New England is defined by four distinct seasons and the ways in which we enjoy each and every one of them, well, almost all of them, depending on who you ask. As New England seasons go, summer is a standout! From Boston to the Berkshires to the Cape, there’s plenty to enjoy during the summer months. If you have chosen the warmer season for your Boston wedding, you’ll need some inspirational wedding ideas for summer! 

Emerging from a year of reimagined and postponed weddings, at Jodi Raphael Events, we are looking forward to the removal of restrictions placed on large gatherings and a summer filled with celebrations. This article will discuss some unique options for wedding locations, venues, and ideas for summer weddings in and around Boston! 


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 By the Sea

It’s summer in Boston! Can you smell the salt air? When summer arrives in Boston, people are excited to be by the water. Lobsters, clam bakes, chowder, and cold libations by the shore, can it be beat!?  North Shore, South Shore, and the Cape & Islands all have their seaside charms, but there is something uniquely sophisticated about a Boston harborfront wedding.

wedding ideas for summer
Photo courtesy of Jill Person Photography

Boston’s Seaport area has a variety of hotels and unique venues, perfect for a seaside wedding. The Seaport’s recent resurgence means it’s almost impossible to visit the area without seeing a new restaurant, hotel, or outdoor venue being built or opening up. 

One of our favorite options for a Seaport wedding venue is the Institute of Contemporary Art. With its sweeping view of the Boston skyline (a perfect wedding ceremony backdrop!) and unique artwork on display, it offers a unique wedding experience. The Boston Harbor Hotel is another waterfront treasure offering delicious catering, beautiful harbor views, and a gazebo for photo ops. Exchange Conference Center, catered exclusively by the award-winning East Meets West is another venue on our list of favorites. The combination of seaside sights, sounds, and dining options will leave wedding guests fully satisfied with the summer wedding experience. 

If you’re really looking for a dramatic oceanfront wedding event, you can’t anymore ocean-centric than sailing with your entire wedding party! The Liberty Fleet of ships in Boston harbor has sailing options for wedding parties, complete with catering options. It doesn’t get much more New England or Boston than that! 


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In the City

If you’re seeking a summer wedding option that is both unique and a little closer to the city’s heart, why not consider the Museum of Science? Yes, you read that correctly, the renowned Boston Museum of Science is available for wedding venue rentals, and it’s just amazing. A perfect summer in the city venue, you’ll find breathtaking views of the Charles River, Cambridge, and Boston Skyline. The outdoor patio is a prime location for warm summer afternoons and evenings, and even better, when you’re done outside, you and guests can explore some of the interactive exhibits! 

weddings ideas for summer
Photo courtesy of Jill Person Photography

If you prefer something more traditional for a summer wedding venue, The Newbury on the Commons offers timeless and beautiful spaces for a summer wedding, inside and outside. The Garden Room overlooks the Public Garden and offers over 2800 sq ft of space for a gorgeous ceremony – old beauty meets modern refinement. 

Something Different 

The warm summer weather provides wedding location opportunities that aren’t available at other times of the year. And, one of the most interesting and potentially exciting opportunities is to host your summer wedding at a Boston Zoo. Yes, you also read that right, the zoo!  The Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo offer wedding packages for a novel and memorable event.  These zoos have lovely gardens and tree canopies to hold the ceremonies, and yes, there are options to meet and mingle with the animals! 

Need help discovering wedding ideas for summer? Our event planners and wedding coordinator are here to make sure your summer wedding is as enjoyable as a day at the beach! Please reach out with any questions.

wedding ideas for summer
Photo courtesy of Jill Person Photography
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