Recently, I came across an article about “Micro Weddings” which gave me hope for how weddings might evolve to meet the demands of our new normal. What is a Micro Wedding you ask? According to Brides.com “A micro wedding is an intimate affair, typically with no more than 50 guests. They still feature time-honored traditions that make a wedding but on a much smaller scale.”
When thinking about your little big day a smaller guest count will open you up to some amazing and unique venues for your micro wedding. I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite venues in and around Boston that I think would be perfect for smaller guest counts.
1. Loyal Nine (Cambridge, MA)
Loyal Nine boasts a direct relationship with farmers and artisans and a focus on New England culinary traditions. Their space can accommodate groups of up to 130 for a seated dinner so they are well covered for any micro wedding. Their patio is perfect for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour and with a location in the heart of Cambridge it is easily accessible to any out-of-town guests. I am glad I have gotten to photograph two weddings here, both were some of my favorites of all time!
2. Breaktime Bowl & Bar (Pawtucket, RI)
For those couples in search of a unique venue, look no further than Breaktime Bowl & Bar! The duckpin bowling alley was built in the 1920s and was later restored to its current retro state. With a no fuss burgers-and-fries centric menu and bowling for cocktail hour, guests will be feeling nostalgic while celebrating your big day. I have not photographed a wedding here, but it was a perfect space for this wedding’s cocktail hour + portraits.
3. Waterworks Museum (Boston, MA)
Located right off the Green Line in Cleveland Circle, the Waterworks Museum is a historic venue with tons of flexibility. You’ll find perfect portrait locations among the industrial backdrops of the museum's retired waterworks system or beautiful front entryway. Also, the picture-esue reservoir is just across the street for some great nature shots! And I have shot here three different times, each one was totally unique from the previous!
4. Warehouse XI (Somerville, MA)
The best thing about Warehouse XI, located in Somerville, is that it is a blank canvas. Their white walls leave space for any creative vision you may have for your micro wedding. There’s also two rooms so you can have good movement from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. The two weddings I photographed here were both so amazing that we decided to use this space for a party of our own!
5. Overbrook House (Buzzard’s Bay, MA)
With its Cape Cod campsite vibe and multiple houses to choose from, there’s tons of flexibility with this venue. Tons of different spots to pick for different parts of the day. Plus you can even stay on-site with your guests! I’ve photographed three killer weddings here, and I liked it so much I recommended it to my friends for their wedding!
6. Pagu (Cambridge, MA)
If food is the priority for your micro wedding, Pagu is worth some serious consideration. Their large event dishes include a whole suckling pig roast or a massive chicken or seafood paella! Their beautiful space can accommodate many different configurations and they are easily accessible right in Central Square. I photographed a wedding here on one of the hottest days ever, and they still pulled off an amazing day!
7. Massapoag Yacht Club (Sharon, MA)
Looking to have a micro wedding on the water? The Massapoag Yacht Club may be the place for you. Their beachfront is the perfect place for an intimate ceremony and their indoor space just screams “lobster bake”! I was fortunate enough to photograph an amazing intimate wedding here a few years back!
8. Alden & Harlow (Cambridge, MA)
Alden and Harlow is located right in the middle of Harvard Square and serves thoughtfully sourced, honest American food in a subterranean, modern and comfortable space. Their dark and moody vibe is unlike any other venue in the area. And who wouldn’t want portraits in Harvard Square?
9. CK Pearl (Essex, MA)
CK Pearl, based in Essex, is a great seaside venue with classic New England food. They have several unique portrait locations nearby and have the perfect set-up for an intimate reception. The wedding I photographed here had some of the best food I’ve ever had!
10. The Sinclair (Cambridge, MA)
The Sinclair, centrally located in Harvard Square, is part restaurant, part music hall, part event venue. They have tons of space available to fit a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in the same building. And who wouldn’t want to see their name up on that marquee? The Sinclair is truly one of the most unique micro wedding venues in Boston.
If you want to know more about having me photograph your micro wedding whether it be in Boston, around New England or wherever please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can fill out my contact form here!
Disclaimer: All gatherings should be in compliance with the guidance of public health officials