Your roadmap to a fun day that won’t break the bank
Photo by Pizzuti Photography
Unique Venues under $5,000
Whistler House
The Whistler House Museum
This Lowell landmark takes the cake for offering it all — an urban wedding venue that’s unique, beautiful and affordable! The historic birthplace of world- famous painter James McNeil Whistler is filled with works from New England artists and has a variety of packages for couples from renting out sections of the grounds for four hours for around $600 to the whole shebang — private use of the beautifully landscaped park, Parker Art Gallery and the main house — for around $1,200.
243 Worthen St., Lowell | 978-452-7641 | whistlerhouse.org
Stevens Estate
Stevens Estate
Have a Gatsby-style affair at this swanky North Andover mansion with manicured grounds, volley ball courts and outdoor tent adorned with chandelier lights. The Victorian interior has amazing woodwork, several fireplaces and antique furniture. Renting the venue during peak season (May-Oct.) ranges from $2,700 to $4,950. From Nov.-April 30 you can snag a Saturday date for $3,000.
723 Osgood St., North Andover | 978-682-7072 | stevensestate.com
Smith Barn
Smith Barn at Brooksby Farm
Rustic and DIY is all the rage right now, which sadly means the price for get- ting hitched in a barn is anything but downhome. But the Smith Barn, situated on a picturesque hilltop surrounded by 250 acres of orchards still keeps costs manageable — about $3,200 to rent on Fridays and Sundays and about $4,500 on Saturdays. But this space books up quick, so plan in advance. 54 Felton St., Peabody | 78-531-7456 | brooksbyfarm.org
Fruitlands Museum
Fruitlands Museum
Another rustic, chic spot with sweeping views overlooking Nashoba Valley and farm-to-table menu offerings. Rental rates range from $1,500 to $4,000.
102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard | 978-944-9799 | fruitlands.org
UTEC
United Teen Equality Center
This historic building in the heart of downtown recently underwent thousands of dollars in renovations, making it the oldest green building in the country. The modern and airy main function hall can be rented out for up to five hours for $1,400 on weekends. Hiring UTEC to help cater your big day can get you another 25% off the room rental fee.
35 Warren St., Lowell | 978-856-3976 | utec-events.org
Chelmsford Center for the Arts
The Chelmsford Center For the Arts
A beautiful 1879 Italianate Revival old town hall building overlooking the Chelmsford Common can be rented out for weddings for $2,500.
1 North Rd., Chelmsford| 978-250-3780 | chelmsfordarts.com
Providence Public Library
Providence Public library
Bookish types may daydream about a storybook wedding at Boston Public Library, but for more budget-conscious bookworms, you can still have a grand standing in a literary hall with sweeping stairways, high archways and Corinthian pillars at a fraction of the price — around $3,500.
150 Empire St., Providence, RI | 401-455-8000 | provlib.org
Ocean Woods Resort
Ocean Woods Resort
Beach bums rejoice. This quaint Maine inn will help you host a wedding on the beach for up to 100 guests for $250. An outdoor reception is an additional $1,500 and their simple, cookout-style menu with burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad and clam chowder is $22.95 per person.
71 Dyke Rd., Kennebunkport | 207-967-1928 | oceanwoodsresort.com
Friendly Crossways
Friendly crossways
A destination retreat with a century-old New England barn and farmhouse, this central Massachusetts retreat and conference center is an affordable option for couples who want to make their wedding a weekend-long getaway with family and friends. Exclusive use of the 25-acre property for up to 48 hours can be yours for a rental fee of $4,500.
247 Littleton Country Rd., Harvard | 978-456-9386 | friendlycrossways.com
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