Boston Public Library


Guest capacity

Up to 400 seated guests


About this venue

Located in Boston, MA, the Boston Public Library is a historic venue that hosts wedding celebrations. Set in the heart of the city, this incredible property offers a truly magical experience. Here you can expect stunning surroundings, a sophisticated ambiance, and delicious cuisine. The BPL understands how much work goes into planning your big day. We offer the services of a dedicated event planner to take care of the details, allowing you to relax and enjoy the lead-up to your nuptials. A professional team of staff will take care of the setup and cleanup of your event, and can offer a range of rental items. Catering is provided by their exceptional partners, The Catered Affair. TCA's dedicated chefs will create a custom menu for your event that suits your style and personal tastes. *Newly Launched Offering* BPL now offers a 1-hour wedding ceremony package for you and up to 8 guests.


Our event spaces

Guastavino Room

The Boston Public Library offers a stunning choice of event spaces for newlyweds-to-be to choose from.

The Guastavino Room is named for its vaulted ceilings, a style designed by Rafael Guastavino, who worked with McKim in the building and structure of the BPL's building. The ceiling is the first of its kind by this Spanish architect that left open the exposed tiling as a design aesthetic—the interlocking Guastavino terracotta tiles add a majesty to the room that is carried throughout the McKim Building’s design.

Guest capacity

Up to 180 Seated

Up to 240 Standing

Square footage

3,100

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Welcome party, Cocktail hour

Room cost

$5,500 for up to 4 hours

Bates Hall

The epitome of a library space and creative venue for your special event.

The room has vaulted barrel-arched ceilings, grand oak bookcases, busts of eminent authors and Bostonians and picturesque green reading lanterns adorning each table.

Guest capacity

Up to 330 Seated

Up to 330 Standing

Square footage

5,000

Ideal for

Wedding reception

Included in this room:

Tables and green lamps are mounted to the floor and do not move. Guests dine on the existing tables in this awe-inspiring setting.

Room cost

$16,000

Courtyard

A remarkable space has an elegant water feature, set off by magnificent statuesque columns and lush greenery.

In the Courtyard, a covered arcade surrounds an open plaza skirted by low greenery and white marble, at the center of which lies a pool with a fountain. This space can accommodate seated dinners for up to 60, but is a favorite location for a wedding ceremony for up to 200 guests, or cocktail receptions for up to 225.

Guest capacity

Up to 60 Seated

Up to 225 Standing

Square footage

14,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Engagement party, Welcome party, Cocktail hour

Room cost

$6,500

Guastavino Room

The Boston Public Library offers a stunning choice of event spaces for newlyweds-to-be to choose from.

The Guastavino Room is named for its vaulted ceilings, a style designed by Rafael Guastavino, who worked with McKim in the building and structure of the BPL's building. The ceiling is the first of its kind by this Spanish architect that left open the exposed tiling as a design aesthetic—the interlocking Guastavino terracotta tiles add a majesty to the room that is carried throughout the McKim Building’s design.

Guest capacity

Up to 180 Seated

Up to 240 Standing

Square footage

3,100

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Welcome party, Cocktail hour

Room cost

$5,500 for up to 4 hours


Available services that can be provided by Boston Public Library

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Catering services
  • Clean up
  • Event coordinator
  • Event rentals
  • Event staff
  • Service staff
  • Wedding cake services
  • Wifi

Reviews

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5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

Write a review
  • Fairytale Wedding

    •Verified review
    •Erin D.•Oct 14, 2024

    We could not have imagined a more perfect venue to celebrate our wedding. The courtyard was a magical setting for our ceremony. Our guests were blown away by Bates Hall. And of course the Abbey Room provided the perfect setting for dancing. We could not have been happier to get married here.

  • The Hour of a Lifetime

    •Verified review
    •Sydney•Feb 14, 2024

    We did one of the one hour wedding ceremonies and I cannot speak highly enough of the day! BPL staff were so friendly and helpful, plus they gave us a cute goodie bag too. They provide the florals and candles for the alter which are gorgeous. The space is beyond picturesque and our pictures are timeless.


Vendors required by Boston Public Library

Planners
Planners
The Catered Affair
Boston, MA

Preferred vendors of Boston Public Library

Planner
The Catered Affair
Boston, MA