From Massachusetts' layered history and heritage to its stunning natural resources, wedding ceremonies can carry any flavor imaginable. Boston is a glorious city for a wedding with all of its culture and history. Couples have enjoyed their ceremonies at the State Barn (with its elegant views), Trinity Church (ranked among the nation's greatest buildings and colored with stained glass windows by famous artists) and on the city's great yacht charters. The Emerald Necklace consists of six miles of gorgeous parks complete with water, colorful blooms and historical trees. Cape Cod offers its own special nuances with boardwalks, lighthouses, beaches and quaint artistry. The North Shore boasts the 2100 acres of the Crane Estate with dramatic sea views, the Mansion on Turner Hill, the Botanical Gardens and of course Gloucester's lovely beaches. And the South Shore is often celebrated through its sprawling state parks.
It can be difficult to know where to begin when envisioning your Massachusetts wedding ceremony. Remember to consider your guests. You may love the idea of a mountain wedding, but if many of your guests are elderly, or even very young, this could pose difficulties. Think about the number of guests and how that relates to the practicality of a given location. Do they have special needs? Will you have a religious ceremony? Some faiths dictate that ceremonies must take place within a house of worship. Remember, too, that the earlier you book your ceremony site, the better your prices will be. Consider the following as you begin your selection process:
- Know your budget.
- Determine when you need to book (different venues have different parameters for advance booking).
- Where is your site in relation to your reception, and how will guests comfortably move from one spot to the next?
- Is your ceremony site close to guest hotels/airports, etc.?
- Is your ceremony site tourist friendly? (Are there other activities nearby for your out-of-town guests?)
- Does site offer an officiant?
- How will you decorate (if you have chosen a church, find out if you are allowed to decorate)?
Massachusetts provides every possibility for a wonderful wedding. As you explore the plethora of options, just remember to let your choice reflect your own visions of beauty.