I love the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club. That’s the whole review. It’s the beach — my favorite place in the world — combined with a staff that is genuinely warm and hilarious, and a venue that somehow feels both open to the whole ocean and completely private at the same time.
About the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club
The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Originally founded as a private club in 1927, it was built on the site of a former dairy farm in Bridgehampton, a small hamlet on the eastern end of Long Island. The club quickly became a popular destination for wealthy New Yorkers looking to escape the city and spend their summers by the ocean.
The club’s main draw was its tennis facilities, which boasted several clay courts and a pro shop. Tennis greats such as Bill Tilden and Rene Lacoste were known to frequent the club during its early years. In addition to tennis, the club also offered a range of other recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
Over the years, the club underwent several changes in ownership and management. In the 1950s, the club was purchased by a group of investors who transformed it into a beach club, adding a restaurant, bar, and oceanfront deck. The club remained a popular social spot for the Hamptons elite throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
In the early 2000s, the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club underwent a major renovation and expansion. The existing club was completely gutted and rebuilt, with a focus on preserving its historic character and charm. The club’s iconic shingle-style architecture was maintained, and the interior was updated with modern amenities and luxurious finishes.
Today, the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club is one of the most sought-after event venues in the Hamptons. It continues to attract discerning clientele, including celebrities, socialites, and business leaders, who flock to the club for its stunning oceanfront setting, impeccable service, and rich history.
The beach at the BTSC
The beach at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club is a beautiful and exclusive stretch of sand, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the lush greenery of the Hamptons on the other. It is only accessible to members and their guests (or wedding clients!), ensuring a serene and private atmosphere.
This beach itself is pristine and unspoiled, with powdery white sand and crystal clear waters that invite visitors to swim, sunbathe, and relax. The club provides beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels to its members and guests, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
One of the most stunning features of the beach is the picturesque dunes that line the shore, which are not only beautiful to look at but also provide important protection for the fragile coastal ecosystem. The dunes are home to a variety of native plant and animal species, including beach grass, shorebirds, and even the endangered piping plover.
Getting married at the BTSC
The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club offers a variety of picturesque locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions. One popular option is the oceanfront lawn, which provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop for your ceremony. This location is perfect for couples who want a beach wedding but still want to have some grass under their feet.
Another option is the Beach Pavilion, which is a covered outdoor space that is perfect for ceremonies in case of inclement weather. The Pavilion is located just steps from the beach, so you can still enjoy the stunning views and fresh ocean air while remaining protected from the elements.
For those who prefer a more traditional setting, the Clubhouse also offers several elegant indoor spaces that can be used for ceremonies. The Grand Ballroom, for example, features a beautiful fireplace and stunning views of the beach, making it a perfect choice for a romantic winter wedding.
Getting ready for your BTSC wedding
Most of my clients opt to get ready nearby and commute to the BTSC for their photos, ceremony, and reception.
Here are some of my favorite nearby hotels:
- Topping Rose House – This luxurious hotel features beautifully appointed rooms and a picturesque setting in the heart of Bridgehampton.
- The Maidstone Hotel – A historic hotel with a modern flair, the Maidstone features unique decor and stunning gardens perfect for a peaceful stay.
- Baron’s Cove – Located in Sag Harbor, this waterfront hotel offers breathtaking views of the harbor and easy access to shopping and dining.
Photo locations near Bridgehampton
Bridgehampton is INSANELY beautiful.
Bridgehampton is a charming village located in the Town of Southampton, in Suffolk County, New York. It is situated on the South Fork of Long Island, approximately 100 miles from New York City. The village is known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, stunning vineyards, and affluent community. It has a small-town feel with a quaint downtown area lined with locally-owned shops and restaurants.
The community is also home to a number of high-end boutiques and designer stores, as well as art galleries and cultural institutions. The area is known for its horse farms and equestrian events, and the Hampton Classic Horse Show is held annually in Bridgehampton. The village is a popular summer destination for New Yorkers, but it also boasts a year-round population with a strong sense of community.
That said, it’s also just crazy gorgeous with a ton of photo locations. If you want to visit other Hamptons locations besides the BTSC for your wedding day photos I’d love to suggest the following:
- Bridgehampton Beach: With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Bridgehampton Beach is a must-visit location for any beach lover.
- Mecox Bay: The picturesque Mecox Bay is a great spot for sunset photos with its vibrant pink and orange hues reflecting off the water.
- Wolffer Estate Vineyard: With its rolling vineyards and stunning views, Wolffer Estate Vineyard offers a perfect backdrop for photos of couples enjoying a glass of wine.
Photo locations at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club
Since you’re getting married at the BTSC, obviously you’d want to do many of your wedding day photos there!
Here are some photo locations at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club and why they’re beautiful:
- Beachfront – The beachfront at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding dunes, making it a perfect location for romantic and dramatic beach portraits.
- Tennis courts – The well-maintained tennis courts provide a unique backdrop for photos with a touch of vintage elegance.
- Clubhouse – The Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club’s historic clubhouse is a stunning location for classic and timeless wedding portraits. It’s also a great spot for family and group photos.
- Poolside – The luxurious poolside area with its elegant cabanas and lush landscaping provides a beautiful backdrop for glamorous and sophisticated photos. It’s a favorite of mine for wedding party photos.
- Garden – The beautiful garden area with its blooming flowers and greenery is so beautiful, a great contrast to the beach for your images.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club Weddings
Where is the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club located?
Ocean Road in Bridgehampton, New York — on the South Fork of Long Island, directly on the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 100 miles from Manhattan. More at btsc.com.
What is the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club?
A private oceanfront club founded in 1927 in the heart of the Hamptons. The property includes a historic shingle-style clubhouse, an oceanfront lawn for ceremonies, a beach pavilion, a Grand Ballroom with fireplace and ocean views, a pool area, gardens, and direct access to one of the most beautiful private beaches on Long Island. It’s one of those venues that feels simultaneously open to the whole world and completely removed from it.
What makes the BTSC special as a wedding venue?
The privacy. The beach. The staff — who are genuinely warm, hilarious, and make every couple feel like the most important people in the building. And the way the whole property manages to feel expansive and intimate at the same time. I’ve photographed at a lot of Hamptons venues. The BTSC is something different. It doesn’t feel like a production. It feels like a celebration.
What are the ceremony spaces at the BTSC?
The oceanfront lawn for ceremonies with the Atlantic as a backdrop — one of the most beautiful ceremony settings in the entire Hamptons. The Beach Pavilion for covered outdoor ceremonies when weather requires a backup. The Grand Ballroom for indoor ceremonies with fireplace and ocean views.
What are the best photo locations at the BTSC?
The beachfront — private, dramatic, with the Atlantic horizon behind you. The oceanfront lawn at golden hour when the light comes in warm across the water. The pool area with its elegant cabanas for wedding party portraits. The garden for a contrast to the beach aesthetic. The historic clubhouse exterior for architectural portraits. And the beach itself — the BTSC’s private stretch of Atlantic Ocean is unlike anywhere else I photograph.
What is the light like at the BTSC for photography?
The property faces south toward the Atlantic, which means late afternoon light comes in warm and golden across the water and the lawn. Golden hour at the BTSC is extraordinary. The beach portraits in that light are some of the most beautiful images I make anywhere. Plan portrait time around sunset — the last hour before the sun goes down is when this venue is at its most spectacular.
Is the beach at the BTSC private?
Yes — the beach is only accessible to members and their guests, which includes wedding clients. That privacy is one of the defining features of a BTSC wedding. You’re on the Atlantic Ocean with none of the public beach crowd. It photographs like you’re the only people in the world.
What time of year is best for a BTSC wedding?
Summer and early fall. The Hamptons in June, July, and August are peak season for a reason — long days, warm evenings, the beach at its most beautiful. September is my personal favorite — the crowds thin, the light goes golden earlier, and the ocean is still warm. Late May and early October are also extraordinary with fewer guests and cooler evening air.
Where do couples typically get ready for a BTSC wedding?
Most couples get ready nearby and commute to the BTSC for photos, ceremony, and reception. Top options in the area include Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, Baron’s Cove in Sag Harbor, and The Maidstone in East Hampton — all offer beautiful getting-ready spaces with good natural light.
Do you photograph weddings at the BTSC?
I love it there. It’s the beach — my favorite place in the world — combined with one of the warmest venue teams I’ve ever worked with and some of the most beautiful light of any Hamptons venue. If your wedding is at the BTSC, I’d love to hear about it. And for more on my Hamptons work, my Montauk wedding guide covers what shooting on the East End actually looks like.
The BTSC is one of those venues where the day just feels right from the moment you arrive. If yours is here, I’d love to be there for it.
If your wedding is at the Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, I’d love to hear about it. P.S. I also love the beach.
