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!

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!

My husband and I could not recommend the New Bedford Whaling Museum and Russell Mirin catering enough! Guests loved the cocktail hour in the museum; it was such a unique experience! Many of our guests (and us included) commented that the food was the best that we had ever tasted at a wedding. We couldn't recommend the venue and Russell Morin in general enough!

We had an amazing experience with the Whaling Museum and its top-notch staff, kudos to all involved. Casey was incredibly responsive, informative, and accommodating, and she and the event/catering staff were more than able to deal with some of our last minute requests, including leading up to and on the day of the wedding. The space was beautifully arranged with all of our planned small touches, and guests raved about the museum experience, as well as the reception itself. It was a night both we and our guests will never forget and we are so glad we picked this venue. One small tip: When booking our date, we were unaware of New Bedford's Annual Folk Festival, which coincided with our wedding day (yikes!) and made parking a little trickier. We ended up hiring a valet service, so all was salvaged, but it would be wise to check in on local events planned on and around your big day.

My experience, from start to finish, was unparalleled at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. My husband and I stopped looking after we viewed the museum with our initial sales manager, Bethany. Bethany left the company while we were planning our wedding, and the transition to the new manager, Casey, was flawless. From start to finish, I only have the best things to say about Casey, her associate, Nikki, and the entire staff at the museum. Beyond the professional and warm staff, here are a few points as to why, if we did it all over again, there is no doubt we would choose the museum for our wedding ceremony and reception.
-They work exclusively with Russell Morin's Catering. The food and beverage service were such a great value and executed as promised. The tasting experience was an absolute blast, and the staff was so helpful with recommendations and making changes to their menu. We had five passed appetizers during cocktail house (uncommon stuffed mushrooms, petite lobster rolls, fish and chip cones, bbq beef brisket sliders, cheddar biscuits with carolina pulled pork were are all crowd favorites). The staff also passed wine and prosecco during cocktail hour. Dinner service was flawless and fast (we chose to have salad at the tables when guests sat down at their seats) and dinner was delicious (short ribs tuscano, wild mushroom ravioli and Chicken Cote d’Azur).
-Location in New Bedford close to the Marriott & Fort Phoenix for photos beforehand.
-Ability to choose all vendors accept for Caterer (including baker)
-The venue itself set it apart from anywhere else outside of Boston. We were thrilled to have 2 balconies outside of the reception area, a separate cocktail hour space (the Lagoda Room) and onsite ceremony. The balconies were a huge hit for all of the guests (we had a cigar station on 1 and cornhole game/cocktail tables on the other).
I do not have enough good things to say about Casey, her team, and the entire experience.

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!!!

This venue was absolutely gorgeous! Our guests were blown away by the cocktail hour in the Lagoda room, as well as the stunning views from the Harbor View Gallery. Everyone from the museum was incredibly great to work with. The museum does have an exclusive contract with Russell Morin catering, which provided phenomenal food, but is on the expensive side (12k catering minimum), but worth it for the experience!

The venue was AMAZING!! Such a beautiful new room with amazing views and amazing service!! Our wedding could not have been more perfect. Thank You Bethany for everything!!

Thank you for a job so WELL DONE!!!!!!

To Arolin our event planner at the New Bedford
Whaling Museum and with Russell Morin Catering.
Just wanted you to know that we ALL think that you did
a "FANTABULOUS" job. The day went so well. It was PERFECT and
you helped it to be that perfect. Even the old aunts and my Mom said
that it was FLAWLESS and they never saw a wedding like that ever.

Excellent job!!!!!! Loved it ALL!!!!
Hugs.....Jan, Dan, Ruzica & Matt

My husband and I got married at the New Bedford whaling museum almost a year ago. Embarrassingly enough I am just getting to all of my reviews.

The whaling museum was the perfect setting for our wedding as we were looking for something a bit non traditional and unique. We had our cocktail hour in the Lagoda room which was amazing with the large whaling vessel. Our guests really loved the fact that the whole museum was open during the cocktail hour so they could socialize, but then go explore if they'd like. The kids especially love the large whaling vessel as they could get on the boat and play around.

We were introduced into our reception from upstairs which was a great surprise since our wedding party was announced from the main floor where the reception was held. The staircase was perfect for making that grand entrance we were looking for. We had about 130 guests at our wedding which was just perfect since we could have all of our tables in the main area and still have a giant dance floor.

The staff at the museum was exceptionally helpful throughout or whole wedding process. Elizabeth who runs the special events was great in providing information and guiding us through the whole process of planning. We brought lots of centerpieces and chalkboards for our wedding and she gladly stored them for us the night before the wedding and the staff helped unload and load the car with no hesitation.

If you are looking for a unique wedding venu where your guests will be entertained from beginning to end, definitely take a look at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Oh and did I mention you will have some of the most amazing pictures ever?! You will!!!