Why choose the Gardens at Elm Bank?
With 36 acres of property spanning two towns along the Charles River, a dozen different manicured gardens and multiple options for event spaces, Elm bank is a dream venue for a wedding celebration. All this variety gives you options to create a personalized day that takes guests through different parts of the estate. With additional backdrops that include towering hedges, fountains, and rustic stonework there are always endless photo opportunities at Elm Bank.
Planning Your Elm Bank Wedding
The Logistics: What You Need to Know
Elm Bank is operated as a private venue, and events are hosted in collaboration with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. That brings a certain level of prestige and also a few practical elements to keep in mind.
- Capacity: Up to 225 guests indoors (Hunnewell Building), more with an outdoor tent.
- Parking: There is plenty of space for you and your guests, with overflow spots available for larger events.
- Vendors: You can choose your own vendors, but they must be approved by the venue.
- Timing: Your event has to finish by 11 PM due to the local sound ordinances.
Pro Tip : Book your date as early as possible, especially for fall weddings when the foliage is at its peak.
Weather Strategy: always have a backup plan
You chose a garden venue because you love the outdoors but weather is the only factor you can't control. That’s why many couples opt to rent a tent or keep the Hunnewell Building on reserve. It features vaulted ceilings, large windows for beautiful natural light, and a blank canvas feel that can be customized to your style.
Pro tip: Have your rental company do a site visit. It ensures the tent layout works with the grounds and doesn’t block foot traffic. It's also especially important to do a walk-through with your photographer so you can pick from the many photo options and agree on a plan if the weather doesn't cooperate.
How to Make It Yours
Elm Bank offers a limitless backdrop, but it can easily be personalized.
Some options for you:
- Custom Signage: Wooden, calligraphy-based, or laser-cut names.
- Garden-Inspired Cocktails: Use herbs from local farms or even Elm Bank’s own garden.
- Live Ceremony Music: String quartets sound incredible outdoors.
- Eco-Friendly Favors: Seed packets, mini succulents, or donations to Mass Hort in your guests' names.
It doesn’t have to be complicated to be special.
Elm Bank Locations
Italianate Garden
This gorgeous space has the feel of a European estate, surrounded by manicured hedges with an ornate fountain and the beautiful Manor House overlooking the garden. With six different layouts available, you will have several options to for your ceremony or cocktail hour.
Hunnewell Building
With almost 3,000 square feet of space, this historic carriage house has room enough for 200 gusts and up to 300 for a cocktail style reception. Vaulted ceilings are adorned with drapery and bistro lighting and the attached tent and courtyard offer even more space for your celebration.
The Tent
This additional seasonal space allows for a 20' x 20' dance floor and you can even add extra seating for your guests. There is also and option for a separate tent rental in the Maple Grove which has over 17,000 square feet of lawn for receptions during the warmer months.
Elm Bank Wedding Cost
2026 venue Rates
(9 Hours for the Hunnewell Building with attached tent or Maple Grove)
May22-October 12
Friday: $10,000
Saturday: $15,000
Sunday: $9,000
Monday-Thursday: $6,000
Ceremony Fee: $1,500
Tenting Fee: $1,500
Apr 11-May 21 or Oct 13-Nov 14
Friday: $9,000
Saturday: $13,000
Sunday: $8,000
Monday-Thursday: $5,000
Ceremony Fee: $1,250
Tenting Fee: $1,500
Additional Options
20-Unit LED Uplighting for the Hunnewell Building and Attached Tent: $750
20’ x 20’ Dance Floor for the Hunnewell Building or Attached Tent: $1,000
Lighting Change Fee for a custom lighting installation in the Hunnewell Building, attached tent, and/or courtyard: $750
Valet Parking for events with over 230 guests: Starting at $2,250
Contact Elm Bank directly for more details and customized options for your wedding
Elm Bank Wedding Photos
Is Elm Bank right for you?
Wedding trends are always changing but Elm Bank is a venue that offers an amazing location whether you are more traditional or want to have a unique and personal wedding celebration. Its natural beauty and the myriad of backdrops both inside and out give you the space to make it your own - it's flexible and elegant and you'll never get the feel of a "wedding factory." So if you can picture you and your guests strolling the lawn and gardens and having an incredible wedding that reflect who you are, this is the place for you.