The Stress-Free Guide to Planning the Perfect Boston Public Garden Wedding
I’ll be the first to say that Boston Public Garden is one of my favorite places in the city. It’s that kind of place where you walk in and immediately feel like you’re in a dream because you’re surrounded by ponds and flowers and open fields that don’t even feel like they should be real. So when you take all of that and turn it into a wedding day… It’s kind of my love language.
If you’re the kind of person who wants an intimate, relaxed, romantic wedding day, a Boston Public Garden wedding might just be your perfect match. And luckily for you, I’m a Boston wedding photographer who knows every detail about how to plan the perfect one. Let’s get into it!
Why I LOVE a Boston Public Garden Wedding
Okay, I have to start with why I’m obsessed with Boston Public Garden weddings. And while the pretty views are high up on my list, it’s more about how weddings here actually feel to my couples.
I see the difference all the time when I capture days like this. They’re personal, intentional, and somehow relaxed, even though you’re in the heart of the city. The biggest thing I see, though? It’s how my couples feel calm throughout the entire day. There’s no stress about going from place to place or people dragging them out of their day. It’s just an easy, 100% laid-back day from morning to evening. The atmosphere is totally serene, and when you’re working with a Type A Boston wedding photographer like me (hi), things flow really naturally.
I do have to add that from a photography perspective, this place is packed with photo ops. Because you not only get the gorgeous spots inside the gardens (which we’ll get into, of course), but also all the photoshoot locations within walking distance from them, like Beacon Hill and the Boston Public Library, and anything that adds variety to your gallery gets a 100% yes from me.
Who a Boston Public Garden Fits Well
If you’re wondering if a wedding at the Boston Public Garden is right for you, here are a few signs that the answer is yeah, probably:
You’re a little more reserved, and your main priority is feeling relaxed, never stressed
You want a smaller, simpler wedding day that lets you actually stay present
Your wedding is more about actually getting married and less about having a big performance
You’re someone who values presence just as much as you value pretty
The Details to Know About a Wedding at Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden weddings are fairly simple to plan, if you know what to do (which is what I’m here for)!
The main thing to know is that your wedding must be scheduled and cannot be disruptive to the rest of the park. The garden doesn’t close for weddings, so you won’t get exclusive use of the park. You will, however, be able to reserve one of the spots for your ceremony! You can find all the small details right here, but I’ve got you covered with the rest:
When Can I Schedule a Boston Public Garden Wedding?
You can book a wedding (with a 60-minute duration) in the Boston Public Garden between April 1 and December 1, except on legal holidays. Weddings here are Monday through Friday between 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm, or on weekends between 11:00 am and 5:30 pm.
The best time to have your wedding here, in my opinion, is on a weekday closer to 3:00 pm. That’s when there will be fewer people, which makes for a more secluded feel, and gives you ample time for photos before the sun drops behind the trees and celebration! And if you need a seasonal guide to getting married in the garden, check out my Boston wedding guide by season.
The Maximum Guest Count for a Wedding Ceremony in Boston Public Garden
You can technically have up to 50 people total for your Boston Public Garden wedding, including the wedding party and vendors, but I find that a more intimate wedding (with 30 guests or less) works best in the gardens due to parking constraints and flow of the day.
How to Book a Permit for a Boston Public Garden Wedding
You can book your permit for a Boston Public Garden wedding here by choosing the date, time, and location you want (which we’ll cover soon)! Note that you must make your reservation at least seven days in advance (though I absolutely recommend sooner).
Even if you just want wedding photos here and not a ceremony, you’ll still need a permit. As your Boston wedding photographer, though, I’m always here to help you get all the permits you need. Don't fret!
What’s the Cost of a Boston Public Garden Wedding Permit?
If you’re a resident of the City of Boston, your permit for a wedding ceremony or wedding photos will be $50. If you’re not a resident, it’s $100.
Getting Your Boston Marriage License
Getting a marriage license for your Boston Public Garden wedding is fairly easy, because all you have to do is schedule a time to go to the city hall between 3 and 60 days before your wedding. You can start the process right here, knowing that I’m here to guide you if you have any questions. Be sure to bring $50, and each of you should bring a photo ID to your application appointment!
What Are the Regulations for Decorations at a Boston Public Garden Wedding?
Boston Public Garden is a beautiful wedding backdrop all on its own, so you don’t really need decorations. The best thing you can do is get a bouquet and let nature be your decor!
If you want to have anything extra, note that the following items are not allowed for a wedding in Boston Public Garden:
Tents
Tables
Chairs
Altars
Arbors
Signs
Rice
Birdseed
Confetti
Glass
Balloons
Animals
Music
Food or beverages
Aside from the restrictions, just be mindful of the people also using the garden. Don’t restrict or block any pathways, and be sure to clean up any trash when you’re packing up.
Where to Get Married in Boston Public Garden
For your ceremony site, you get several spaces to choose from, and they’re all really incredible.
Arlington & Beacon St. Corner – perfect for historical city energy, with brownstone houses and cars as your backdrop.
Arlington & Boylston St. Corner – for the couple who wants editorial city vibes.
Bridge and Main Path – the bridge in the Boston Public Garden is iconic and beautiful, but note that this is the busiest option on the list. If you’re worried about people around you, don’t go for this one!
Charles & Beacon St. Corner – this corner is similar to the first on the list, with a beautiful residential area and the cutest cobblestone streets behind you.
Charles & Boylston St. Corner – this one has that classic Boston feel to it, with the city making the most stunning backdrop.
George Washington Statue – gorgeous + historical; what more could you want?
Japanese Lantern – a waterfront site with a built-in backdrop? Sign me up!
Lagoon Edge – this is quite possibly my favorite on the list, because this space overlooks the water and is so lush, plus your backdrop is a willow tree. Love!
How to Choose a Spot for a Boston Public Garden Wedding Ceremony
If you’re having trouble choosing because you’re obsessed with all of them, I totally get it. That’s where your vibe comes into play.
When narrowing it down, think about the kind of people you guys are, what you like to do, and when your wedding is. If you’re going for something softer and sweeter, the Lagoon Edge is right up your alley. If you two are a little more chic, go for one of the street corners! If you’re planning a spring wedding and want as many flowers as possible surrounding you, you’ll find the most at the Japanese Lantern.
The Best Spots for Wedding Photos in Boston Public Garden, From a Boston Wedding Photographer
Now for the fun part (though, I might be a little biased): photos!
As I said before, Boston Public Garden is filled with gorgeous portrait locations. The route I like to follow typically looks something like couples portraits on the bridge, wedding party and family photos at Lagoon Edge (in front of the willow tree), and a secluded spot on one of the walkways for your first look and private vows.
My favorite part of photos here, though, is that inspiration can strike anywhere because we’re surrounded by so much beauty. So, don’t be alarmed if I yell, “Wait, stop, kiss right here!!!” while you’re walking through the park.
How to Celebrate a Boston Public Garden Wedding
The last piece of the puzzle is how to celebrate your Boston Public Garden wedding, which could be as simple as going to a nearby Italian restaurant with your 10 favorite people, or planning a huge party the weekend after your garden ceremony.
The beauty of it all? You get to choose what feels like you. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
A restaurant wedding reception (big or small)
Hopping on a plane right away to your honeymoon. Love that for you.
Renting a venue and having a traditional wedding reception.
Literally just… Going home and snuggling up on the couch with a glass of wine and your favorite movie.
Need more inspo? Check out my full Boston elopement guide.
Ashley Olafsson | Boston Wedding Photographer
If you’re looking for a Boston wedding photographer who’s 50% helping you plan every little detail and 50% crying when you cry on your wedding day… I’m your girl.
Seriously, though, if you’re planning a wedding at Boston Public Garden (or, like, anywhere in the world), I’d love to be there to capture it in a way that feels genuine. Inquire here about booking me for your date!
Xoxo,
Ashley
Client love: “Ashley is the best!! We hired her for our elopement pictures and couldn't be happier! She captured all of my inspiration pictures. She is also the sweetest! She helped me through the whole process; she was always there to answer any questions I had. I look forward to hiring her again for future photoshoots!”
