How to Plan a Wedding in Boston in 2027: The Boston Wedding Photographer’s Ultimate Guide
Let’s get one thing out of the way before we even start: I’m a Boston wedding photographer who’s super type A. Not the kind where we’re not gonna have any fun, but the kind where I’m gonna make sure that your ducks are in a row so that your wedding is actually something you enjoy. So if you’re on Google searching “How to plan a wedding” day and night… You can stop here, because I’ve got you.
I know everything there is to know about Boston weddings, so I know that when you plan one with intention (think: considering the weather, the traffic, the lighting, etc.), the day flows. And that’s exactly what I’m here for: to help you plan a day that you get to breathe and stay present in, not one that you’re ever rushed or stressed through.
Without further ado, here’s my ultimate guide on how to plan a wedding in Boston for 2027!
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plan a Wedding in Boston
Let’s start simple, because I know that wedding planning can be a lot. These are the main steps you’ll follow throughout your whole wedding planning era (and yes, each one links to a way more detailed section on that topic):
Before You Learn How to Plan a Wedding in Boston… Why Choose a Boston Wedding?
I might be biased, but Boston is one of the best places in the whole world, especially for weddings. It’s one of those cities that has so many vibes all in one, so that whether you’re the couple who thrives in fun, vibrant settings or more laidback, low-key settings, Boston has a spot for you. Boston weddings can bring you:
Elopements on cobblestone streets
Waterfront vows with coastal energy
Super elegant estate weddings
Restaurant weddings with the most delicious food
And, yeah, each and every one of them is gonna be gorgeous because, after all, we’re in Boston!
Boston Wedding Locations and Boston Wedding Venues
The first step to planning your wedding will be choosing your Boston wedding location. And honestly… This is kind of the hardest part because there are SO many good ones. I’m breaking it down by vibes, so that it’s hopefully easier for you to narrow it down.
Boston Wedding Venues With Waterfront Views
Boston, being right on the coast, is something I’m forever grateful for, because these waterfront wedding venues? I’m obsessed. Coastal energy is forever one of my favorite things, and if you’re on the same page, you’ll love these.
Boston Wedding Venues With City Views
Because the Boston city skyline (especially at night, like come on!) is a must-see. Here are a few of my favorite Boston wedding venues with gorg city views:
Boston Public Garden (bonus points if you take photos around the city afterwards!)
Historic Boston Wedding Venues
It’s no secret that Boston is dripping in history, and that means it has some of the most stunning historic buildings turned wedding venues. Here are a few I love:
Willowdale Estate – here’s my planning guide!
Glen Magna Farms – check out the full planning guide
Golf Course Boston Wedding Venues
Boston has golf courses and country clubs that are truly giving luxury and elegance without even trying. These stay on my list:
Industrial Boston Wedding Venues
As a Boston wedding photographer, I love industrial vibes, and these wedding venues are bringing the best of that style:
Small Boston Wedding Venues for Intimate Weddings
If an elopement is more your speed, my guide to Boston elopements will be your go-to planning checklist. Here are a few venues mentioned in the guide that I have to mention here, too, because of how much I love them:
Your Go-to Seasonal Guide for Boston Weddings
Once you find your dream venue, it’s time to set a date at it. Choosing a season for your Boston wedding can be really tricky, so here’s the full breakdown.
How to Plan a Wedding in the Spring in Boston
Spring in Boston is one of my favorite times of year. There’s something about the fresh blooming flowers and the soft light that makes my heart leap, and it’s perfect for ultra-romantic, super laidback weddings, especially at a wedding venue with a garden, like Glen Magna Farms!
My top tip for spring weddings as a Boston wedding photographer is to build extra time into your timeline. Again, I’m extremely type A, and spring weather in Boston does what it wants, so being prepared is always the move.
How to Plan a Wedding in the Summer in Boston
I love summer weddings in Boston for their long days and vibrant light, but knowing how to work around the heat is key to actually enjoying your day. Because feeling like you’re melting all day long? No thanks.
I know how to work around the heat of the day, so I’ll guide you on when to get portraits that are well-lit but not burning up.
How to Plan a Wedding in the Fall in Boston
Now, fall? Peak Boston. She is the moment; she is the main character.
The foliage here is unreal, and the colors are something straight out of my dreams. When you know how to work with them (which, of course, I do), sunsets here make for some insanely gorgeous photos. Like, trending-on-Pinterest type photos.
How to Plan a Wedding in the Winter in Boston
Winter weddings are so underrated. Boston brings cozy vibes and SO much snow that I always love for weddings. And let’s be real, there’s something about the vibes of a candlelit wedding reception that just works.
If you’re wondering how to plan a wedding in the winter, trust me, I know it’s a whole different ballgame. I have a full guide to off-season weddings that has everything you actually need to know, so don’t panic.
The Ultimate Vendor Checklist for Boston Weddings
Okay, your vendors are going to be what makes or breaks your wedding, because these are the people that you’re trusting to let your day unfold. Lucky for you, Boston has some truly amazing wedding vendors in every single category!
Here’s everyone you should book for a wedding day that runs super smoothly with the minimum amount of stress:
Photographer (hi!)
Venue
Planner
Florist
Videographer
Content Creator
Rentals
Caterer
Baker
Bartender
Accommodations
Hair and makeup artists
DJ
Bridal shop
Officiant
Stationer
Transportation
As always, if you need recommendations for these, I always have a ton that will fit your specific vision.
Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Vendors
When you’re booking your Boston wedding vendors, you should always ask a few questions to make sure that they’re a good fit. Here are a few general go-to ones I always tell my couples to ask as a Boston wedding photographer:
Do you have our date available?
Have you worked at my venue before?
Do you feel comfortable working with my guest count?
Are there any extra fees?
Can I see examples of weddings you’ve done?
What is your typical timeline?
How often will we communicate?
Asking these questions before you book can save a LOT of headache in the long run. It’s always good to make sure everyone is on the same page before any contracts are signed.
The Legal Side of Things: Boston Marriage Licenses & Laws
Luckily, Boston makes the boring legal side of weddings pretty easy. First things first, you’ll have to get your marriage license, which can be started right here. Select a time to go to the city hall (yes, both of you) to fill out your application. You’ll each need a valid form of ID and $50 for the fee. Note that your marriage license is valid between 3 and 60 days of getting it, so plan it around your wedding date accordingly!
The next step for planning your wedding is to find a valid officiant. In Massachusetts, this can be a clergy member, a justice of the peace, or a friend or family member with a one-day marriage designation, which can be acquired here.
The only other thing you’ll need is to check on permits for your specific wedding location. If you’re getting married at an established venue, you’re usually all good to go on this step, but if you chose somewhere that’s public land or even a backyard, you’ll want to check with the local laws just to be sure that you’re smooth sailing.
Wedding Planning Checklist for 12 Months | How to Plan a Wedding With a 12-Month Engagement
You made it through all the steps of how to plan a wedding! Now, here’s my quick go-to guide for when to do each step for a 12-month engagement. Of course, this has some wiggle room if you need to change it to fit your wedding.
9-12 Months Out:
Choose your venue and set your date
Set your budget
Create your guest list
Choose a wedding party
Take engagement photos (here’s my guide to the absolute best locations)
Book as many vendors as you can (but definitely a planner and photographer, as these both book up SUPER fast)
Buy your dress
7-9 Months Out:
Send out save-the-dates
Book any vendors that you haven’t yet
Start your registry
Start planning your honeymoon
Find wedding party attire
Book your rehearsal dinner
5-6 Months Out (Halfway, yay!):
Plan your menus
Start working on a song list
Start working on a photo list
3-4 Months Out:
Send invitations
Schedule a hair and makeup trial
Start wedding dress alterations
2 Months Out:
Attend your bachelorette party and bridal shower
Take bridal portraits (pro tip: plan your hair and makeup trial on the same day)
Collect RSVPs
1 Month Out:
Finalize your seating chart
Get your marriage license
Write your vows
Pack everything you need
Highly-Rated Wedding Photographer in Boston | Ashley Olafsson Photography
When you’re stressed about how to plan a wedding, you need someone in your corner. And who better than a super organized, super fun, highly-rated Boston wedding photographer?
Seriously though, if you’re looking for someone who will help you build the timeline, button the boutonnieres, tear up during your vows, then party with you on the dance floor, all while capturing moments that feel completely true to who you are… I’m your girl. You can inquire about booking me right here, and we’ll start planning out your vision.
Can’t wait to meet you!
Xoxo,
Ashley
