Crane Estate weddings are an all-time favorite of mine! The mansion is iconic, and the grounds are beautiful, stately, and romantic. The estate provides views of the ocean and multiple stunning gardens. It is also down the street from one of the most beautiful beaches in Massachusetts. Read on for my complete guide to Crane Estate weddings!
Option 1: The Great House on The Crane Estate
The Great House on The Crane Estate is the most iconic aspect of the estate. The mansion was built in 1928 and is so stately and grand. Everywhere you turn throughout the mansion you are greeted with stunning architecture. It sits atop a hill (Castle Hill) and overlooks sweeping lawns and rolling hills that lead down to the ocean.
Weddings at the Great House give you access to multiple areas of the estate. Ceremonies typically take place on the lawn in front of the mansion, overlooking the rolling lawns. Cocktail hour is held on the lawn and terrace as well – and guests are able to explore the first floor of the mansion. Finally, dinner takes place under a permanent tent which is located to the East of the mansion and provides guests with the most romantic atmosphere. Crane Estate weddings at The Great House are suitable for up to 250 guests.
But what I love the most about weddings at The Great House are all of the areas to explore.
A short walk from the Great House is the Italian Garden which is filled with gorgeous greenery, fountains, and terraced paths. The garden has so much history! After walking through the Italian Garden you arrive at the next hidden gem, the Rose Garden. These gardens are truly so magical!
Additionally, when facing the ocean from the mansion you have the opportunity to walk down Castle Hill toward the Casino. A symmetrical stone staircase provides access to the Casino with its own enchanting garden and romantic surrounding buildings.
The Barn at Crane Estate and Steep Hill Beach at The Crane Estate
The Barn at Crane Estate is another option for your Crane Estate wedding. It was built with Italian-style architecture and provides such a cozy experience. Terra-cotta walls, the green tiled roof, and the post-and-beam interior all give you the feel of being at a Tuscan villa. The Barn is located at the base of Castle Hill and has gorgeous views of the ocean and salt marshes below. It is also unique from The Great House experience as the building sits in a more wooded area and gives off more of an intimate vibe. The Barn can accommodate up to 120 guests for your wedding.
The third area where you can hold your event at Crane Estate is Steep Hill Beach. Events here are held under a tent and overlook the beautiful ocean! Steep Hill Beach is a slightly more casual option for weddings and events as compared to the quite formal feel of The Great House.
[Looking for more estate wedding venue options? Check out this post!]
Why I Love Crane Estate for Weddings and Engagement Photo Sessions
Crane Estate weddings are some of the dreamiest weddings to take place in all of New England. I love that this property completely transports you to a romantic time and place. The different ceremony and reception settings are all unique from one another, but each is so beautiful in its own right. And the fact that the estate provides so much variety like this is amazing!
Also, a short drive away is one of the North Shore’s most picturesque beaches, Crane Beach. This is ideal for engagement photo sessions – we can capture moments at the estate as well as the beach! Crane beach has sweeping coastline views, a huge sandy beach, and lots of dune paths. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend checking it out!
Looking for a Boston Wedding Photographer?
As a Boston wedding photographer, I find every corner of Crane Estate to be the perfect backdrop for your photos. It is classic, timeless, and downright stunning. I would absolutely love to photograph your Crane Estate wedding, simply fill out my contact form and I will be in touch to learn more about you and your vision!
Vendor Credits
Venue: Crane Estate – https://www.craneestateevents.com/
Planner: Opal and Ivory Events – https://www.opalivory.com/
Dresses: Tulle Bridal – https://www.tullebridals.com/
Hair: Victoria Vitale Hair – https://victoriavitalebridal.com/
