The Old State House Museum
Complete with fireplaces, chandeliers and a wooden spiral staircase, the Old State House Museum is certainly grand. For parties of 75 or less, use one hall of Boston's oldest standing public space; larger receptions for up to 150 are split between two halls. Choose from an approved list of caterers. (617) 720-1713 x27, BostonHistory.org
The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park
Save on décor at the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln: The gallery, which can fit 130 guests for a sit-down dinner and dancing, is covered in contemporary art. From the roof terrace, which can hold up to 100, guests get a beautiful view of the surrounding trees -- perfect for a nature-inspired wedding. You must pick one of their approved caterers. (781) 259-3638, DeCordova.org
The Museum of African American History
Have your reception in a room where leaders met to discuss abolishing slavery at the Museum of African American History in Boston's ritzy Beacon Hill neighborhood. Your guests will be awestruck by the history of the nineteenth-century African-American meetinghouse. Call to confirm your caterer. (617) 725-0022 x16, AfroAmMuseum.org
The Museum of Science
At the Blue Wing of the Museum of Science in Boston, you and up to 650 guests can party around a 45-foot-tall T. rex skeleton. For smaller receptions, the sunlight-drenched Skyline Room fits 120 for dinner and has panoramic views of the city through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Or you can be right on the Charles River in the open-air Washburn Pavilion, which seats up to 350. Catering is provided. (617) 589-0125, MOS.org
The Higgins Armory Museum
There's plenty to see at the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester. Entertain your guests with a fencing demonstration, or just let them wander around the exhibits displaying suits of armor. Your reception takes place under the vaulted ceilings of the Great Hall, which seats up to 120. Choose from a preferred list of caterers. (508) 853-6015, Higgins.org
The Hammond Castle Museum
Sitting on a rocky coastline, Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester looks straight out of a fairy tale with lush courtyards and a view of the Atlantic. Up to 90 guests can be seated inside, and 120 fit on the lawn. Call for their catering guidelines. (978) 283-2081, HammondCastle.org
The Peabody Essex Museum
Can't decide between a contemporary space and a more traditional one? Hold a ceremony with up to 100 guests in the library at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, where wooden bookcases, ornate chandeliers and a grand staircase exude old-world charm. Then head to the airy, modern atrium where up to 300 guests can have dinner and dance under the glass roof. Choose from a list of approved caterers. (978) 745-9500 x3115, PEM.org
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum
You'd never know it from the stately, castle-like exterior, but the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline houses a huge collection of old cars. Up to 125 guests can fit inside the brick carriage house for a seated dinner, and there's space for an unlimited number at a tented wedding on the sprawling lawn. Caterers must be approved. (617) 522-6547, LarzAnderson.org
The Boston Children's Museum
The Boston Children's Museum in Boston will have guests feeling like kids again. The atrium, which seats 180, has 40-foot-tall, floor-to-ceiling windows (some of which are colored!) looking out onto a channel. In warm weather, guests can hang out on the outdoor patio. The exclusive caterer provides locally grown food. (617) 426-6500, BostonChildrensMuseum.org
The USS Constitution Museum
Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum sits next to the world's oldest commissioned warship still in the water, known as "Old Ironsides." The brick outdoor courtyard can seat 70. Not willing to take a chance on the weather? Up to 80 can fit in the Harry Figgie Room. Call to check their catering requirements. (617) 426-1812, USSConstitutionMuseum.org
-- Meghan Overdeep