for a day of laughter, joy, and genuine connection.

Who Are Ashley and Marco?

Ashley and Marco met back in college and have been together ever since.

Their love story is marked by quiet steadiness, the kind that grows stronger with time. When I photographed their Gloucester beach engagement session, it was immediately clear that they share a deep sense of calm and a love of life’s simple joys.

They’re grounded, kind, and completely at ease with one another, which made their wedding day feel like an extension of everything they already are: warm, intentional, and joyfully relaxed.

From the very beginning, their vision for the day was simple. They wanted to celebrate with the people they love most.

No stress, no elaborate productions, just a meaningful day by the ocean surrounded by laughter and good food (and, as it turns out, some really great desserts).

What Makes Nauset Beach Inn a Hidden Gem for Cape Cod Weddings?

Nauset Beach Inn isn’t your typical Cape Cod wedding venue, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

It sits directly on the dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore, where cozy white cabins dot the edge of the property, and the Atlantic Ocean stretches out beyond them.

You can hear the waves crash during your vows, feel the salt air in your hair, and, at night, step outside your door to a canopy of stars.

For couples like Ashley and Marco, this setting creates something truly rare: a wedding that feels more like a retreat.

With the cabins just steps away from the ceremony and reception spaces, their guests could stay close together—sharing morning coffee, beach walks, and late-night laughter long after the music ended. It’s intimate in a way that large hotels simply can’t replicate.

If you’re considering a Nauset Beach Inn wedding, here are a few details worth knowing:

• The setting is unmatched. Every angle gives you that quintessential Cape Cod ocean view.
• It’s perfect for tented celebrations. With the inn’s cottages framing the lawn, you can host a private oceanfront reception while still keeping everyone nearby.
• There’s easy beach access. Beautiful walking paths lead straight to the water, ideal for portraits or a quiet post-ceremony stroll.
• Timing matters. Because Nauset Beach Inn is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, there can be nesting birds in early spring that limit beach access. For this reason, summer and fall weddings tend to be ideal for this spot.

What Made Ashley and Marco’s Day So Special?

The ceremony took place overlooking the ocean, where the horizon seemed to blur into the sky. The wind carried soft laughter, the sound of waves, and the quiet shuffle of guests settling into their seats.

When Ashley walked down the aisle, framed by florals and sunlight, it felt like a scene that had always belonged there—timeless and unforced.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed one of the most memorable cocktail hours I’ve ever seen.

A live raw bar was set up with fresh oysters shucked on the spot, clam chowder steaming in small cups, and enough cheeses, breads, and cured meats to make any guest pause in happy disbelief. It was an experience that reflected who Ashley and Marco are… hospitable, thoughtful, and fun.

Dinner flowed seamlessly into dancing under the tent, where a live band kept the energy high and the dance floor full all night.

And as if that weren’t enough, dessert became its own event: trays of Italian cookies from New York City, a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream bar, cake, and freshly filled cannolis garnished right in front of guests. Late into the night, the unmistakable scent of Papa Gino’s pizza drifted through the air. It was a late-night surprise that had everyone smiling

It was the kind of day that felt effortlessly layered: meaningful vows, incredible food, and a crowd that clearly adored the couple.

How Did Creative Trust Shape the Day?

There’s always a moment during a wedding when something just clicks.

For Ashley and Marco, that moment came when I asked them to follow me down a path that, at first, didn’t look like much. The ground was uneven, the light a little uncertain. It definitely was not the glamorous boardwalk or rolling dune anyone would expect for portraits.

But they trusted me completely.

And as they walked further, the landscape opened up into one of the dreamiest spots of the entire day. The golden light poured across the dunes, the ocean shimmered in the distance, and everything fell beautifully into place.

It became one of my favorite moments from their wedding… not just because of how stunning the images were, but because it reminded me why creative trust matters so deeply.

When couples allow me to follow a vision, even when it means stepping off the well-worn path, the results are always worth it. Ashley and Marco understood that instinctively.

Why Choose Nauset Beach Inn for Your Own Cape Cod Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends the natural beauty of Cape Cod with an intimate, laid-back atmosphere, Nauset Beach Inn is the kind of venue that quietly takes your breath away.

You can host your ceremony overlooking the ocean, celebrate under a tent surrounded by the inn’s charming cottages, and let guests stay within walking distance of every event.

Morning drinks can be sipped just steps from the sea. Sunset portraits feel cinematic without ever feeling staged. And when the last song fades, you’re still surrounded by people you love most just a few doors down.

It’s not a venue that tries too hard. It doesn’t need to. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, its closeness to nature, and the feeling that time slows down there.

How Do the Right Vendors Bring It All Together?

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Jackie from Ever After Wedding Co, who made the day run so seamlessly that it almost looked effortless.

Jackie has a gift for organization that never feels rigid, just calm, kind, and perfectly in tune with her couples’ needs. With her guidance, Ashley and Marco were able to stay fully present, which made every moment that much more meaningful.

Collaborating with planners like Jackie always reminds me how much heart goes into creating a day like this. Every timeline, every quiet touchpoint, every vendor working behind the scenes contributes to the magic guests feel without ever realizing why.

A Final Reflection

As the night ended and the ocean hummed softly beyond the dunes, it struck me how Nauset Beach Inn holds space for what matters most: connection, laughter, and the beauty of simplicity.

Ashley and Marco’s wedding was a reflection of everything I love about photographing Cape Cod celebrations: heartfelt emotion, unhurried joy, and couples who trust me to capture not just how their day looked, but how it felt.

If you’re searching for a Cape Cod wedding venue that combines oceanfront beauty with intimate charm, I can’t recommend Nauset Beach Inn enough. It’s the kind of place where stories linger long after the tide rolls back.

Ready to plan your own Cape Cod wedding?

I’d love to help you capture it beautifully. Inquire here to start the conversation.

Nauset Beach Inn Wedding Vendor Team:

Photographer: Christine Hazel Photography

Venue: Nauset Beach Inn

Planner: Jackie Ever After Wedding Co 

Dress Designer: Allure Bridals

Bridal Shop: Vows Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie 

Hair and Makeup: Lisa V. George Hair and Makeup Artistry 

Florist: Fancy Flowers by Meredith 

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Roma Tailors 

Band: Men in Black

Videography: Adam Gorham Films 

Catering: White’s Catering

Cake: Casual Gourmet

Ice Cream: Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream

Italian Cookies: Scapicchio’s Bakery in South Yarmouth, Zaro’s Family Bakery 

Late Night Pizza: Papa Gino’s 

Bartending: Couture Cocktail Bar 

Tents and Rentals: True North

Stationery: RSVP Hingham

Jewelry/Rings: James Allen

Shoes: Gucci

Want to see more of my recent work? Click below:

Molly and Jack’s Boston Elopement

Erin and Matt’s Cape Cod Waterfront Wedding

Taylor and Griffin’s Chatham Bars Inn Engagement Session

Kailyn and Brent’s Cambridge Anniversary Photos

Kaylee and Mike’s 4th of July Fireworks Proposal