Planning to tie the knot in Salem, Massachusetts? Our historic downtown has a venue for every taste and budget, all located downtown in walking distance of accommodations and restaurants (plus you could always rent the Salem Trolley to take you and your guests between events!) View our wedding resource sheet and learn more about planning a wedding in Salem here, and find inspiration to help with your venue search below.
Restaurants
Adriatic Restaurant & Bar
Located in the historic Salem News Building, Adriatic offers a private dining room that can accommodate up to 50 guests for a plated dinner with a variety of fresh, Mediterranean menu options. For more information on private dining, contact the restaurant at (978) 594-1832 or visit adriaticrestaurantandbar.com.
Colonial Hall at Rockafellas
Colonial Hall at Rockafellas, located in Salem’s historic Daniel Low Building, features a large ballroom with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and ornate balconies. Weddings at Colonial Hall can take advantage of customized menus by Rockafellas’ Executive Chef, and can host gatherings of 75-400 guests.
Finz Seafood & Grill
Finz Seafood & Grill offers waterfront dining in their Pickering Wharf function spaces. Enjoy private dining rooms for groups as small as 14 or function spaces that can accommodate 100 guests for a cocktail reception. The Harbor Room overlooks the waterfront and offers 1,400 sq. ft. of space on the first floor. This space is handicapped accessible and has a full service bar plus a private outdoor deck for seating space for 40-80 and cocktail receptions up to 100. Learn more at hipfinz.com.
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall
Located in Salem’s historic Lyceum Hall, Turner’s Seafood offers upscale function spaces in the Loft and the Ballroom. The Loft can accommodate up to 40 guests and features exposed brick, a grand fireplace, custom chandeliers and vaulted ceilings with a marble bar and flight of stairs to a balcony. The Ballroom is adorned with similar architectural details, with the addition of a dance floor and the ability to accommodate about 60 guests. For more information and availability please email susanne@turners-seafood.com or visit turners-seafood.com.
Village Tavern
The Governor’s Hall at Village Tavern is the restaurant’s new function space perfect for downtown Salem receptions. The space features sweeping windows that overlook Essex Street, and each wedding package includes a private bar, champagne toast, passed hors d’oeuvres, and engraved glasses for the wedding couple. Wedding receptions at the Governor’s Hall can be hosted with a seated three-course dinner with options to upgrade and include additional services in the package. Learn more at villagetavernsalem.com.
Museums & Galleries
The House of the Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables offers a uniquely historic venue with views of the historic mansion, Colonial Seaside Gardens, and Salem Harbor. “Twice Told Tales” wedding packages include a smaller, intimate ceremony now with a larger event later when you are ready to celebrate, in addition to events for guest capacities of 30-200. Events may be booked on the Seaside Lawn (200 guests for dinner and a reception), the site’s Plumsock and Holyoke Rooms (75 guests for a reception, or 100 for cocktails), and the Hooper-Hathaway House (30 guests for a seated dinner, 50 for a cocktail reception.) Learn more at 7gables.org and download The House of the Seven Gables’ wedding resource sheet here.
Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum features a variety of venues to host your wedding in the oldest continuously operating museum in the country. From ceremonies in the museum’s historic East India Marine Hall (capacity 250 for ceremonies) to grand receptions in the main atrium (capacity 270), and smaller events in additional atriums, garden spaces and galleries, PEM offers an event space for nearly every taste and group size. Find a full list of venues within the Peabody Essex Museum and its campus here, and learn more about planning your wedding at the museum at pem.org.
Satanic Temple / Salem Art Gallery
The Satanic Temple is located in a c. 1868 building in Salem that was once used as a funeral parlor. In addition to the Temple’s renowned 8.5 ft. tall statue of Baphomet, the site is home to the Salem Art Gallery, which features rotating exhibits with art inspired by Satanism, moral panics, and witch hunts. The Baphomet statue can be used as a backdrop for ceremonies, and reception space is available outside and in the galleries. Satanic weddings are totally individualized and officiants can work with each couple to create an event just for them. Indoor capacity is 48 guests.
Hotels
Hawthorne Hotel
The historic Hawthorne Hotel dates back to 1925 and has become a favorite North Shore wedding venue over the years. Located adjacent to Salem Common, the Hotel offers a grand ballroom with sweeping Palladian windows and small function spaces throughout the property for ceremonies, cocktail hours, brunch and more. A variety of packages and customization options are available, as well as the hotel’s 93 guest rooms for attendees to stay onsite. Find complete information and view the Hawthorne Hotel’s wedding brochure at hawthornehotel.com.
Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites
Located right on the harbor, the Salem Waterfront Hotel & Suites offers both indoor and outdoor cemetery venues with waterfront views, plus their expansive Maritime Ballroom for ceremonies and receptions for up to 220 guests. Wedding packages cover details like flowers and sound equipment and can be customized to suit each individual event with plated or buffet receptions and a full bar with signature drinks. Learn more about available packages and schedule a site tour at salemwaterfronthotel.com.
The Hotel Salem
The Hotel Salem features a variety of ceremony and reception spaces, including The Roof, Salem’s only rooftop bar. The hotel can accommodate micro-weddings or ceremonies and receptions for up to 50 guests at The Roof or Counter (the hotel’s art-deco designed lobby dining space) or a large scale event with up to 180 guests in The Cellar. Nearly every element of the your Hotel Salem wedding is customizable from menus to a private bar with specialty cocktails, and more, plus 44 accommodations for guests. Learn more at thehotelsalem.com.
On the Water
Mahi Harbor Cruises
Mahi Cruises can accommodate private events on the water for 10 to 150 people! For a more intimate event, book your wedding on the Finback, their 50-foot sightseeing boat, or accommodate up to 150 guests between two decks aboard the Hannah Glover. Mahi Cruises can even provide unique transportation to and from your event, and they are able to customize nearly every part of the experience, including the cruise length, boat, music and food. Learn more at mahicruises.com.
Schooner FAME
Plan your wedding at sea aboard Schooner FAME, a full scale replica of the privateer from the War of 1812. FAME can accommodate up to 40 guests on a private charter for a two-hour minimum package, and can include drinks, snacks or a full meal while on board. All events include the services of captain, crew, and a bartender, and FAME is happy to help with recommendations for caterers. Learn more at schoonerfame.com.
Tags: Peabody Essex Museum, the house of the seven gables, Weddings
