5.0
Praised by couples for:
Amenities
Guests comfort
Unique aesthetic style
The Boathouse Shelter Island
Waterfront Private Event Location The Boathouse
Holds ceremonies and receptions
My wedding was just a few weeks ago, and we are still reliving the magic that is The Boathouse! Not only is Shelter Island a premiere place to bring all your wedding guests (destination wedding without all the lengthy travel!) but The Boathouse is a gem of a venue tucked away in a quaint harbor making you feel like you have access to your very own island. We were initially drawn to all the natural elements of the Boathouse. There is a large grassy meadow perfect for ceremony and photos, a gorgeous and spacious dock overlooking calming waters and scenic boats, and a pebbled “island” connected to the dock to host your cocktail hour, photos, or even ceremony. The actual building is breathtaking, deep mahogany wooden beams and a high ceiling that makes for a grand event. Everywhere you turn there is water, greenery, boats, trees, and beach! It makes for the dreamiest photos and a calming environment on such a monumental day!
This is a “bring all” venue, so be prepared to do a lot of the work! Megan and her team were so helpful in communication and offering preferred vendors, but we also hired a DOC to offload some planning. This venue is for the couple with a vision who want to really make the space their own and stray from all the typical Long Island catering halls. It is bare from the start but it came to life in all the best ways with our amazing vendor teams!
We had the most beautiful day and can say that our event went off without a hitch. We had admittance to the Boathouse starting on Wednesday, and we were in/out every day until Sunday morning to pack up our things. Very helpful and accommodating that we could drop in whenever we had the chance! Our vendors were able to complete site visits at their convenience since this place is not a wedding factory and isn’t booked every single weekend. It functions as a boatyard and there are people around mostly any time to meet your requests!
Our guests were blown away by the beauty. Shelter Island was showing off that weekend and the weather was nice enough to hike, swim, tour, golf, and take in all the island has to offer. The ferry is also a fun little additive and is as charming and quick as can be!
The Boathouse was flexible with our event time (5pm - 11pm), included our standard tables and ceremony chairs, and facilitated cleaning. Other than that our vendors took care of the operations, but we felt so at ease and like everything fell into place. If you want a special location set in nature where you can authentically mold the venue to your taste, this is the place for you. If you can dream it, the Boathouse can do it!
From the moment I walked in, I knew the Boathouse was the perfect venue for us. I couldn’t be happier with our experience. James and Megan were extremely helpful throughout the process, and really showed up the weekend of our wedding. Not only is the venue stunning, but the people behind it are incredible. Highly recommend!
About this venue
Suzanne Walsh
EVENTS DIRECTOR
Typically responds within 24h
The Boathouse Shelter Island is an elegant wedding venue located on Shelter Island, NY. Nestled along the West Neck Harbor, this nautical-themed setting offers a blend of rustic charm and modern chic. The versatile event area acts as a blank canvas for couples to design their dream theme from the ground up. Its sunset views, attentive staff, and relaxing atmosphere will be sure to add an idyllic touch to your special day.
This tranquil location offers easy access to the harbor, with a spacious marina and extensive docks making for a visually rich photo backdrop. With a total of 18 acres of land and 200 feet of private shore, you will have plenty of space to achieve your nuptial vision. At least two boat slips will be available to you to properly enjoy the water during your wedding weekend. Inside the Boathouse is a large event space with an open-floor concept that can accommodate up to 200 guests. Exposed ceiling beams, dark wood floor, and vintage chandeliers will add a timeless touch to your special day. The accordion doors lead to a 1,600-square-foot deck, which can be used for beachside cocktail hours. Dressing suites are also available onsite, for you and your wedding party to prepare for the altar in style.
The Boathouse Shelter Island only books one event per day, ensuring that you will have the waterfront setting all to yourself. Tables, chairs, and custom bars will be provided and can be set up in any arrangement you prefer. The team will handle teardown and clean-up after your event, giving you plenty of time to spend with your loved ones. They will also connect you with their list of recommended vendors, whom they trust to give you attentive, high-quality services. From elopements on the sand to extravagant indoor receptions, the onsite staff will make it their goal to exceed your expectations.
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Meet the team
Suzanne Walsh
Events Director
As Events Director of The Boathouse Shelter Island, Suzanne Walsh brings an unmistakable passion for creating extraordinary celebrations on the water. From elegant weddings and corporate gatherings to milestone birthdays, family reunions, and everything in between, Suzanne believes every event should feel deeply personal, beautifully effortless, and entirely unforgettable.
Suzanne’s connection to Shelter Island runs deep. She has been a summer resident since the late 1970s and, for the past 14 years, has proudly called the Island her year-round home, where she lives with her family. Her lifelong familiarity with Shelter Island, along with her strong relationships throughout the North and South Forks, gives her an invaluable understanding of the people, places, and details that make celebrating here so special.
A lifelong lover of all things party planning, Suzanne delights in transforming ideas into meaningful experiences. Her extensive network of trusted vendors allows her to thoughtfully connect each client with the perfect caterers, florists, musicians, planners, rental companies, and local professionals to bring their unique vision to life.
Suzanne is also the owner of Shelter Island House and West Neck Guesthouse, two charming boutique properties located just minutes from The Boathouse. This unique combination of event and hospitality expertise allows her to create a seamless experience, not only for her clients, but also for the treasured family members, friends, and colleagues who travel to Shelter Island to celebrate alongside them.
Warm, creative, and exceptionally attentive, Suzanne approaches every occasion as though it were her own. Whether you arrive with a fully developed vision or simply a reason to celebrate, she will help you create an event that feels authentic, joyful, and distinctly yours, set against Shelter Island's timeless waterfront beauty.
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The Boathouse Shelter Island
Suzanne Walsh
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Events Director
Typically responds within 24h
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