1-Hour Wedding Ceremony

One-Hour Ceremony appointments from September-December 2026 have been filled. The January 2027 application lottery will open from 8:00 am - 10:00 am on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

After 10:00 am, applications will be entered into a lottery and chosen at random to ensure an equal opportunity for all couples. Please note that applications will not be reviewed prior to 10:00am and completing an application does not guarantee a One-Hour Ceremony appointment.

Starting in 2027, the One-Hour Wedding Ceremony package will increase to an 18-person guest count for $300 per Ceremony. The change will initiate with applications for January 2027.

Please contact the Special Events Team with any questions by emailing events@bpl.org.

For September-December 2026 Ceremonies:

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!