A Dreamy Beach Wedding

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is the perfect spot to say “I do”

Spring marks the beginning of wedding season, so from March to September, expect every florist, dress boutique and venue to be quite busy. If it has always been your dream to get married outside on Long Island, there are many options to choose from, but Gurney’s in Montauk takes the cake. With the ability to accommodate more than 300 guests, Gurney’s offers its ballroom, waterfront, beach, hotel, restaurant and rooftop for weddings and events where the sky meets the sea.

“Gurney’s Montauk is a Hampton’s institution and the only four-season resort on Montauk,” said Juliana Marchini, director of sales for Gurney’s. “There is nothing more romantic than an ocean-front wedding.”

As you prepare for a barefoot wedding on the beach, the entire bridal party can relax at the spa in the morning. If you still want to incorporate the beach but don’t want to chance the weather, Gurney’s beachside banquet hall can accommodate up to 220 guests for your affair. And you don’t have to worry about accommodations for out of town guests, as they can stay right on property at the hotel.

“Gurney’s is a world class resort that provides a true destination wedding without the hassle of airline travel,” said Marchini on why the venue is different than others on the island. “Guests are truly transported and enjoy a vacation like experience.

Photo by JAYlim Studio — Lauren and Jesse Pachter’s beachside bridal party at Land’s End *(Photo by Jaylim Studio)*

As for reception decor, there are plenty of ideas to incorporate the season into your wedding. For a spring wedding, consider a color palette of pale pastels or bright vibrant pinks, greens purples and champagne. Get creative with place cards by using miniature potted plants or topiaries and go bigger with overflowing floral centerpieces surrounded by votive candles. Or, you can use lanterns inside a wreath of greenery over a burlap runner for a more rustic look. Spring is fresh and light, so no matter what your theme or color scheme, your wedding should reflect the beauty of the season.

Perhaps you’re saying “I do,” over the summer? Take advantage of the sun and sand when planning your wedding. Adorable mini Adirondack chairs can double as place card holders or picture frame favors, and don’t forget to scatter seashells around your tables. Blues, yellows, corals and navys are popular colors for summer, and paired with a bright, clean white, any of these colors will pop. Sand-filled wine stoppers, flip flop bottle openers, bamboo coasters or starfish paperweights are perfect favors to keep your guests dreaming about the beach on their drive home.

Gurney’s has several wedding packages to choose from including a beach bonfire, lobster clambake and barbecue as well as a departure brunch the next morning.

Although there are always packages and specials available, Gurney’s is on the more expensive side, but for a beach wedding on Long Island, you can’t beat the view.

Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is located at 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY. Call 631-668-2345 or visit www.gurneysmontauk.com.