Romantic Secret Garden Wedding at Boston Athenaeum
If you’re looking for a historic wedding venue in Boston that is visually rich but still feels like a location where you can put your own unique spin on your day, then the Boston Athenaeum sounds perfect for you.
When Becky and Dan first inquired about working together, I was *ecstatic*! Not only was their wedding going to be in the beautiful Boston Athenaeum (a dream come true for me), but Becky told me she wanted her flowers (and overall wedding) to feel deeply personal to her and her partner, Dan, giving me trust and flexibility to execute on her vision!
Keep reading to learn more about the Boston Athenaeum and take a look behind the scenes at B+D’s romantic secret garden-themed wedding here!
Becky and Dan’s Romantic Secret Garden Wedding at Boston Athenaeum
As a florist, this was truly a dream wedding for me! First, I have to gush about the venue itself! I have actually been working at the Boston Athenaeum for a couple of years, using the gorgeous library as my coworking space while I do admin and create proposals (in case you didn’t know, being a florist surprisingly comes with a lot of computer time too!).
The space itself is stunninggg, and I had been hoping to do a wedding at the Boston Athenaeum for a long time.
For Becky and Dan’s day, I created a cascading bouquet for Becky and a pocket square boutonniere for Dan, using primarily locally grown flowers! I also designed a birch chuppah, a feature that made me feel as if I were walking through a backyard garden.
We also covered the library's 5th-floor balconies with vines, to really bring the garden vibe indoors!
For florals, Becky had always wanted her wedding flowers to feel like they were inspired by a Sofia Coppola movie, and I LIVE for requests like this!! I researched Sofia Coppola's films to understand colors and textures before jumping into the design for the day.
I ended up going with a textural, romantic secret garden vibe that was reminiscent of the end scene in Marie Antoinette and perfectly fit the library vibes.
I also worked closely with their planner, the incredible Lindsey Purcell, to create a day that was a joy to plan and be a part of from start to finish. The whole event felt so special, from the couple's friend playing the piano during the ceremony to the most enormous shrimp cocktail tower I've ever seen to the groom's old band Speedy Ortiz playing at the reception (with both Becky and Dan jumping in to play/sing with them!).
The couple hired fine art photographer Sinjun Strom to capture absolutely stunning, untraditional photos, both on film and digitally, with each photo feeling like it could be hung in a museum (or inside the Athenaeum itself).
Everything about Becky and Dan’s wedding, from start to finish, was magical, and I’ll be reminiscing about this day and their florals for years to come!
Planning a Wedding at the Boston Athenaeum
The Boston Athenaeum is an iconic spot for your wedding, and it is also one of the nation’s oldest independent libraries. It is a space filled with rare books and original works of art. You’ll find it in the gorgeous Beacon Hill neighborhood, and it also happens to be near the Boston Harbor.
It’s the perfect venue if you’re looking for a place that exudes timeless elegance and grandeur, has a rich history and stunning architecture, and you want a unique backdrop for your day. The venue can accommodate 120 guests for a seated dinner and 250 guests for a cocktail reception when using the entire first floor.
Inside the Athenaeum, you’ll find more than books and art - it also has marble staircases, thoughtful details, statues of Athena, grand arched ceilings, and beautiful lighting fixtures, creating a dramatic and elegant ambiance.
For your ceremony, you can choose from a few different spaces. One option is the stunning two-story Bayard Henry Long Room. This room has a vast collection of art, towering bookshelves, historic architecture, and beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light. It’s a space that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and will enchant you and your guests.
Another incredible option is the Leventhal Lounge, which also has beautiful historic architecture, massive windows, and views of the Granary Burying Ground.
I, of course, also have to mention the Fifth Floor Reading Room, which has tall windows, deep red walls, and dramatic lighting - this room is truly a historic treasure.
Another unique feature of this venue is that the Athenaeum has an exclusive caterer for all events called The Catered Affair. Their specialty is creating fresh and creative cuisine that is sure to delight you and your guests. From The Catered Affair, you can expect delicious handcrafted hors d’oeuvres, entrees, specialty drinks, and a custom menu.
How much does a wedding at The Boston Athenaeum cost?
The price varies depending on how much space you need, with prices to rent ranging from $10,000-$35,000.
Your rental includes:
a five-hour window for your wedding
additional three-hour setup/breakdown time
use of audio-visual equipment
access to event producers
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Boston Athenaeum?
I hope you found all this information on planning your wedding at the Boston Athenaeum helpful. The Boston Athenaeum is an exquisite location for a wedding, combining a library, museum, and cultural center - it’s definitely not your average wedding venue.
Looking for a florist for your wedding? I would love to bring your unique vision to life! Let’s toss out the old wedding norms and craft your very own custom floralscape that brings your love to life in wild, living color.
Althea Floral Design specializes in bold wedding florals and custom floral installations in Boston, Massachusetts, and across New England. Inquire today with Althea Floral Design to get started!
**Photos by Sinjun Strom
