Three Spectacular South Shore Venues
Buttoned-up, barefoot in the grass, or by the bay: The region’s unique celebration spots suit every style.
The bradley estate. / Photograph by julie early
It’s no secret that life tends to be a bit mellower outside of city limits, and the South Shore—with its fishing ports, cranberry bogs, and scenic beaches—is no exception. In fact, wedding planner Sara Kovel, of Milton-based Sara Kovel Events, says couples are increasingly embracing the idea of more-casual celebrations, some even opting for what she describes as an “upscale house party” vibe. “I’m getting a lot of requests for that,” Kovel says. “People want a venue that feels like it’s their space for the weekend.”
That’s precisely what you’ll find at Canton’s Bradley Estate, a former homestead set on 90 acres of verdant conservation land. Work with the venue’s exclusive caterer to host an elegant affair inside the 1902 Georgian-style mansion, or take advantage of the formal parterre garden and pond with a tented reception on the lawn.
For a different kind of outdoor soiree, consider the pastoral charm of Just Right Farm, in Plympton. Home to a sustainable vegetable garden and a nearly 300-year-old farmhouse, the property is the perfect backdrop for enjoying farm-fresh cuisine—prepared by the team at the on-site restaurant—in the company of twinkling fireflies.
Have your heart set on a waterfront fete? Head about 20 minutes north to Clifford Hall at Duxbury Bay Maritime School, where you’ll find a bayside lawn for ceremonies. An equally sunny event space awaits inside: With white walls, glowing lanterns, and access to an adjacent deck, it’s a blank canvas that puts the happy couple—and nature’s beauty—front and center.
The Bradley Estate
head count Up to 180 seated
price Starting at $3,800, plus food and drink
Just Right Farm
head count Up to 150 seated
price Starting at $35,000
Clifford Hall at Duxbury Bay Maritime School
head count Up to 150 seated
price Starting at $1,500, plus food and drink
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“The proximity to the city, being by the water, the fact that the Blue Hills Reservation is here—I can’t say enough about the South Shore.”
Sara Kovel, Sara Kovel Events
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Guest Digs
Fresh off a $6 million renovation, Plymouth’s recently opened Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor (formerly the Radisson) features a large indoor pool, an on-site restaurant specializing in American cuisine, and modern guest rooms with water panoramas.
Photograph courtesy of granite links Golf Club
Prewedding Adventure
Quincy’s Granite Links Golf Club—also a classic choice for South Shore wedding celebrations—offers picturesque 9- and 18-hole courses where you and your group can blow off steam while taking in views of nearby Boston and the Harbor Islands.
Unique Vendor
Based in Marshfield, Beach Plum Event & Floral Design owner Jill Landry uses blooms sourced from a 5-acre cut-flower farm in Rhode Island to adorn your venue with whimsical garlands of greenery, plush centerpieces of anemone and rose, and other custom arrangements worthy of your walk down the aisle.
Local Favor
Thank your guests with handcrafted soaps from Rockland’s Lightning Willow Farm, where a family-led team uses farm-sourced goat’s milk and other natural ingredients to churn out varieties such as lavender eucalyptus, shea ginger, and rosemary mint.
Photograph by little outdoor giants
Rehearsal Dinner
At Steel & Rye, an industrial garage turned restaurant in Milton, you and your bridal party can fill up on wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas in one of two private dining rooms, each boasting a bar and mood-setting clerestory windows.
Photograph courtesy of mirbeau Inn & Spa
Consider the Mini-Moon
Located on the village green in Plymouth, the Mirbeau Inn & Spa houses a 14,000-square-foot facility dedicated to pampering, with eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, an outdoor whirlpool, and a slew of specialty treatments. Recharge with a “Crushed Cabernet” body scrub featuring grape seeds, honey, and brown sugar before starting the drive up to Blue Hills Reservation, in Milton. Home to 125 miles of hiking and biking trails—some with Boston skyline vistas—the park offers myriad options for burning off those wedding-cake calories.
Photograph courtesy of novara
Dinner is at Novara, a casual Italian spot located just 10 minutes up the road. Housed in an old theater, the restaurant boasts 23-foot ceilings, a marble-topped bar, and plenty of comfort food (think: veal scallopini with truffle polenta and asparagus).
For more venue inspiration, take a peek at our guide to New England’s top celebration spots.
