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Weddings

Pricing information

Reception
$4,500 starting price
Ceremony
$750 starting price
Bar service
$19 per person
Reception
$3,600 starting price
Ceremony
$750 starting price
Bar service
$19 per person
These prices are available for the months of April through October. These prices are available for the months of November through March.

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Unique aesthetic style
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

Distinctive, Unforgettable Events
Depart from traditional venues and give your guests an experience they’ll never forget at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Nestled among 18th and 19th century homes and cobblestone streets, with unparalleled harbor views, the Museum is a distinctive venue for intimate gatherings, weddings, and rehearsal dinners.

A perfect match = Seamens’ Bethel ceremony + Whaling Museum reception
Hold your wedding ceremony in the historic Seamen’s Bethel, made famous in Moby-Dick, just across the cobblestone street from the Museum.

Harbor View Features

  • Panoramic waterfront views
  • Use of private terrace
  • The opportunity to host your cocktail hour in the Bourne Building
  • On-site coordinator
  • Air-conditioned
  • Conveniently located restroom facilities
  • Built-in projector and screen

Capacity
The Harbor View Gallery can accommodate:
180 with plated dinner and a DJ/dance floor
150 seated, plated dinner, band and dance floor
300 standing with cocktail tables

The Museum also offers The Plaza (an open outdoor courtyard) and the Cuffe Park (a beautifully landscaped grassy park). Both of these spaces offer a historic New England feel and are perfect for your ceremony.

Services Offered
The New Bedford Whaling Museum offers services to make your day unforgettable. The following will be provided for you:

  • A selection of top-notch caterers to pick from
  • An event planner to help you coordinate the details of your special day at the Museum
  • Cultural attractions
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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$4,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$3,600

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$750

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$750

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Clean Up
Event Planning
Set Up

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$19

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Liquor
House Wine

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

6

Describe your venue:

Historic Building
Museum
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Wifi

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables
Tents

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
November
December
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4.8 out of 5 rating
19 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.7 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples
K
Kristen R. Sent on 10/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding at the Whaling Museum Was a Whale of a Good Time

Yep. I said it. It was a whale of a good time.

This venue was perfect for us. Both of us love the ocean--from swimming, to diving, to fishing. Our guests were really WOW-ed from the ceremony in the auditorium, to the cocktail hour in the Lagoda, to the reception upstairs.

Ceremony- I loved having my ceremony in the auditorium, because I didn't have to decorate (there was already a ship model for a back drop on stage). I also knew that my guests were comfortable in padded seats and air conditioning (you're welcome, guests).

Lagoda- Our photographer got some AMAZING shots of us in this room before the ceremony. We also had our cocktail hour here and my small, acoustic band, was able to play a few songs on the ship during the ceremony. This was priceless.

Reception- The reception upstairs was just right for the size of wedding we had. The dance floor was perfect, but I also know a lot of guests spent time outside savoring the view from the deck and enjoying the fresh air.

The venue was unique and beautiful and resulted in a very memorable wedding. Our guests were raving about it. I would recommend this venue!
ElaineVictoria
Elaine Sent on 09/25/2017
5 out of 5 rating
Thank you Casey for your help and care throughout the wedding planning process. From the tasting (which was a blast) to the night of our wedding you made sure that everything went off without a hitch!

On our wedding day we were treated like royalty. No, really… I was amazed!!! Casey greeted us with champagne the second we arrived at the museum. Janet swooped in and informed us that she was a master as bustles. My train was literally about 2 yards long so my bridesmaids and I were very relieved!! If it were not for the help, we would've spent the better portion of cocktail hour fussing with the train. We were able to get freshened up, buttoned up, and join our guests for most of the cocktail hour. (Janet you are a sweetheart – thank you!) Janet and Casey ensured that my husband, me, our wedding party and parents were all well fed, hydrated and had everything we needed from cocktail hour, on.

Casey was always close by ensuring that everything went smoothly, making adjustments to the night’s line of events if we felt that some things needed to be moved around, etc. The teamwork between Casey and the other vendors at the NBWM that night was impressive! Right up to the very end of the night Casey was working hard to make sure everything was perfect. Casey, you are awesome! Thank you!

Lastly, all of the food that evening was delicious! Hor d’oeuvres were flowing all through cocktail hour with a personal plate following us around. Our guests had a blast checking out the museum and catching up with friends and family. Dinner was delicious as well – and all of the guests we have chatted with have raved about the food. I was so worried that with the day being so busy my husband and I would end up not eating enough, but that did not happen. We were cared for by the staff and allowed to enjoy a relaxing meal in such a busy day. Thank you Janet! Thank you Casey!! & Thank you Russell Morin Catering & Events!!!
V
Valerie Sent on 10/17/2017
5 out of 5 rating
We had our ceremony and reception at the Whaling Museum in July. Casey and Nikki were incredibly easy to work with and executed a flawless night. They were responsive throughout the planning process and worked with our budget to customize a wedding that felt natural to us. The food was delicious and the mini lobster rolls were especially a hit! The venue itself was beautiful and unique. The staff was attentive throughout the night and we were never without a drink in hand :) All of our guests really enjoyed cocktail hour in the Lagoda Room, the view from the Harbor Room, and the Museum exhibits. We highly recommend Morin's Catering and the New Bedford Whaling Museum for weddings or corporate functions!
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WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner

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