Boston’s South Shore is no stranger to beautiful scenery and excellent venues for every type of event imaginable. There’s no question sifting through all the wedding venues can be a daunting task. How do you choose the right South Shore wedding venue for you? Let us help!
With over 12 years experience as wedding DJs in the Greater Boston area, Epic Entertainment DJs have seen their fair share of wedding venues. Below is a list of a few of the south shore favorites and including some essentials to consider when choosing YOUR ideal wedding venue.
What to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Venue?
Your wedding is a big deal. That means every wedding-related decision you make is a big deal — especially the wedding venue you choose. (No pressure!)
This is the space that will set the tone for your big celebration. You want to make sure it represents your vision and style as a couple, in addition to your preferred amenities. Therefore, you want to focus on the criteria that could make or break your reception.
Your wedding budget aside, these are the criteria to consider:
Start Early
Choosing a wedding venue is typically the first on the wedding to-do list for most couples. It’s important to keep in mind that the best venues are typically booked up to 18 months in advance.
So, if you’re planning for a specific venue type or a specific season, you’ll want to start as early as possible to increase the chances of availability. Otherwise, your venue choices may be limited.
The Location
When we say location, we’re talking about two things: Physical location and accessibility.
Envisioning the physical location is usually the easy part. Some couples prefer a waterfront, while others may prefer a more rustic or garden view. However, the venue’s accessibility can be equality as important.
Can the venue be reached easily, or is it out of the way? Are the directions easy to follow for out-of-town guests who are unfamiliar with the area? If you have out of town guest, are there accommodations and ample parking nearby? Where will you and the bridal party get ready? Is there a ceremony space on site that matches your estetis? Where will you take formal photos?
These are just a few of the questions you will want to ask as you choose from your list of wedding venues. After all, you not only want to ensure that the space checks all of your important boxes, but that your guests and vendors, also love the space.
The Style
Choosing a space that aligns with your wedding vision is another important consideration.
Ultimately, your wedding style will come down to your personal preferences. For example, those with a more classic taste will lean towards an indoor venue, like a ballroom. Others may prefer a more modern style that entails a wide-open space and customized decorations.
Figuring out your specific style is one of the best ways to narrow down the list of wedding venues.
The Capacity
The size of your guest list will directly affect your South Shore wedding venue options. While most people think the bigger mistake they can make is choosing a space that’s too small, choosing an oversized space is often dramatically worse.
You want your wedding celebrations to feel full and intimate. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a venue that can fit your total guest count comfortably — and that includes your vendors and the entertainment for the night.
Follow the rules
Before making your decision, be sure to discuss all the limitations/restrictions the venue may have in place. This information can really impact your vision or reshape your celebration.
A few questions to consider. Is the entire space open for photos? Are there any decor options you are restricted from bringing in? Is there a noise ordinance in place? Do you have the option to extend the party the night of the wedding or is there a specific cut off time?
The Packages They Offer
Not all wedding venues offer the same suite of services. As you scope out your options, be sure to take note of the amenities they offer, including catering services, bar services, staffing, and even accommodations and transportation.
If you’re on a budget, finding an outside vendor for these amenities is usually more beneficial. However, you may be looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue to make the planning easier — it all comes down to your preferences and budget.
Just keep in mind that a full venue package will likely take up to 50% of your wedding budget.
The Top South Shore Wedding Venues
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a wedding venue, let’s talk about your options. The South Shore area has a wedding venue to suit virtually every couple’s style. However, figuring out where to start can be a bit overwhelming.
We suggest starting with the following South Shore wedding venues:
With a stellar view of the Boston skyline, Granite Links is a premier wedding venue location that offers several dining spaces and facilities. This includes indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.
You can choose to take advantage of the venue’s Nantucket-style clubhouse overlooking the quarry or take the al fresco route in the Tent with harbor views and, of course, that incredible skyline.
The Villa is home to three unique ballrooms and perfectly landscaped grounds. The Madera Ballroom features two bookend fireplaces and wooden beam accents; the Grand Ballroom provides a beautiful lounge-like space, and the Villa Tent offers a spectacular outdoor space equipped with a fire pit, a large dance floor, and chic chandeliers.
The Lakeview is considered New England’s hidden gem of wedding venues. Here, you have the options for the Lakeview ballroom and courtyard and the Lakeside ballroom and terrace spaces.
Each is a pristine setting fit for the most elegant of wedding visions with its 32-foot cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, and stunning lake views.
The Lakehouse is nestled between the Twin Lakes in Halifax, which makes it one of the South Shore’s most gorgeous waterfront venues — just outside of Cape Cod.
Here, you’ll find two private wedding suites in addition to a full ballroom, indoor/outdoor cocktail space, a courtyard, and gardens. The expansive venue even has a dock that extends over the Twin Lakes, making for limitless photo opportunities.
The Avenir is home to a classic and large domed ballroom featuring two extraordinary crystal chandeliers. The venue can fit up to 400 guests comfortably, making it perfect for large weddings.
Avenir also overlooks an enchanting wooded area that’s accompanied by an airy terrace that’s perfect for sipping cocktails. The venue has also undergone recent renovations to include an indoor ceremony space and a very nice bridal suite.
The Blackrock Country Club offers a grand estate-style aesthetic with sweeping panoramic views of the greens. The venue can accommodate up to 185 guests in its elegant ballroom or up to 250 guests on its regal outdoor terrace.
The venue is also fitted with grand, expansive windows, which allow striking views of the crimson sunset. You can also choose to enjoy it under draping tents and stars if you prefer an outdoor reception.
There will be plenty of wedding-related decisions to make, but your venue is arguably the most important. Of course, the vendors you choose can also add or take away from your venue.
1620 Winery is where Rustic Marries Elegance. This “hidden gem” offers a variety of Wedding Packages from a simple ceremony with a party after for 30 guests, to celebrations of the century for up to 200. With a full liquor selection as well as beer and wine and in-house executive chef, the 1620 Winery has all of the bases covered. You’ll fall in love with beauty and unique charm of the space.
Once a colonial farmstead known as Cherry Hill Farm, the Bradley Estate was transformed in 1902 into a classic country estate. The perfect setting for a beautiful outdoor wedding, or intimate indoor gathering. Seating inside the mansion is up to 80 guests, or you can create your ideal setting underneath a tented reception for up to 180 guests outdoors. Dr. Arthur Tracey Cabot hired noted Architect Charles Platt to design a great house, landscaped grounds, and a complex of farm and estate buildings. Platt adorned the lovely natural setting with manicured lawns, a walled garden, and a brick-edged parterre garden.
With two distinct wedding locations, the possibilities are endless! Newly renovated Tiffany Ballroom and Zachariah’s, are easily personalized to fit the wedding day vision you have always dreamed of. Whether you’re hosting a larger wedding with over 400 guests or a more intimate affair of less than 100, our team is dedicated to creating a breathtaking space that perfectly accommodates all your friends and family!
The Red Lion Inn is a spectacular setting for your wedding, elopement, or vow renewal of any size. From the rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch, they have unique spaces for every event. And with 15 inn rooms, including a special bridal suite, your family and friends will have the perfect place to stay on site.
The Barn’s mix of rustic charm and elegant details make it the ideal backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and events in any season. With enough space to comfortably host up to 250 guests seated or 300 standing, this two-floor space boasts multiple bars, gorgeous chandeliers, customized uplighting, and neutral wood tones.
When it comes to the entertainment, you’ll want to leave that up to us. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding DJs and event planning services.