The Crow’s Nest sits on Lake Montauk, on the harbor side of town, a few minutes and a whole mood away from the ocean. Fishing boats move past all day. The rooms look out over the marsh. By late afternoon the light comes in low across the water and everything goes soft.
It’s a restaurant and inn first, which is a big part of why weddings here feel like dinner at the best house in town. That was Danielle and Michael’s brief when they married here in June 2023. It’s the right brief for this place.
Danielle and Michael’s Crow’s Nest Wedding
Danielle got ready in one of the rooms at the inn, with teal curtains, wood floors and her dress hanging in the window. Before anyone zipped anything, she sat down and read a letter. Later she stood at that same window looking out at the marsh, completely still, and we loaded the film back for it.
The sky stayed grey all day. We were glad. Overcast Montauk is our favorite Montauk, because the light goes soft and the greens go deep. The wind off the harbor kept catching Danielle’s veil during the ceremony, and nobody tried to stop it.
They married under a flower arch with the harbor behind it and boats moving on the water. Dinner was in a Sperry tent, with pink peonies on dark tables and candlelight everywhere. Later Danielle changed into a feathered mini dress, and the night took off from there.
Nicholas Jones and Justin Davis planned the weekend. Sag Harbor Florist did the flowers, and Danielle wore Monique Lhuillier. The full story is in our journal: Danielle and Michael at the Crow’s Nest.
Planning a Crow’s Nest Wedding
What to plan around: wind. The harbor side is calmer than the ocean, but only a little. Pin the veil, or decide you like it flying. Danielle decided she liked it, and those ended up being some of our favorite frames of her day.
What to know about portraits: you don’t have to leave. There’s sand at the water’s edge, marsh grass behind it and fishing boats in the harbor, all a short walk from the tent.
Who it suits: couples who want a relaxed summer wedding where the food matters, the dress code is easy and the water is always in view.
For more on the town itself, see our Montauk wedding guide and our beach wedding photography tips.
About Us
We’re Trent and Dara, a husband and wife team based in New York. We’ve been coming out to Montauk since 2010, and we photograph every wedding on 35mm and medium format film alongside digital. BRIDES named us one of the 50 best wedding photographers in the world.
If you’re thinking about the Crow’s Nest, we’d love to hear about it. Tell us about your plans at trentbailey.com/inquire or call 212-243-2000.
