Lyman Estate Wedding
185 Lyman St, Waltham, MA 02452, United States
Why choose a Lyman Estate wedding for your big day?
If you’re searching for a romantic, historic New England venue that brings an England garden party vision to life, a Lyman Estate wedding might be your perfect match. Located at 187 Lyman St in Waltham, Massachusetts, this federal period mansion is an absolute hidden gem in Waltham. With a starting price of $4,100 and the charm and elegance of a historic beautiful mansion vibe, it’s no wonder so many couples fall in love with this venue during their venue search—and say that none compare.
The Lyman Estate offers variety of space for every part of your celebration, from your outdoor ceremony to your cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. If your dream day includes an elegant ballroom overlooking beautiful lawns, lawns and perennial gardens, and rooms that exude a sense of a bygone era, this venue is absolutely worth exploring.
Located at 185 Lyman St, Waltham, this property not only boasts an elegant atmosphere but also accommodates a generous 151–200 guest capacity, making it perfect for couples with a full guest list. With a $4,100 starting price, it’s one of the most value-rich options in the region. From your ceremony, cocktail hour, toasts, and dancing, the estate offers a seamless flow throughout your day. Guests love the ability to explore, with some choosing to unwind in the suites upstairs the ballroom while others enjoy quiet fun as couples put board games in the ballroom. The estate offers incredible spaces to suit every guest and style.
The Lyman Estate
Lyman Estate is a Massachusetts wedding venue located in Waltham, MA 02452, Massachusetts. Built in 1793, the Estate features beautiful gardens, lawns, and an impressive carriage house, providing an elegant backdrop for your marriage. The estate features thirty-seven acres of lawns and gardens. It is also famously featured in the film Little Women.
What makes the Lyman Estate a standout among historic mansions?
When couples say they’ve toured many historic mansions and found the Lyman Estate to be the most beautiful, they’re not exaggerating. This federal period mansion features a blend of antique charm with modern comfort—especially important since it’s a historic yet fully air conditioned venue (a must for summer weddings).
Set amidst extensive grounds, the estate offers manicured lawns and perennial gardens that are ideal for portraits and private moments. Inside, the mansion features an elegant ballroom with soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and tall windows that frame the landscape—making it a stunning backdrop for your celebration. The venue provides exclusive use of the mansion and grounds for the day of the event.
What’s included in a Lyman Estate wedding rental?
The base starting price is $4,100, but for a Saturday wedding, the estimated rental fee is around $5,800. That fee gives you access to the estate for your full wedding day, including time for setup and breakdown. You’ll have access to both indoor and outdoor event spaces, including the ballroom, dining room, and the picturesque grounds.
Guests can enjoy cocktail hour outside, move inside for dinner and dancing, and even relax in upstairs suites or the conservatory. There’s plenty of flexibility to choose whichever activity suits the mood—some couples even put board games in the ballroom for guests who prefer quieter entertainment!
Another perk? Guests can choose from a list of preferred caterers for their event. This ensures high-quality service while giving you flexibility in choosing the cuisine, whether you envision passed appetizers and signature drinks or a plated intimate and cozy dinner. Note: Tents for outdoor events must be provided by exclusive suppliers.
Ceremony location
Wedding ceremonies are typically held outside on the lawn next to the main house, offering a scenic and elegant setting for your vows.
Cocktail hour location
After the ceremony, the cocktail hour usually takes place nearby, at the back of the estate. It provides a seamless transition between ceremony and reception, allowing guests to enjoy an idyllic setting. You can choose two signature cocktails during cocktail hour. If the weather isn’t ideal, cocktails can be served under a tent or on the home’s wraparound porch. One of the best ways to guarantee you enjoy cocktail hour is to photograph every formal moment before the wedding begins.
Hotels near the Lyman Estate
There are many great options nearby. The Westin Waltham Boston has luxuriously decorated rooms with an excellent location, while Hyatt House Boston/Waltham has generous suites that have separate living rooms. The Sheraton Boston Newton and Marriott Boston Newton both offer four-star accommodations that are affordable and comfortable for your entire wedding party.
The cost of a Lyman Estate wedding
Wedding prices vary by season and day:
- May – September
- Monday to Friday: $2,800
- Saturday: $5,800
- Sunday: $3,800
- October – April
- Monday to Friday: $1,200
- Saturday: $2,400
- Sunday: $1,800
How many guests can the Lyman Estate accommodate?
The estate can comfortably host 151–200 guests, making it ideal for mid-size to large weddings. Whether you’re planning a new england fall wedding surrounded by foliage or a fresh new england garden party in the spring, the estate has ample space to keep guests comfortable while still feeling intimate.
From ceremony to cocktail hour toasts to the last dance of the evening, guests will enjoy the seamless transitions and beautiful surroundings.
Is the Lyman Estate available year-round?
Yes! The Lyman Estate is available for weddings year-round, with flexible seasonal pricing to suit different budgets.
What’s it like to work with Nicole Chan at the Lyman Estate?
Many couples rave about working with Nicole Chan, a responsive, professional, and personable photographer who captures the estate’s timeless beauty with elegance and authenticity. One couple shared that their wedding went smoothly thanks to Nicole’s attention to detail, and her ability to anticipate moments before they happened.
Her team is not only talented, but organized. Just one phone call with Nicole can put even the most anxious couple at ease. She offers insights and recommendations for caterers, DJs, and more—and her familiarity with the Lyman Estate ensures you’ll get the best light, angles, and emotional moments captured.
Does the estate provide planning assistance?
Yes—the estate provides a wedding planner to assist with logistics, coordination, and execution on your big day. The team clearly have wedding planning experience and can guide you through everything from vendor selection to timeline management.
What are real couples saying about their Lyman Estate wedding?
Let’s take a look at these four user review media snapshots:
User review media 1: “We discovered the Lyman Estate after an exhausting venue search and none compared. The grounds are simply mesmerizing and truly brought our vision to life.”
User review media 2: “The fully air conditioned Lyman Estate was a lifesaver during our summer wedding. Guests were comfortable, and we even had signature drinks at cocktail hour to cool off.”
User review media 3: “We were initially worried that guests would feel scattered, but the estate is designed so everyone could gravitate to whichever activity they wanted—lawn games, dancing, or relaxing indoors.”
User review media 4: “We loved the Lyman Estate for its beauty and excellent convenient location. Nicole was amazing—organized, responsive, and captured every important moment.”
Is the Lyman Estate recognized by The Knot or WeddingWire?
Absolutely! The venue is a Best of Weddings Winner and has received the Best of Weddings award three times. This recognition is based on glowing reviews and consistent excellence in service, aesthetics, and experience. It’s no surprise the Lyman Estate continues to top venue lists for historic New England weddings.
How does the Lyman Estate compare to other venues in Massachusetts?
Couples consistently mention the charm and affordability compared to similar venues. While Boston venues often come with a hefty price tag and limited parking, the Lyman Estate offers value, ease of access, and parking.
Many couples who considered a wedding in downtown Boston ultimately chose Lyman for the historic mansion vibe and tranquil setting. It’s also a more private and peaceful option, allowing couples to escape the city hustle without compromising style.
Are there any restrictions or things to plan for?
As with many historic venues, there are a few rules worth noting. For example, there’s a law limiting the bar to a certain time in the evening, so be sure to coordinate timing with your wedding planner and caterer to maximize the celebration.
Also, the venue maintains a curated list of vendors to protect the estate’s historic integrity. Thankfully, this list is full of trusted professionals, so you’ll still have great choices and can rest easy knowing they’re vetted.
What kind of photos can we expect from a Lyman Estate wedding?
The grounds are simply stunning for portraits, with spaces for beautiful photos at every turn—whether you’re beneath the wisteria arbor, in the greenhouse, or twirling on the beautiful lawns and perennial gardens.
Inside, you’ll get that ballroom overlooking manicured lawns, natural light, and the soft elegance of a space that feels like a page out of a Jane Austen novel. Photographers like Nicole Chan and photos by Kelly Benvenuto highlight the estate’s textures, tones, and ambiance in stunning detail.
Final thoughts: Is a Lyman Estate wedding right for you?
If you’re looking for a historic mansion that blends vintage elegance with comfort, the Lyman Estate wedding experience might just be your dream come true. With its starting price of $4,100, flexible event flow, and excellent vendor partners, the venue delivers value and unforgettable memories.
From outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hour toasts outside to dancing the night away in their picturesque ballroom, everything about this venue is designed to elevate your wedding day.
The Lyman Estate offers great photo ops, a calm and serene environment, and a team that understands what it takes to host extraordinary weddings. Whether you’re imagining a new England party in the garden or a cozy fall wedding, you’ll find that this venue exceeds expectations.
