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
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:
19 Reviews for New Bedford Whaling Museum
Recommended by 97% of couples
10 User photos
Kristen Riley · Married on 09/01/2019
Wedding at the Whaling Museum Was a Whale of a Good Time
Yep. I said it. It was a whale of a good time.
Sent on 10/09/2019
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!
Elaine · Married on 09/09/2017
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!
Sent on 09/25/2017
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!!!
New Bedford Whaling Museum's reply:
Thank you so very much for such an amazing and thoughtful review! We are so happy to hear your wedding day was even more amazing than you expected with our services and experiences, as we also try our best to go above and beyond for our clients. We wish you nothing but the best for your future endeavors as newlyweds!Valerie · Married on 07/22/2017
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!
Sent on 10/17/2017
New Bedford Whaling Museum's reply:
Hi Valerie! Thank you so much for your kind words and letting us know about your experience with us here at the museum and with our exclusive caterer, Russell Morin! We are happy we provided you with the utmost service and wish you nothing but the best for yourself and your husband!
