The Best Urban Wedding Venues in Essex, MA

The Best Urban Wedding Venues in Essex, MA

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34 Wedding Venues in Essex, MA

Urban locations
Boston Bowl 
Boston, MA
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor

Boston Bowl is the perfect location for the active, fun loving couple! After parties are our specialty, who wouldn't want to bowl the night away?! Our entire facility can hold up to 350 people, and our Xperience Lanes & Lounge can hold up to 75 with a full bar, high top tables and 6 lanes of bowling. We have both candlepin & tenpin bowling, a huge state of the art arcade, billiards room with space to mingle, eat & drink & a full service restaurant, DW Brewpub.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Offers full-service amenities
  • Multiple event spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • Does not allow pets
Harry Parker Boathouse - Community Rowing Inc 
Brighton, MA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $3,500

Harry Parker Boathouse, located in Brighton, MA, hosts both indoor event spaces and an outdoor tent (40' x 70'). Located right next to the docks, the tent gives stunning views of the Charles River providing an elegant area for hosting your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. This waterfront space offers a mixture of a splendid, serene setting and a contemporary design. Boasting ample space for the happy couple to host their ceremony and reception, this truly is a wonderful venue that matches the unforgettable nature of your amazing occasion. Contained within the boathouse is a 3,040 square-foot space called the Community Room that provides a charming place for throwing the festivities which you have always wanted to experience. This space is on the 2nd floor, and it also offers two balconies that overlook the scenic Charles River. A calm, beautiful, and picturesque place, there's as much to admire inside as there is on the outside. The boathouse is easy to get to and offers free parking.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Dressing room available
  • Provides lighting and sound
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • No in-house catering options
  • Does not provide event staff
  • Best for events with big guest lists
The Loring-Greenough House 
Jamaica Plain, MA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $800

The Loring-Greenough House is a jewel of a preserved Georgian country mansion set on two acres of landscaped grounds in the center of one of Boston’s greenest neighborhoods, Jamaica Plain. The authentic historic surroundings are the perfect setting for a modern-day wedding, anniversary party, holiday fête — or any one of life’s special occasions. Gathering amidst the elegance of the 1760s estate is one way to celebrate your future and share in preserving the past.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Lush gardens
  • Both indoor and outdoor options

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Lighting and sound are not included
F&D Weddings 
Acton, MA
  • Up to 350 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $5,000

Whether you're looking for wedding venues for your ceremony and reception, a rehearsal dinner, or a post-wedding brunch, Frolic & Detour will delight you with a variety of options to welcome your guests and celebrate with them! We are a full-service venue, offering exquisite food, two full-service bars with 20 beers on draught and top shelf liquor, elegant flowers and decor, along with ceremony, cocktail hour and reception sites. Frolic & Detour's most unique feature is our flexibility. We want to make your wedding fabulous, and we can work with almost any budget and vision to accomplish that end.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Both indoor and outdoor options
  • All-inclusive venue packages
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No free parking
  • Not wheelchair accessible

Location flexible? Discover venues near Essex, MA

About wedding venues in Essex, MA

Massachusetts offers an unparalleled backdrop for your wedding day with historic mansions in Boston's Beacon Hill, lighthouse-dotted shores of Cape Cod and rustic barns nestled in Western Massachusetts' Berkshire mountains. The state's rich colonial heritage gives you venues in buildings dating back to the 1700s while modern spaces showcase innovative architecture and contemporary design that can make your celebration truly unique.

What Makes Massachusetts Wedding Venues So Special?

The Bay State combines distinct regional characteristics to create unique ceremony experiences for your special day. In Boston and Greater Boston you'll find historic landmarks like Boston Public Library where you can exchange vows in elegant reading rooms then celebrate with receptions offering harbor views at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket feature oceanfront estates like Wychmere Beach Club with direct beach access and sunset ceremony opportunities that create magical memories. Western Massachusetts offers converted tobacco barns featuring original beam architecture and mountain backdrop photography locations perfect for couples seeking rustic charm.

How Much Do Massachusetts Wedding Venues Cost?

Massachusetts wedding venues average $9,954 which typically represents about 17% of your total budget compared to the national range of $6,500-$12,000. Prices vary significantly by region; Boston and North Shore venues command premium prices while Western Massachusetts and South Shore offer more affordable options that might better fit your budget.

For a Massachusetts wedding expect total costs around $26,015 for 50 guests, $43,197 for 100 guests, $59,346 for 150 guests, $73,773 for 200 guests, $88,200 for 250 guests and $102,626 for 300 guests. Planning ahead helps you accommodate these costs in your overall wedding budget.

Which Massachusetts Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Commons 1854 in Topsfield stands out with accessible parking ramps and a chairlift for wheelchair users accommodating up to 200 guests comfortably. Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge offers stunning Boston skyline views while Renaissance in Haverhill provides a scenic golf course setting for your celebration. Always contact venues directly to confirm specific accessibility features that meet your needs and those of your guests.

What Budget Items Should You Consider for Your Massachusetts Wedding?

ServiceAverage Cost% of Budget (150 guests)
Florists$8,17714%
Venue$9,95417%
Bar Services$6,37111%
Catering$7,96313%
Photographers$4,9848%

When Should You Book Your Massachusetts Venue?

Massachusetts couples typically book venues 15 months before their wedding date with September bookings requiring even earlier commitment due to popularity. Boston venues frequently book earlier for prime Saturday dates while Sunday or Friday weddings offer more immediate availability if you're planning on a shorter timeline. Reaching out to venues early gives you the best chance to secure your preferred date.

Where Can You Find Outstanding Food in Massachusetts Wedding Venues?

Hampshire House in Boston offers exceptional well-plated cuisine with stunning views of Boston Public Gardens perfect for intimate weddings up to 75 guests who appreciate fine dining. The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton serves outstanding creatively crafted dishes with delectable hors d'oeuvres and mouthwatering main courses in a rustic yet magical setting your guests will rave about. Avenir in Walpole provides in-house catering with personalized service in an elegant ballroom setting that creates a memorable experience.

Book your tastings early and ask about seasonal menu options to experience Massachusetts' renowned culinary scene on your special day and create a menu that perfectly complements your celebration.

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