For Boston couples, the options for elopement locations are endless. You could be in the Public Garden, on the water in the Seaport, on the North or South Shore beaches, the arboretum…you name it! One amazing option to consider is a Boston Public Library Elopement. On Mondays, the Boston Public Library offers their Gustavino Room as an option for couples eloping or hosting a micro-wedding for twelve guests or less.

Boston Public Library Elopement Details

Couples who are interested in hosting an elopement or micro-wedding in the Boston Public Library are invited to book any Monday for 1 hour of time once you are within a 90 day window. This affordable option is a great way to take advantage of the historic location without having to rent the entire library. The library provides chairs for twelve guests and the ceremony decor (flower displays) you see in front of the fireplace. One thing to note is that the library is extremely strict about their photo policy for this rental option. Photos are not allowed anywhere besides inside the Gustavino Room for only one hour of time. Once that one hour is up, you are escorted out of the library. This means you aren’t allowed to take pictures in the hallways, on the marble interior steps, or in the inner courtyard.

Photo Flow and Locations

Because of the restraints of the photo policy, I like to begin with a first look (or couple’s portraits without a first look) outside on the exterior Copley Square library steps. The facade of the library is beautiful and it provides a classic Boston architecture backdrop to start the elopement or micro-wedding photography coverage.

If family is joining in the case of a micro-wedding, this is also a great place to snag some group photos before heading in for the scheduled hour of time in the Gustavino Room.

The Ceremony in the Gustavino Room

Most elopement and micro-wedding ceremonies are short enough that there is plenty of time for photos within the Gustavino Room afterwards. In the case of the wedding pictured here, the ceremony lasted around 15 to 20 minutes and we had the remainder of the hour to take photos of the couple together, bride and groom solo, as well as combinations with their guests.

The Gustavino Room is large enough that even with the ceremony set-up, there is ample space behind that area for group photos. The high windows let a lot of natural light in as well, which is a great perk!

There is also a second floor perimeter balcony that lines the bookshelves. If you have a couple who loves books, it’s an excellent spot to grab some couples portraits!

Where to Next? The Boston Surrounds.

My base elopement package covers 90 minutes of time which is perfect for couples who solely want to capture a few images outside the Boston Public Library in the Copley Square area as well as the ceremony and Gustavino Room coverage. This particular client added on an extra hour to give us a little bit more time to head to the Boston Public Garden afterwards. Their guests headed for drinks at a local hotel while we headed for the Garden. This gave them some time to be alone together and get some couples photos without everyone watching. The Public Garden is a great add on during any time of year as there is always something looking beautiful…even in the Winter!

Not into the Boston Public Garden? The Charles River Esplanade and Beacon Hill are within reasonable walking distance as well and both offer alternatively amazing scenery for your elopement photos!

Are you looking to elope this year? Reach out and let’s chat about options!