Charming wedding venues with lush gardens and striking architecture always have my heart. As a Boston wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing weddings at some of the most stunning properties in and around the city. And The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley, MA, is definitely one of my all-time favorites! I’ve even included it in my list of favorite venues across New England.
If you’re looking for an elegant venue with a garden party feel, you’re going to love this venue. So today I’m sharing everything I love about the Gardens at Elm Bank and what makes it so special.
About the Gardens at Elm Bank
Located just about 30 minutes outside of Boston, the Gardens at Elm Bank sits on 36 acres along the Charles River, spanning Wellesley and Dover. It’s managed by the Massachusetts Horticulture Society and is a stunning and historic property filled with 12 manicured gardens.
I love the variety that each of the different gardens gives to your day, and your guests will love being able to tour the gardens during your event.
They offer both indoor and tented options for your reception space, so you have lots of options regardless of the season you choose for your wedding
Of all their spaces, the most common area for receptions is the Hunnewell Building. This space is the historic carriage house on the property.
It can hold up to 150 guests for a seated reception with dancing, or up to 200 for a seated reception without a dance floor. And for really large weddings, it can accommodate up to 300 guests for a cocktail-style event.
During the warmer months, you also have the option to rent both the attached tented space and the Hunnewell Building for even larger parties, making it such a versatile option.
The other common spaces on the property for weddings are the Italianate Garden (perfect for ceremonies or cocktail hour), the Belvedere Cocktail Space, the Bressingham Garden, the Hartley Botanic Greenhouse, and the Goddess Garden.
This venue is a perfect option if you’re looking for an elegant space with scenic outdoor settings within a short drive of the city.
[Want to see more from Elli + Cam’s wedding at the Gardens at Elm Bank? Check out this post.]
Why I’m Especially Drawn to the Gardens at Elm Bank
The Gardens!
All of the gardens are absolutely spectacular. Each one has a different energy to it, which adds a nice variety to your images. One of my favorite parts of weddings at Elm Bank is wandering the gardens with my couples for their portraits.
Ceremonies in the Italianate Garden
Ceremonies in the Italianate Garden are breathtaking. The Manor House as a backdrop is classically charming, and it’s complemented beautifully by the fountain and greenery.
It’s Beautiful After Sunset As Well
During the daylight hours, the gardens are magical. But the venue is even stunning after the sun has gone down! They’ve installed bistro and garden lights to give your event a romantic feel all evening.
The Hunnewell Building is a Blank Canvas
Being a historic carriage house, the Hunnewell Building has lots of character and charm. But it’s also a blank canvas for your reception! It has large windows and extra-high ceilings with white brick walls, so it’s completely customizable to your decor style.
Boston Wedding Photographer
Hopefully this has given you lots of ideas for your Gardens at Elm Bank wedding! I really adore this venue and believe you will too. Especially if you’re looking for a garden party aesthetic for your day.
And if you’re still searching for your photographer, I would love to meet you! My approach is to photograph your day with intention, capturing each moment authentically to tell the story of your day naturally and with heart. If this resonates with you, reach out to me through my contact form, and I will be in touch to hear all about your dreams for your wedding!
