I don’t think it’s possible to love weddings at the Boston Public Library any more than I do. It is by far one of my favorite wedding venues in Boston!
I’ve been fortunate to photograph a few different weddings there, and it’s an amazing experience every time.
So, today I wanted to share all of the reasons why the BPL makes such an incredible venue, and why you should definitely consider it in your search!
Why I Love Weddings at the Boston Public Library
The primary reason why the Boston Public Library makes such an incredible venue is because of the grandeur of the building. It’s known for its historic grand architecture, iconic spaces, and stunning events.
No matter where in the building you hold your event (more on that shortly!), you and your guests will feel spectacular in the surroundings, and your photos will be epic.
The Boston Public Library is also stunning in any season. This makes it a great option if you’re considering a winter or spring wedding before summer or fall foliage is in full swing. It’s such an elegant space any time of year.
Even after sunset, when your photo opportunities are reduced at other venues, the BPL shines. The lighting highlights the intricate architecture of the building. I photographed a November wedding for Sarah and Greg where their ceremony even took place after sunset, and it was such a magical moment.
For this wedding, Design Light Co. did an amazing and comprehensive job lighting all the spaces. They’re a great team to work with if you’re considering a wedding at the Boston Public Library!
Boston Public Library Wedding Venue Options
With weddings at the Boston Public Library, you have lots of options for where to host your wedding. They have a number of event spaces that give you lots of variety and flexibility to plan a wedding that suits your vision.
The building is also closed to the public during weddings, and the staff’s attention is directed solely to you and your event.
The variety of spaces also allows you to hold any size wedding. They can accommodate large weddings to intimate elopements, and anywhere in between.
Here are the spaces:
The McKim Building & Lobby
The McKim building is the building you likely picture when you think of the Boston Public Library. It’s the iconic 1895 Renaissance Revival building with the grand stairs and entry doors overlooking Copley Square. If you’ve ever passed through Copley Square on foot, you’ve probably sat on the iconic steps outside!
Then the McKim Lobby is the space just inside the grand entrance from Copley Square. The lobby has an intricate stone staircase and beautiful sculptures.
Chavannes Gallery
Located at the top of the grand stone staircase in the McKim lobby, the Chavannes Gallery. This space is beautiful for portraits or as a gathering space for your guests.
McKim Building Courtyard
This space is truly magical. The courtyard houses an elegant fountain, manicured gardens, and stately walkways. It can be a ceremony space or a gathering space for your cocktail hour.
The courtyard also has access from the second story, allowing a birds-eye-view for photographs.
The fountain is a showstopping centerpiece of the whole space. And it’s powered all the way through late fall! (Just not run when there’s a possibility of freezing.)
Guastavino Room
The Guastavino Room is an elegant space perfect for a reception. The room’s design features vaulted ceilings, exposed tiling, and some neat architectural contrasts. The space also has a catwalk with bookshelves to continue the library theme throughout the space.
The Map Room Lounge & Courtyard Tea Room
These two spaces are elegant, and each has a distinct ambiance. Together, they can offer guests a varied cocktail hour experience.
The Map Room Tea Lounge is decorated with historic maps of Boston. It has high-arched ceilings and the building’s original chandelier. And the Courtyard Tea Room is a beautiful space with lots of natural light and ornately detailed ceilings, and another original chandelier. It gets its name because it overlooks the stunning courtyard.
McKim Exhibition Hall
The McKim Exhibition Hall is a grand space with vaulted ceilings and exposed tile. A daytime or brunch wedding would be lovely in this space as it gets great morning sunlight.
Bates Hall
Bates Hall is the iconic room in the Boston Public Library where you’ll find the classic library tables with the green light fixtures. It’s the most recognizable room in the library.
If you’re going for full library vibes for your wedding, I definitely recommend having your reception in this space! Your guests will love dining on the solid oak dining tables lit by the green lanterns.
Though the space is large, with 50-foot vaulted ceilings, your reception will feel really warm and intimate.
The Abbey Room
The Abbey Room is another great space that will give your wedding that classic library feel. The room is cozy and elegant, with historic oak wainscoting lining the walls.
The centerpiece of the room is an exceptionally large mural of Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail by American artist Edwin Austin Abbey.
There is also a beautiful fireplace in the room, built of French Rouge antique marble. A great space for a cozy drink!
Boylston Hall in the Boylston Street Building
Lastly, if you are looking for a modern space at the Boston Public Library, you will love Boylston Hall! It is a newer space and has a contemporary and stylish feel to it. The space is a unique contrast to the historic architecture of the rest of the Library.
Boston Public Library Wedding Cost
Given the variety of spaces, the event planning staff at the BPL is able to work with you to find the option that works best to suit your vision as well as your budget. They’re equipped to help you plan anything from an intimate gathering to a large-scale luxury reception.
You can learn more about their current pricing on their website, as well as what their suggested wedding flows are, catering options, FAQs, and more.
Boston Public Library Elopements
And speaking of intimate gatherings, the BPL recently started offering an option for couples looking to elope!
This package is an incredible option if you’re looking to plan something intimate and less traditional, but still want the space to be really special.
Boston Public Library elopements take place in the Guastavino Room. You have access to the room for one hour, and you can invite up to 12 guests (of all ages). Your photographer and officiant do not count towards the 12-person guest limit!
The BPL provides you with chairs for your guests and will place your ceremony decor for you as well.
During your one-hour appointment, you can take photos within the Guastavino Room and around the exterior of the McKim Building (including the outdoor courtyard!) and Copley Square.
As of April 2025, the rental fee for this package is $200, and elopement appointments are available on select Mondays each month.
[Planning a Boston elopement? Check out my comprehensive guide here!]
Boston Wedding Photographer
If you’ve been thinking about a Boston Public Library wedding, hopefully this guide has given you lots of helpful information!
I truly can’t reiterate enough how much I love weddings at the Boston Public Library. The staff are great, the visual setting is spectacular, and you’re right in the heart of downtown Boston, which gives your guests so much to do if they’re traveling in for the weekend.
And now that you’re narrowing down your venue search, the next step is to select additional vendors such as your photographer!
Even if you’re early on in your search, I love helping my couples brainstorm ideas for their day.
If my style of documentary photography resonates with you, I’d love to meet you! Reach out through my contact page, and I’ll be in touch to hear all about your vision.
