Need help finding New Eng. site for outdoor wedding
 

My son has asked me to chase down possibilities for a wedding site in Massachusetts, or possibly NH, Maine or RI. They have no money, and her parents and we have little more than that. In addition, they say they want to have their two dogs in attendance (maybe even as attendants) because they met at a dog park and they consider themselves part of a 12-footed family.

Their idea is to perhaps find a beach-front beach house (that could accommodate some out-of-town family) . I thought maybe they could also consider a state park in a scenic area with a clubhouse in case the weather gets bad, which it probably will. Would love to find a place near a lighthouse for them, but that'll be a (wait for it...) tall order.

For something completely different, I've looked at the Mary Martha Chapel by the Wayside Inn for the ceremony, which we could afford (just the service in the Chapel, not the reception), but that leaves open the question of where to have the reception/"picnic."

In any case, I suspect "catering" will be largely family-supplied.

You're going to ask what time of year. Not set yet, but I'm going to urge them to plan it for late spring or early fall to avoid summer prices.

Anyone had a social event - family reunion or ... - in such a place, or have a suggestion re: location/facility?

Halibut Point State Park in Rockport comes to mind. It's very, very scenic there. There is an area with greens with some picnic benches, so you can have a picnic there.

Since it's a state park, you can't "reserve" it, but if your party is small, I don't think it'll be too much of a problem, esp if you go there off-season.

Dogs are allowed to the State Park.

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/halb.htm

There are not so many large beachfront rentals (especially affordable) as you would presume.

Depending on the location, early fall rates may be higher than summer rates.

We attended a wedding once in a state park where the couple was married on the pitcher's mound of the ball field. Everyone was asked to bring their own picnic. The groom's mother brought a cake. It worked out very well!

Well, the National Seashore should get a call. Maybe they permit it. Also contact the Commodore Inn/Hotel in W. Harwich. They might be able to help. There is a beach down the street from them.

I'm going to ask whether you are local (you write catering might be family supplied) or if you will require hotel accommodations (more $), and how many of you will there be? Your geographic area of interest is large and would suggest an overnight stay will be needed in some instances.

The Martha Mary Chapel in Sudbury MA is stunning for a wedding. I live nearby and enjoy seeing the wedding parties preparing for the ceremony, riding in horse drawn carriages to take their wedding photos at the grist mill, and milling on the lawn following their wedding ceremony.

I would suggest contacting the Wayside Inn and inquiring about having a picnic on the grounds of the Inn or at the Grist Mill.

I know families and small groups often picnic at the grist mill. I don't know if there are other locations on the Inn's grounds that might be available and I don't know if you would be permitted to bring in food since the Inn has it's own function rooms (restaurant, kitchens, etc). It's a long shot but worth inquiring.

You might check for conservation lands or state parks in the local area that could be used.

I searched for outdoor function settings in MA and found some lovely ideas: historic homes, country inns, seaside estates, etc. There are many options but they are often very expensive.

See, for example, the Pierce House in Lincoln MA:

http://www.piercehouse.com/

I held my wedding here 25 years ago. It's a beautiful setting and the house and grounds are lovely.

The rate schedule is included at the site. It appears reasonable for the area, but considerably higher than the chapel rate. You could have the ceremony and a reception at the Pierce House which might mitigate the expense.

Or, the New England Wildflower Society Garden in the Woods in nearby Framingham, MA:

http://www.newfs.org/visit/rentals

If you are not familiar with the Garden, it's a lovely wooded setting with gorgeous native plantings in extensive natural gardens. The Garden hosts outdoor weddings and has a function hall. Dogs are not allowed at the Garden but perhaps an exception for a wedding could be requested. Rates are posted at the website, ceremony and reception rentals look reasonable.

I'm sure others will have suggestions based on personal experience and/or knowledge of their local area. There are so many options.

Enjoy your planning and here's to a happy day!

I just noticed that for the MA State Park, you have to request a special permit ($35) in order to hold a wedding. So, if you are considering Halibut Point State Park or other MA State Parks, take a look at this http://www.mass.gov/dcr/permits/index.htm

Perhaps late spring is not a good idea for some locations such as NH during black fly season. August is usually popular for outdoor events because of lack of bugs. We just had a big 4th of July get together. During the day there weren't any bugs but one evening the mosquitos were fierce.

DS and DIL got married on a tight budget. They ended up getting married in our small riverside town park. The setting was lovely. We only put out chairs for the older guests. People were able to walk across the road to the town/grange hall for the reception. The hall was a reasonable rental fee and we had full use of the kitchen and outdoor barbecue pit (my sister and her family have a lot of experience grilling chicken for a crowd and donated their services as a wedding present). There are Grange halls throughout New England that might work esp if they are close to a scenic area. If it had rained, then the wedding ceremony would have been in the town hall, too. Dogs weren't specifically invited but one couple brought their dog (with a tie).
State parks with pavilions would work too.
Family catering can work out well but we also hired a local lady who caters to be kitchen boss and take care of the buffet table.
Best wishes.

In RI, look at the area from Missquamicut to Naragansett for beach front rentals. If you choose the shoulder season, the rates may be more reasonable.

Thank you so much for your helpful answers. I love Halibut Pt., yk; and portiaperu, thanks for your detailed suggestions.

Our son lives near Boston with his fiancee but has only been there a year after living on the West Coast for 5 yrs.. We live in NC (where he went to h.s.), but I grew up in Mass. and still have many friends and relatives there.

They - like many at that stage of life - are a little starry-eyed about what they'll be able to do on a tight budget. They claim they can't possibly have fewer than 100 guests (it's true, both families are large and extended, but . . . ), and so far they've found a very pretty, pet-friendly large ocean-front house on Boston's South Shore that's very expensive, but they're expecting to get a break if they're only there two days. I don't know how realistic that will be (they're now thinking of mid-May, so maybe . . . ). Moreover, I don't think they have any idea how much food it will take to feed 100 guests.

I will keep your great suggestions handy, though, in case they hit a wall and ask again. Know I'm supposed to keep my opinions to myself, but having been an event planner (nevermind being mother of only-child groom), it's hard at times. I think it's a good thing my son can't hear the sighing coming from NC.

Unfortunately, it's unlikely that they'll get a break on a two-day rental, since most rental houses are really set up for weekly (or longer) rentals, since the costs associated with turn-over don't make economic sense for short-term rentals. It does, however, never hurt to ask.

Parks are always nice venues for informal weddings, and while I don't have any specific information on State Parks in New England, parks in general often offer really spectacular settings for very small money.

A couple of years ago we stayed at a very old-fashioned resort in Maine, Poland Spring Resort, which offered very low-cost wedding packages that clearly included pretty much anything you could think of for a single price. There were a couple of weddings while we were there and it looked like they did a good, if somewhat old-fashioned and not terribly fancy, job. This was typical of our experience vacationing there, as well, and we enjoyed our stay, but it reminded me strongly of places I'd been taken to as a child (I'm in my forties), which wouldn't exactly have been cutting-edge even then.

Hm, you might try Sebasco Resort in Maine.

Here's a link to a list of outdoor sites: http://www.maweddingguide.com/planni...s/overview.htm

They list some parks, I noticed.

One word about beach weddings. We attended one a couple of years ago in mid-September in the Manchester-by-the-Sea area of Massachusetts. The ceremony was held on the beach with the reception in a beachfront club. The weather was fine but there had been some Atlantic storms, so even though we were in a protected harbor area, the sound of the waves crashing made hearing the ceremony all but impossible for everyone but those in the front row.

Good luck with your search! Off season it seems more likely that you could rent a beachfront house for a weekend rather than a week.

I live on Nantucket which doesn't meet any of your criteria and is foggy as hell to boot, esp in May and June. I know of places where the family and friends could not see the bride, groom and minister owing to fog -- and they were only 20 feet away! At another beach wedding, the congregation ignored the bride and groom to watch a pod of whales offshore. So I would not encourage a seaside wedding in May or early June in much of SE Massachusetts.

Having said that, do you know Westport Point, MA? It is a tiny village almost in Rhode Island and has an inn which has to be googleable. We saw a wedding party there last summer, and it looked really nice and very casual.

You guys are great, and continue to be. Thanks.

Okay, here's the update: They were told by the place in Plymouth that neighbors had complained about the house being used as a commercial enterprise when it involves parties of more than 30 or so people - easy to understand why, but I suspect that would be a problem no matter where they look re: beachhouse, private rental property.

I have looked at all the links here - many of which are really wonderful - but in some ways, they're back to square one. They've expanded what they're willing to look at (doesn't have to be beach) but it's still about 100 guests, and after that: their first priority is a place where the dogs would be permitted offleash - which might still include a number of parks in the Greater Boston area (notably Larz Anderson Park), EXCEPT those parks tend to exclude alcohol (worrying, I suppose, about soused unleashed dogs... ;-) ), and they think they need to be able to offer wine or beer to some branches of the family.

I think where we're at, then, might be a barn on private property, owned by understanding people... or some park area where we could have a rented tent and also serve drinks.

Remember, this is me, "M.O.G.," NOT telling them how to have their wedding, just trying to help them research their options.

So:

<i>help!</i> (It's going to be interesting to see how this all works out.)

You wrote barn, and I thought of a venue I hadn't considered (and I drive by it often!). There's a barn in Lincoln, MA that might appeal to your son and his fiancee.

See: http://www.codmanfarm.org/services/

Codman Farms has been operating for 150 years. It's in a rural setting and would be a great place for a casual wedding. Since it's a working farm the barn is just that - an old barn - but it is used for weddings and other celebrations.

Photos of the farm, including the barn: http://tiny.cc/57cea

Cyanna,

I think it will be hard if not impossible to find a public or private park or space to host 100 people with food and alcohol--at no or low cost. No public parks will sanction this because of liability, and private places have the same concerns. They could get away with a small picnic/wedding with a small group, but a large group would be noticed.

Larz Anderson allows dogs off lease only in certain parts of the park (not near the picnic tables) and only until 1:00 p.m.

Good luck to them. Hope they find a place for their dream wedding. I can't think of any free or very low-cost locations without restrictions but will keep it in mind.

I'm not sure if it's a nice enough spot, but Hopkinton state park does have a large group picnic area. We have had work events there with probably close to 100 people. And they allow alcohol if you hire a policeman (at least that was true in the past. The website says no alcohol, but I know we have had beer and wine for picnics, so I think there is a loophole).

The park is nice enough, but the large pavilion is not the most scenic part, its a little distance from the water, and basically a big field with a pavilion and picnic tables.

I have no idea what their rules are regarding dogs.
Here's the website:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/hpsp.htm

Have passed along your suggestions and comments, portiaperu and china_cat. Thank you very much.

cw, they take their dogs to Larz Anderson all the time (after 1 pm, too), so they looked into that first. It might have worked to have the ceremony in the formal gardens (with dogs waiting outside, and then the reception in the more open area but the alcohol issue was the obstacle.

I too think they're going to have trouble w/ the 100 people with booze in a public place idea - the rules might be bent for 6-12 but not 100. But it works better if they begin to figure this out instead of having Cyanna-in-law saying "not going to work."

another idea, though I don't know the cost and this might be out of the budget. But its a lovely place for a wedding.
Tower Hill Botanical Garden, northeast of Worcester MA
http://www.towerhillbg.org/thwebwed.html

Cyanna, I like your attitude of being helpful but having them figure it out themselves.

The on-leash policy is violated often--usually only if you see animal control or someone complains, are there problems. Ticketing is less prevalent now with so many municipal cut-backs.

The most inexpensive place to rent in the area is the Footlight Club in Jamaica Plain. They have quite a large lobby and main room area under the theater. It's located about 3-4 miles from Larz Anderson.

Perhaps Larz Anderson would give them a permit for a large party--wouldn't hurt to call the Town Hall. I like china_cat's state park suggestion too.

http://www.footlight.org/rental.html

WHY. Why would you embark on a "destination" wedding when you (all of you, collectively) don't have the money to do it. It is bad enough when young people want this where family or friends have a "place" to do it. It requires EVERYONE to spend an extra amount of money--getting there, housing, food, etc. It is totally insensitive and unrealistic. Learn to live within your budget, beginning at once.
As for the dog, my son's dog was in their wedding IN a church. it isn't that big a deal.
Your children need to do this for themselves IF that is what they want.
Sorry if this seems harsh. It really isn't. Kids need to learn that if they want things, then they need to work and pay for them. Maybe I am missing something here, but I don't think so.

There are so many wonderful places that people have shared here. Just such great advice and ideas.

But what was originally described as a more intimate wedding, now has 100 guests? I believe in being frugal and not getting caught up with the mass marketed wedding hype and adore barn weddings and beachside weddings.

But I would be a bit apprehensive being asked to drive a couple of hours each way and maybe paying for lodging to go to a potluck barn wedding in which I would personally feel obligated to offer a generous gift.

I hope they take into account where people are traveling from and find a venue that is accessible to most.

Good luck!!!

Another site to pass on, MA farm wedding locations:

http://www.mergeweddings.com/posts/m...ing-locations/

And a forum that has many suggestions for informal, inexpensive, or unusual wedding venues:

http://www.yelp.com/topic/cambridge-...ng-venue-ideas

That's the last of my ideas.

Good luck to the couple!

portiaperu, you've been a goldmine of suggestions - I admit I've tried Googling various things myself, but what you've provided has been much more useful.

Gretchen, there seem to be a number of assumptions or conclusions you've jumped to here - and forgive me, but you’re way off base except about doing things within a budget. So maybe I didn’t explain right.

Far from being selfish about all this, they are <i>not</i> (so far) doing what they originally wanted to do, which was to go to the JOP offices and sign papers, and then spend a little money on a trip somewhere. And I’m sure many Fodorites of a certain age or mindset would think that’s just what they should do.

But they are mindful of what their wedding means to both sets of parents (he’s our only child; she has siblings with checkered situations) and relatives (big families), and they really want to celebrate with friends and family themselves. So they’re doing the their best. But it’s tough to want dogs, space, alcohol, without huge expense and travel, and I’m just trying to help them check out possibilities for something that’s really tricky. They’ve so far asked for no money, although we’ve volunteered to come up with an amount, sadly less than some brides pay just for their dress, I’m afraid.

About a “destination” wedding: This is not a "destination" wedding, by any means; but a wedding “at home” is not feasible. They live in a very small (and rather shaggy) Boston-area apt. with a postage-stamp yard; and neither set of parents lives anywhere near anyone else. They’ve been struggling mightily with the fact that both, fairly large families are spread all over the country, and friends are all over the world. (Moreover, they are non-religious, so a church-basement wedding isn’t an option.)

SO: They’ve been trying very, very hard to figure out a way to accommodate all the family involved. Along that line: the beachhouse idea was mainly an attempt to find a way to provide accommodations for a dozen out-of-town relatives (e.g., both sets of parents) not far from the Boston friends and relatives who could drive there in an hour or two - and also have dogs -- not so much to find an impressive setting beyond their means. They’d estimated they might be able to rent a 16-bed place off season for $1500 for a weekend, while motel rooms for 14 relatives might add up to that much alone, nevermind venue rental. And there’d be a kitchen.


About the dogs: This is one area where I really hope they get more flexible, but they met because of their dogs, etc. etc.. If they asked me, I’d advise them AT MOST to have just their 2 dogs around only for the ceremony and not the reception. But they’re not asking me about this. I repeat: they’re not demanding we arrange anything, they’ve just asked for help with research. So that’s what I’m doing.

Sorry for the length of this, when so many of you have taken the time and effort to try to help - for which I'm very grateful.

Here's an idea that would be cheap cute and fun, and the dog could come too. Revere Beach, there are hotels and along the beach, and right ON the beach there are several gazebos. Then have Kelly's cater the wedding.

Yea I know just dreaming,,,,,,just love Kelly's.

LOVE that idea, travelbuff!

As you know ;) it's hard to find a place that will allow alcohol, dogs, and is public/inexpensive (2 out of three would be much easier).

You might look at Taconic State Park-- just over the Mass./NY border into NY (they allow dogs in at least some areas and alcohol too I believe).

It also looks like VT is pretty well set up for weddings at their state parks. Check out this brochure. http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/weddings.pdf

Most of those I think will be some distance away, but Molly Stark (listed as capacity 60) is not too far from Mass., and Camp Plymouth is around the middle of the state I think.

Congrats and good luck!

"They’d estimated they might be able to rent a 16-bed place off season for $1500 for a weekend".

They might want to estimate again.......16 bed places are few and far between, especially pet-friendly ones.

A couple of my friends have had weddings at private homes on the beach on the Cape. You'd have to do a lot of Googling and calling around to find one but I'm sure you'd find something. The issue, of course, is cost. It's not likely to be cheap, especially since you'd have to rent a tent, silverware, chairs, etc., etc.

A couple of other options to consider. There are 2 Elks clubs that are very nice and on the water. They're not your typical Elks, they're a step-up with pretty scenery. But they are definitely lower cost than other options on the water.

Gloucester MA
http://www.elksatbassrocks.com/

Portsmouth NH (don't think they have a website)

There is an historical house on the lake in Wakefield, MA that is pretty inexpensive--a wedding with a 10 hour rental is $500. Holds up to 80 with a tent.

http://www.hartshornehouse.org/

Yes, it IS a "destination" wedding. Everyone is coming TO the destination, away from EVERYone's homes, and it will be expensive for everyone to do it. THAT is what I mean. It is just the "truth".
Friends who could not afford a big do of a wedding actually had a "pot luck" reception at our church.
In the Italian tradition, rent a hall--the VFW, etc. and have it there--in Boston. Let everyone bunk with their friends. have a good time. Cheap hotel room shared by 3 or 4.

Gretchen,

I'm going to speak out against your criticism and "truth" because your comments appear very mean-spirited and may very well ruin this happy time for cyanna.

Why would you wish to do that?

And, a few thoughts:

Isn't every wedding a destination wedding for some of the party? Not everyone has family and friends in one location. And often family and friends elect to stay overnight no matter the location of the wedding to ensure they are able to party as much as they wish. I'm sure your family traditions are lovely. Key word = your

And, I understood from an earlier post that the majority of family are in MA or the region. Perhaps I'm wrong - I'm not going back to reread.

Next, why are you so so invested in Cyanna's son's wedding that you are engaging in an argument?

I'm enjoying reading the ideas people are presenting and had some fun thinking about where I might have a wedding if I did it all again (which I don't plan to do!).

There, bite my head off too! I'm ready!

The Endicott Estate in Dedham is another historic house you can rent. I think it's pretty inexpensive although I'm not sure how much (or how much they would care about dogs on the grounds).

I don't know if it fits with your budget, but this hotel is about 100 miles north of boston. It is about 600 feet away from Higgins Beach. They have alot of experience with weddings. The food is good. The place is quaint. "Cash", the owners golden retriever will greet you at the door.

I don't think Gretchen needed to be scolded for sharing their opinion. Nor do I understand that you felt it your obligation to scold them. They were being honest with their opinion as everyone on this thread has been.

LittleWing,

I was taken aback at the vehemence in the tone of the remarks. Perhaps being new to the board I am unaware of what is considered acceptable among more experienced members.

I did not intend to scold, but point out that everyone has their own point of view, that it's a happy occasion for the individual posting the question which does not, in my humble opinion need to be answered by with negative remarks that were supplied as the "truth".

The remarks may have been honest, I have no reason to believe they are not what the individual thinks or believes. But they were presented in an offensive manner, for the reasons already outlined above.

I see no reason to thrust my opinion on anyone else. Express it yes, claim it as "truth" no.

If this is the type of remark that is considered "honesty" I would question the civility of board members.

And if MY remarks were not civil I will extend my regrets.

I know if I had posed the question on this thread and was met with such a response I would find my joy dampened.

And, perhaps you can advise - are there rules for engaging others that post in a thread? Is conversation only allowed between the person posing the question and an individual that responds?

My apologies cyanna, for hijacking your thread. I'm out of wedding ideas and I will refrain from further posting.

Wishing you a joyous celebration!

Just had another thought, you might look at a couple of places in Winthrop. There's the Elks Club right ON the water and 2 Yacht Clubs. The Cottage Park Yacht is on Boston Harbor and is frequently used for weddings and can accomodate 100 guests easily and you can bring in food and alcohol, don't know about bringing Fido.

There are also several hotels intown and in the area.

Another option would be Anthony's Restaurant in Swampscott, also right on the water with banquet rooms.

Winthrop is easy to get to, just north of Boston, and you can even arrange a cruise for guests of the harbor.

Ok one more idea, there is now a ferry from Boston to Winthrop, have the wedding on the Ferry and the reception at the Yacht Club.

I apologize for any "tone" in "truth". But I was really trying to define "destination" as not what Conde Nast would say is a "destination wedding" and that this really is.
I have NO desire to dampen any happiness for an occasion as wonderful as this. But reality is sometimes not rose colored. Our kids have all faced the expense of sharing this happy time with their friends, and I do find that they find a way. It can be a real burden. I think the suggestions of the Elks hall (not unlike my suggestion of the "fire hall") is great.
I wish them a great and happy occasion and life after, which I hope they can do within their budget. Just have a GREAT time.

Early on, you mentioned New Hampshire: my daughter was married last July at the Woodbound Inn and Resort in Rindge, New Hampshire; it's on Lake Contoocook, and the ceremony was on the beach, after cocktails also on the beach(and the bride and groom changing into their wedding attire); we then had a dinner and reception in one of the inn's function rooms--which I understand they might not want; however, I think the staff would work with the couple. There are cabins near the beach (and they are indeed cabins, nothing fancy) where many guests stayed; fancier rooms are in the main inn.