An Elegant Elopement at the Boston Public Library

A timeless and intimate wedding inside one of Boston’s most beautiful landmarks

In March, I had the opportunity to photograph an elopement at the Boston Public Library. While the BPL is notoriously strict with their photography policy, they now offer a very reasonably priced 1-Hour Ceremony rental of their beautiful Guastavino room overlooking Copley Square.

The room is named for its spectacularly vaulted ceilings, a style designed by Rafael Guastavino that highlights raw terracotta tiles. The arched windows, balcony library, and the pendant chandeliers add a both a grand and charming aesthetic that make for a wonderfully unique elopement gallery.

After the couple exchanged vows, we had some fun exploring the balcony for some portrait opportunities amidst a colorful collection of aesthetically-pleasing books.

After the ceremony, we stepped outside onto the front steps overlooking Copley Square. The late spring wind was slightly brisk (i.e., it was insane) but we had so much fun grabbing a few more portraits outside the library in this quintessentially Boston setting.

By the way… when you get married in public, be prepared for a shower of congratulations, well wishes, and honks from passersby of all kinds. It’s actually one of my favorite parts about elopements. The couple is never expecting it and it’s such a nice way to kick off a marriage.