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This post originally appeared on June 10, 2013. Pricing has been updated.
What's the first thing to do after diamonds and bended knee? Book a venue, of course. Can't make much more progress in wedding planning until you have one locked in, and though most come with a hefty price tag, you won't regret a penny spent on these fifteen unique backdrops for that anxiously-awaited celebration. From a suburban sculptural wonderland to pristinely historic landmarks, we've mapped some wildly in-demand spots to say "I do."
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This 30-acre outdoor museum is nearly 50 years old, constantly changing with renowned works of sculpture set against grassy hills. The entire indoor museum and an event planner are included in your rental, which starts at $7800 for a peak season weekend day, or $4800 in off-season. The sculpture park itself can accomodate over 150 people for $11,000.
Music-loving couples can play rockstar for the day in The Sinclair's concert hall, the coolest addition to pedigree-rich Harvard Square, accomodating up to 525 people. Naturally, the venue boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, but you also get to nosh on eats from Chef Michael Schlow.
High atop the Financial District sits the Great Room, and it is certainly great for those looking to fill a totally customizable room with over 900 reception guests or a 599 person dinner. Pricing runs as high as the 20ft windows making up a panoramic glass wall, but the skyline view is one-of-a-kind.
From the Tea Party to your party, the Old South Meeting house is one finely aged venue. History buffs will blush at the space, which remains much like it did in 1773. Capacity hovers around 100-200 depending on format, and rental fees run about $1900 to $2800.
While a whole slew of event rooms are situated in the Opera House, we can't stop fantasizing about the marble, silk, and gold leaf detailed lobby. Throw a formal Gatsby-style shindig for up to 200 people because...YOLO, right?
Set against the futuristic architecture of the ICA and looking toward the harbor, we think Putnam Plaza may be the best waterfront wedding spot in Boston proper. A tent may be erected in the space during inclement weather, effectively guarding up to 250 guests.
The Taj knows luxury, so don't be shocked to shell out. Of course, a variety of rooms (we like the rooftop in particular) are at your disposal, as well as a covetable gift from the hotel—your honeymoon. Pick one of over ten destinations worldwide to cozy up after the big day.
From the courtyard to the lamp-lit Bates Hall, the BPL is arguably Boston's best wedding location. Several reading rooms support smaller weddings, while the sky is the limit when it comes to its signature spaces. Food is handled by The Catered Affair and general site fees range from about $7000 for a particular room to more than $20,000 for the entire building.
The 1970 movie "Love Story" was filmed here, but it's the Dome Room and iconic Lenox rooftop sign which continuously attract couples to this hotel. The venue has extensive menus available with plenty of extras included in the standard wedding packages.
If this is not a dream venue, you should not consider yourself a Bostonian. 'Nuff said. The right field roof deck offers 9000 square feet for 180 seated guests or a 400 person reception. Bragging rights totally included.
The EpiCenter is ideal for an eco-friendly couple, as it holds the title of Boston's only LEED Platinum building. The industrial-looking space is a blank canvas to host anywhere from a 50 person dinner to a reception for 400. Also cool: a garage-inspired glass door can open to a 1200 square foot courtyard, and parking is readily available.
This ornate, spacious auditorium is an outstanding place to exchange vows, capped off by a 2.5 hour performance from Boston Symphony Orchestra members. Weekend rentals start at $5700 but mandatory fees and a mix-and-match series of other options can drive up the price quickly.
This Tudor-style castle is quite romantic, with grand spaces defined by soaring ceiling, wood inlays, and delicate chandeliers. The main ballroom can serve 250 guests for dinner and 400 for a reception.
Rumor has it you must make a substantial donation to the MFA to get hitched here. Should that be in your means, is there any setting more striking to be wed? We think not. The Shapiro Family courtyard is an especially impressive space to treat your guests (where that glass Chihuly tower lives).
Lovers of antiquity will appreciate the charms of this auto museum embedded in one of Brookline's finest green spaces. Party here with 150 of your closest friends and family to America's oldest car collection—marriage is a wild ride after all.
This 30-acre outdoor museum is nearly 50 years old, constantly changing with renowned works of sculpture set against grassy hills. The entire indoor museum and an event planner are included in your rental, which starts at $7800 for a peak season weekend day, or $4800 in off-season. The sculpture park itself can accomodate over 150 people for $11,000.
Music-loving couples can play rockstar for the day in The Sinclair's concert hall, the coolest addition to pedigree-rich Harvard Square, accomodating up to 525 people. Naturally, the venue boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, but you also get to nosh on eats from Chef Michael Schlow.
High atop the Financial District sits the Great Room, and it is certainly great for those looking to fill a totally customizable room with over 900 reception guests or a 599 person dinner. Pricing runs as high as the 20ft windows making up a panoramic glass wall, but the skyline view is one-of-a-kind.
From the Tea Party to your party, the Old South Meeting house is one finely aged venue. History buffs will blush at the space, which remains much like it did in 1773. Capacity hovers around 100-200 depending on format, and rental fees run about $1900 to $2800.
While a whole slew of event rooms are situated in the Opera House, we can't stop fantasizing about the marble, silk, and gold leaf detailed lobby. Throw a formal Gatsby-style shindig for up to 200 people because...YOLO, right?
Set against the futuristic architecture of the ICA and looking toward the harbor, we think Putnam Plaza may be the best waterfront wedding spot in Boston proper. A tent may be erected in the space during inclement weather, effectively guarding up to 250 guests.
The Taj knows luxury, so don't be shocked to shell out. Of course, a variety of rooms (we like the rooftop in particular) are at your disposal, as well as a covetable gift from the hotel—your honeymoon. Pick one of over ten destinations worldwide to cozy up after the big day.
From the courtyard to the lamp-lit Bates Hall, the BPL is arguably Boston's best wedding location. Several reading rooms support smaller weddings, while the sky is the limit when it comes to its signature spaces. Food is handled by The Catered Affair and general site fees range from about $7000 for a particular room to more than $20,000 for the entire building.
The 1970 movie "Love Story" was filmed here, but it's the Dome Room and iconic Lenox rooftop sign which continuously attract couples to this hotel. The venue has extensive menus available with plenty of extras included in the standard wedding packages.
If this is not a dream venue, you should not consider yourself a Bostonian. 'Nuff said. The right field roof deck offers 9000 square feet for 180 seated guests or a 400 person reception. Bragging rights totally included.
The EpiCenter is ideal for an eco-friendly couple, as it holds the title of Boston's only LEED Platinum building. The industrial-looking space is a blank canvas to host anywhere from a 50 person dinner to a reception for 400. Also cool: a garage-inspired glass door can open to a 1200 square foot courtyard, and parking is readily available.
This ornate, spacious auditorium is an outstanding place to exchange vows, capped off by a 2.5 hour performance from Boston Symphony Orchestra members. Weekend rentals start at $5700 but mandatory fees and a mix-and-match series of other options can drive up the price quickly.
This Tudor-style castle is quite romantic, with grand spaces defined by soaring ceiling, wood inlays, and delicate chandeliers. The main ballroom can serve 250 guests for dinner and 400 for a reception.
Rumor has it you must make a substantial donation to the MFA to get hitched here. Should that be in your means, is there any setting more striking to be wed? We think not. The Shapiro Family courtyard is an especially impressive space to treat your guests (where that glass Chihuly tower lives).
Lovers of antiquity will appreciate the charms of this auto museum embedded in one of Brookline's finest green spaces. Party here with 150 of your closest friends and family to America's oldest car collection—marriage is a wild ride after all.
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