The Best Covered Outdoor Wedding Venues in Dartmouth, MA

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?

3 Wedding Venues in Dartmouth, MA

Covered outdoor
Quick responder
Merrill's on the Waterfront 
Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
New Bedford, MA
  • Up to 150 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor

Merrill’s on the Waterfront is the Perfect Harbor View Venue for Your Special Occasions Located in historic downtown New Bedford, MA, the private and semi-private function areas at Merrill’s on the Waterfront each have a unique atmosphere and water view. Even in our dining room, every table has a magnificent view of the Harbor. Our in-house catering professionals and event coordinator will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your party is executed perfectly. Lafrance Hospitality has over 60 years of event experience as well as renowned service and menus. We would like to welcome you to host your event at Merrill’s on the Waterfront.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Has an energetic and exciting atmosphere
  • Provides event staff
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Does not allow pets
  • On-site parking not available
“Our August 2026 wedding at Merrill's on the Waterfront was incredible! From our first inquiry and visit, to probably hundreds of emails, questions, and updates in between, Victoria was the best coordinator anyone could ask for. Her responsiveness, communication, knowledge, and enthusiasm made every single question go answered and every detail was executed exactly as we had hoped. I don't think you could find a venue with a more response and helpful coordinator than Victoria! We went with the full buyout option and are so happy with how the flow and structure of the day went, with plenty of space for our guests to mingle, dance, and have a great time. With nearly all guests coming in from out of town, the location with the hotel right across the street and so many things to do downtown in walking distance (plus waterfront views of course) made Merrill's the perfect choices for us. Hands down the best wedding venue in New Bedford!”
Tori L., 7 days ago
GemHidden gem
New Bedford Whaling Museum 
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)
New Bedford, MA
  • Up to 160 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $6,000

Nestled among historic homes and cobblestone streets in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Whaling Museum offers a distinctive venue for any special occasion. You and your guests will enjoy a spectacular waterfront view, stunning works of art, unique collections, and the wow factor of having the world's largest ship model at the center of your celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Dressing room available
  • Multiple event spaces
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
  • No all-inclusive dining options
“The New Bedford Whaling Museum was an exceptional venue for our wedding. Their communication throughout the planning process was great - the staff were readily available, super helpful, and made sure all our questions were answered promptly. The venue itself was beautiful, clean, and the perfect size for our 133 guests. The only minor inconvenience was that we were not able to drop off our decor the night before the wedding, and I had to coordinate with friends to bring it on the day of since our ceremony was in Rhode Island at 3pm. The Whaling Museum needs to communicate that with the catering company because they only allow certain catering companies. Come up with a better plan. Overall a great venue!”
Melissa A., 2 years ago
TrendlineTrending
Shining Tides Weddings 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Mattapoisett, MA
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $5,600

At Shining Tides, Weddings by the Sea, we are dedicated to bringing you your dream wedding. Located on the picture-perfect Mattapoisett Harbor, Shining Tides Weddings is sure to bring you a night to remember. With an event coordinator who is there for all your needs, you will only have to focus on saying "I do!" Consistent with the Y’s mission to promote and encourage life-long development for children and families through programs that build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies, proceeds from events booked at Shining Tides help to provide scholarship funds for children who otherwise could not afford to attend summer camp. Sharing the love you feel on your wedding day through a connection that extends even beyond your wedding guests and into the greater community creates a truly memorable and gratifying event.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Raw space for complete customization
  • Has a sophisticated vibe

Venue considerations

  • Couple must handle cleanup and setup
  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Lighting and sound are not included
“Shining Tides was the absolute perfect venue for our June wedding! The porch, lawn, and private beach struck the perfect balance between our laid back style and the elegance of a gorgeous coastal setting. We were able to customize everything to reflect us in every detail from the intimate beach ceremony to dancing the night away on the stunning covered porch! Our guests could not stop raving about the incredibly beautiful natural setting. The staff were unbelievably attentive (shoutout to our newlywed attendant Judy who was simply the best! She even brought me a bus bin of warm water and a towel to wash my feet before changing into my reception shoes!) We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day! Several of our guests have told us over and over how much they loved their night at Shining Tides!”
Linnea M., a year ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Dartmouth, MA

Harbor View Hotel
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Edgartown, MA
TrendlineTrending
The Captain Morse House
Edgartown, MA
Juniper Place Events
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Vineyard Haven, MA
Chatham Wayside Inn
Chatham, MA
Wellfleet Preservation Hall
Rating: 4.0 (1 review)
Wellfleet, MA
The Vue at Brookside
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Bourne, MA
The Centers of Culture and History in Orleans
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
ORLEANS, MA
Pilgrim House Provincetown
Provincetown, MA
Rugosa Guest House
Eastham, MA
The West End
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Hyannis, MA
Nauticus Marina
Osterville, MA
Quick responder
The Salt Barn
Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Dennis, MA

Event types for wedding venues in Dartmouth, MA

About wedding venues in Dartmouth, MA

Massachusetts offers an unparalleled backdrop for your wedding day with historic mansions in Boston's Beacon Hill, lighthouse-dotted shores of Cape Cod and rustic barns nestled in Western Massachusetts' Berkshire mountains. The state's rich colonial heritage gives you venues in buildings dating back to the 1700s while modern spaces showcase innovative architecture and contemporary design that can make your celebration truly unique.

What Makes Massachusetts Wedding Venues So Special?

The Bay State combines distinct regional characteristics to create unique ceremony experiences for your special day. In Boston and Greater Boston you'll find historic landmarks like Boston Public Library where you can exchange vows in elegant reading rooms then celebrate with receptions offering harbor views at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket feature oceanfront estates like Wychmere Beach Club with direct beach access and sunset ceremony opportunities that create magical memories. Western Massachusetts offers converted tobacco barns featuring original beam architecture and mountain backdrop photography locations perfect for couples seeking rustic charm.

How Much Do Massachusetts Wedding Venues Cost?

Massachusetts wedding venues average $9,954 which typically represents about 17% of your total budget compared to the national range of $6,500-$12,000. Prices vary significantly by region; Boston and North Shore venues command premium prices while Western Massachusetts and South Shore offer more affordable options that might better fit your budget. For a Massachusetts wedding expect total costs around $26,015 for 50 guests, $43,197 for 100 guests, $59,346 for 150 guests, $73,773 for 200 guests, $88,200 for 250 guests and $102,626 for 300 guests. Planning ahead helps you accommodate these costs in your overall wedding budget.

Which Massachusetts Venues Are Fully Accessible?

The Commons 1854 in Topsfield stands out with accessible parking ramps and a chairlift for wheelchair users accommodating up to 200 guests comfortably. Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge offers stunning Boston skyline views while Renaissance in Haverhill provides a scenic golf course setting for your celebration. Always contact venues directly to confirm specific accessibility features that meet your needs and those of your guests.

What Budget Items Should You Consider for Your Massachusetts Wedding?

ServiceAverage Cost% of Budget (150 guests)
Florists$8,17714%
Venue$9,95417%
Bar Services$6,37111%
Catering$7,96313%
Photographers$4,9848%

When Should You Book Your Massachusetts Venue?

Massachusetts couples typically book venues 15 months before their wedding date with September bookings requiring even earlier commitment due to popularity. Boston venues frequently book earlier for prime Saturday dates while Sunday or Friday weddings offer more immediate availability if you're planning on a shorter timeline. Reaching out to venues early gives you the best chance to secure your preferred date.

Where Can You Find Outstanding Food in Massachusetts Wedding Venues?

Hampshire House in Boston offers exceptional well-plated cuisine with stunning views of Boston Public Gardens perfect for intimate weddings up to 75 guests who appreciate fine dining. The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton serves outstanding creatively crafted dishes with delectable hors d'oeuvres and mouthwatering main courses in a rustic yet magical setting your guests will rave about. Avenir in Walpole provides in-house catering with personalized service in an elegant ballroom setting that creates a memorable experience. Book your tastings early and ask about seasonal menu options to experience Massachusetts' renowned culinary scene on your special day and create a menu that perfectly complements your celebration.

What other Dartmouth vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?