Weddings

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is located on a twelve-acre park, overlooking the sea that President Kennedy loved and the city that launched him to greatness. Say "I do" with an intimate crowd of 30 or a larger celebration for up to 300 guests.

After reviewing all of this information, we recommend scheduling a meeting with a JFK Library Event Coordinator. Tours of the rental spaces are available from 9am-4pm Monday through Friday. The Library can place a soft hold on a date for up to two weeks with no financial commitment. During this time, Gourmet Caterers will prepare an initial catering proposal for you to review. Once you are ready to move forward the Library requires a 50% non-refundable deposit and signed paperwork to confirm the date. The final balance is due two weeks before your wedding date.

Please call the Special Events Department at 617-514-1582 for further information. We look forward to working with you on this momentous occasion!

Wedding Ceremonies

I.M. Pei’s iconic nine-story glass Pavilion is the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding ceremony. The Pavilion can accommodate up to 300 guests for a ceremony and cocktail hour. The Pavilion is open to the public during the day, but ready for guests starting at 6pm. We recommend a ceremony start time no earlier than 6:15pm. The celebration can begin right after you say “I do” with a seamless transition into cocktail hour.

Wedding Receptions

With towering windows overlooking the city skyline Smith Hall is a blank canvas ideal for a fully customized reception. Smith Hall can accommodate up to 300 guests with a full size dance floor. Smith Hall also features an attached terrace, where guests can take in the sunset and sweeping city views.

Pricing

The Library is available to rent for wedding ceremonies and receptions Friday through Sunday year round. Please note that the Library does not host weddings on New Year’s Eve or in the month of May. The rental fee for a ceremony is $5,000 and a reception is $20,000. There are no taxes or administrative fees on top of this pricing. These fees include:

  • Up to 300 guests
  • An event time of 6-11pm, with the option to extend to midnight for an additional $3,000
  • Guests have access to the museum exhibits anytime before the ceremony or cocktail hour start time
  • Hospitality suite, access starting at 10am
  • Free parking
  • Library staff, including a JFK Library Event Coordinator, security, museum staff, and janitorial services
  • Access to the Library grounds for first look and formal photography
  • Access to Smith Hall for set-up starting at 10am. Earlier access may be available for an additional fee.
  • Access to the Pavilion for set-up starting at 5pm

Vendors

The Library’s spaces are rented empty, which allows for complete customization. Through elements like furniture rentals, lighting, and floral design you can design the space to speak to your vision and personality. Given the complexity of hosting a wedding in our spaces, the Library requires that all couples work with a professional wedding planner.

We are here to help you every step of the way and are happy to make recommendations for planners and vendors. Once your vendors are selected your JFK Library Event Coordinator will work with your planner to confirm logistics and make sure all building regulations are met. The Library is a proud member of the Boston Wedding Group. The BWG is a consortium of top tier Boston based wedding vendors. From hair stylists to photographers to bands, it is a fantastic place to start your search.

Audio & Visual Services

The Library has four approved AV suppliers. These vendors can provide decorative lighting elements like chandeliers, uplighting, and pinspots as well as draping. Most bands and DJs provide their own sound system. We recommend working with your band/DJ for amplification options for your ceremony, speeches, and toasts.

Design Light
Sandy Mulrey
sandy@designlightco.com
508-785-1810
designlightco.com

CCR Solutions
Ryan Wade
ryanw@ccrsolutions.com
508-734-5472
ccrsolutions.com

Capron Lighting and Sound
Joe Danahy
jdanahy@capron.net
781-444-8850
capron.net

Terry Hanley Audio Systems
Dan Kidwell
dan@terryhanleyaudio.com
781-932-5300
terryhanleyaudio.com

 

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