Picture your wedding reception in one of America’s most historic cities. New Bedford is the 19th century whaling capital of the world. The century old New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the world’s largest collection of whaling artifacts and the city’s history, located within the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. Nestled in the middle of 18th and 19th century homes and shops, along cobblestone streets and a thriving seaport, the New Bedford Whaling Museum promises your wedding to be a unique experience of a lifetime.

Start your wedding at the Seamen’s Bethel, a church in which Herman Melville would attend worship, conveniently located across the street of the Museum’s Bourne Building. This century old building is home to the Lagoda ship. Your guests can step back in time onboard the 1⁄2 scale model of the Whaling Ship Lagoda. Their experience continues as they are given exclusive access to browse the Museum’s many galleries as they view paintings, scrimshaw, period glass, and our ever changing exhibits. Your guests are invited to dine in the newest wing, The Jacobs Family Gallery, which incorporates a modern touch to this century old museum.

The Museum offers numerous options for your guests to begin their museum experience. Your guests can begin their journey by viewing an introductory movie about the history of New Bedford in the Museum’s State-of the art Theater. For an intimate cocktail party location, your guests may enjoy a priceless panoramic view of Buzzard’s Bay and New Bedford Harbor in the San Francisco Room/Observation Deck. For a larger gathering the Museum Plaza offers a central setting amongst the surrounding historic buildings. Weather impacts all decisions with a wedding, and the Museum offers an indoor option to relieve your wedding day worries.

Your wedding is one of life’s most treasured events, whether its your wedding reception, engagement party or rehearsal dinner let the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s experienced staff guide you through your memorable day. From concept through completion, our experienced staff can help you select the right caterer, florist, photographer, music, etc, everything you need to create an event that reflects your own unique style and personality. From the major decisions to the smallest details, nothing is overlooked by our event coordinator.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum provides an affordable setting for the wedding of your dreams that few sites can match.