Yay, you’re engaged! But now you need to pick a venue for your Boston wedding…

Boston Beauty Network has rounded up the best Boston Area wedding venues. We have been to countless hotels and venues in the area and today we are sharing our absolute favorite, along with tips to consider when booking your venue.

Whether you are looking for a beachfront with ocean views or an elegant estate, we have seen them all!

Photo by Jessie Wyman Photography

Boston Area Wedding Venues In the Heart of the City

Park Plaza Hotel in Boston, MA

We absolutely LOVE a Boston wedding! With the city lights and the charm, it’s hard to go wrong. One of our favorite venues in the heart of Boston is the Park Plaza Hotel. This luxurious hotel is close to everything in downtown Boston and has gorgeous spaces for both your ceremony and reception. If you love the Park Plaza be sure to also consider The Four Seasons and The State Room.

Hyatt Regency in Boston Harbor

The Hyatt Regency gets overlooked but has a ton of great features for a Boston wedding. Located in the theater district it offers the big city without the price tag. They have multiple types of ballrooms available depending on the style you are looking for. Their accommodations are updated and modern with suites available for getting ready. They have several fire pits of fun late after-party. Plus there is a parking garage and valet available for your guests and vendors.

This location gives you access to create memorable experiences for your guests. One of my brides arranged water taxis to take the to the north end for rehearsal dinner! You also may be able to coordinate your wedding day with fireworks help on the harbor. It is wonderful for out-of-town guests to get to and from the airport and has easy access to public transportation.

The best part might be the honeymoon perk. When you get married at a Hyatt, they give you a bunch of Hyatt points to use towards your honeymoon! Huge bonus!

Photo by Lushi Song Photography

Museum of Science in Boston, MA

If you are looking for a venue with phenomenal views of the Boston skyline – The Museum of Science is it! They have multiple event spaces but we love the Washburn Pavilion. This space overlooks the water and has a pavilion and tent, making it carefree from rain concerns, You can have a lot of fun at this location!

One of our past brides had a custom-made bow tie with a T-Rex to match the theme! Since you cannot get ready at the venue it leaves lots of opportunities open to travel around Boston and get some great photos in your wedding dress!

Best Kept Secret Venue In Boston

Don’t sleep on The Exchange in the heart of the Seaport District. This is a fantastic venue with plenty of free parking. It is located at the end of the Boston Fish Pier with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the harbor. You can’t spend the night here but there is a wonderful selection of hotels and restaurants nearby.

Classic New England Ocean View Wedding Venues

Best Boston Wedding Venues bridal portrait at the Beauport
Photo by Jill Mac Photography

Beauport Hotel in Gloucester, MA

Just about an hour from Boston this charming boutique hotel is located right in Gloucester Harbor. It is so elegant and screams New England Summer. The Beauport Hotel is the perfect venue if you are looking for ocean views and ballroom-style reception space. It is perfect for your guests to stay conveniently on location and a quick elevator ride away from your wedding.

Located right in the lobby is the 1606 Restaurant with delicious food and incredible views. They have a gorgeous outdoor veranda to enjoy food and drinks and outstanding service – we love a glass of Rose by the fire pit. The rooms themselves are ideal to get ready in. They are spacious with wonderful bathrooms and views.

If you are looking for other Gloucester options, check out the Cruiseport!

The Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, MA

The Chatham Bars Inn is one of our favorite venues to travel to provide hair and make-up services. This beautiful spot is conveniently located on the main street of historic Chatham and near the beaches. This venue offers many extremities, including a pool, spa, and fireplace.

Over the years, we have had the opportunity to try the food and it is incredible! The staff is so helpful and truly goes above and beyond for everyone involved in the wedding process. We have never heard them say no to any request! The views of this venue make it picture-perfect for any type of special event. The beds are wonderful and each room has a Nespresso machine.

Parking is complimentary and valet is always available. Cocktails cannot be beaten! The watermelon margarita is a must-try! We love the lobster rolls here! Side note: Katie + I will never pass up an opportunity to enjoy a New England lobster roll. Read on to find out where our favorite one was!

Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Point, MA

The breathtaking views o the Wychmere Beach Club make for the most amazing day and picture opportunities. They offer many flexible options for your ceremony and reception spaces, such as having a beautiful outdoor wedding, followed by a cocktail hour on the rooftop. We absolutely love working here because there is nothing better than looking out and having a stunning view of the ocean. All of the staff that we have had an opportunity to work with have always been super helpful and accommodating to any of our requests.

Estate Boston Area Wedding Venues

Photo by Margaret Clara Photography

There are many options for an estate wedding on the North Shore of Boston. We love the charming and historical elegance of Tupper Manor in Beverly, MA. This venue is great any time of year!

One of our other favorites is The Cranes Estate, also known as Castle Hill. This immaculate property overlooking Crane Beach in Ipswich is absolutely gorgeous. Be sure to also check out the historic estate Lyman Estate in Walthham, MA, and a budget-friendly option, Pierce House.

North Shore Boutique Wedding Venues

The Briar Barn Inn in Rowley, MA

The Briar Barn Inn is a new, beautiful venue in Rowley, MA. The entire property is immaculate. They have 30 rooms for your guests along with a spa and a pool. We always stop by The Grove restaurant on our way out. The deliciously fresh, local food and cocktails are always so good! The “Bridal Suite” has expansive ceilings and a layout that is very comfortable! This suite books up early and fast so if you are thinking about this venue, be sure to inquire early.

Hidden Fees When Booking a Boston Area Wedding Venue

When booking a wedding venue it is important to consider additional costs. These smaller costs can add up quickly if they are not included in your venue rental so be prepared to ask what is included and what you will need to budget for.

Be sure to ask about:

  • Rentals for linens and chairs
  • Cake cutting fees
  • Parking
  • Catered brunch in the morning

When booking a city venue, you will be responsible for covering parking fees for all of your vendors. Be sure to pre-arrange for vendor parking passes while negotiating the contract. It can be a great save for your hair and makeup team, photographers, and florists.

Plan to have your brunch catered to the room! So you stay well-fed and stress-free. Plenty of hotels are very accommodating with morning coffee service as well.

No matter what Boston area wedding venue you chose, your wedding day will be amazing! At the end of the day, it is all about you and your partner celebrating your love! Be sure to book your hair and makeup artists well in advance for your special day!