The Best Aquarium & Zoo Wedding Venues in Salem, NH

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2 Wedding Venues in Salem, NH

Aquariums, zoos
Seacoast Science Center 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Rye, NH
  • Up to 150 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $9,750

The Seacoast Science Center is situated on the ocean’s edge in historic Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, NH boasts a different view each hour, from the tides to fog clearing into clear sky. Exchange vows in front of our rocky shoreline ceremony site with the sound of crashing waves, followed by dinner and dancing beneath an al fresco tent all while enjoying ocean panoramas with sparkling seas dotted with sailboats, four different lighthouses, and the Isles of Shoals. Welcome your guests to explore our exhibits in the Center and share the Seacoast Science Center mission. Your rental supports its efforts to promote conservation and health of our oceans.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Venue is completely outdoors
  • Picturesque garden backdrop
  • Raw space for complete customization

Venue considerations

  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No in-house catering options
“We loving having our sunning and colorful wedding at your amazing venue! Our guests talked about the views and the food and everyone had a wonderful time! The day was full of rain but it stopped just in time for the bride to walk the aisle and as we said our “I do’s” a rainbow came out and then some brief rain and then it opened up into a beautiful sunshine filled evening. We loving working with everyone here and had a stunning event. Thank you so much for your help and venue! It’s also a total steal for the price!”
Isabel K., 3 years ago
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New England Aquarium 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Boston, MA
  • Up to 275 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $8,500
  • Offer

With stunning settings, one-of-a-kind views, and a backdrop of awe-inspiring animals, the New England Aquarium is the perfect Boston location for an upcoming waterfront wedding reception. Capture the romance of Boston’s historic waterfront at one of the most unique and ethical wedding reception venues in Boston. Whether you’re planning a large-scale celebration of love or an intimate micro-wedding, we have you covered with options to rent the entire Aquarium or a smaller private area. From helping you pick the perfect venue to the perfect environmentally responsible menu, our event management team will assist you every step of the way. Each wedding at the Aquarium supports our animals, exhibits, and efforts to ensure a vital and vibrant ocean for all.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Handles all cleanup logistics
  • Has a dance floor to dance the night away
  • Full catering menu to choose from

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No free parking
“Before you read this lengthy review, the short answer is: YES, get married at the New England Aquarium! We started our search looking for venues and wanted something fun and unique. The Aquarium made it onto our list, and the prices were comparable to other venues—it wasn’t significantly more expensive than renting out a restaurant with food and drinks. We read every review possible before we had our first meeting and toured the venue. Our biggest concern was catering because there were some older reviews on The Knot about this being an issue. At our first meeting, not only was there a representative from the New England Aquarium, but also a representative from the catering company. This was definitely a green flag for us, and it sounds like the Aquarium took the older reviews seriously and transitioned to a new catering team. Throughout the planning process, the team was wonderful. They kept in touch via email, gave us clear deadlines, and answered all of our questions. We did have to get pre-approval for all of our centerpieces and anything else we were bringing into the Aquarium because of animal safety. This was not an issue for us and was a very straightforward process. A few months before the wedding, we also had our food and wine tasting. This was definitely one of the fun parts of the planning process because all we had to do was show up! We knew we wanted buffet stations instead of a plated dinner, so we told them which entrees we wanted to try. The Italian dishes were really great, along with all of the salads. We also had some suggestions for a customized Indian station, and the team took very detailed notes, which was a great sign that they were listening to what we wanted. Amanda Solomon was the person we worked with very closely as we got closer to our wedding date. The week before, she sent us encouraging messages and made sure everything was on track. On the day of the wedding, she and her team made sure the setup was done correctly and that everything was ready for us. We didn’t have a wedding ceremony at the Aquarium—just the reception. Cocktail hour was inside the Aquarium, while dinner and dancing were outside in the tent. Everyone absolutely raved about the venue! One thing we loved was that guests had options throughout the night. They could hang out in the tent and dance, go inside the Aquarium to see the animals, or walk along the harbor. It made the whole experience feel really unique and gave people plenty to do. People also said they really enjoyed the food, which was the only hesitation we had when touring potential venues. We were so happy that we decided to go with the Aquarium and would highly recommend this venue to anyone looking for something unique, fun, and memorable!”
Peter W., 7 days ago

Location flexible? Discover venues near Salem, NH

Quick responder
Bedford Event Center
Rating: 5.0 (30 reviews)
Bedford, NH
Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Woodfords Club
Portland, ME
The Clarion Hotel Portland
Portland, ME
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The Greenhouse at Highland Farm
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
Scarborough, ME
Nonesuch River Brewing
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
Scarborough, ME
The Woodlands Club
Falmouth, ME
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Willowdale Estate
Rating: 5.0 (182 reviews)
Topsfield, MA
Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
Quick responder
Dell-Lea Weddings & Events
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
Chichester, NH
Offer
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Autumn Lane Estate
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Sebago, ME
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Currier Hill Farm
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
Loudon, NH
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Hawthorne Hotel
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Salem, MA
Floriana
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Ipswich, MA

Event types for wedding venues in Salem, NH

About wedding venues in Salem, NH

Salem, NH gives couples the perfect blend of New England charm, diverse venue options, and great location; you're just 30 minutes from Boston and Manchester. You'll find everything from modern industrial spaces to elegant country clubs in this wedding-friendly area, with November emerging as the most popular month for couples to secure their venues.

What's the Average Wedding Cost in Salem, NH?

Wedding costs in Salem vary widely depending on your guest count. A 50-guest wedding runs about $25,759 while expanding to 300 guests pushes that figure to $102,672. Most couples spend around $59,222 for a 150-guest celebration. The venue itself typically costs about $11,241 which represents 19% of your total wedding budget for a mid-sized event. This aligns nicely with what couples spend nationally, where venue costs range from $6,500 to $12,000. You'll want to plan ahead though; most Salem couples book their venues a full 16 months before saying "I do."

How Do Wedding Costs Break Down in Salem?

For a typical 150-guest wedding in Salem, your budget will spread across multiple categories. The venue takes the biggest chunk at 19% ($11,241) followed by catering at 15% ($8,993) and bar services at 12% ($7,194). Floral arrangements will run about 10% ($6,164) while wedding planners take 9% ($5,338). Your visual memories; videography and photography; require about 15% combined ($8,978) while entertainment like bands or DJs typically costs 3% ($1,836). The finishing touches of hair and makeup (1% at $714) and your wedding cake (another 1% at $725) complete the picture, giving you a comprehensive view of where your wedding dollars go.

Which Salem Venues Offer Accessible Options?

The Enchantment Room stands out with its comprehensive accessibility features wrapped in modern design. You'll love its convenient location just 30 minutes north of Boston with easy access from major highways like I-495 and I-93. The industrial-inspired atmosphere doesn't compromise on accessibility, making it perfect for guests with varying mobility needs. Granite Rose by Wedgewood Weddings offers beautiful garden ceremony sites even though it sits slightly outside Salem proper. You can exchange vows surrounded by lush greenery in an accommodating setting. Ferncroft Country Club, about 18 miles from Salem, provides spacious facilities with modern amenities that likely address accessibility concerns while maintaining an elegant atmosphere.

Can Salem Venues Support Remote Wedding Participation?

The Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village combines elegance with technical sophistication through its state-of-the-art equipment and modern design. You'll work with dedicated wedding planners who can customize your remote experience, from interactive virtual seating to multi-camera streaming that keeps distant guests feeling included in your special day. Granite Rose by Wedgewood Weddings offers a different approach with its garden setting that adapts beautifully to advanced audiovisual needs. Your virtual guests can enjoy the scenic beauty while professional remote participation features ensure they feel present at your celebration despite the distance.

Where Can I Find Outstanding Food at Salem Wedding Venues?

The Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village brings exceptional Italian cuisine to your wedding day through their partnership with Tuscan Catering. You'll enjoy fresh ingredients prepared with care in this luxury boutique hotel's elegant event spaces, creating a memorable culinary experience for your guests. Atkinson Resort & Country Club sits near Salem and belongs to the Lewis Group of Companies, a respected name since 1958. Your reception will benefit from their well-regarded culinary offerings that have satisfied couples for generations. LaBelle Winery in nearby Derry and Amherst offers you a beautiful vineyard setting alongside award-winning service. You and your guests will experience exceptional food quality in an elegant atmosphere that's perfect for creating lasting wedding memories. When choosing your Salem venue, focus on what matters most to you; whether that's accessibility features, remote participation options, or outstanding food; and you'll find the perfect match for your special day.

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