1-Hour Wedding Ceremony
We are excited to announce a new application structure for the One-Hour Wedding Ceremony: The One-Hour Lottery!
Since launching the One-Hour Wedding Ceremony, we've gotten a lot of feedback about the application process. We've come up with a solution that will allow couples to submit their applications at a pace that works for them.
Applications will still open three months in advance, on the first business day of the month. What's new is that starting that morning, applications will remain open on our web site from 8:00 am - 10:00 am.
After 10:00 am, applications will be entered into a lottery and chosen at random to ensure an equal opportunity for all applicants. We are excited to introduce the lottery as a way to add ease and fairness to the One-Hour Ceremony application process.
The next application date is still Wednesday, July 1, when Ceremony dates for October 2026 will become available. Starting that morning, couples can submit their application to the lottery from 8:00 am - 10:00 am.
As we approach the rollout date of July 1, please contact the Special Events Team with any questions by emailing events@bpl.org.
One-Hour Ceremony appointments from June-September have been filled. October 2026 appointments will open from 8:00 am - 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The Boston Public Library offers a one-hour wedding ceremony package, including an hour of access for a non-denominational ceremony and photos, all within the Guastavino Room:
- Couples are invited to include up to 12 guests, regardless of age, to take part in their ceremony. Your photographer and officiant do not count towards the 12-person guest limit.
- Photos permitted within Guastavino Room and exterior of McKim Building & Copley Square. Photo access is not permitted within the building (including outdoor Courtyard).
- 12 chairs and ceremony décor will be placed specifically for each appointment
- Rental: $200.00
BPL will offer this package on select Mondays each month. The application lottery will open three months in advance of ceremony dates.
Please note, we do not provide an officiant or manage marriage licenses & certificates. To learn more about applying for a marriage license please visit the City of Boston’s website.
Additional Details:
- Food and/or beverage is not permitted
- Outside vendors are limited to one officiant and one photographer
- Additional furniture, decorations, petals, signs, rice, confetti, balloons, props, or animals are not permitted
- Attendees must come dressed for the ceremony; on-site holding/prep areas are not available
- Live music is not permitted
- Ceremonies can only accommodate a maximum of 12 guests. Additional guests cannot be added at this time.
To inquire about dates or to learn more about the 1-hour ceremonies in the Guastavino Room, please reach out to the Special Events Office at events@bpl.org and someone will follow up with you. Date availability will not be confirmed until the applications are released. We look forward to working with you to plan your wedding ceremony at the Boston Public Library!
Contact Us
Boston Public Library Special Events Office: 617.859.2212 or events@bpl.org
