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Weddings

About

Nestled on Boston Harbor Island in Boston, Massachusetts, Cathleen Stone Island offers a picturesque setting for your wedding. Immerse yourself in the preserve's natural beauty and indulge in a weekend getaway in the charming historic Colonial home. With its stunning surroundings, this venue is perfect for hosting all wedding-related events and weekend-long celebrations.

Facilities and Capacity

Cathleen Stone Island can accommodate up to 350 guests. This venue has views of Boston’s skyline while also providing a great backdrop of the seaside. The venue is open-air and covered, and it offers beautiful outdoor locations for ceremonies.

Services Offered

Cathleen Stone Island offers the following services and items:

  • Accommodations
  • In-house catering
  • Bridal Suite
  • Boat Transportation
  • Event planning
  • Event rentals
  • Chairs
  • Lighting
  • Tables
  • Linens

History

The Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center has a rich history. In 1626, the island was used to graze sheep. In 1833, the island was purchased by Boston philanthropists to help at-risk young boys, teaching them farming and gardening. Today, through our partnership with Boston's public schools, thousands of students board the ferry each year to discover who they are and what they can become in an island classroom that spans 204 acres of salt marshes, woods, campsites, labs, dormitories, and dozens of challenge structures. Our research-based curriculum features hands-on field science infused with Outward Bound's unique approach to character development, and our education programs are provided at no cost to students or parents. We rely on a combination of philanthropy and our events business to fund these programs. Please join us in supporting Boston's youth.

Location

Cathleen Stone Island is located on Boston Harbor Island in Boston, Massachusetts.

What You’ll Love About Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center

Couples and their guests love this venue's unique setting and breathtaking views of the Boston skyline. They also loved working with the event planning team and praised their communication, flexibility, attentiveness, and attention to detail. To learn more about their amazing experience celebrating on Cathleen Stone Island, check out the reviews.

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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?

$25,000

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

$20,000

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

No

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
Clean Up
Event Planning
Linens
Set Up
Tables
Transportation

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

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$29

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

Bartender(s)
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Signature Drink

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

100

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Beach
Boat/Yacht
Park
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

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?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Chairs
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Shuttle
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

June
July
August
September

What months are included in your off-peak season?

May
October

Reviews of Cathleen Stone Island

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Cathleen Stone Island is a picturesque and unique wedding venue located close to downtown Boston, offering a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the city skyline. The boat ride to the island and sunset views during the reception were highlights for guests, contributing to a memorable experience. The staff, particularly Brenda, was highly praised for their clear communication, responsiveness, and coordination with vendors, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable wedding day. The venue's unique offerings, including overnight stays and support for Outward Bound, added a meaningful touch to the overall experience, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking a beautiful, fun, and inclusive setting for their special day.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Cathleen Stone Island is a picturesque and unique wedding venue located close to downtown Boston, offering a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the city skyline. The boat ride to the island and sunset views during the reception were highlights for guests, contributing to a memorable experience. The staff, particularly Brenda, was highly praised for their clear communication, responsiveness, and coordination with vendors, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable wedding day. The venue's unique offerings, including overnight stays and support for Outward Bound, added a meaningful touch to the overall experience, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking a beautiful, fun, and inclusive setting for their special day.

M
Mackenzie Sent on 11/05/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful and unique!

This is the perfect venue for an outdoorsy couple! We loved getting married on the water and then watching the sunset during cocktail hour. The food was delicious. The staff makes it easy to coordinate all of the moving parts of planning a wedding.
Ilana
Ilana Sent on 10/27/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Fun wedding, beautiful venue

Cathleen Stone Island is a gorgeous and unique wedding venue - from guests' experience of taking the ferry to the island, to the beautiful views over the harbor, to the lawn games and beach bonfire. We and our guests had a wonderful day together. We wanted a venue that would be kid-friendly, allow for multiple types of fun activities beyond just dinner and dancing, and be a welcoming experience for guests of all ages - and it excelled at all of this!

Food was great and accommodating of various dietary restrictions. The staff did a great job of coordinating with our vendors (there is some minor additional complexity to hosting the wedding on an island when you coordinate with vendors, but they are experienced at making this happen.) We had a few guests with questions about mobility challenges on the island setting, but the venue is well set up with accommodations. We loved that island is a non-profit, and the fees from our wedding help fund science and leadership programs for kids in and around Boston. Overall, if you're looking for a venue that is beautiful, unique, fun, and a little less formal than many options, Cathleen Stone Island is a terrific choice.
M
Mark Sent on 10/23/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Great Venue and Helpful Team

My wife and I got married on Cathleen Stone in July. The venue is incredible and the staff was great. Guests loved the boat ride to the island and really enjoyed the outdoor setting with lawn games etc. Brenda and her crew were really helpful with planning and day of.
J
Jessica Sent on 10/06/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible & Unique Venue With City Views

Thompson Island is such a special and unique place! Our wedding was magical and our guests love how different the venue was than a typical wedding venue. The ferry ride is a really neat experience and the staff on the Island is THE BEST (especially Denise, we love you!). If you are looking for a fun and different place to have your wedding we can't recommend Thompson Island enough.
K
Kelley Sent on 08/14/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Nothing compares to Thompson Island

We could not have found a better place for our August 2021 wedding than Thompson Island. Originally found on a list of "places to feel good about getting married at," we booked in 2019 for an August 2020 wedding that was cancelled because of the pandemic. Both Mary Kate and Denise were incredibly accommodating with moving our event to August 2021. The space itself at the pavilion is breathtaking, and the ceremony space is something our families cannot stop talking about. Knowing that everything from our vows to our Hora was in front of the Boston skyline secured us in our choice. The buffet had a vast variety of foods that accommodated every dietary restriction our guests had. The signature drinks were so popular that two bridesmaids asks bartenders for the recipes for their own weddings. On top of all this, there is nothing that can beat August heat like a calming sea breeze in the Harbor. Thank you Thompson Island for your fantastic customer service, outstanding location, commitment to your mission, and for an unforgettable wedding!
M
Melissa Sent on 12/29/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Magical Perfection

I became a bit nervous when a few months into the planning process there was a switch in the person who I was connected with. But, oh my goodness Mary Kate was a blessing in disguise. I felt at ease and happy the entire time- she might as well have been another guest at the wedding. She knew exactly how to handle every situation from rain to rowdy groomsmen and beyond. We truly had the best night of our lives and our guests continue to gush over the venue and food to this day. If I had to do it all over again I would go with Mary Kate and Thompson Island in a heartbeat.
C
Christina Sent on 12/17/2019
5 out of 5 rating

The best ever

Cannot day enough good things!
M
Madison Sent on 12/10/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing Venue and Team!

We had such an amazing experience at Thompson Island from the time we looked at the venue to our wedding day, this past July. Mary Kate was such an amazing wedding coordinator. She was wonderful to work with and very helpful with her wealth of wedding knowledge! Even on the hottest day of the year, the whole team at Thompson Island went above and beyond to make sure us, our families and guests were having a great time. We couldn't be happier that we chose to have our reception at Thompson Island.
T
Thomas Sent on 12/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Christina and Tom Balestracci Wedding

Our Thompson Island experience was nothing short of incredible. They knocked it out of the park! Denise and Mary Kate made the planning process easy, enjoyable, and stress-free. They were so responsive and reliable, and answered any question we possibly had within the day. They took care of everything with our vendors who were coming to the island, and you could feel the pride they have in hosting your wedding. The day of service was fantastic! All of the servers, bartenders and other staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and efficient. We still have guests raving about the food and drink at the reception! Mary Kate and Denise were lights out on the wedding day. They made sure everything ran smoothly, kept all of the wedding party on time and organized, and made sure that my wife Christina and I had anything we needed. They both made you feel like family, and we could feel how excited and invested they were in our big day! We love them! Last, but certainly not least, the venue is absolutely amazing! We had our ceremony under the trees overlooking the Boston skyline, and reception at the pavilion. It was a million dollar view of Boston, including the most incredible sunset over the city. In all, best venue, and best people to work with for a wedding, hands down.
B
Brianna Sent on 11/11/2019
5 out of 5 rating

PERFECT venue for us!

Getting married on Thompson Island was nothing short of perfect! We worked with Denise and Mary Kate, who were so organized, so efficient, so attentive to detail, and so patient. For a bride and groom who didn't want to be too burdened by details, it was really easy, because they organized and communicated everything with us and our vendors.

The venue is so naturally beautiful, and our guests loved taking the boat over and staying overnight. The ceremony and reception venues are unmatched, with views of Boson in the background.

The food was delicious, and the late-night bonfire was perfect for our afterparty. We seriously wouldn't have changed a single thing! Highly recommend this venue for a couple who doesn't want to be totally traditional and who loves the natural beauty of the great outdoors!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

31
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Mystique Entertainment DJ & Uplighting Mystique Entertainment DJ & Uplighting Wedding DJs

The staff at theThompson Island Conference Center has all the elements to exceed guests and vendor expectations , along with a view as beautiful as a wedding day cake, Any event is sure to be a flawless five star success!

Map

Cathleen Stone Island frequently asked questions

Cathleen Stone Island includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Linens
  • Set Up
  • Tables
  • Transportation
Cathleen Stone Island includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Cathleen Stone Island includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
  • Signature Drink
The space offered by Cathleen Stone Island for wedding events is known for:
  • Beach
  • Boat/Yacht
  • Park
  • Waterfront
Cathleen Stone Island offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Cathleen Stone Island offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Cathleen Stone Island offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
Cathleen Stone Island offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Chairs
  • Lighting
  • Tables
Cathleen Stone Island is recommended by 97% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in quality of service, 4.9 in flexibility, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.9 in value and 4.7 in average response time.
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