A Guide To Weddings at The Duxbury Bay Maritime School

The Duxbury Bay Maritime School is a South Shore waterfront wedding venue in Duxbury, Massachusetts, with lawn ceremonies on the bay, a Sperry tent for cocktails, and a bright upstairs hall for dinner and dancing. It feels like a Cape Cod harbor wedding, but without making your guests fight Cape traffic.

If you’re considering this venue and want photography that documents your day as it actually felt, you can see how coverage here fits into my collections on my wedding photography pricing page.

Is Duxbury Bay Maritime School a good wedding venue?

Duxbury Bay Maritime School is an excellent fit if you want an easygoing waterfront wedding that still feels polished. You get a lawn ceremony on the bay, shaded cocktail hour under a Sperry sailcloth tent, and a bright indoor hall that works in almost any New England weather.

Quick pros

Direct views of Duxbury Bay all day, from ceremony through last dance.
Lawn, tent, and indoor hall give you built‑in backup options.
Space for roughly 20–250 guests depending on layout – from intimate to large weddings (confirm with venue).
South Shore location that’s easier for many Boston‑area guests than the Cape.
Works beautifully with unobtrusive, documentary‑style photography because so much happens in open, naturally lit spaces.

Things to consider

Limited shade on the lawn, so mid‑day ceremonies can feel bright and warm.
Wind and weather on the bay can affect hair, veils, and decor choices.
Noise curfews apply; ask the venue about current quiet hours and amplified music rules.
If you’re still comparing venues, you might also like my roundup list of Boston wedding venues.

Onsite Wedding Ceremony Location

Wedding ceremonies at Duxbury Bay Maritime School are held on the lawn in front of the ocean. This gives a stunning backdrop for the wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony length is a little different for each couple, but the average length is about 20 to 30 minutes. The staff at Duxbury Bay Maritime School will work with the couple to ensure that their ceremony is tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, couples can rent chairs and an arch for their wedding from Peak Event Services in Boston. This will ensure that the couple's ceremony is set up just as they envision it, and they can focus on enjoying their special day.

Cocktail Hour Location

After the ceremony, the cocktail hour is hosted next to the ceremony site under a Sperry sailcloth tent. This is a great opportunity for the newlyweds and their guests to mingle and relax before the reception. The caterer will give the couple the option of having a two signature cocktail drink at the cocktail hour, which is a great way to personalize their special day. Couples who have a first look, take all of their formal photos before the wedding ceremony can enjoy all of their cocktail hour. This will make sure they have plenty of time to spend with their guests and make lasting memories.

Reception Options

The reception space at Duxbury Bay Maritime School can accommodate a large number of people, making it a great option for couples who are planning a large wedding. The venue's preferred caterers are The Chef’s Table and Lavishly Dunn Catering & Event Planning, both of which have a great reputation for providing delicious food and excellent service.

The length of the reception varies, but couples can add more hours to extend the dancing if they wish. Additionally, couples can rent a tent from Sperry Tents or Peak Event Services to ensure the reception is held in a comfortable and protected area.

Photo Locations

Duxbury Beach or Bumpus park are both great locations for photos. They offers a variety of beautiful landscapes for the couple and their wedding party. The best time for photos is sunset during the golden hour, which provides the perfect lighting for capturing stunning shots. However, the afternoon light is not as good, so couples should talk with their Boston wedding photographer and try to plan to wait for the later afternoon to take their family photos because there is not a lot of shade at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School.

In the late afternoon I recommend stepping out side and heading over to the docks next to the venue. This photo location is a great spot for portraits. This time of the day is called golden hour and provide you with the best lighting for your wedding portraits .

Hotels Near Duxbury Bay Maritime School

Couples and their wedding party will find a variety of hotels near Duxbury Bay Maritime School to choose from, including the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Plymouth and the Hotel 1620 Plymouth Harbor. Both hotels offer comfortable accommodations and a great location, making them perfect options for the bride and groom and their wedding party to get ready before the wedding ceremonyHistory of Duxbury Bay Maritime School

Duxbury Bay Maritime School was founded in 1991 to provide education, resources, and support to the community to promote maritime culture and skills. The school provides education and training in traditional wooden boat building and seamanship, as well as offers various community programs and events.

In recent years, the school has expanded its offerings to include weddings and special events, making it a unique and beautiful location for couples to exchange their vows.

Vendor Team On The Photos Throughout This Article

Boston Wedding Photography: Mark Davidson // Florist: White Moss & Twigs // Cater: The Chef’s Table // Entertainment: 5 Star Events // Make Up: JMV Makeup Studio Hair: Hair Art by Kyleigh Mills

Conclusion

Duxbury Bay Maritime School is a unique and beautiful location for couples to exchange their vows. With its stunning ocean views and various locations for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, it is the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. The venue's preferred caterers, The Chef’s Table and Lavishly Dunn catering and Event Planning, provide delicious food and excellent service. The staff at the school will work with the couple to ensure that their wedding day is tailored to their specific needs and wishes. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding experience have your Boston wedding planner reach to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School to see if they have any date open.

Frequently Asked Questions About Duxbury Bay Maritime School Weddings

1. Can you have both ceremony and reception at Duxbury Bay Maritime School?

Yes. Most couples host the ceremony on the lawn or deck, cocktail hour under the Sperry tent, and dinner and dancing in the tent and Clifford Hall upstairs.

2. How many guests can Duxbury Bay Maritime School accommodate?

Venue listings note a range of roughly 20–250 guests, depending on layout, season, and whether you’re using both the tent and Clifford Hall—confirm exact capacities with the venue.

3. Is there parking at Duxbury Bay Maritime School for weddings?

Yes. There is typically on-site parking for guests and vendors, and many couples also arrange shuttles from nearby hotels for convenience.

4. Can we bring our own alcohol to Duxbury Bay Maritime School?

In many cases couples can provide their own alcohol, but you’ll usually need liquor liability insurance and must follow the venue’s current policies—confirm details with DBMS and your caterer.

5. Are there vendor restrictions at Duxbury Bay Maritime School?

Duxbury Bay Maritime School has preferred caterers and recommended vendors, but couples are often free to bring in their own team as long as everyone meets the venue’s insurance and policy requirements.

6. What is the noise curfew at Duxbury Bay Maritime School?

There is a set quiet hour for amplified music, typically around late evening, but specific times and extensions can change—ask the venue for the latest policies when you book.

7. What are the best months for a Duxbury Bay Maritime School wedding?

Late spring through early fall usually offer the most comfortable temperatures for tented celebrations, with especially beautiful light on the bay in May, June, September, and early October.

8. Where do couples usually stay the night before and after the wedding?

Many couples and their wedding parties stay in nearby Plymouth, at hotels like Fairfield Inn & Suites or Hotel 1620, or at coastal rentals in the Duxbury area.

9. Do we need a second photographer for a Duxbury Bay Maritime School wedding?

A second photographer is helpful if you have over 120 guests, multiple getting-ready locations, or want both dock portraits and full coverage of cocktail hour happening under the tent.

10. How far in advance should we book Duxbury Bay Maritime School?

Popular late spring and fall weekends can book 12–18 months out, so it’s smart to reach out to the venue as soon as you have a season in mind and then secure your photographer shortly after.