Elegant, Timeless Wedding At The Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is one of Boston’s most iconic wedding venues - it evokes luxury and is a perfect venue for you and your partner if you both love history and architecture.
When Brian and Lizzie told me they were planning their wedding here, I couldn’t wait to design their wedding florals to bring their classy, timeless wedding vision to life!
Keep reading to learn more about planning a wedding at The Boston Public Library and take a look behind the scenes at B + L’s gorgeous celebration here!
Brian and Lizzie’s Elegant, Timeless Wedding at the Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library is such a gorgeous venue to dress up for, and I was so excited when Brian inquired because, in another life, we were coworkers! Back in the day, I actually used to go to his team for data visualization needs when I worked in data analytics (truly, this feels like a lifetime ago). It was so much fun to come full circle and design flowers for his wedding rather than him helping me!
For Brian and Lizzie, we went with a classic New England vibe, but leaned more on interesting textures to give their florals a unique twist without being too traditional. I decided to use classic coastal New England wedding flowers like blue hydrangeas, but to make their florals more eye-catching, I also added in pops of purple from lisianthus and garden texture from Queen Anne’s lace.
Brian and Lizzie’s ceremony was in the courtyard of the Boston Public Library, which, in my opinion, is one of the most stunning ceremony spaces in the Boston area! I created small floral pillars to frame the couple without overdoing it.
Their reception was in the Gustavino room, so I designed a fireplace mantle feature behind their abundant sweetheart table, and designed lush compotes for the guest tables, all balanced on a stack of classic books that Lizzie and Brian thrifted together. The whole night came together so beautifully!
All photos featured in this blog were taken by the talented Kat Brackman, who is hands-down one of my favorite photographers to work with and who I highly recommend!
Whatever your wedding vision is, I promise we can create it together through custom florals! What’s most important to me is that we choose florals that actually reflect who you are as a couple and celebrate your love story in all its technicolor glory.
Your Guide to a Boston Public Library Wedding
The Boston Public Library is a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for your celebration and is located right in the heart of Copley Square. It has gorgeous architecture, a rich history, and exudes grandeur. Inside, you’ll find arched windows, grand staircases, soaring vaulted ceilings, and outside, an Italian Renaissance–style courtyard and lush gardens. There’s so much to experience if you plan your wedding here.
Something special about The Boston Public Library also has a selection of ceremony and reception spaces you can choose from, some of which include:
Bates Hall
Bates Hall is for receptions and is filled with wood-paneled shelves with books, inviting reading lamps, and beautiful arch windows that let in plenty of natural light. It can accommodate up to 500 guests.
The Courtyard
The courtyard is a dreamy spot for your ceremony. It has a fountain, gorgeous stonework, and dramatic arches. It’s beautiful for an afternoon or evening wedding and can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The Abbey Room
The Abbey Room is another space for receptions; it’s smaller, intimate, and moody with wood paneling and historic murals. It has a capacity for up to 100 guests.
Guastavino Room
The Guastavino Room is mainly for receptions, but the Boston Public Library also offers a 1-hour ceremony package in the Guastavino Room for up to 12 guests if you want to have an elopement / microwedding at the library. This space has rich textures and stunning architectural details, and a capacity for around 120 guests.
There are even more spaces than the ones I outlined above for a full breakdown on the different spaces available, go here!
When it comes to your ceremony and reception, some of the most popular choices among couples are a courtyard ceremony and cocktail hour, then dinner in the Bates Hall, followed by dancing in the Abbey Room. Another option could be a courtyard ceremony and cocktail hour followed by a reception in the Guastavino Room. Remember, the Boston Public Library also has a 1-Hour wedding ceremony option if that’s more of what you’re looking for!
Another unique feature of this venue is that the Boston Public Library 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 Boston Public Library Wedding Cost?
Wedding packages range from $8,700 – $21,500 - the final cost depends on the spaces you use and your guest count. The price range listed here also includes staffing, setup/breakdown, and tables/chairs. Catering, bar service, rentals, and décor are additional costs. For the most up-to-date pricing information, go here!
Ready To Plan Your Wedding At the Boston Public Library?
I hope you found all this information on planning your wedding at the Boston Public Library helpful. The Boston Public Library is a romantic, luxurious setting for your day and has so much to offer you!
Looking for a florist for your Boston 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!
