15 Gorgeous North Shore Massachusetts Wedding Venues
I love photographing weddings in Massachusetts, and there are so many amazing North Shore Massachusetts wedding venues. I get the best of all worlds! Casual beach weddings, modern city weddings, country farm weddings, but really there are so many unique and historic estates and other places where you can get married in Massachusetts on the North Shore. I have been thinking back on some highlights and my favorite places to shoot at so far. I'm going to do a quick round-up of them here.
Glen Magna Farms Wedding
Such a hidden gem! When I lived in Beverly, I had no idea this was right next door in Danvers until I was lucky enough to shoot my first wedding there. From the historic house, to the gardens and farm, to the manicured lawns... You can't go wrong at Glen Magna Farms, especially for a spring wedding when the Wisteria is out (but it’s gorgeous at any time of the year!). They now have a dedicated space for a large tent, which ties everything together for a bigger guest list, or you can have a smaller event with inside seating. If you are looking for an outdoor wedding venue in Massachusetts, check out Glen Magna Farms!
Lyman Estate Wedding
Yet another beautiful historic estate for a wedding in Massachusetts! It seems like if you throw a rock from Boston you might hit one. Lyman is definitely one of my favorite estates to photograph weddings... Many of these old estates are kind of dark, but Lyman is light and airy, with big windows and beautiful colors. Each room has it’s own personality which is so much fun. And then there's the grounds and gardens, really just perfection all around. I got a chance to do some wedding photos in the greenhouse at Lyman Estate for Jenna and Mike’s wedding (five minutes before closing!), and I loved the way they turned out. And, keep an eye out - the grand ballroom was recently used in a scene from the most recent production of “Little Women”!
Willowdale Estate Wedding
If you've been following my blog at all, you might know that Willowdale Estate is absolutely one of my favorite places for a wedding on the North Shore! I've been lucky enough to photograph many amazing weddings there, over my fifteen years in business, and I hope to be there again soon. The estate itself has lots of Craftsman-style details, and the outside terrace is a beautiful spot for a wedding ceremony. I love the boardwalk near the river, too! (Also, did I mention the cookies? Just trust me :)). There are so many little touches that you’ll find throughout the estate, as well as the amazing service you’ll receive from the Willowdale staff.
Commander’s Mansion Wedding
Just a hop, skip and a jump from Boston, in Watertown, is the Commanders Mansion. When I was there for Stephanie and Wally's December wedding, they had the place decorated to a T, with so many holiday details you just didn't know where to look. With so many rooms to explore, your guests can get lost in the mansion’s history or join you in the largest room for a night full of dancing.
Gore Place Wedding
Gore Place is not only "the Monticello of the North," but also a working farm with goats, chickens and sheep. Not that I got to see much of that side shooting weddings there! It makes a spectacular backdrop with the mansion in the background, out on the lawn. For Cori and Max's wedding, they chose to have their ceremony out on the front lawn, with the chuppah under the tree there. It was beautiful! And just wait until you get inside to see the rooms, which are decorated with period pieces.
Hammond Castle Wedding
So much fun at Hammond Castle! Careful, you can get lost here. Truly a unique venue on the North shore, in Gloucester. Not only is it a castle, but it's right on the water! Gorgeous views, and so many little nooks and crannies for some fun photos. Check out Chris and Lani’s wedding there with their book & dino themed tables.
Habitat at Belmont
A nature lover’s dream! The Habitat at Belmont is an Audubon education and wildlife sanctuary, not too far outside Boston. The Georgian style mansion on the grounds is also a dream. The formal gardens are an ideal spot for the wedding ceremony, and for taking photos. And the building itself is very interesting to walk around and for your guests to admire the historic architecture.
Peabody Essex Museum Wedding
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is definitely a favorite! I mean, a wedding at an Art Museum, for an art geek like me... I'm in heaven. And the PEM has a little bit of something for everyone, with it's most recent renovations. The beautiful new atrium is light and airy, with a modern feel. And the grand ballroom has all the old New England charm you could ever want. It’s such a fun treat to be able to walk around the galleries at night when the tourists have left.
Stevens Estate Wedding
The Stevens Estate is actually right near me in North Andover, Massachusetts (I'm just over the border in NH), so I'm always happy to head over there! They have a beautiful set-up in the tent (chandeliers! love it), and the woodland trails, the grounds and estate itself are beautiful backdrops. Inside the estate they have retained lots of vintage touches that really bring out the history and beauty of the historic home. They also have beautiful rooms for you to get ready in before your ceremony.
Salem Old Town Hall Wedding
Another one close to my heart... As my husband and I did our wedding photos in Salem, right outside the Salem Old Town Hall in Derby Square. You don't have to love all things Halloween (even though I certainly do) to love Salem! Ali and Dave had their ceremony in the iconic Salem Old Town Hall and their wedding reception right next door at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas (a true hidden gem if I’ve ever seen one). Not to mention that they got ready at the Hawthorne Hotel. A truly all-around Salem wedding! So many different spots to check out in Salem, and three of them are in the blog post below.
Hellenic Center Wedding
The Hellenic Center in Ipswich is a classic wedding venue on the North shore. Tucked away in Ipswich, MA, it’s a beautiful reception hall (love those gleaming hardwood floors), with a gorgeous garden for your wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. For Tara and Seph’s wedding, they had a chandelier set up for the ceremony outside, which was so much fun. Also, if you are a Doctor Who fan, you have to check out their wedding details!
Moraine Farm Wedding
Moraine Farm is a historic estate, working farm and all around perfect wedding venue on the North Shore. There are so many great spots for photos - the gardens are absolutely gorgeous, plus the estate has a great lake view. The tent is huge and can accommodate your large guest list quite easily. The cafe lights bring a cozy and warm ambience both inside and outside the tent.
Pierce House Wedding
Pierce House in Lincoln is just a short drive to the DeCordova Sculpture park, which is always a fun stop for wedding photos. Another historic estate north of Boston, with a tent attached for your larger groups. The inside of the estate is available for smaller weddings.
Brooksby Farm Wedding
You would never guess that this farm is right in the heart of Peabody - just behind the Northshore mall! But it’s the cutest rustic red barn for a classic New England farm wedding. If you’re in the area, you really should check this place out! Perfect spot an outdoor wedding in Massachusetts. We were able to get some photos in this apple orchard, but there are so many cute spots for photos at Brooksby Farm. Definitely check this one out if you are looking for that rustic elegance.
Nashoba Valley Winery Wedding
I love love love winery weddings. I briefly lived outside of Napa/Sonoma valleys in California, and I think that's when I fell in love! Being in New England, winery weddings are a little more rare, but Nashoba Valley Winery is a great spot, with an amazing dinner at J's Restaurant!