I might be biased, but I don’t think that there is a better place to get married than New England. Sure, four months out of the year we all sit by the heater, grow “New England male” beards, and get a little rough around the edges, but other than that you can’t lose. Fall has beautiful foliage showcased in places like the Berkshires and Vermont, Spring has lush greens and blooming flowers that make every golf-course venue pop, and summer brings us all down to Narragansett for vows near beaches and castles. Boston is a staple in every season
Boston Harbor and the Boston Seaport are perfect wedding locations. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
Planning a Boston wedding means embracing the charm of the city’s skyline, ocean breeze, and iconic venues. While downtown Boston can be busy, the energy and elegance of a Boston Seaport wedding make it one of the most sought-after locations for couples looking for a stunning urban backdrop. Take a walk around the Seaport on a weekend in the summer and there will be wedding parties galore - for good reason.
Getting Married at the Boston Harbor Hotel
As a Boston Seaport wedding photographer, I’ve captured some of my favorite weddings at the Boston Harbor Hotel. This venue is gorgeous inside and out, making it one of the best wedding venues in the Boston for couples who love a mix of classic and modern style. I don’t think anybody gets married within a mile of this place without getting their photos taken at the grand archway leading to Foster’s Pavilion and the water.
Bridal party in front of the Boston Harbor Hotel entrance. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
This place also has wedding planning down to a science. This is a big place with rooms for weddings of all sizes and during peak season they have multiple weddings going on every weekend and holiday. This sounds like a negative, but there is plenty of space for everyone and their staff makes everything flow like it should. With everything that is going on in a wedding it is nice to be at a venue that knows how to handle it.
Wedding guests dancing in the Boston Harbor Hotel. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
For more information about getting married at the Boston Harbor Hotel, visit their site.
Weddings in the Boston Seaport
You don’t need to get married at the Boston Harbor Hotel to take advantage of breathtaking Seaport wedding photography opportunities. Many couples, even those getting married in the suburbs, make a trip to the Boston Seaport for their portraits because of its stunning waterfront views and city skyline. The stretch from Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park to Rowes Wharf is most popular and makes a great walk for post-ceremony couples portraits.
A bride and groom under the arches of Boston’s Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
Another awesome venue, especially for small events is Davio’s North Italian Steakhouse. I shot a very small wedding here and while this was more of an elaborate dinner-party than a wedding, the harbor views from the floor to ceiling windows and closeness to the waterfront were incredible. I also enjoyed what had to have been the single best wedding meal I have ever had at Davio’s. Learn more about Davio’s by clicking here.
Two handsome grooms with the Boston skyline behind them. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
It is a bit further inland (by a block or two) but the North End’s Filippo Ristorante is also a place I have loved working. The two-toned checker interior, exposed bricks, and old wooden walls covered in photos of past visitors (stars and presidents alike) really remind you that you’re in the heart of Boston’s North End. The layout of the second floor puts the dance floor at one end of the space with the rest of the long room dedicated to dining. This means that there’s a spot for everyone - whether you want your hearing to go fuzzy after a few minutes near the DJ or you would rather catch up with family in a quiet(er) corner on the other side of the room. Bonus points for the North End views outside the windows. Click here to learn more about Filippo Ristorante.
Dancing at Filippo Ristorante in Boston’s North End. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
Getting Married on the Water: Boston Harbor Cruise Weddings: Always Beautiful but Remember Weather in New England
Whether you host your entire wedding aboard a Boston Harbor Cruise boat or just the reception, nothing captures the essence of a Boston waterfront wedding quite like watching the skyline fade into the distance as the festivities begin.
Wedding guests onboard Boston’s luxury yacht, the Valiant. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
I’ve spent a lot of time photographing weddings on the Odyssey (City Experiences), one of the most popular cruise venues. While it’s a spacious boat, any Boston Seaport wedding photographer will tell you that ship weddings come with trade-offs—especially when it comes to space and lighting. This applies to every Boston Harbor cruise option.
If the weather is nice, there’s no issue. Guests can enjoy fresh ocean air, scenic views, and even a little island sightseeing (nothing says romance like pointing out Shutter Island filming locations!). Once the dancing starts, nobody minds being below deck.
However, if it rains, plan B means moving the ceremony indoors. That’s why hiring a Boston Seaport wedding photographer who knows how to work with lighting in tight, dim spaces is essential (like me—hire me!).
A bride and groom’s first dance on Boston’s Valiant yacht. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
But if the weather cooperates, there’s truly nothing better than a cool summer breeze on deck as guests soak in the city skyline under the stars.
While a large ship like the Odyssey often has multiple events going on at once (think of these boats as the Boston Harbor Hotel in boat form), a more private option is the Valiant (Charles River Boat Company). This yacht can accommodate a lot of people but still feels like a more intimate experience with guests often spread out on various levels. It is small enough to know your way around by the end of the night but large enough to not feel cramped. I have never not had an awesome time as a photographer on the Valiant chiefly because couples and their guests tend to be happy on this vessel and that makes my job a lot easier.
A wedding sunset onboard the Valiant in Boston Harbor. Photo by Tom Godfrey, Boston wedding photographer.
Are you getting married in the Boston Seaport and looking for a documentary-style photographer who knows his way around? I would love to hear from you! Fill out the contact form below and I will send you my wedding photography guide with lots of photos and information (including pricing).
