The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a crazy unique and historic venue located in the heart of downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. With its maritime charm, stunning harbor views, and versatile event spaces, it’s a perfect setting for couples who want a totally original wedding experience. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing New Bedford Whaling Museum weddings, and I can confidently say – this venue is unlike any other.
Keep reading to explore everything this incredible museum has to offer for your wedding day!
Our Wedding at the New Bedford Whaling Museum
This venue holds a special place in our hearts because we chose it for our own wedding back in 2018! From the moment we stepped inside, we knew it was the perfectly non traditional wedding venue that we had been searching for. The combination of historic charm, unique exhibits for guests to explore, and waterfront views made for an unforgettable celebration. Our guests still rave about it to this day and call it one of the best weddings they’ve ever been to! The museum’s event team made everything seamless, and we were able to infuse our personalities into every detail. If you’re considering this venue, we can tell you firsthand—it’s an incredible place to say ‘I do.’
Event Spaces at The New Bedford Whaling Museum
Cooke Memorial Theater
Climate control, custom lighting, brick walls and stadium style seating make this space a perfectly comfy choice for couples to host their wedding ceremony in. Though you are welcome to have a ceremony offsite, at a location such as the Seamen’s Bethel, starting off your wedding in this space allows your event to flow seamlessly throughout the museum. The theater is the very first place your guests will come across as they enter the building.
The Bourne Building
The most dramatic and remarkable space of the museum, the Bourne Building transports guests back in time. With its replica of The Lagoda, a 19th-century whaling ship (and the largest replica in the world!), this space is ideal for couples who appreciate history and want a distinctive wedding experience. Most commonly used for cocktail hour, your guests will get to enjoy the exhibits surrounding the ship and even climb aboard, drinks in hand, for a truly unforgettable wedding guest experience!
The Harbor View Gallery
The Harbor View Gallery, the most common choice at the museum for wedding receptions, offers panoramic views of New Bedford’s historic harbor. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light. And a mix of hardwood floors, dark ceilings, and bistro lighting overhead provide a simple yet elegant blank slate space for you to customize your wedding reception. But our favorite part? The two outdoor terraces that overlook the harbor allowing your guests a quieter place to get some air but still look in on the action!
New Bedford Whaling Museum Wedding Planning Considerations
The museum provides a list of preferred caterers to ensure top-tier service and quality cuisine for your guests.
While the venue has an in-house event team, hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator is always something that we recommend to our couples to help with logistics and personal touches.
Street parking is available, but it might be a good idea to hire a valet attendant for your guests especially in extremely cold or hot months. Shuttle services can also be arranged for out-of-town guests, and there are plenty of nearby hotels available!
Because of the museum’s historic nature, open flames and certain décor elements may have restrictions. Be sure to discuss your vision with the venue team in advance.
How many guests does the New Bedford Whaling Museum accommodate?
The New Bedford Whaling Museum can host weddings ranging from intimate gatherings to larger receptions. The Harbor View Gallery accommodates up to 160 guests for a seated dinner and dancing, though I would recommend keeping it around 120 or so to give the guest tables breathing room and space for a larger dance floor!
New Bedford Whaling Museum Weddings Cost
The cost for a New Bedford Whaling Museum wedding varies based on the space rented and additional services. They have micro wedding packages for under 50 guests available on Sundays for $3,000 and packages for up to 160 guests with linen and chair upgrades, an on-site ceremony, and more for $10,000 – with other packages available in between as well. However, you should also expect for budget for additional costs including:
- Catering and bar packages
- Florals and decor
- Other wedding vendors such as photographers, officiants, musicians, etc
New Bedford Whaling Museum Wedding Photos
If you’re looking for a venue that combines maritime history, breathtaking views, and flexible but totally unique event spaces, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is an incredible choice. Whether you’re planning a classic, modern, or vintage-inspired wedding, this venue offers a one-of-a-kind setting that’s completely customizable for your big day. Here are some photos from New Bedford Whaling Museum weddings to get you inspired!
