Top Five Wedding Venues in Salem, Massachusetts
As a wedding videographer based in Massachusetts, I've had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful weddings at venues across the state. But there's something truly special about the historic, coastal city of Salem that makes it one of my favorite places to film weddings. From incredible museums to elegant historical halls, Salem offers a remarkable array of unique and unforgettable wedding venues. In this blog post, I'll take you through some of the top Salem wedding locations I've experienced.
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)
Let's start with one of the most stunning venues Salem has to offer - the Peabody Essex Museum. This renowned art museum, the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States, provides a simply breathtaking backdrop for a wedding. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by world-class art and architecture in spaces like:
Main Atrium
This is the museum's showstopper space - a soaring glass atrium designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie
It can accommodate up to 300 guests for seated dinners or 400 for standing receptions
The dramatic arched glass roof lets in beautiful natural light
Located in the heart of the museum, it provides a striking backdrop of contemporary architecture
East India Marine Hall
Built in 1824, this is one of PEM's oldest and most historic spaces, designated as a National Historic Landmark
With its Palladian windows, polished hardwood floors, and Maritime artwork and chandeliers, it exudes classic New England elegance
The hall can seat up to 150 for dinner or 300 for a standing reception
Also has capacity for up to 250 guests for a wedding ceremony
Garden Atrium
A light-filled, modern space with a tall glass ceiling and access to an outdoor garden area
Perfect for cocktail hours, standing receptions for up to 200 guests, or intimate seated dinners for 50
The indoor/outdoor setting creates a bright, airy vibe
Forbes and Copeland Galleries
These two adjoining art galleries on the first floor provide a more intimate setting
The larger Forbes Gallery can host 70 seated or 120 standing
Guests can also spill out into the Copeland Gallery and outdoor patio
Morse Auditorium
The museum's state-of-the-art 185-seat theater with full A/V capabilities
Well-suited for lectures, film screenings, or presentations as part of an event
In addition to these main spaces, PEM can also accommodate smaller ceremonies in spaces like the Ropes Mansion Garden. The museum partners with its exclusive caterer, Gourmet Caterers, to provide incredible dining experiences. With its combination of historic charm, contemporary spaces, and world-class art, PEM really does offer some extraordinary venue options in Salem.
Hamilton Hall
For couples dreaming of a romantic, historic Massachusetts wedding, Hamilton Hall is a true gem. This Georgian mansion, designated as a National Historic Landmark, features incredible 18th century architecture and details like a grand curved staircase, spring dance floor designed by Samuel McIntire, gilded mirrors, and an Italian chandelier. Up to 160 guests can be seated for dinner in the ballroom, making this an ideal venue for a classic New England celebration.
Some of the standout features of Hamilton Hall include:
The Grand Ballroom
Arguably the crown jewel of the space, with its famous sprung dance floor designed by esteemed architect Samuel McIntire, perfect for graceful dancing
The ballroom is surrounded by large windows, intricate moldings, antique gilded mirrors, and a Musicians' Gallery
Can accommodate up to 160 guests seated for dinner
Other Spaces
First floor Pickering and Brick Hearth rooms for cocktail hour
Bridal suite on the first floor
Third floor Supper Room, originally used for dining
Exclusive use of the entire building for your event
The rental rates are $3,900 (Nov-Apr) or $4,900 (May-Oct) for Saturdays, which includes the 5-hour rental period. See average costs for weddings in Massachusetts here!
Couples are drawn to Hamilton Hall for its undeniable old-world romance and historic ambiance. The Ballroom in particular, with its spring dance floor and lavish details, provides a showstopping setting that instantly transports you back in time.
While the building is not handicap accessible to the upper floors, Hamilton Hall's expert staff can help couples plan extraordinary weddings that celebrate the building's storied architecture and New England elegance. It's a true Salem treasure for discerning couples seeking a timeless, elegant mansion setting.
Olio
Opened in 2019, Olio offers a fresh, modern alternative for Salem weddings. This unique, non-traditional venue was designed specifically with flexibility in mind for New England couples. You can host up to 300 seated guests or 400+ for a cocktail-style reception in the open, customizable indoor space with features like air conditioning and ADA accessibility. Olio's staff welcomes creativity, making it perfect for couples looking to put their own distinctive stamp on the wedding.
The venue itself is a renovated historic building in downtown Salem that was recently updated with amenities like air conditioning, wheelchair accessibility, and enhanced electrical power to accommodate stylish lighting, audio equipment, etc. However, the building still maintains its historical character and charm.
With its versatile open layout and "blank slate" style design, Olio gives you the creative freedom to transform the space however you'd like through your own decorations, furniture rentals, lighting, etc. This allows you to create any desired ambiance - from formal and glitzy to relaxed and bohemian.
Despite being indoors, the high ceilings and large windows give Olio an open, airy feel. The interior exposed brick walls and wood beams provide lots of character and texture.
In addition to welcoming unique stylings, Olio prides itself on being an inclusive venue that celebrates all couples and cultures. The LGBTQ-friendly staff is experienced in serving diverse communities.
With a maximum capacity of 500 guests, Olio can accommodate very large weddings while still maintaining an intimate vibe for smaller affairs of 200 or less. There is also a private suite attached to the main space that can serve as a bridal suite or groom's lounge.
Olio offers a beautiful balance of historic New England architecture and sleek modern amenities, combined with unparalleled versatility to craft your dream unique wedding celebration.
Be sure to use my checklist for your Massachusetts wedding!
Old Town Hall
As one of the oldest surviving municipal buildings in Salem dating back to 1816, Old Town Hall exudes historic New England charm from top to bottom. Featuring Federal-style architecture with brick exteriors, Palladian windows, carved wood details, antique chandeliers, and hardwood floors, getting married at Old Town Hall allows you to truly embrace Salem's rich colonial heritage.
Two-Floor Layout
The versatile two-floor layout provides both an elegant ceremony and reception space. The second floor Great Hall can host up to 150 guests for a seated ceremony or 100 for a seated reception dinner. Downstairs, the Colonnade room can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony or 70 for a seated reception dinner.
Unbeatable Downtown Location
Nestled between the popular Essex Street pedestrian mall and charming Front Street, Old Town Hall's location right in the heart of downtown Salem can't be beat. Your guests can stroll the historic streets, shops and restaurants before and after your wedding.
Indoor Venue
As a fully indoor venue, Old Town Hall provides peace of mind from New England's unpredictable weather. No need to worry about rain or extreme temperatures on your wedding day.
On-Site Coordination
The venue's experienced coordinator will work closely with you to plan all the details and ensure a seamless event flow from your ceremony through reception.
Check out my full guide for more planning tips!
Salem Waterfront Hotel
For a quintessential New England waterfront wedding, you can't beat the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites. Say your vows in an outdoor oceanside ceremony, then move the celebration into the elegant Maritime Ballroom which can host 300 guests for dinner and dancing. This venue offers everything an engaged couple could want - a breathtaking harbor setting, top-notch catering and amenities, luxury guest suites, and an experienced staff to make your waterfront wedding dreams a reality.
The Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites is ideally situated right on Salem Harbor in the city's charming Waterfront District. Its waterfront location provides beautiful views and a quintessential New England coastal setting for weddings.
Ceremony Sites
Couples have several picturesque options for their ceremony at the hotel:
Waterfront Ceremony - Say "I do" with the ocean as your backdrop under a grand arch overlooking Salem Harbor.
Ceremony Green - This lush green space on adjacent Pickering Wharf can host up to 220 guests with white garden chairs.
Indoor Ceremony - The hotel also offers elegant indoor ballroom spaces for ceremonies.
Reception Venue
The Maritime Ballroom is the showpiece reception venue at the Salem Waterfront Hotel. This sophisticated ballroom can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner reception with a dance floor. The space features wooden floors, elegant lighting, and the ability to be customized to couples' visions.
Guest Accommodations
With four room categories ranging from traditional hotel rooms to luxury suites, the Salem Waterfront Hotel can comfortably host all your out-of-town wedding guests. Your wedding planner can assist with setting up a discounted room block.
Catering
The hotel provides exceptional, locally-sourced catering cuisine prepared by their world-class chef. From plated meals to stations and buffets, couples can choose from a diverse menu including New England classics, modern American fare, and fresh seafood. Custom menus are also an option.
Overall, the waterfront setting, spacious ballroom, luxurious guest rooms, quality catering, and experienced staff make the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites an ideal venue for hosting an unforgettable New England-style wedding celebration.
See what working with me looks like!
As a wedding videographer, I feel so fortunate to be able to capture the beauty, romance, and grandeur of these incredible Salem venues. Each location has its own unique story and magic to offer couples. Whether you envision a lavish museum wedding, intimate historic estate, blank canvas for your creativity, quintessential New England waterfront setting, or anything in between, Salem provides a wealth of unforgettable options for your special day. I'm constantly inspired by the enchanting backdrops this city provides to tell the love stories of the couples who get married here. Let’s get in touch!
