2024 Top Wedding Destinations From A Destination Wedding Planner - Boston, MA
Your wedding location will forever be represented by the coordinates of where you officially said “I do” - regardless of where it lands on the map. From the east to west coasts and even abroad, this big world is filled with special venues and places that can make you feel like you’re the only people on it.
With just an easy flight from the south to the northeast, you’ll land in one of America’s most historic regions of New England - packed with quaint coastal ports and cultural cities that make for great wedding and event destinations. We packed our bags and traveled up to tour some of the top venues and are breaking down a must-do itinerary of what to see and where to go to decide if this is the place for you to officially tie the knot.
Wedding Weekend Venues
After visiting the mountainous community in Highlands, NC, our next stop was Boston, Massachusetts - home to luxurious venues like The Four Seasons and The Newbury Boston, that are dream-worthy locations for hosting a wedding weekend. Each location is just steps from Boston Common, allowing couples to still see incredible garden backdrops while being safe from the weather, when it comes time for the celebration.
The Newbury Boston is definitely the new kid on the block - positioned on the corner of Newbury Street and Arlington Street - you couldn’t be in a better location in Back Bay. This building first opened its doors in 1927, as one of the Nation’s first Ritz-Carlton hotels. In 2018, Highgate Hotels purchased the property and set to restore each room, event space and common space to its original ‘old-world glamour’ and become once again a landmark in Boston. The event spaces have large floor to ceiling windows that overlook either The Boston Public Garden, Newbury Street or Comm Ave. Built-in bars and common spaces are immaculately designed making it effortless in creating a luxurious event for your celebration.
The Four Seasons Boston is a tried and true staple within the city, also situated along Boston Common on Boylston Street - you again, can’t pick a more central location for your guests. The impeccable service that you have come to know and love at The Four Seasons does not miss a beat here. Although they have recently redesigned their restaurant space, Coterie, and their second floor breakfast space, Aujourd’hui, their iconic staircase overlooking The Boston Public Library is the perfect location for either a first look or private moment throughout your wedding day. For those with a more intimate guest count, The Sanctuary is a cozy and exclusive courtyard within the hotel center that will give you an outdoor space while also still giving you privacy. Whether you prefer a grand approach or romantic and personal, you are sure to find a space that works just right.
Event photos are not ours.
Where to Stay
While you can always opt for a stay at the most familiar resorts, part of experiencing the city like a local is to stay like one and who better to give the inside scoop than our Lead Designer, Allison Newton, who lived in the area?
For this trip, I decided to try out The Newbury hotel and I was pleasantly surprised with the size of the room - which had a large sitting area, spacious bathroom and plenty of space to move about. The bed was luxurious and having turndown service is a lovely bonus when on the road. Again the location was perfect, easily able to walk down Newbury for shopping and Boylston for lunch. Arlington station for the T is just a block away making it truly so easy to get anywhere in the city.
Of course, the Four Seasons is always a top choice in almost any city we are visiting. With polished rooms and top-tier service, the hardest decision will be which location in Boston? You may decide to stay at the classic 200 Boylston address and enjoy the new renovations and secret snack vaults on each floor or try the brand new One Dalton Street, the 61-storey modern skyscraper complete with a Wellness Floor and the world-renowned Japanese izakaya-inspired restaurant, Zuma.
Some other favorite hotels if you want to try something away from the Back Bay area, would be the Boston Harbor Hotel, the waterfront hotel is located at Rowes Wharf, overlooking (you guessed it) the Boston Harbor. For those that love baseball and are catching a game at Fenway Park while they are in town, then Hotel Commonwealth is a must with an easy walk to the iconic stadium. Lastly, we love The Liberty Hotel overlooking the Charles River. This hotel original built in 1851 was the Charles Street Jail, now a national historic landmark and #19 in the world by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023.
Things to Do
If you’re hosting a full wedding weekend experience, then curating a list of things that your guests can do, during any downtime, is a great way to accommodate them. In Boston, there is no shortage of incredible activities to coordinate.
Depending on the season, maybe it’s an afternoon baseball game at Fenway Park or a Duck Boat Tour through the city. If you have a group that loves art then a stop at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts must be on the list. Go shopping on Newbury Street or stroll through the North End, making sure to stop in for a cannoli or two. Truly with so much history and easy access, the opportunities are endless.
Where to Eat
New England is far from sparse, when it comes to culinary experiences and activities. From fresh lobster and seafood to specialty pizza, you are sure to find a quintessential taste of coastal indulgences on every corner.
In Boston, we really loved our meals at the rooftop restaurant Contessa. The space was designed by Ken Fulk, who did not miss a beat in ensuring guests felt like they comfortably stepped back in time. The menu is inspired by the effortless elegance of the Trattoria’s of Northern Italy and home in Boston’s Back Bay. Selections range from imported salumi, house made fresh pasta, to dry aged Chianina Beef.’
Although we typically lean into Italian influences while we are in Boston, The Coterie was an incredible meal with its French brasserie inspiration. From specially-selected cheese boards and bluefin tuna coterie to roasted organic chicken and lamb shoulder entrees, we were pleasantly surprised that we had room to finish the mouth watering apple bread pudding for dessert.
Although you can get fresh seafood almost anywhere in Boston, some of the best comes after waiting in a long line outside Neptune Oyster or from a small family-owned since 1925 spot called James Hook & Co. If Sushi is more your style and you’re not on a budget, then look no further than O Ya - one of the best small plate Japanese-inspired restaurants. They expertly guide you through a flavorful experience you will never forget. Boston truly has something for everyone from Italian in the North End to Thai food in Cambridge, Caribbean food in Jamaica Plain, or Armenian food in Watertown.
Lastly, if you’re just looking for a quick lunch or coffee spot. We love the freshness of the menu at Life Alive and Tatte Bakery - both have many locations for any neighborhood of the city. Also off the beaten path, Bamboo Beach Juice Bar has the best açaí bowls and smoothies.
A Postcard-worthy Place
If you’re looking to transcend ordinary and opt for a unique getaway, then look no further.
The charm of New England is one timeless thread that makes it an exciting and breathtaking destination to host your events. From its history, luxury, and opportunities to explore, this coastal climate is rich with personality and serene landscapes, making it a highly-recommended place for our couples to make it official.
Remember, it’s not about where you are, it’s about who you’re with - but a location that has it all is definitely a pleasant plus!
Want to learn more about planning a destination wedding? Get in touch.
