New Bedford
Whaling Museum
WHAT MAKES THE NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM UNIQUE ? Imagine booking a whole Museum for your wedding ! The New Bedford Whaling Museum offers learning through explorations of art , history , science and culture rooted in the stories of people , the region and an international seaport . We invite guests to walk around the museum to explore during your cocktail hour or even during the first hour of the reception !
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FACILITIES . We have a couple of ceremony options . Nestled at the top of Johnny Cake Hill , the Museum ’ s Plaza is an open courtyard offering views of the historic Seamen ’ s Bethel and the Mariners ’ Home . You will be surrounded by cobblestone streets , emulating a historic New England feel . For outdoor ceremonies , tents can also be placed at our Captain Paul Cuffe Park . Or you can host your wedding ceremony in the historic Seamen ’ s Bethel , made famous in Moby-Dick , just across the street from the Museum . Following the ceremony , we can open the doors of the Museum so your guests can start a unique cocktail hour in the Bourne Building , which houses the Lagoda , the world ’ s largest ship model . ( You can go on board !)
As for your reception , our most frequently rented area , the Harbor View Gallery , has two incredible , breathtaking terraces that overlook the New Bedford waterfront and historic downtown area . A few guests have opted to use the Cook Memorial Theatre to play welcome videos for their guests when they walk into the front entrance of the Museum . The possibilities are endless and we are happy to work with you to create your unique event .
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE ?
The Harbor View Gallery : 180 guests for a seated dinner with a DJ and dance floor / 150 guests for a seated dinner with a band and dance floor / Up to 350 standing , 300 standing with cocktail tables
The Bourne Building : 300 standing guests / 160 seated guests The Plaza : 150 guests seated / 200 guests cocktail-style
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ON-SITE COORDINATOR . At the Whaling Museum , we have an on-site Events Planning and Services Manager who will ensure all aspects of your special day unfurl seamlessly . From connecting with your vendors , to looping back with catering about extra logistics , our staff is ready to ensure your vision comes to fruition .
WHEN TO BOOK : AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FACILITIES : INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CEREMONY SPACE : YES RECEPTION SPACE : YES GUEST CAPACITY : UP TO 300 ON-SITE COORDINATOR : YES ON-SITE CATERING : NO ( PREFERRED VENDORS )
TOP : COURTESY NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM ; MIDDLE : HALLIE JADE PICTURES ; BOTTOM : ABOUT TIME PHOTOGRAPHY i
18 JOHNNY CAKE HILL , NEW BEDFORD , MA SPECIALEVENTS @ WHALINGMUSEUM . ORG / CSAR @ WHALINGMUSEUM . ORG
508-717-6846 • WHALINGMUSEUM . ORG / ABOUT / VENUE-RENTALS
BAR SERVICE : NO ( PREFERRED VENDORS ) HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE : YES
PARKING : YES ( METERED , OFF STREET PARKING & PREFERRED VALET VENDOR )
62 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2022