15 Wedding Venues in Boston, Massachusetts

As a Boston Wedding Photographer who has photographed 100+ weddings, I know the best Boston wedding venues across the city (and throughout New England).

Your wedding venue will influence your wedding photography significantly. Your venue sets the tone for your wedding and is one of the biggest factors in the overall style of your day. Consider the architecture, landscape, and lighting — all of which will play a large role in the story your photographer tells through their imagery.

I believe that your wedding photos should evoke the feelings of your wedding day; that your photos should look natural and feel genuinely like you. Selecting a great wedding venue is the first step to bringing your wedding vision to life.

1. Boston Public Library

One of the most classic of Boston wedding venues, the Boston Public Library is an iconic and historic venue sure to wow your guests. Its 700 Boylston Street location puts it in the heart of Copley Square. Consider starting with your ceremony in the Courtyard, followed by dinner in the iconic Bates Room. You’ll work closely with The Catered Affair — one of the top caterers in the city.

2. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

The JFK Library resides on a twelve-acre property on Columbia Point, right along the ocean with a view of Thompson Island. This wedding venue is quite striking — it boasts full windowed, multi-story walls (so much natural light you’ll love!) and a white outdoor facade that is ultra-modern yet chic. If you’re looking for a Boston wedding venue that is unique and has the flexibility to make it your own, this may be the one.

3. The Exchange

Located at 212 Northern Avenue in Seaport, The Exchange claims to be “the best kept secret on Boston’s historic waterfront” — and I don’t disagree. Exchange Hall offers floor to ceiling windows, with the Harbor Terrace directly on the water outside of the venue for warmer months. I like The Exchange because of its accessibility to great views and backdrops while remaining its own entity — not completely jumbled into all of the excitement of the city. With East Meets West (their exclusive caterer), you’re sure to have a fabulous dining experience as well.

4. Harvard Club of Boston

The Harvard Club of Boston was named Boston Magazine’s top ballroom wedding venue of 2017. Located at 374 Commonwealth Avenue, it’s historic ballroom boasts the original English oak paneling and Spanish silver chandeliers from 1913. This venue allows for use of a few unique and historical indoor spaces, as well as the quaint, classic neighborhood it resides in.

5. MIT Chapel and Walker Memorial

While technically located on Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, this is a Boston-area wedding venue that couldn’t not make this list. The Chapel at MIT is heavenly (Google it, if you don’t already know it), and the reception space within Walker Memorial provides a stately, historic setting to ring in the celebrations. Less than a 10-minute walk across the MIT campus from one another, the duo provides the perfect opportunity to use this world-renowned campus as your setting for portraits in between the two portions of your day. I’ll be here in June and already can’t wait!

6. State Room

Part of the Longwood Venue empire, State Room is their “urban chic” offering — sitting atop 60 State Street in downtown Boston. The Great Room is well known for its incredible view of the city, making the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception later on in the evening. The location of the State Room also makes for incredible city portraits — from classic portraits with your wedding party to candid photos of you and your other half crossing the city streets, the location is perfect for capturing that polished city touch in your photos.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Boston

When it comes to luxurious Boston hotel wedding venues, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Located at 200 Boylston Street, the hotel is directly across the street from the Boston Public Garden — which makes for an incredible portrait location and provides a one-of-a-kind view. Bonus: The Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton is now open as well!

8. The Lenox Hotel

This Back Bay hotel is truly another one-of-a-kind Boston wedding venue. Located at 61 Exeter Street at Boylston Street, The Lenox combines history, poise, and true city charm. The coveted and ornate Dome room makes for a great ceremony setting, for those hosting their full event on-site. While atop the hotel, the roof provides some of the best views of the streets below. The location and versatility of spaces make The Lenox worth exploring for your Boston wedding venue.

9. Fairmont Copley Plaza

The grandest of Boston ballroom weddings are commonly held at the Fairmont Copley Plaza — and you’ll quickly see why, if you don’t know the venue already. Located in the heart of (you guessed it) Copley Square at 138 St. James Avenue, the hotel caters to events of all sizes. Expect for grand architecture to play a big part in setting the tone of your wedding. Elaborate florals and lighting will elevate the look and really set the mood of your day.

10. InterContinental Boston

Location and service are a big factor at the InterContinental Boston. Its 510 Atlantic Avenue location provides views of Seaport and the harbor between. The team is polished and professional; the catering exceptional. For those looking for a downtown Boston wedding venue with everything in one place and water views, this is an option to consider.

11. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston

Some would argue that The Ritz is as good as it gets. Located at 10 Avery Street, the ballroom overlooks the Boston Common. While some hotel ballrooms have questionably colored bright carpets and ornate fixtures, The Ritz is tastefully decorated and more modern — allowing you to really make it your own. The venue boasts a few great indoor backdrops that will come in handy for portraits on a rainy or winter day, with easy accessibility to the Common for other days that allow. I’ll be here this fall and already can’t wait!

12. Boston Harbor Hotel

Combining your classic city wedding with a beautiful waterfront, the Boston Harbor Hotel is one not to miss. Its 70 Rowes Wharf location literally puts it on Boston Harbor. It’s known for its grand archway, which serves as an incredible outdoor portrait setting in rain or shine. Their event spaces are modern, light, and picturesque; the team and cuisine are known for being exceptional.

13. Omni Parker House

If you’re looking for a true Boston historical site for your wedding, consider the Omni Parker House. Located at 60 School Street, this historic hotel also resides across the street from Boston’s Old City Hall. The Omni Parker combines old-world Boston charm in the heart of a modern city. The Rooftop Ballroom resides on the 15th floor of the hotel and boasts panoramic views of Boston. It is situated next to the Wheatley Terrace, which provides outdoor space and is perfect for cocktail hour.

14. Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

For those looking for a modern, art-inspired space, consider the ICA. This Boston museum venue is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive, right in the heart of Seaport. You’ll work alongside the team at The Catered Affair to produce your wedding (alongside your planner, of course). I love that this venue combines a beautiful waterfront view with a modern, light-filled indoor space that is set up for you to truly make it your own.

15. Museum of Fine Arts

The MFA provides both modern luxury and ornate elegance — it’s a Boston wedding venue that provides the best of both worlds in that regard. Located at 465 Huntington Avenue, it is the fifth-largest museum in the United States and contains more than 450,000 works of art. Take note though, the MFA is available for weddings exclusively to members of the Patron Program’s Director’s Circle.

For more wedding planning tips, explore the Advice section of the blog!