North of Boston/Merrimack Valley

Imagine putting “Ceremony and Reception at The House of the Seven Gables” on your wedding invitations! It’s hard to imagine a more one-of-a-kind location than this lovely property on the Salem, MA waterfront, where Nathaniel Hawthorne got his inspiration to write his classic novel. You’ll find a variety of spaces to choose from on the picturesque property, from historic interior rooms for intimate gatherings to an expansive seaside lawn for grand tented affairs. Choose from gardens in bloom with colorful Colonial Revival plants to billowing tents on a lawn with a breathtaking view. An on-site event coordinator will help with every detail, and there are recommended vendors for tents, linens, caterers and other services. Where better to hold your historic occasion than at a house with its own place in history?

You want a one-of-a-kind experience for your big day, and the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites wants to help make that happen. Tie the knot in the ocean air under a grand arch overlooking Salem Harbor, sailboats bobbing in the distance. Seat up to 220 guests in white garden chairs on the Ceremony Green on Pickering Wharf. Have your reception in the elegant Maritime Ballroom with a wooden dance floor and gorgeous crystal chandeliers or, for smaller gatherings, in the Compass Room. A world-class chef will help you plan your plated sit-down dinner, stations or buffet. A preferred-vendors list is available, and experienced planners will help with everything from flowers to decor to reserving a discounted block of rooms.

Imagine this: Exchanging your wedding vows on a beautiful wraparound porch, at a stylish, luxurious Inn across from a pretty park in historic Lexington. At the Inn at Hastings Park, that’s the beginning of your fabulous day. Have your reception in the picturesque, one-of-a-kind Culinary Garden, framed with herb-filled garden boxes and sheltering trees. Or, from November to April, dine in six-person igloos in the INNgloo Wonderland. A variety of venues is only one reason the boutique, Relais & Chateaux Inn is a must for wedding couples. There’s also the exceptional cuisine from a culinary staff ready to create menus to meet your taste and budget, and the professional planning staff, who will help arrange everything from guest accommodations to on- and off-site activities for overnight guests.

Is there anything as welcoming as a wedding in a beautiful post-and-beam barn? At the Briar Barn Inn, in historic Rowley, MA, the gorgeous barn, site of the inn’s Grove restaurant, caters memorable weddings, with exceptional food served on rustic farm tables. The barn hosts up to 100 guests, who can dance into the night on its hardwood floors, chandeliers glistening overhead. Experienced events and culinary teams will help you craft the perfect occasion, including arranging for room blocks for your overnight guests, spa treatments for the bridal party and menus for day-after brunches. In addition to the barn, the inn’s Bramble House and outdoor terrace are picturesque sites for ceremonies, cocktail parties and receptions. Check the website for frequently updated wedding specials and packages.