In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Massachusetts.
Weddings in Massachusetts: What You Need To Know
If you’re considering a destination wedding in Massachusetts, you’re in for a treat.
With its rich history and vibrant culture, Massachusetts has something to offer everyone.
The Bay State is home to some beautiful scenery, and from the stunning scenery of the Berkshires to the historic charm of Boston, you’ll find everything you need to make your wedding day unforgettable.
Whether you’re looking for a quaint country setting or a bustling city center, you’ll find it all here in Massachusetts.
With its picture-perfect setting and abundance of activities, Massachusetts is the perfect destination for your wedding.
But first: you need to know where in the world Massachusetts is…
Where is Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is a state located in the northeastern corner of the United States.
It is one of New England states and lies on the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Area: 10,554 sq mi (27,336 sq km), Population: (2020) 7,029,917, Capital: Boston.
Massachusetts Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Gen. Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.visitma.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Massachusetts for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Massachusetts
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Massachusetts:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Massachusetts or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Massachusetts wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Massachusetts:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Massachusetts:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Massachusetts?
- What are the marriage requirements for Massachusetts?
- What is the weather like in Massachusetts?
- What should you pack for a trip to Massachusetts?
- What things are there to do in Massachusetts?
- What are the best Massachusetts wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Massachusetts Cost?
Marriage license cost in Maine is $50.
Both parties must present proof of identity – a picture ID with date of birth like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Massachusetts
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- No witnesses are needed.
- The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date, and there is a 3-day waiting period.
- A marriage license cannot be obtained without the presence of both parties.
- When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide a photo identification that proves your identity and age.
- It is required that both parties provide official documentation of the dissolution of any prior marriages, whether via divorce, annulment, or death.
- Blood tests are not required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Massachusetts, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Massachusetts?
The ideal seasons to visit Boston are in the spring and fall, and more specifically from mid-May to mid-June, and from early September to early October, when the temperature is milder than in either the winter or summer months. While June generally is a pleasant month, there are always going to be some really hot days.
The weather at the beginning of September is often hot and humid, but it is not quite as hot as it is in the middle of summer. It is possible for it to be chilly in May, and the weather may be unpredictable, particularly at the beginning of the month; however, the second half of the month is often nicer than the first half of the month.
You can appreciate the vibrant colors of the trees when they shed their leaves in the fall, which typically occurs around the end of October (the phenomenon called fall foliage).
What should you pack for your trip?
For evenings spent dining out in Boston’s restaurants, be sure to bring along a few pairs of jeans and corduroy trousers in addition to at least one pair of formal pants. During the spring and summer months, you should replace a few pairs of regular pants for some walking shorts; nevertheless, you should have a few pairs of trousers on hand for the occasional cold summer evening.
Bring a variety of tops, sweaters, vests, and jackets so that you may wear layers depending on how warm or chilly the weather is. It would be best if at least one of these layers was waterproof. Consider carrying long underwear in the winter, no matter how strange it may seem, particularly if you intend to wear slim jeans or leggings.
For the colder days, it’s best to wear many layers, including a thick jacket or coat, a scarf, and gloves.
Massachusetts Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Massachusetts:
Average Temperatures in Massachusetts
The table below shows the average temperatures in Massachusetts each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | -4.9 | 2.7 | -1.1 | 23 | 37 | 30 |
| February | -4.1 | 3.9 | -0.1 | 25 | 39 | 31.8 |
| March | -0.5 | 7.5 | 3.5 | 31 | 46 | 38.3 |
| April | 4.9 | 13.6 | 9.2 | 41 | 56 | 48.7 |
| May | 10.2 | 19.2 | 14.7 | 50 | 67 | 58.5 |
| June | 15.4 | 24.6 | 20 | 60 | 76 | 68 |
| July | 18.9 | 27.8 | 23.4 | 66 | 82 | 74 |
| August | 18.4 | 26.9 | 22.6 | 65 | 80 | 72.8 |
| September | 14.6 | 22.8 | 18.7 | 58 | 73 | 65.7 |
| October | 8.6 | 16.7 | 12.6 | 47 | 62 | 54.8 |
| November | 3.3 | 10.9 | 7.1 | 38 | 52 | 44.8 |
| December | -1.6 | 5.7 | 2 | 29 | 42 | 35.7 |
| Year | 7 | 15.3 | 11.1 | 44.6 | 59.5 | 52 |
Average Rainfall in Massachusetts
The table below shows the average rainfall in Massachusetts each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
| February | 80 | 3.1 | 11 |
| March | 105 | 4.1 | 12 |
| April | 90 | 3.5 | 12 |
| May | 85 | 3.3 | 12 |
| June | 100 | 3.9 | 11 |
| July | 85 | 3.3 | 9 |
| August | 80 | 3.1 | 9 |
| September | 90 | 3.5 | 9 |
| October | 100 | 3.9 | 10 |
| November | 95 | 3.7 | 10 |
| December | 110 | 4.3 | 12 |
| Year | 1105 | 43.5 | 128 |
Sunshine Hours in Massachusetts
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Massachusetts each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 5.5 | 165 |
| February | 6 | 170 |
| March | 7 | 215 |
| April | 7.5 | 225 |
| May | 8.5 | 265 |
| June | 9.5 | 285 |
| July | 9.5 | 300 |
| August | 9 | 275 |
| September | 8 | 235 |
| October | 6.5 | 205 |
| November | 5 | 145 |
| December | 4.5 | 140 |
| Year | 7.2 | 2635 |
Sea Temperatures in Massachusetts
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Massachusetts each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 5.5 | 42 |
| February | 4 | 39 |
| March | 3.5 | 38 |
| April | 5 | 41 |
| May | 9 | 48 |
| June | 14 | 57 |
| July | 18.5 | 65 |
| August | 20 | 68 |
| September | 18 | 64 |
| October | 14 | 58 |
| November | 10.5 | 51 |
| December | 8 | 46 |
| Year | 10.9 | 51.6 |
What To Wear in Massachusetts? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Massachusetts so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Warm clothing: Pack plenty of warm clothing, as Massachusetts can be cold even in summer, and especially in the winter. A jacket, hat, and scarf will all come in handy.
- Raincoat: A raincoat is also a good idea, as showers are common in the spring and fall.
- Comfortable shoes: Sneakers or comfortable shoes are essential for exploring Boston and other towns, and dress shoes may be necessary for nicer restaurants.
- Beachwear: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit for days spent at the beach or at one of the many water parks in the state.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera – Massachusetts is home to some truly stunning scenery.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Massachusetts
There are many different things to do in Massachusetts, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Freedom Trail
- The House of the Seven Gables
- Cape Cod National Seashore
- Fenway Park
- Harvard University
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Race Point Beach
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace
- Old Sturbridge Village
- Norman Rockwell Museum
- Martha’s Vineyard
Best Massachusetts Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Massachusetts?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Massachusetts
- MASS MoCA in New Adams
- Glass House in Cambridge
- Hampshire House in Boston
- Boston harbor Hotel
- Tupper Manor at the Wylie Inn and Conference Center in Beverly
- The Oceanview Nahant
- The Red Barn at Hampshire College in Amherst
- Scituate Country Club
- The Hotel Salem
- Mandarin Oriental in Boston
- Wychmere beach Club in Harwich Port
Hotels in Massachusetts
- Encore Boston Harbor
- Hampton Inn North Attleboro
- Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Somerset
- SpringHill Suites in Wrentham
- Hampton Inn Salem
- Residence Inn in Boston
- Hampton Inn – Boston
- Addison Choate – Rockport
- Narragansett House on Martha’s Vineyard
