Magical Massachusetts Weddings
and Commitment Ceremonies

The Essex Massachusetts Conference Center & Retreat Center is a beautiful setting for your wedding or commitment ceremony! You'll venture into a magical garden setting of towering pines and the scent of the sea blowing through our wind chimes. A waterfall tumbles into a lily-covered pond, a small stream meanders among the perennial beds, and in the midst of this beauty, you and your guests will celebrate the joy of your special day.

We host celebrations and weddings of up to 125 guests. Our locale, just 40 minutes north of Boston on the lovely Cape Ann, makes it easy for family and friends who will travel from afar to celebrate with you.

View our wedding slideshow for more views of some recent ceremonies and receptions held at ECCR.

Planning Your Wedding

Our Wedding Coordinator will greet you and guide you on a walking tour of our handsomely landscaped grounds. Our photo album will give you a sense of the many ways of using the property to create a celebration reflective of your unique ideas and dreams.

Your wedding day will not be rushed, like many venues, and you will have plenty of time to setup and enjoy your reception. We offer 2 options:

	One Day: 8 AM to 9 PM
	Two Day 8 AM Saturday to 11 AM Sunday

The Two Day option gives you time to spend a more extended period with your family and friends. You will have exclusive use of twenty guest rooms and our lovely bridal suite. Your guests may enjoy a game of bocce ball, horseshoes or volleyball on the property. In the evening, a fire circle provides a perfect ending for a special day.

The ambiance here is casual and our experience and attention to details will allow you to fully enjoy your special day. We arrange all rentals of tents, dance floors, lights, and everything involved with the reception. Parking attendants, for the day of the ceremony are provided, and a Manager is on duty in addition to our Chef and service staff for the duration of your wedding.

Our chef specializes in beautifully presented plated receptions and rehearsal dinners. Please view our Wedding Menus page to see sample menus and additional services.

When we first stepped foot on the grounds of ECCR, we knew it was the right place. We fell in love with it right away. It fit our personal values and our nature-loving hearts. The staff were such a delight, so warm and accommodating. The food was spectacular; a decoration in itself! We made an entire weekend retreat out of our wedding, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of our lives. Any time of year is gorgeous there, among the trees and the fantastical sculptures. Guests are already asking about a reunion party!

— Nora and David 2007