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great estates
Private estates are the Boston area’s hottest wedding venue
right now. But finding one of these unique spaces requires a
little extra legwork. Here’s what to look for. By Simone Hill
1 2 stunning surroundings
Another selling point of these mansions
turned venues is their picturesque properties,
which boast acres of lawns, gardens and
waterfront views. And the best part: Unlike
a resort or botanical garden, you get the
scenery to yourselves. Center Hill Estates
(CenterHillEstates.com) in Plymouth offers
an idyllic location right on Cape Cod Bay,
with beautifully manicured lawns backed by
views of the Provincetown Lighthouse and the
Atlantic Ocean beyond. Enjoy a toes-in-thesand photo shoot on the private beach.
3 wow factor
Take a cue from these grand settings
and arrange for an unforgettable ceremony
entrance or reception exit that’s just as
dramatic as the venues themselves. At Glen
Magna Farms in Danvers (GlenMagnaFarms
.org), make a memorable entrance among
hundreds of heirloom roses through the tall
ornate gates of the Derby Summer House,
which leads straight into the Rose Garden.
You’ll be the picture of romance: The property
actually has professional harpists on its list of
preferred vendors to set just the right mood! >>
Codman Estate Carriage
House and Gardens
Exchange vows in the
property’s Italian Garden
surrounded by flowers,
classical urns and statues.
PINK ORCHID WEDDINGS
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character
The great thing about private estates is that
they come with built-in style. Look for standout
details and historic references you can tie into
your décor and theme. Overlooking the Charles
River, the Victorian-style Commander’s
Mansion (CommandersMansion.com) in
Water tow n was commissioned by the
Watertown Arsenal’s commanding officer in
the Civil War, Thomas J. Rodman. Immerse
yourself in history at this elegant and stately
mansion that’s a reminder of Massachusetts’s
role in the formation of modern-day America.
The Bradley Estate
The historic Georgian-style
mansion’s brick-edged formal
garden makes a photoworthy ceremony spot.
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4 a variety of event spaces
With their multiple rooms and abundant
land, grand estates can provide a range of
diverse backdrops to fit every part of your
wedding day. At The Harding Allen Estate
(Harding-Allen.com) in Barre, you can kick
off your celebration by welcoming guests in
the grand foyer alongside the hand-carved
staircase, get the party started with a cocktail
hour in the living room and then host a night
of dinner and dancing in the Fountain View
Ballroom. If you prefer the outdoors, take
your pick of the Grecian-inspired pergola or
the vintage-landscaped lily pond.
6 full-service event amenities
Although private estates have plenty
of pros, we’d be remiss if we didn’t fill
you in on a few of their drawbacks and, of
course, solutions on how to get around
them. To start, some residences and historic
buildings may not be capable of handling a
large-scale event without hauling in extra
equipment. And renting fancy porta-potties
and extra generators can quickly multiply
your budget—and your to-do list. So go for
the stress-free option: Book a venue that
comes wedding-ready, like Willowdale Estate
(WillowdaleEstate.com) in Topsfield, which
provides tables, chairs and a custom Sperry
tent complete with lighting, heaters and
fans, to ensure your guests are comfortable—
without forcing you to break the bank.
7 adequate kitchen facilities
Add the kitchen to your list of things to
inspect. Despite their size, some estates don’t
have enough space for the catering crew or the
equipment necessary to serve a meal for 100plus guests. While many caterers will provide
their own equipment, understand the extra
expense required before you sign on. To solve the
problem, look for an estate like Codman Estate
Carriage House and Gardens (CodmanEstate
.org) in Lincoln, which features a fully equipped
catering kitchen and a complimentary on-site
planning meeting with your caterer.
8 space for all your guests
Depending on the era in which a home
was built, the rooms may not be all that roomy.
Once you add in tables, chairs and a stage for
the band, you’re not left with much space.
That’s why we love The Estate at Moraine Farm
(EstateatMoraineFarm.com) in Beverly,
which can accommodate up to 350 for an
outdoor tented wedding. So go big or go small
with your list and rest assured that your guests
will all feel comfy and accommodated.
9 easy access
Having tons of outdoor space is part
of the draw of a private estate, but all that
acreage requires, well, space, which often
means an inconvenient location (read: getting
there can be a challenge). The Bradley Estate
(BradleyEstate.org) is located just 20 minutes
south of Boston in Canton, close to Interstate
95. An on-site, shaded parking lot for up to 125
cars is an added convenience for your guests.
10
a rain plan
Certain historic estates don’t allow access
to their interiors. Even if you plan on taking
advantage of their grounds by hosting an
outdoor event, you want to make sure there’s
an indoor option you love just as much. The
Henderson House (TheHendersonHouse.net)
in Weston has two floors of event space inside,
including the double-stairway reception hall
and the formal dining room with stone walls.
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Find more venues near
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NEIL GORDON
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5 ample accommodations
Since many properties were once deluxe
residences (and some still are), you might have
the opportunity to rent out the entire venue for
both your wedding and your wedding night. At
The Inn at Castle Hill in Ipswich, situated among
the lush rolling hills of the 2,100-acre seaside
property of The Crane Estate (CraneEstate
.org), your bridal party and out-of-town guests
will only be steps away from attending your
wedding, making it a no-brainer if you have
lots of friends and family members who will
need overnight lodging.