Average Base Cost: $32,000
Average base cost for a wedding at the Alden Castle is calculated by figuring a 125–person guest list on a Saturday night with a minimum spend of $25,000. Transportation to venue, entertainment, decorations, additional rentals, DJ, and photography are not included. Average price includes Administrative Charge and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.
*Prices subject to change
20 Chapel St.
Brookline, MA 02446
617-854-5000
View their website
How it breaks down:
Facility Rental Fee: There are two main venue spaces available for wedding receptions at Alden Castle: The Modern Club and The Vintage Ballroom. For both spaces there is what we call a minimum spend.
For example, for use of the Modern Club venue space there would be a $2,500 site fee as well as a $1,500 ceremony fee. The minimum spend varies between $22,000-$25,000+ depending on the day of the week, and venue, etc. The minimum spend includes the ceremony and site fee.
To rent out both the Vintage Ballroom and Modern Club (something that is not necessary unless you prefer it [or have an extremely large event. See space requirements below]) the site fee would go up to $4,000 and the Minimum Spend would be approximately $30,000 (which the site fee is applied to).
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Other Notes:
In addition to the food, beverage, ceremony and site fees going towards your minimum spend, you can also apply the rental of lounge furniture and other additions to it.
The minimum spend does not include MA tax or a 22% Administrative Charge. They do not charge gratuity.
What’s Included:
- Basic setup & breakdown of the room
- Assortment of in-house tables
- Brown chiavari chairs
- House linen
- China, glassware and flatware
Food/Beverage: All food and beverage will be provided by their in-house catering team, led by David Blessing. All Food and Beverage costs apply to the minimum. You can expect to pay around $100/pp and up for appetizers, plated dinner and dessert for their prix fixe menu, and $54-$64/pp for a 4 to 6-hour full bar (plus bartender fees, IE: $150 per bartender). That means for food and beverage you’re looking at around $160/pp.
Important Note: While it is possible for two weddings to take place at the same time in the different venue spaces, there would be zero overlap as they are on different ends of the building. Each room has its own separate private entrance, bathrooms, as well as separate kitchens.
More Stats:
Space Type: Inside.
A sample layout for a wedding in the Vintage Ballroom (which has two levels) would be a ceremony on the Main Floor, Cocktail Hour on the upper Mezzanine Level, and then Dinner and Dancing downstairs on the Main Floor.
Note: While the main event space is inside, there is an outside area for wedding photos.
Size: The size requirement for both venue spaces at the Alden Castle are as follows:
Vintage Ballroom + Mezzanine + Library:
- 200 for dinner and dancing. 350 for a cocktail party.
Modern Club + Balcony:
- 120 for dinner and dancing. 200 for a cocktail party
Note: The venues can hold 400 people if combined.
Bridal Area: Yes
Parking: A garage is attached to the event space. You may arrange to pay for the cost of the valet (which can be applied to your minimum), or guests can pay separately. Alternatively, there is ample street parking on the surrounding streets.
Food Service Type: Your choice
How Will Grandma Get There? Alden Castle is located about 4 miles from the heart of Boston, where Grandma and other guests can stay at hotels such as The Doubletree or the Fairmont Battery Wharf. It is also located across the street from the green line T stop.
Party On! Events can go until 1 a.m.
The Report:
Historic Alden Castle is a Tudor-style building in Brookline that was built in the 1920s. It was renovated in 2014, and modern touches have updated the venue spaces while still retaining their historic charm. You can still find original gold details, fleur-de-lis ceilings, and oversized windows (updated with champagne silk draperies), which bring in great natural light. The venue is currently used for weddings, fundraising events, holiday parties, nonprofit organizations, and other family celebrations.
Woman Getting Married Says:
I think this space offers the best of both worlds in terms of space and proximity to the city. It would be extremely easy for guests to stay downtown and take either an Uber or shuttle to the venue while still being able to have a proper stay in a destination city. They can also easily use public transportation.
I really like that other items beside your Food and Beverage can be applied to your minimum spend. Or, you can choose to have that take up the bulk of it (which of course it typically will). Additionally, decor-wise you wouldn’t have to do much to this venue, which might help make the minimum spend easier to swallow. While the venue can be a blank slate, the high ceilings, gorgeous chandeliers and overall vintage feel make it easy to keep it simple. As a side note, my communication with the venue has been great, and they have been extremely responsive getting back to me…which is always a huge plus!
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Hi there, Super helpful details! Were you able to taste test any of the food? We’re looking at this venue as well but it looks like tastings aren’t scheduled until after the contract signing. This is the first I’ve seen this so I’m a little wary about signing before trying. Would appreciate any insight you have. Thanks!