Couples in search of the perfect beach
ceremony when the sun is at its peak, and a
reception that has “Cape May” written all
over it, need look no further than the Peter
Shields Inn (PSI). It has everything a couple
could want for their wedding—without the
stereotypical party-all-night vibe.
Housed in a striking Georgian Revival
mansion directly across from the ocean,
the Peter Shields Inn offers an inviting
atmosphere in a beautiful, historic property,
distanced far enough for the hustle and bustle
of Cape May’s famed Washington Street Mall,
but close enough to host an after-party at one
of the town’s famous bars or taverns, should
partying all night be on the menu.
“This way the celebration takes place all
day long, instead of anticipation building
slowly hour after hour,” says PSI Wedding
Coordinator Amy Garrity. “It maximizes the
day.”
With nine charming guest rooms, many
couples will use the facility as their home
base for themselves, the wedding party and
family, which includes afternoons filled with
wine and cheese and a hot, made-to-order
breakfast in the morning.
“Peter Shields is not stuffy; we strive to make
it comfortable,” says Garrity. “There’s great
balance of beautiful fine dining but there’s
direct access to the beach across the street, so
it’s also easy and breezy at the same time.”
PSI weddings, held from September to June,
utilize the five interconnected dining room
spaces followed by dancing in the central
foyer. The venue can host up to 100 guests, though on average weddings here generally range from 40 to 70 people. And while many
couples do wed on the beach, the front steps or interior grand staircase are always available
to them as ceremony location options, too.
Garrity says that PSI is an ideal venue for couples searching for a smaller, cozier and laidback
event that still has a touch of elegance to it.
“It’s very intimate
