There are some incredible Boston area wedding venues. Full stop.
I know this firsthand through my work coordinating hundreds of weddings at Without A Hitch. We have coordinated 400+ weddings at 100+ venues and properties in the greater Boston area and I'm here today to tell you about our favorites.
Olio was launched as a direct result of many years of work at venues all over New England. I saw some amazing properties but also knew that clients were looking for something different. Enter a 4-year process to find, buy, and renovate Olio into a modern/industrial event space, which hosted our first wedding in 2019.
We know that this is kind of an odd thing for a venue to do.... listing our "competition" as a favorite. But we also know that we can't serve every single couple who has varying needs and wants, and couples are evaluating multiple options to see what feels right to them. And we are honored to be amongst these greats.
To help couples be as informed as possible, we've put together this list of our top 21 Boston area wedding venues. Note that this list is not meant to be exhaustive. And I'm creating this list from my personal expertise: every venue listed below is a location where Without A Hitch has personally coordinated a wedding, so I'm intimately familiar. Whether you are looking for a rustic venue, all-inclusive option, or something more modern, greater Boston is a wedding destination for all!
Of course, don’t forget to come tour Olio with me, your resident wedding expert. Did you know we only host one wedding per day, so that you can have the wedding of your dreams? I can't wait to hear your big plans.
Without further ado, read on to hear more about the best wedding venues in New England and the Boston area! In no particular order...
Olio, Peabody, Massachusetts
I know I said this was in no particular order but OF COURSE we are top of mind and top of the list. A historic building with modern updates in a special downtown 25 minutes north of Boston, built by an experienced wedding planner (that's me) and owned with her mama. What's not to love?!
Our favorite feature: the utmost creativity and flexibility offered in a big loft-style space.
Check out Olio.
The State Room, Boston, Massachusetts
Looking for the premier luxury event space in the middle of Boston with the best view? The State Room is your one stop shop. As a Longwood venue, they take care of catering and rentals and assist with onsite coordination. Their multiple spaces are large and flexible for hundreds of guests.
Our favorite feature: the epic windows look out at the harbor and you can watch the city turn from day to night.
Check out the State Room.
Long Hill, Beverly, Massachusetts
The incredible Long Hill property is the newest Trustees of the Reservations property to offer weddings onsite. There is a paved area with a sizeable tent adjacent to the historic home. A dozen options exist onsite for an outdoor garden ceremony. Long Hill offers ultimate flexibility for clients to bring in vendors and caterers.
Our favorite feature: unlike many local historic home properties, Long Hill allows access to the historic home and clients can take photos and get dressed inside.
Check out Long Hill.
The Newbury, Boston, Massachusetts
The rebranded and newly renovated property sits right at the heart of the city, on the edge of Boston's Public Gardens. The ballroom was finished in soft blue, green, and cream colors. The chandeliers are fabulous!
Our pro tip: The Newbury is especially great for winter weddings since guests can stay onsite.
Check out The Newbury.
Elm Bank Horticultural Center, Wellesley, Massachusetts
If you are looking for outdoor garden vibes, transporting you back at least a century, Elm Bank is the place to be. Endless options for photos, between the 1900 Manor House, Olmstead-designed garden, greenhouse, and statues. Elm Bank includes access to their Carriage House and 3-season attached tent for wedding events. You also have the option to add a tent to the Maple Grove, as in the photo below, which opens up unlimited options for design!
Our pro tip: the folks who run events at Elm Bank are some of the best in the business!
Check out Elm Bank Reservation.
New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts
Say "I Do" amongst the penguins! The New England Aquarium is one of the most unique venues in the area for your guest experience. Ceremonies typically take place on the harbor walk, overlooking the water, weather permitting. Guests filter inside for cocktail hour amongst the fish, and then back outside to the attached tent to dance the night away.
Pro tip: lighting is a fabulous investment for the tent as it creates an incredible environment for dinner and a dance party!
Check out the New England Aquarium.
Warehouse XI, Somerville, Massachusetts
The folks at Warehouse XI were some of the first in the area to market their venue towards clients looking for industrial chic space. Owner Peggy was originally using the space as storage but saw huge potential when she painted the brick walls white and starting hosting events nearly 10 years ago. The venue is perfect for smaller weddings and receptions, as well as ideal for photo shoots and workshops.
Our favorite feature: at Warehouse XI you are right in the middle of bustling Union Square. So many great nearby restaurants and bars!
Check out Warehouse XI.
The Stevens Estate, North Andover, Massachusetts
Fireside Caterer has recently taken over the management of this gorgeous Town of North Andover property. The historic home is a wonderful backdrop for photos, while the property's three-season tent is gorgeous for receptions. Have your ceremony onsite or at a nearby faith-based location. Definitely bring your floral vision to life here and fill the tent with color.
Pro tip: Fireside is a wonderful catering partner who will help you imagine all the ways to use this special property.
Check out The Stevens Estate.
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts
At the center of historic Salem is a special venue at the Peabody Essex Museum. With a large capacity, and flexibility to offer several event spaces, PEM is a must-see. Ceremonies in East India Marine Hall and photos in the garden are the best features of the museum. Guests will love to explore the artwork and history.
Pro tip: uplighting is the best in the massive atrium.
Check out the Peabody Essex Museum.
Charles River Boat Company, Boston, Massachusetts
If you're thinking about something a little off-beat and non-traditional for your wedding day, check out the Charles River Boat Company. They offer several vessels that cruise the harbor throughout your ceremony and reception. Perfect for small weddings; there is truly no better way to see Boston's skyline than from the sea.
Favorite feature: a Jack and Rose photo on the bow!
Check out the Charles River Boat Company.
Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, Massachusetts
For an epic backdrop, check out Harvard Art Museum venues. They have an exclusive partnership with top tier Boston caterer The Catered Affair to help your bring your dream to life. Calderwood Courtyard can hold up to 170 guests with a dance floor, and it's the perfect place to create a super memorable night.
Pro tip: they only allow a limited number of private events per year, so be sure to book far in advance.
Check out Harvard Art Museums.
Gore Place, Waltham, Massachusetts
If you're looking for an outdoor tented wedding with the option for indoor space, go visit Linda at Gore! In addition to their 3-season tent, Gore offers indoor space in their historic carriage house, which is fully accessible and temperature-controlled.
Pro tip: save the date for their annual Sheepshearing festival each spring!
Check out Gore Place.
Misselwood at Endicott, Beverly, Massachusetts
One of our favorite nearby venues is Misselwood, a charming vine-covered home overlooking ocean cliffs on Endicott College's campus. A big beautiful tent is erected each spring, ideal for reception space and rain plans. The venue has recently moved to exclusive catering with Vinwood, and the venue handles the bar.
Pro tip: walk down to the cliffs for jaw-dropping photos!
Check out Misselwood.
Catalyst, Cambridge, Massachusetts
If you love good food and want to be in the middle of Kendall Square in Cambridge, you'll want to visit the good folks at Catalyst Restaurant. They have several modern indoor event spaces to choose from, as well as a patio if weather permits. We love the big windows and the warm wood.
Our favorite feature: you can go back regularly to sample your wedding menu, since the restaurant is open to the public. What a great anniversary tradition!
Check out Catalyst.
Pierce House, Lincoln, Massachusetts
In a little town just outside of Boston sits a gorgeous historic home with endless event possibilities. Pierce House allows indoor guest use of the home, but really shines in their large tent, placed over paver stones. Decorate to your heart's content! Lots of flexibility is offered for vendors and catering here.
Pro tip: use the large lawn for outdoor games, weather permitting.
Check out Pierce House.
Hampshire House, Boston, Massachusetts
Upstairs from the historic Cheers property sits a surprising and unique event venue, overlooking the Boston Public Gardens. With flexibility to host guests on multiple floors, there are lots of options for configuring the space. The warm wood and plush furniture and massive bar add up to a cozy, luxurious feeling throughout the space.
Pro tip: the gorgeous fireplace mantel is calling for some flowers!
Check out Hampshire House.
Crane Estate, Ipswich, Massachusetts
One of the most sought-after venues in all of New England is the Great House at the Crane Estate. They are a seasonal venue, and peak Saturday dates can book several years in advance. This property is run by the Trustees of the Reservations and recently has moved to exclusive catering with Fireside. Guests will be wowed by the views and the history and couples will find endless spots for stunning photographs.
Pro tip: if the main house is booked, you can consider the adjacent barn venue space.
Check out the Crane Estate.
Endicott Estate, Dedham, Massachusetts
This Colonial Revival mansion is surrounded by rolling hills and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Dedicated to events, the estate allows guest access to the entire 1st floor of the home. With various rooms, it's an ideal setup for a cocktail-style reception. Endicott also allows their property to be tented to expand capacity.
Our favorite feature: the incredible willow and elm trees that surround the property.
Check out the Endicott Estate.
Fairmont Copley, Boston, Massachusetts
Weddings at the Fairmont Copley are really the epitome of downtown Boston luxury. Located in the heart of Copley Square, the Fairmont features guest rooms, an amazing restaurant, and several renowned event spaces. Most well-known is the Grand Ballroom with giant chandeliers, tall ceilings, and ornate detailing. Also terrific for smaller weddings are the Venetian and Oval Rooms.
Pro tip: make sure to build in time to pop outside for some real downtown photos.
Check out the Fairmont Copley.
Overbook House, Bourne, Massachusetts
A wonderful property with limited onsite accommodations, right at the start of Cape Cod, Overbook is perfect for the laid back couple. The property includes a house onsite, a large field available for tenting, an indoor dance hall space. The options are endless, so a planner or coordinator is strongly recommended here to pull everything together!
Pro tip: the owners rent the property for the week which gives couples flexibility for welcome drinks, brunches, and DIY projects.
Check out the Overbook House.
SRV, Boston, Massachusetts
A restaurant wedding is a wonderful, laid back approach for many couples, and SRV does it so well. They offer full restaurant buyouts for up to 100 guests, including on Saturdays. The space offers intimate dining, specialized bar, and delicious food.
Our favorite feature: the gorgeous outdoor patio space for photos and small ceremonies.
Check out SRV.
So there it is!
There are so many other fantastic venues that we didn’t mention, but this should be a good starting point to get your wedding planning journey going. And of course, our top favorite wedding venue every ever is.... Olio! We’d love to have a conversation with you to discuss your options, so get in touch with us anytime!
xo,
Sarah Narcus
Owner, Olio
