Embarking on the journey of planning a Boston wedding brings with it a myriad of decisions, each carrying its own weight in shaping the atmosphere and memories of the celebration. Among these crucial choices, perhaps none is more pivotal than selecting the perfect venue. This decision not only sets the stage for the event but also reflects the unique style and preferences of the couple. In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of choosing a Boston wedding venue, offering insights and recommendations to help you navigate this important aspect of your special day.
Boston’s Gem: The Boston Public Library
Location: 700 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Contact: 617 536 5400
Boston Public Library Wedding Cost: Approximately $21,000
Imagine exchanging vows and celebrating your special day in the heart of Boston’s intellectual hub – yes, the Boston Public Library is also a majestic wedding venue. Perfect for those planning a large and grand-scale wedding in Boston, this library offers expansive event spaces that can accommodate more than 600 guests.
Here are some highlights of the venue:
- Outdoor Ceremony: The courtyard, adorned with lush greenery and historic brick walls featuring elegant pillars, offers a picturesque spot for an outdoor wedding ceremony;
- Cocktail Hour: The interiors of the Abbey Room, adorned with breath-taking paintings, make for a perfect spot for the cocktail hour;
- Catering: The Boston Public Library extends its exclusive catering services through the Catered Affair, famous for its exceptional culinary delights.
The Epitome of Luxury: Fairmont Copley Plaza
Location: 138 St. James Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Contact: 617-267-5300
Fairmont Copley Plaza Wedding Cost: Ceremony fee ranges from $1,500 to $3,000
For couples seeking a modern, luxurious and romantic wedding venue, the Fairmont Copley Plaza stands as an exquisite choice. The hotel is home to five stunning event rooms designed to host your dream wedding.
Here are some more details about this venue:
- Grand Ballroom: Renowned as one of the most elegant event rooms in Boston, the Grand Ballroom is adorned with crystal chandeliers suspended from a 30-foot ceiling, gilded columns, mirror accents, balconies, and impressive ceiling artwork;
- The Oval Room: Ideal for those preferring a more intimate setting, the Oval Room exudes refinement and charm. For a glimpse of a winter wedding held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Stately Elegance at Alden Castle
Location: 20 Chapel St, Brookline, Massachusetts
Contact: 617.854.5048
Alden Castle Wedding Cost: Approximately $22,000
Hosting your nuptials at Alden Castle is like stepping into a page of a classic love story, one marked by elegance, tradition, and distinctive charm. The venue offers two major event areas, the Vintage Ballroom and the Modern Club, each providing a unique ambiance for your celebration.
Key highlights of the venue include:
- Versatility: Its selection of rooms for different parts of the wedding day makes Alden Castle an excellent choice, particularly for couples planning a winter wedding in Boston;
- Capacity: The venue can host up to 350 guests for a cocktail party and 200 guests for a sit-down dinner with dancing;
- Hours: With the option to extend the reception until 1 am, the celebration doesn’t have to stop at midnight.
Panoramic Splendor at the State Room
Location: 60 State Street 33rd Floor Boston, MA 02109
State Room Wedding Cost: ranging from $35,000 to $90,000
For those seeking a Boston wedding venue that provides an unrivaled view, the State Room is an incredible choice. Situated on the 33rd floor of the iconic 60 State Street tower, this venue boasts a panoramic landscape encompassing the Boston Harbor, Faneuil Hall, and city clocktower, all through massive 30-foot-tall windows.
Key elements of the venue include:
- Space: State Room can comfortably accommodate an extensive guest list with room for up to 1,400 attendees;
- Design: The contemporary interior design of the venue offers a sleek and stylish backdrop that suits any wedding theme;
- Location: With the venue’s high vantage point, couples and guests can appreciate the breathtaking view, making the experience all the more memorable.
Artistic Ambiance at Artist for Humanity Epicenter
Location: 100 W 2nd St, Boston, MA 02127
Contact: (617) 268-7620
Artist for Humanity Epicenter Wedding Cost: $10,713
A recently renovated gem among the South Boston wedding venues, the Artist for Humanity Epicenter, presents a unique and stylish locale for your special day. More than just an art center, this venue focuses on sustainability, aims to give back to the community, and encourages teens to engage in art and design.
Some highlights of this venue include:
- Social Impact: Your wedding could support a meaningful cause as this venue’s profits help in fostering creativity and innovation among Boston’s teens;
- Capacity: The ceremony location can comfortably seat up to 250 guests, and the entire venue transitions seamlessly from ceremony to reception;
- Catering: The venue works with preferred caterers who ensure your guests enjoy a sumptuous plated dinner;
- Unique Features: The venue is beautifully lit through its south-facing windows, providing a stunning backdrop for wedding photographs. Plus, guests can engage with the displayed artwork during the cocktail hour.
These characteristics make the Artist for Humanity Epicenter an attractive option for couples seeking a venue that reflects their love for art, community, and sustainability.
A Classic Charm at The Lenox Hotel
Location: 61 Exeter Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Contact: 617-421-4905
The Lenox Hotel Wedding Cost: Site fee is $3,500 plus $199/$249 per person
Known for its timeless elegance and classic charm, The Lenox Hotel stands as a perfect choice for couples seeking a downtown Boston wedding venue. From the exquisite grand ballroom to the panoramic rooftop deck that offers a 360-degree view of the city, this hotel is a beautiful blend of historical architecture and modern function.
Key details about this venue include:
- Capacity: The Lenox Hotel can accommodate up to 250 guests for a standing cocktail party, and 135 guests for a seated function;
- Location: Located in the heart of the city, it offers breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, creating a perfect backdrop for wedding photography;
- Cuisine: The culinary team at The Lenox Hotel prides itself in preparing an array of delectable dishes, customized to the couple’s preferences.
Exquisite Grandeur at Hotel Commonwealth
Location: 500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Contact: (617) 933-5000
Hotel Commonwealth Wedding Cost: Rental fee starts at $1,500
Hotel Commonwealth is a stunning venue that embodies the grandeur of Boston’s rich history and vibrant character. With 12,500 square feet of event space, including a chic outdoor terrace boasting views of the Boston skyline, it promises a unique and unforgettable celebration.
Here are some more attributes of this venue:
- Location: Situated close to historic sites such as Charles River and Fenway Park, this venue offers a truly Bostonian wedding experience;
- Fenway Park: For couples who are fans of the Red Sox, Fenway Park can serve as an impressive backdrop for your wedding ceremony;
- Capacity: The venue boasts large event spaces that can accommodate a significant number of guests.
Timeless Elegance at Omni Parker House
Location: 60 School Street, Boston, MA 02108
Contact: (617) 227-8600
Omni Parker House Wedding Cost: $13,150 for 50 guests
Situated in the heart of Boston, the Omni Parker House is a jewel among the city’s wedding venues. It offers three stunning ballrooms, each with its own unique charm, making it a versatile space for any wedding size.
Some noteworthy features include:
- Rooftop Ballroom: The 15th-floor rooftop ballroom offers panoramic city views and a luxurious setting, perfect for a sunset cocktail hour;
- Flexible Menu: Omni Parker House’s catering service can customize the wedding menu to suit your taste and dietary needs;
- Alcott Ballroom and Press Room: These rooms are great for more intimate gatherings, offering a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.
Urban Sophistication at Marlowe Hotel
Location: 25 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02141
Contact: (617) 868-8000
Marlowe Hotel Wedding Cost: Starting at $10,000 (as found on their official website)
The Marlowe Hotel is a prime choice for couples seeking an outdoor wedding ceremony in Boston with a unique twist. With the policy of hosting one wedding at a time, the Marlowe team ensures they provide undivided attention to your special day.
Key aspects of this venue include:
- Capacity: The venue can comfortably host up to 200 guests, indoors or outdoors in the courtyard;
- Location: The proximity to Charles River offers a splendid backdrop of the Boston skyline, making it perfect for photo ops;
- Extras: The Marlowe Hotel also offers complimentary accommodations for the newlyweds on the evening of the wedding.
Luxury Redefined at Liberty Hotel
Boasting privacy and exclusivity, the Liberty Hotel provides a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Its pristine space offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern elegance, meticulously designed to reflect the sophistication and elegance of Beacon Hill.
Key highlights of the venue include:
- Liberty Ballroom: This room features period chandeliers and rich mahogany woodwork, and large windows that allow natural light to fill the space;
- Esplanade Room: An excellent choice for smaller Boston wedding receptions, this room has a special reception area designated for cocktail hour.
Sky-high Elegance at Four Seasons – One Dalton Street
Location: One Dalton Street, Boston, MA 02115
Contact: (617) 377-4888
Four Seasons One Dalton Street Wedding Cost: Enquire for pricing
Offering a picture-perfect setting, the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street is renowned for its class and sophistication. It stands as Boston’s newest 61-story tower, with contemporary architecture that creates a unique impression.
Advantages of this venue include:
- Design: The hotel’s magnificent interiors, coupled with the lush surrounding nature, make it an ideal venue for a remarkable wedding;
- Ambiance: The hotel’s atmosphere exudes warmth and relaxation, ensuring a pleasant wedding experience for everyone;
- Location: Situated in one of Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods, this venue offers convenience and accessibility for your guests.
Boston Park Plaza: Your Dream Wedding Destination
Imagine exchanging vows in the opulent Grand Ballroom of Boston Park Plaza, a venue that epitomizes timeless elegance and luxury. As one of the premier wedding locations in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston Park Plaza offers couples a plethora of options and services to make their special day truly unforgettable.
Why Choose Boston Park Plaza for Your Wedding:
- Stunning Venues: The Grand Ballroom is adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, Baccarat Crystal chandeliers, and exquisite balconies, creating a fairytale setting for your ceremony;
- Customized Packages: Work closely with the experienced wedding team to tailor every aspect of your wedding, from décor to menu selections, ensuring a personalized and unique experience;
- Versatile Spaces: Boston Park Plaza boasts a variety of function rooms, allowing for seamless transitions between ceremony, reception, and other festivities;
- Impeccable Service: The dedicated staff is committed to making your wedding day flawless, handling every detail with precision and care.
Tips for Planning Your Wedding at Boston Park Plaza:
- Early Booking: Secure your desired date well in advance, as Boston Park Plaza is a popular choice among couples;
- Menu Tasting: Take advantage of menu tasting sessions to finalize your culinary selections and ensure a delightful dining experience for your guests;
- Accommodation Options: Explore the hotel’s accommodations for convenient lodging options for you and your guests;
- Additional Services: Inquire about additional services such as floral arrangements, entertainment, and transportation arrangements offered by the venue.
Exchange Conference Center: Where Dreams Meet Reality
Nestled in Boston’s vibrant Seaport District, the Exchange Conference Center offers a picturesque backdrop for couples seeking a waterfront wedding experience. With its panoramic views of Boston Harbor and exceptional amenities, this venue promises an enchanting celebration.
Highlights of Exchange Conference Center:
- Breathtaking Views: The Exchange Hall features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to revel in the beauty of Boston Harbor while celebrating your love;
- Flexible Spaces: With over 1,400 square feet of event space, the venue can accommodate weddings of various sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand affairs;
- Outdoor Elegance: During warmer months, the Harbor Terrace provides a charming outdoor setting for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and al fresco dining;
- Culinary Excellence: Indulge in personalized food selections curated by the venue’s culinary experts, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.
Planning Tips for Exchange Conference Center Weddings:
- Scenic Photography: Capitalize on the stunning waterfront views for captivating wedding photos that capture the essence of your special day;
- Seasonal Considerations: Consider the seasonality of your wedding when planning outdoor elements, taking advantage of Boston’s picturesque landscapes;
- Guest Experience: Plan interactive elements such as harbor cruises or local excursions to enhance your guests’ overall experience;
- Logistical Support: Utilize the venue’s event planning services for seamless coordination of vendors, décor setup, and guest accommodations.
Alcove: A Culinary Delight for Intimate Weddings
For couples seeking an intimate and gastronomic wedding experience, Alcove in Boston’s West End offers a charming and unique setting. With its riverside location, culinary expertise, and innovative cocktails, Alcove promises a wedding day filled with culinary delights and personalized touches.
What Sets Alcove Apart for Weddings:
- Intimate Setting: Host your wedding in a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for smaller gatherings and intimate celebrations;
- Culinary Excellence: Chef Charles Draghi crafts fresh coastal New England dishes, ensuring a delectable dining experience that reflects the region’s culinary heritage;
- Creative Cocktails: Mixologist Will Piquette creates a range of creative and classic cocktails, adding a touch of sophistication and flair to your wedding festivities;
- Personalized Service: Benefit from the expertise of Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli, a renowned restaurateur, and his team, who strive to make every wedding momentous and memorable.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect venue is an essential decision when planning a wedding in Boston. I suggest that you and your partner first determine the style and location that resonate with both of you, and then proceed to narrow down your choices from there. Keep in mind that the venue sets the tone for the entire celebration, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. I trust that the Boston wedding venues I’ve highlighted will aid you in finding the ideal location for your wedding, whether you envision an intimate affair or a grand reception with a sizable guest list.