a couple walking along a sidewalk with a white house and bushes next to them.

From rustic inns to coastal getaways, here are the best small wedding venues in MA for intimate and memorable celebrations.

The Best Small Wedding Venues in MA (Updated for 2025 and 2026)

Advice

a table, chairs, and placemats under a wooden awning.

Hosting a small wedding is a beautiful way to create an experience that feels intentional, grounded, and true to you. With a shorter guest list, you can slow down, savor the details that matter most, and spend more meaningful time with your favorite people. It also opens the door to invest in stunning photography and curate a day that feels deeply personal! Luckily, there are so many small wedding venues all across MA to choose from. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal escape, a cozy inn, or an elegant ballroom, there’s a space that fits your vision.

A quick note: when I say small wedding, I usually mean celebrations of around 40 guests. Gatherings this size naturally feel more intimate and center around a connected, shared experience.

Small Wedding Venues in Boston, MA

Encore Boston Harbor

Encore Boston Harbor offers a luxurious wedding experience, complete with onsite catering and florists to help bring your vision to life. While they host celebrations of every size, they shine as one of the best small wedding venues in MA. Couples can exchange vows in the picturesque gazebo or on the Harborside Lawn, with a beautiful indoor space available as backup. Their packages also include custom brunch or high tea menus, a bridal bouquet, and a boutonniere. To make your experience even more special, you can relax in a beautiful hotel suite and treat yourself to their spa!

  • Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149
  • Max Guest Count: 75

Warehouse XI

Warehouse XI is a modern, industrial space in Somerville that’s ideal if you’re looking for a blank canvas to bring your small wedding vision to life. Its oversized windows, soaring ceilings, and white brick walls are all ready to be styled your way. It’s also the only warehouse venue that’s close to Boston proper, making it convenient if you or your guests are staying in the city.

  • Address: 11 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
  • Max Guest Count: 150

Lenox Hotel

In the heart of Boston, the Lenox Hotel is one of the most elegant small wedding venues in Massachusetts. It’s filled with classic charm, highlighted by a gilded Dome Room with grand pillars and gold accents. Their micro wedding package includes a catered dinner, cake, open bar, and rentals, making it easy to relax while they handle the details!

  • Address: 61 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116
  • Max Guest Count: 60

Hampshire House

Nestled in Beacon Hill, Hampshire House is a gorgoues venue that overlooks the Boston Public Garden. With its stately fireplace and warm interiors, it’s an especially lovely setting for a winter wedding. It’s earned awards from Zola, The Knot, and WeddingWire, so you can count on a premium experience here.

  • Address: 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
  • Max Guest Count: 100

Boston Public Library

Known for its incredible architecture and history, the Boston Public Library is also one of the most luxurious Boston wedding venues. For celebrations with fewer than 50 guests, you can exchange vows in the courtyard, enjoy dinner in the Courtyard Tea Room, and dance the night away in the Map Room Tea Lounge. Their in-house caterer, The Catered Affair, will work with you to create a menu that feels just right.

  • Address: 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 
  • Max Guest Count: 50

SRV

For food lovers, SRV, or the Serene Republic of Venice, is an Italian-inspired restaurant that doubles as a chic wedding venue. Ceremonies can be held on the rooftop, followed by a delicious dinner and drinks. The menu showcases refined Italian dishes paired with thoughtful wines and cocktails. It’s the kind of meal your guests will rave about long after your ceremony is over!

  • Address: 569 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118
  • Max Guest Count: 114
couches and a fireplace at Oceanview of Nahant, one of the best small wedding venues in MA.

Small Wedding Venues on Boston’s North Shore

Oceanview of Nahant

Oceanview of Nahant is a coastal gem with sweeping views from both its indoor and outdoor spaces. If you’ve always dreamed of getting married by the sea, this is one of the best small wedding venues in Massachusetts to make it happen. Their wedding packages include food, drinks, ceremony space, and rentals. You can enjoy the day without the stress of piecing everything together.

  • Address: 0 Willow Rd, Nahant, MA 01908
  • Max Guest Count: 50

Small Wedding Venues on Boston’s South Shore

Mirbeau Inn & Spa Plymouth

Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Plymouth is a small, romantic wedding venue that feels like you’re stepping into a European country without leaving Massachusetts. Manicured gardens and Art Deco-inspired indoor spaces make this venue perfect if you’re looking for a romantic, boutique feel. Their all-inclusive packages are thoughtfully designed to make planning simple while keeping the focus on intimacy and ease.

  • Address: 35 Landmark Dr, Plymouth, MA 02360
  • Max Guest Count: 80 

Pelham House Resort

On Cape Cod, Pelham House Resort is a favorite Massachusetts micro wedding venue for its incredible oceanfront setting. Their intimate wedding option includes a breezy beach ceremony, a private dinner in the Nantucket Sound Room, and rentals for the day. It’s the ideal way to blend a relaxed seaside vibe with thoughtful touches of luxury!

  • Address: 14 Sea St, Dennis Port, MA 02639
  • Max Guest Count: 40

Cohasset Sailing Club

If you love the ocean, the Cohasset Sailing Club offers a charming and scenic setting. Founders’ Hall, their waterfront event space, can be rented for up to four hours, giving you just the right amount of time for a heartfelt ceremony and cozy reception by the water. It’s only available during certain times of the year, so you’ll want to plan your wedding accordingly.

  • Address: 19 Lighthouse Ln, Cohasset, MA 02025
  • Max Guest Count: 50

Hammond Castle

Hammond Castle is one of the most unique small wedding venues in MA. Perched on Gloucester’s rugged coast, its medieval-inspired architecture combines romance, history, and drama in one close-knit space. Their Petite Wedding package includes exclusive use of the Great Hall, Courtyard, and lawn overlooking the sea. It’s an unforgettable backdrop for a celebration with your closest people!

  • Address: 80 Hesperus Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930
  • Max Guest Count: 20
Herb Lyceum Greenhouse, with chairs and string lights.

Small Wedding Venues in Western MA

Herb Lyceum

Herb Lyceum is a true hidden gem in Groton. With lush gardens, a welcoming greenhouse, and incredible food, it’s one of my favorite small wedding venues in MA. You can exchange vows surrounded by greenery, then enjoy a reception filled with seasonal flavors. I loved photographing Amanda and Tom’s intimate wedding here. It’s the kind of venue that feels magical from start to finish.

  • Address: 368 Main St, Groton, MA 01450
  • Max Guest Count: 180

Publick House Historic Inn

For a homey, quintessentially New England experience, the Publick House Historic Inn is a great option. This timeless property has been welcoming guests since 1771, and today it offers all-inclusive packages for small-scale celebrations. With charming guest rooms right on-site, you can easily turn your celebration into a relaxed weekend getaway with family and friends!

  • Address: 277 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566
  • Max Guest Count: 40

Inn on Boltwood

In the heart of Amherst, the Inn on Boltwood brings together elegance with timeless architecture and beautifully kept grounds. Their small wedding package includes a farm-to-table four-course dinner, a bouquet, and even a complimentary room for your wedding night. It’s a setting that feels classic while still being incredibly personal.

  • Address: 30 Boltwood Ave, Amherst, MA 01002
  • Max Guest Count: 30

Glendale Ridge Vineyard

For wine lovers, Glendale Ridge Vineyard offers a relaxed, scenic venue with panoramic views. You can choose between several reasonably-priced indoor and outdoor spaces, and add a wine tasting to your reception if you want. It’s a laid-back setting that still feels special and celebratory.

  • Address: 155 Glendale Rd, Southampton, MA 01073
  • Max Guest Count: 64 

Mass MoCA

As one of the largest centers for contemporary visual art and performing arts in the United States, Mass MoCA is the perfect small wedding venue if you’re seeking an artsy and contemporary vibe. This world-class museum in North Adams has galleries and exhibits that double as one-of-a-kind backdrops. They offer a package designed for small celebrations, so you can share the museum experience with just your closest family and friends.

  • Address: 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
  • Max Guest Count: 25
candles, flowers, glasses, and a dinner menu.

What to Know When Researching Small Wedding Venues in Massachusetts

Be Mindful of Your Guest List

Every venue defines a small wedding a little differently, so it helps to know your numbers before you book anything. Spaces like Warehouse XI are more flexible and can host larger guest counts, while places like Hammond Castle keep things more close-knit. Keeping your list in mind will make it easier to find the best fit.

Start Your Search Early

Some small wedding venues in Massachusetts book up quickly. Others, like the Cohasset Sailing Club, are only available during certain times of the year. If you’re set on a specific location, it’s a good idea to reach out as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing it.

Embrace the Flexibility of a Small Wedding Venue

​​One of the best parts of hosting a small wedding is the range of spaces that you have access to! With a big celebration, you’re often limited to hotels or large ballrooms. But with a smaller guest list, you can explore options like restaurants, boutique inns, museums, or other spaces that reflect your personality.

Choose the Right Amount of Photography Coverage

With a smaller wedding, you likely won’t need as many hours of photography as you would for a larger celebration. I usually suggest starting around six hours of coverage since your timeline will tend to be shorter and more relaxed. I’ve written a full blog about how to figure out the right amount of coverage for your wedding day if you want a deeper dive.

A small wedding is all about slowing down, being present, and creating meaningful memories with your favorite people. And with so many beautiful venues across the state, there’s no shortage of Massachusetts small wedding venue options to choose from.

If you’re dreaming of something even more personal, I also have a guide to planning an elopement in Boston. And when you’re ready to bring your vision to life, reach out! Let’s create some magic together.


Small Wedding Venues in MA Vendors

All Photography by Kerri McWade Photography

Encore Boston Harbor: 

Catering, Florist & Venue: Encore Boston Harbor

Rings: Day’s Jewelers

Dress: Maggie Soterro

Glendale Ridge Vineyard:

Venue: Glendale Ridge Vineyard 

Catering: Blue Door Gatherings

Florals: Forest Flowers

Hair + Makeup: JGal Beauty

Inn on Boltwood:

Venue: Inn on Boltwood

Florals: Little Pond Flower Farm

Oceanview Nahant:

Venue: Oceanview of Nahant

Florals: Just Bloom’d Weddings

Cake: Love and Flour

Looking for more wedding photography advice? Check out these posts below!

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