One of my favorite aspects of my job as a wedding photographer here in New England, aside from connecting with my amazing couples, is experiencing all the gorgeous venues we have in our area. We’re so lucky to have such a wide variety of scenery – from the city skyline in Boston, to the mountains and lakes in New Hampshire and Vermont, and of course, the incredible coastline. I’m especially partial to anything waterfront, so today I wanted to share a roundup of my favorite waterfront wedding venues in New England.
There’s truly nothing like exchanging your vows and celebrating with your favorite people with the ocean or lake as a backdrop!
My Favorite Waterfront Wedding Venues in New England
1 Whychmere Beach Club, Dune
The Wychmere Beach Club in Cape Cod has been a longtime favorite of mine, but I especially love their newest venue – Dune. Located right on the water in Harwich Port, Massachusetts, Dune has spectacular views in both its ceremony and reception spaces. Their rooftop terrace is perfect for a seaside ceremony or cocktail hour, and their ballrooms feature huge windows with stunning ocean views and great natural light.
You can see more from Alan & Jake’s wedding at Dune here!
2 Rosecliff
Rosecliff is one of the Newport, RI, mansions, and it is absolutely STUNNING. I love it for its Gilded Age architecture, but the ocean views are also epic. The property features expansive lawns that go right up to the cliffs. It’s very Gatsby-esque and a truly classic wedding venue!
If you’d like to learn more about weddings at Rosecliff, I shared all about that in this post.
3 Migis Lodge
Located on Sebago Lake in Maine, Migis Lodge is the perfect venue if you’re looking for a lakefront wedding. You can hold your ceremony right on the lawn overlooking the water, and you and your guests will be surrounded by the beautiful pines that Maine is known for. Another thing I love about Migis Lodge is that you’ll have use of their 1947 Chris Craft boat, which is amazing for photos, or for your entrance to the ceremony! The property also conveniently has overnight accommodations for your guests. If you’re looking for a lakefront venue with an elevated but comfortable atmosphere, Migis Lodge is it!
4 French’s Point
Another waterfront wedding venue that I absolutely adore is French’s Point in midcoast Maine. It’s located right on Penobscot Bay and has breathtaking panoramic views and an expansive property with a timeless atmosphere. French’s Point specializes in hosting your whole wedding weekend with onsite accommodations, giving you lots of quality time with your family and friends, and giving your guests the chance to unwind and relax in the perfect coastal Maine setting.
You’ll have your choice between multiple locations on the property for your ceremony and reception, and their spaces accommodate a wide range of guest counts. If you’re looking for a classic Maine wedding with unmatched views, I definitely recommend planning your wedding weekend at French’s Point!
5 Newport Harbor Island Resort
I LOVE Newport, RI, it’s such a fun town to visit! There are so many great shops and restaurants to explore downtown, and the famous cliff walk to view the mansions is a must-do. If you’re thinking about planning a Newport wedding and a mansion venue isn’t quite your vibe, I definitely recommend checking out the Newport Harbor Island Resort! It’s located right on the water, so you have some incredible views, but it’s also close to the downtown area, so your guests will have lots of options for accommodations and things to do. The vibe is casual but chic, with a beautiful deck for cocktail hour and a lighthouse view for your ceremony.
You can see more from Kristen and Nathan’s wedding day at the Newport Harbor Island Resort here!
6 Crane Estate
Crane Estate is one of my all-time favorite properties, so I’ve shared about it before, but I can’t do this roundup post without giving it a shoutout! Crane Estate is a mansion similar to Rosecliff, except it is located in Massachusetts. It’s situated atop a hill in Ipswich, and perhaps the most spectacular feature of the property is the rolling hills of manicured lawn that lead to the ocean. If you’re looking for a venue with a classic, old-money aesthetic, you’ll definitely want to check out Crane Estate! They have several areas for your ceremony and reception, incredible gardens throughout the property, and of course, amazing ocean views.
7 Misselwood
Another Northshore favorite of mine is Misselwood at Endicott College in Beverly, MA. I love the historic architectural details of the estate, and the views are incredible! Ceremonies typically take place on the lawn overlooking the ocean, and your guests will love exploring the grounds as they arrive. I also love that Misselwood is located within a short drive from Boston, which makes it a great venue if you have friends or family traveling in from out of state. Misselwood has been a longtime favorite venue of mine – I definitely recommend checking it out!
8 The Oceanview of Nahant
I grew up in Nahant, so The Oceanview is especially close to my heart. Nahant is a little seaside community just outside of Boston, so you get the best of both worlds with this venue. The oceanfront views are stunning, and you can walk right out onto the rocky beach for photos following your ceremony. Their space features a ballroom that accommodates up to 220 guests, a cocktail lounge, and outdoor decks that overlook the water. If you’re looking for a waterfront venue that’s super convenient to Boston, The Oceanview is a great choice!
9 The Chequessett Club
If a venue with quintessential Cape Cod charm is more your vibe, you’ll love The Chequessett Club in Wellfleet, MA. It’s a hidden gem on the Cape, and the perfect location for a beach wedding. They have their own private beach, so you can have both your ceremony AND your reception right on the beach if you want! They have an outdoor tented reception space right on the sand, or you can also utilize their Boat House space for your reception as well. The Chequessett Club is classic Cape Cod – you’ll love it!
10 Boston Museum of Science
Finally, for a waterfront venue with city views, definitely check out the Boston Museum of Science. The museum has several indoor spaces that you can rent out for your reception, but they also have a large outdoor pavilion space that is right on the Charles River, which makes for an incredible waterfront reception. You and your guests can relax and enjoy the sunset over the Charles with Boston’s skyline in the background. Weddings at the Museum of Science are a blast and super unique!
New England Wedding Photographer
I hope you found this post to be helpful as you’re planning your wedding! I adore a waterfront wedding and love it when my couples choose a venue with a view. And if you are still searching for your perfect photographer, I’d love to hear from you!
I’m based in the Boston area, but travel throughout New England to photograph weddings and engagements. I take a storytelling approach to your wedding photos, capturing each moment as it unfolds naturally and creating heirloom memories that you’ll treasure forever.
