MA Wedding Venue: The MA Horticultural Society

The MA Horticultural Society Gardens at Elm Bank is located in Wellesley, MA.First of all Wellesley is the cutest but upscale little New England town. I love the downtown and the drive out to the Elm Bank was really cute. Everything is old stone walls and very idyllic MA. Anyway we went to visit the Elm Bank a couple of weeks ago after work so unfortunately it was dark and we couldn't see the grounds. We did look through pictures and all the gardens look amazing. They also have this old house on the property that you can get married in front of if you want, which was very stately and grand. You can go in the house but the outside and surrounding gardens looked amazing. The actual reception space is the old carriage house called the Hunnewell Building that the HS renovated a while back. It is a large open space with a built in bar and a tent covered patio off to one side. We were really interested in using this venue but I didn't like the warehouse feel of the reception space. The ceiling has blown insulation on the top with exposed metal beams and duct work, all painted white. On either end are two large (5'x3') air vents in the walls that really made the space seem more like a warehouse and less like a carriage house of old. This reception space would be good for large parties that are looking for that more modern look, with white exposed brick walls and industrial feel but still have the beauty of the gardens. All the details below.

Information		Comments
The Venue: Elm Bank		Beautiful grounds, I didn't love the reception space so much.
Location: Wellesley, MA		Wellesley is a super cute and chic NE town.
Off Season: Nov 1 - April 30. They have weddings any day of the week both off and on season.		Off season rental price is $3,500 for 9 hours any day of the week.
Ceremony Onsite: Yes, outdoors.		In the reception or tent for rain.
Capacity: 160 seated for Hunnewell only,  225 seat with tent.		Good for larger wedding parties, there is lots of space.
Bridal/Groom Rooms? Not really, might be space for touch ups in an office but not a suite.
Function Rental Fee: Sat: $5,800, Sun: $3,500, Weekday: $3,500		The rental gets you 9 hours. On weekdays you can do half days for $2,500. The 9 hrs includes set up and breakdown time.
Overtime Fee: None		Events have to end by 11:30 pm.
Ceremony Fee: None
Catering: Exclusive caterers. You have 7 options.
Alcohol: BYOB but have to use Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors as a vendor.		A good way to save some money!
Bar Fee: None
Extra Fees: $85 membership fee, $300 staff fee and $600 refundable damage deposit.
Accommodations: None
Venue Contact: Jennifer Courtney		Functions@masshort.org