Planning a Wedding at Waverly Oaks: The Guide From a Boston Wedding Photographer
When there’s a wedding venue that checks all the boxes (beautiful, a good time, AND easy to plan a day at)... I can’t NOT talk about it. Waverly Oaks is one of those places. It’s a Boston wedding venue that’s something really special. It’s that perfect mix where it’s super classy and elegant, but it still lets you actually have a good time at your wedding. And as a Boston wedding photographer, I know how important that balance is! I’ve captured weddings at the venue many times, so I know all the ins and outs about planning that you need to know, and I’ve compiled them all here.
Waverly Oaks: An Overview of the Boston Wedding Venue
Waverly Oaks is in Plymouth, MA, and is one of the most thoughtfully designed wedding venues south of Boston. The vibes are so good, the sunsets over the rolling hills create some of the most beautiful golden-hour portraits, and the way that it lets your day breathe? Unmatched. Picture a polished, luxe, all-white ballroom overlooking rolling hills, and that’s a Waverly Oaks wedding.
As a Boston wedding photographer who has photographed multiple Waverly Oaks weddings, I’ve seen how the venue’s layout directly impacts how relaxed couples feel throughout the day. It’s a golf club wedding venue, but every part of it feels intentionally set just for your day, and that’s the kind of attention to detail I want my couples to get from their venue every time! If you want an overview of the main details, I’ve got you covered!
Maximum guest capacity: 250
All-inclusive options?: Yes
On-site accommodations?: No
Getting-ready rooms on-site?: Yes
Indoor and outdoor venues?: Yes
Year-round weddings?: Yes
Exactly How to Plan a Wedding at Waverly Oaks: Everything to Know
One of my favorite things about the Boston wedding venue is that they make it easy to plan a day there. It’s the kind of place that thinks of everything, from a day-of-coordinator to your choice of linens! Your package includes genuinely everything you could dream of, which makes a huge difference in your experience with wedding planning.
You can say “I do” inside or outside, then have a patio cocktail hour and a grand ballroom reception. The best part? Every part of this flows smoothly. There are never any awkward pauses or guests thinking, “Umm… What do I do now?” because each transition flows so effortlessly.
As if they haven’t already thought of everything, they also include a golf cart in your package, which makes a huge difference in how photos feel. This allows us to hit every good photo spot on the property (because, trust me, there are a ton) without pulling you away from your guests longer than necessary.
The Best Time of Year for a Waverly Oaks Wedding
Waverly Oaks is a venue that just thrives in the summer. The New England feel (and again… the sunset) is just incomparable. Summer weddings at Waverly Oaks feel especially spacious, with long evenings and soft New England light.
A Sample Timeline for a Waverly Oaks Wedding
I always recommend to my couples to hold their ceremony a bit before sunset so that we have daylight for portraits and time for some extra sunset photos here. In the summer, it typically goes something like this:
9:00 am: Getting ready
2:00 pm: First look, private vows, and portraits
3:00 pm: Wedding party and family photos
4:00 pm: Ceremony
4:30 pm: Cocktail hour
5:00 pm: Couple’s reception entrance & dances
5:15 pm: Dinner & speeches
6:30 pm: Dancing begins
7:30 pm: Sunset photos!
FAQs About a Waverly Oaks Wedding
Does Waverly Oaks provide a day-of coordinator?
Waverly Oaks does provide a day-of-coordinator, which makes your day run so smoothly. Having someone on your team that knows the venue is always something that makes a huge difference in how you experience your day.
How many guests can Waverly Oaks hold?
A Waverly Oaks wedding can hold up to 250 guests, which is that sweet spot where you actually get to talk to people without feeling overwhelmed.
Where are the best photo spots at Waverly Oaks?
The entire property is beautiful, but I’m partial to golf course photos, patio photos, and courtyard photos at Waverly Oaks!
More Ideas for a Waverly Oaks Wedding
I’ve seen a lot of wedding days here, and there are a few ideas that I’ve gathered from them that I especially love, that you should absolutely take if you love them, too!
Using the golf cart as a getaway car
Having mini-golf for your guests to play
Using an all-white color palette to complement the space
Taking portraits on the golf course
How a Wedding at Waverly Oaks Feels (and Who It’s Right For)
Everything at Waverly Oaks just feels calm. There’s something about how days unfold here that’s easy, and I’ve seen it at every wedding I’ve ever captured here! Moving through the day feels effortless. Getting ready is always easygoing and fun, emotional moments (like first looks and ceremonies) are always supported by the wide-open spaces, and receptions are always full of joy and liveliness!
What matters to me the most is that my couples feel present in their day. Your wedding should be all about you, and every moment should be spent celebrating, loving, and being in the moment. Waverly Oaks is a venue that makes that easy. You never have to worry about what’s being handled by whom, what you’re supposed to be doing next, or if you’re behind schedule. You get to be present instead of managing logistics… And that’s something that makes a huge difference in your experience of the day.
So, if you’re a couple who…
Wants wedding planning to feel easy and supported by your venue
Wants a day that feels laid-back
Wants to feel present on their wedding day
Is dreaming of a wedding venue that checks all the boxes…
Waverly Oaks might be a perfect match for you. I see couples like this all the time, and I’ve seen firsthand how amazing their days here unfold!
Ashley Olafsson | Boston Wedding Photographer
If Waverly Oaks feels like your dream Boston wedding venue, I’d love to be there to capture your day. You can inquire about booking me as your Boston wedding photographer right here, and I’ll be in touch soon with the next steps!
While you’re here, don’t miss more gorgeous wedding inspo:
How to Plan a Fall Wedding at Bedford Village Inn
Planning a Wedding at Willowdale Estate: A Massachusetts Wedding Photographer’s Guide
Xoxo,
Ashley
Sweet client words: “Please, PLEASE, save some time, stop your search, and take this as your sign to book Ashley. There are not the right words to describe my husband and I’s gratitude for all of the hard work and effort she put into making our day special. From our very first meeting, she was personable, informative, and most importantly, genuinely interested in finding out what we pictured and wanted out of our day. She puts type A brides at ease and makes photos bearable for husbands who don’t like their picture taken. She is organized beyond belief, honors timelines, and more than anything, is the most supportive and uplifting presence during all aspects of the day. Her photos are breathtaking, and she has a true gift of capturing raw emotion. Looking through our gallery was truly such a treat, as there were so many moments that we either didn’t witness or had forgotten about! This woman cares deeply about her couples and puts everything she has into making the most of wedding days. Booking her was the easiest and best decision of our entire planning process, so don’t wait!”
