Get to know the Hammond Castle Museum – a North Shore wedding venue that’s straight out of a fairy tale

How cool would it be to get married in a medieval castle with an epic ocean view?! If your answer is “extremely,” you need to check out the Hammond Castle Museum. (Yes, it’s both a museum and a wedding venue!) I can honestly say it’s one of the most unique and breathtaking places in which I’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing a couple’s special day. Whether you want a summer or winter wedding, whether you’d prefer to hold your ceremony outside by the water or inside the castle’s enchanting ballroom, every moment of the day is guaranteed to feel magical.

 

 

About the Venue

The Hammond Castle Museum is located in the oldest working seaport in the United States— Gloucester, Massachusetts. It’s a quiet, peaceful town—and once you pull into the parking lot of the expansive castle, and its stunning architectural features come into full view, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world. “The couples that marry here are from all over the country and the world,” said Deb Nypaver, the museum’s Managing Director. It’s easy to see why!

“The castle was built between 1926 – 1929,” Deb shared, “and became a museum in 1930. Initially, [it] was home to the scientist and Inventor, John Hays Hammond Jr. and his wife Irene. Hammond collected artifacts from all over the world dating back to the 2nd century and incorporated his collection in the building of his historic home. 

There is so much interesting history here, from the people that Hammond knew and visited the castle, to the incredible inventions he created which we use today.”

If you and your partner are history nerds, this is absolutely a venue you won’t want to miss. It’s fun and exciting to see little bits of the inner workings of a brilliant mind, and to get a little glimpse into his fascinating life and travels. If that’s exactly the kind of thing you’re into, and if that’s the type of mood and backdrop you want your wedding set against, you’ve found the perfect spot!

 

 

The Hammond Castle Museum’s unique aesthetic

Visually speaking, I really can’t say enough about how awesome the Hammond Castle Museum is. There are incredible columns and stone features that are ideal for couples who want an edgier feel to their portraits, a cozy garden, an enormous front lawn that faces the water, an epic drawbridge, a long ballroom for your reception, and so much more. There’s no shortage of fantastic photo spots here, and with the right creative photographer, you’ll walk away with some truly one-of-a-kind images.

 

 

Not to mention, the Hammond Castle Museum will be an unforgettable experience for your guests, too! They’ll get the chance to explore the castle and learn about its history on their own, and no matter what reason you’re there for, it’s always awesome to be able to say you spent an evening in a medieval castle.

And of course, you, your partner, and all of your guests are in fantastic hands at the Hammond Castle Museum, as you’re working with people who are just as excited and passionate about the space as you are, and want everyone who enters to experience it the way they do. “My favorite part of being here at the castle is that no two days are ever alike; all types of events take place here and I have the opportunity to meet an enormous amount of people that inspire me in one way or another every day,” Deb shared. “I’ve never taken this opportunity to be at the Hammond Castle Museum for granted. It’s a beautiful place to be.”

And with the right vendors by your side, it’s an especially beautiful place to be.

 

 

Thinking about a Hammond Castle Museum wedding? Fill out their online contact form! Deb and her kind, welcoming team would be happy to lead you in the right direction.

 

And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture all the stunning details of your unique Hammond Castle Museum wedding, drop me a line! I’d love to chat and see if we’re the perfect fit. ❤️

Need more guidance and support in planning your Massachusetts wedding? No worries – I’m here for you! Take a look at the other blogs below for a wealth of inspiration!

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