Smaller, more intimate weddings are rising in popularity, and it’s easy to see why—these types of gatherings come with plenty of perks! Aside from the more obvious perks (like lower costs, less pressure, etc), you also get more freedom and creativity in your choice of venue with less people to accommodate. There are lots of small wedding venues in Boston and the surrounding towns that lend themselves especially well to intimate, non-traditional celebrations, and I’m here to help you find the perfect fit! From lovely gardens to historic mansions to industrial-chic halls—check out this comprehensive roundup of my favorite small wedding venues in Boston.
Lyman Estate
For those couples who feel especially connected to New England history—this one’s for you! The Lyman Estate, located in Waltham, was originally built in 1793 for shipping merchant Theodore Lyman, and has since become a premier site for quaint country weddings year-round. It was also featured in the 2019 film adaptation of Little Women. There are plenty of gorgeous spots both inside the mansion and outside on the grounds for photos, and you’ll have a lot of flexibility to style and set up your day according to your vision. Those beautiful, unique architectural touches you can’t help but fall in love with—you’ll find them here!
The Inn at Hastings Park
Technically, the Inn at Hastings Park is considered a boutique hotel, but it couldn’t possibly have a more cozy, homey feel—perfect for a small wedding! Better yet, this venue specifically offers micro-wedding packages to simplify your planning. With truly unique interior and exterior features, the Inn at Hastings Park is an amazing choice if you’re envisioning an out-of-the-ordinary wedding.
Weston Art & Innovation Center
For the creative, modern, artsy couples out there who really want to make their big day stand out—there’s a small wedding venue in Weston, MA, just outside of Boston, that might very well be exactly what you’re looking for. Located inside Weston’s original public library, the Weston Art & Innovation Center is home to several awesome makerspaces where artists of all mediums and all levels can come to practice their craft, and they offer plenty of classes and workshops as well. The entire Main Floor can be rented and decorated to your heart’s content for an intimate wedding, and the library’s Reading Room, with its distinctive architecture, large windows, and stunning chandelier, makes the perfect reception space.
Blue Inn
For intimate gatherings with your closest friends and family members, does it really get any better than a luxurious private beach cottage? Blue Inn on the Beach in Newburyport is the perfect venue for an oceanside micro-wedding. The hotel’s Blue Suite, which is used for private events, can accommodate up to 30 guests, and includes a lovely deck, hot tub, and fire table. You can have your ceremony right by the water, and walk along the shore together for magical sunset portraits. There’s so much versatility here, and so many ways to make the most of your laid-back wedding day.
Warehouse XI
If you want that modern, industrial vibe for your big day, this is the venue for you. Located in Somerville’s bustling Union Square neighborhood, Warehouse XI is—as you might’ve guessed—a bright, light-flooded, open-floor warehouse space that’s essentially a blank slate. It practically begs for you to come in with all your fresh, creative ideas (and, of course, the ideas of your awesome vendors, too).
Warehouse XI is truly a fantastic event space that can be transformed into whatever you want it to be…though I highly suggest breaking up all the white with bold, vivid colors. Plus, if it’s important to you that your vendor team is made up entirely of women-owned businesses, Warehouse XI also checks that box.
Fruitlands Museum
Museum weddings are awesome. Period. And the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA is extra awesome thanks to its location, size, and picturesque-ness. There are five different buildings, each with its own distinct collection of art & artifacts, spread across more than 200 acres of historic farmland, overlooking the Nashua River Valley. But, the Fruitlands Museum property still has that charming rural feel that makes it perfect for smaller, more intimate events. You can have a stunning mountain view as the backdrop for your ceremony, and get creative with your reception details under the beautiful white tent.
Whatever you do, if you decide to get married here, make sure you carve out some time in your day to wander around the gorgeous grounds with your photographer at sunset. You’ll thank me later.
The Carriage House at Lynch Park
If you love the idea of getting married in a garden, but also want an elegant, charming indoor space for your reception, check out the Carriage House at Lynch Park! This venue has it all—the historic house, the uniquely-landscaped garden and tea house, the waterfront views, and the perfect cozy, intimate vibe for a small wedding. Located in Beverly, MA, the Carriage House at Lynch Park is available for event rentals from mid-May through mid-October.
Finding small wedding venues in Boston that match your vision
Okay, so, you already know you want a small, intimate wedding…now all you have to do is figure out what kind of setting you want! Do you want ocean views? Lots of greenery? Stone features? Sweeping lawns? Do you want a space that allows for DIY decoration, or a space that’s 100% ready to use as-is? I highly recommend scheduling tours of all the venues on your list of potentials, so that you can get a proper feel for the space and meet the people who’ll be helping you out on your big day. With any of the venues on this list, you’ll be in fantastic hands!
That said…I do also highly recommend hiring a wedding planner who will really have your back throughout the process. Check out some of my favorites in the area here.
Looking for the right photographer for your Boston wedding? I’d love to chat with you! Drop me a line here ❤️
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