A Magical Early Fall Wedding at Gore Place

When it comes to New England fall weddings, Gore Place in Waltham, Massachusetts, is the epitome of timeless charm. Megan and Logan’s celebration here felt like stepping into a storybook — with historic architecture, vibrant foliage, and even farm animals. Plus, the Maid of Honor was wearing FISH FLOPS! Scroll to see what I mean 🤣

A Historic New England Estate: The Story of Gore Place

Built in the early 1800s, Gore Place is a Federal-style mansion once home to Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore and his wife, Rebecca. Known as the “Monticello of the North,” the estate features more than 50 acres of rolling lawns, woodlands, and working farmland. The mansion itself is a National Historic Landmark, showcasing New England’s early 19th-century craftsmanship, architecture, and culture. Today, the property operates as both a museum and cultural center, welcoming visitors year-round to experience its history, gardens, and preserved farmland.

For couples looking for a New England wedding venue steeped in history, Gore Place offers more than just beautiful grounds — it offers a connection to the past, with stories and details that make each wedding feel uniquely rooted in place.

Gore Place as a Wedding Venue

As a wedding venue, Gore Place blends the elegance of history with the flexibility of modern celebrations. The estate’s sweeping lawns are perfect for outdoor ceremonies, while the mansion’s architecture provides a stunning backdrop for photos. In the fall, the property transforms into a golden-hued wonderland — ideal for couples like Megan and Logan, who dreamed of a romantic autumn wedding surrounded by foliage.

With its expansive grounds, Gore Place accommodates both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. The estate’s tented reception space offers a seamless flow between the outdoors and the party inside, making it one of the most versatile New England wedding venues for couples planning a destination wedding in Massachusetts.

Megan & Logan’s Wedding Story

Megan and Logan leaned into the magic of the season for their fall wedding at Gore Place. Their morning was full of witchy, intentional energy — with moody details, rich textures, and a vibe that felt both cozy and enchanted. It set the tone for a day that honored their personalities and the season.

The couple shared their first look under the tall trees, where the light filtered through autumn leaves in shades of gold and red. We took some couples’ photos around the property as guests began to arrive for family photos. We got some beautiful shots of them silhouetted in the windows and on the stairs in the historic manse on the property.

Their ceremony was full of personal touches that made it unforgettable. Instead of traditional flower girls, they had wedding party “flower people” — showering the aisle with laughter and petals. A meaningful ring-warming ritual allowed loved ones to hold and bless their rings before Megan and Logan exchanged heartfelt vows. The entire ceremony was a reflection of their love: joyful, authentic, and deeply rooted in community.

After the ceremony, we explored the estate at golden hour, capturing portraits across the lawns and gardens. The late fall light at Gore Place is unmatched — soft, golden, and glowing against the warm hues of the foliage. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour and the start to the reception among the gardens, with the last blooms of the season adding pops of color to the scene.

As the light dipped even lower we couldn’t help but steal Megan and Logan one more time to capture them amidst the sunset and rows of gorgeous zinnias still blooming by the pasture. Megan’s dress, with it’s colorful, offbeat floral detail, fit so perfectly with the texture and vibrancy of Gore Place. These golden hour photos were perhaps our favorite part of the day!

One of the unique features of Gore Place is its working farm, so of course we couldn’t resist a visit to the sheep and pastures. It added a playful, distinctly New England moment to Megan and Logan’s gallery, connecting their celebration back to the estate’s history and living landscape.

As evening fell, the celebration continued under the tent, where Sweetbeats Band brought incredible energy to the dance floor. With catering by Off The Vine, guests enjoyed a reception that was as delicious as it was fun. The space glowed with twinkling lights, laughter, and music, carrying the joy of the day late into the night.

Megan and Logan’s Gore Place wedding was the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and personal touches. For couples dreaming of a destination wedding in New England, this venue offers everything: timeless charm, a versatile layout, and that unmistakable autumn magic.